I just picked up a new trailer over the weekend that has a built in 160W solar setup from ZAMP solar. I will be using two 6V Costco batteries in series on this trailer. The solar controller has DIP switches on the back that allow for 3 different combination settings for sealed and another 3 settings for flooded which is what I will be running with the 6V. How do I know what is the best setting for the batteries I plan to use. Here are the three flooded options:1) bulk/Abs - 14.4V, Float - 13.4V, Equalization - 15.1V2) bulk/Abs - 14.6V, Float - 13.4V, Equalization - 15.3V3) bulk/Abs - 14.8V, Float - 13.4V, Equalization - 15.3Vthanks in advance.

http://pdf.wholesalesolar.com/battery-folder/charging_instruction_2011_2.pdf

#3 is closest to the Trojan settings. #2 is a good safe bet.

I would go with #1, actually mine is set very close to those numbers. Works fine.Might even use a gel or sealed setting in storage to avoid equalization.

Hi,If in long term storage I'd go with #2. In active use I'd go #3. I would want equalization to happen during storage, but only with a solar system, not with shore power.

Bulk, float, equalization levels for Costco 6V batteries

37 Replies

jrnymn7
Explorer
Oct 29, 2014
N-Trouble wrote:
jrnymn7 wrote:
Either of the 3 settings will accommodate the ~ 8 amps you're gonna get out of that 160 watts of solar.

A 50 -90% at a full 8a charge will take about 11 hours.

Curious how are you coming up with ~8A on this system?

http://www.zampsolar.com/Welcome.htm?m=1

I was using a rough estimate, a little under its max output. I think it's pretty common to get 5-6a per 100w?
NinerBikes
Explorer
Oct 29, 2014
westend wrote:
BFL13 wrote:
RJ, thanks for the clarification.

I don't know how others can keep their batts in shape when their methods don't work for me, so I always wonder if they are measuring things properly or what. It seems the truth is we each have different circumstances we are working within, so different methods are needed.

I do think if somebody else on the forum finds he needs a different routine from what you need, and has some measurements to explain it, that you should take his word for it.
Maybe it's about the effect of the difference in charging profiles. If user A uses a charge profile with 15 V and user B uses a profile of 14.4 V, how much is the difference in results? Will user B suffer capacity loss or have to exchange his batteries a month before user A? Will user A have to add .05 ounces more of water over a 1/2 year period? In the grand scheme of things, it may be a very small difference using either profile. What I do know for certain is that I've spent way more time thinking about battery maintenance after joining this Forum. That, IMO, is a good thing.
ditto for me too.
westend
Explorer
Oct 29, 2014
BFL13 wrote:
RJ, thanks for the clarification.

I don't know how others can keep their batts in shape when their methods don't work for me, so I always wonder if they are measuring things properly or what. It seems the truth is we each have different circumstances we are working within, so different methods are needed.

I do think if somebody else on the forum finds he needs a different routine from what you need, and has some measurements to explain it, that you should take his word for it.
Maybe it's about the effect of the difference in charging profiles. If user A uses a charge profile with 15 V and user B uses a profile of 14.4 V, how much is the difference in results? Will user B suffer capacity loss or have to exchange his batteries a month before user A? Will user A have to add .05 ounces more of water over a 1/2 year period? In the grand scheme of things, it may be a very small difference using either profile. What I do know for certain is that I've spent way more time thinking about battery maintenance after joining this Forum. That, IMO, is a good thing.
N-Trouble
Explorer
Oct 29, 2014
jrnymn7 wrote:
Either of the 3 settings will accommodate the ~ 8 amps you're gonna get out of that 160 watts of solar.

A 50 -90% at a full 8a charge will take about 11 hours.

Curious how are you coming up with ~8A on this system?
bigcitypopo
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2014
NinerBikes wrote:
RJ consider that unit sold... I got $30 cash for ya down in Q this winter. And don't say I never made ya happy!

As long as my hand me down T-1275's keep coming for free, I'll pump 'em up with whatever feels handy voltage wise, to massage their guts free of sulphation like a Marine Drill Sargent down at Camp Pendelton for the BUDS program.

PM me an email address at your convenience. I can PayPal you, this will make me a fine birthday gift to myself for Oct 30th.

Lol... just for funzies... BUDS (Basic Underwater Demolition School) is run by the NAVY... And navy Chief Petty Officers give the hate... On Coronado Island... :)

but ya... juice them batts!
NinerBikes
Explorer
Oct 29, 2014
I think I get pretty good EQ readings on a funky T-1275 when I use 15.0V to charge for Vabs. I accept, as others do, that it's a Problem Child to get it topped off, and that it needs an EQ job when I get back from a week or two camping trip to really get the lead out of and off of the sulfur that needs to get back into solution as Sulfuric Acid, where it is then ready for some extended storage time. A topped off battery is a long living happy battery when left in the storage yard or driveway.
NinerBikes
Explorer
Oct 28, 2014
RJ consider that unit sold... I got $30 cash for ya down in Q this winter. And don't say I never made ya happy!

As long as my hand me down T-1275's keep coming for free, I'll pump 'em up with whatever feels handy voltage wise, to massage their guts free of sulphation like a Marine Drill Sargent down at Camp Pendelton for the BUDS program.

PM me an email address at your convenience. I can PayPal you, this will make me a fine birthday gift to myself for Oct 30th.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Oct 28, 2014
Save your fingertips. He claims to hate the posts on this forum yet he is tuned-in 24-7. Self-explanatory IMO
BFL13
Explorer II
Oct 28, 2014
RJ, thanks for the clarification.

I don't know how others can keep their batts in shape when their methods don't work for me, so I always wonder if they are measuring things properly or what. It seems the truth is we each have different circumstances we are working within, so different methods are needed.

I do think if somebody else on the forum finds he needs a different routine from what you need, and has some measurements to explain it, that you should take his word for it.
jrnymn7
Explorer
Oct 28, 2014
But Red, surely 8-14 hours at 14.8v solar will kill their batteries! 14.8v is excessive, they will proclaim! According to RJ, anyone who charges their batteries at 14.8 volts is nothing but a brainwashed wannabe electrical engineer! Well, I guess that makes every battery manufacturer's electrical engineer nothing but a brain washed wannabe electrical engineer.