Choice of converter for AGM batteries
I plan on replacing my Trojan T-125's with 3 (or 4) x Lifeline 12v AGM batteries @ 215 A/H for a total of 645 (or 860) A/Hs total. I want to use the 12V batteries since I dry camp 90% of the time and ...
Forum Discussion
You can get away with a too-small generator for doing the amps--it just takes longer to do the 50-90. You can't get away with too low a charging voltage with Wets. They need to gas at say 14.2 or above. AGMs have a charging spec --whatever its voltage is.
I discovered that doing 50-90s at 35-40F needs temp comp where 14.8 spec voltage is for 77F, while at 35-40F it is 15.2 to get the same result. I used my PowerMax adjustable and did it at 15.2 at 35F and it was perfect.
Some say you can get away with a lower than spec charging voltage with AGMs--it just takes longer to charge them due to the lower amps you then get. I am not convinced, but don't know for sure. I like to stick to the specs.
The big trouble with solar as a top- off to get to AGM true full, is it gets dark. You cannot control whether it gets dark before your batteries get full. You can always get it done if you have 120v and an adjustable voltage charger.
Mex's idea of using the low amp adjustable charger in a sequence among other chargers would work if you already have the other chargers and are stuck with them all paid for.
Starting from scratch, you can just do it right the first time as mentioned before.
I discovered that doing 50-90s at 35-40F needs temp comp where 14.8 spec voltage is for 77F, while at 35-40F it is 15.2 to get the same result. I used my PowerMax adjustable and did it at 15.2 at 35F and it was perfect.
Some say you can get away with a lower than spec charging voltage with AGMs--it just takes longer to charge them due to the lower amps you then get. I am not convinced, but don't know for sure. I like to stick to the specs.
The big trouble with solar as a top- off to get to AGM true full, is it gets dark. You cannot control whether it gets dark before your batteries get full. You can always get it done if you have 120v and an adjustable voltage charger.
Mex's idea of using the low amp adjustable charger in a sequence among other chargers would work if you already have the other chargers and are stuck with them all paid for.
Starting from scratch, you can just do it right the first time as mentioned before.
