Simple 110V-12V car battery charger?
I'm exhausted and depressed after reading reviews on Amazon. "Multistage" chargers that have only 2 stages (sometimes 1). Bulk stage running at 16-17V 'cause some idiot imbedded a "desulfation" mode...
Forum Discussion
Please note that the MW switching power supplies vary in their abilities, and internal protections.
I did sacrifice a cheapowatt in the name of science. cheapowatt thread
In short, I wanted maximum amps until the battery reached Absorption voltages. The cheapowatt, rated at 350 watts would output much more than this, and overheat, as it has no internal protections against overload. To get maximum amps I had to keep twiddling the voltage trim pot to just below the area where it buzzed. When I got sick of this I just set it to 14.9v, hooked it to my depleted battery, and let it buzz away. 17 minutes later smoke and flames. A fun 23$ experiment, and it lead to acquisition of my Meanwell rsp-500-15 whose performance I am extremely satisfied with.
Do note that some of the Meanwells shut down on current overload, while others do constant current limiting on overload. You want constant current limiting for battery charging. The Meanwells have good data sheets on each model they sell, so look for this feature if you choose this route.
I've yet to bother with a timer installed on my MW. If I fear forgetting about it, I just set the voltage to 13.6v rather than 14.7 or 14.9. If I need full output and quickest possible battery charging times then 14.9v it is.
I've noticed after days of 13.6v on my flooded battery, that cranking it upto 14.7+ is still needed for an hour or 2 to max out the SG, on my screwy 31. When the SG is not maxed out, I can easily notice the lower voltages during discharge. So, at least with my screwy 31, I am not in the 13.6v will eventually fully charge the battery camp. It needs rather extreme voltages applied to fully charge and perform properly.
It really tanks in performance quickly if not brought to 1.275+ SG regularly
I did sacrifice a cheapowatt in the name of science. cheapowatt thread
In short, I wanted maximum amps until the battery reached Absorption voltages. The cheapowatt, rated at 350 watts would output much more than this, and overheat, as it has no internal protections against overload. To get maximum amps I had to keep twiddling the voltage trim pot to just below the area where it buzzed. When I got sick of this I just set it to 14.9v, hooked it to my depleted battery, and let it buzz away. 17 minutes later smoke and flames. A fun 23$ experiment, and it lead to acquisition of my Meanwell rsp-500-15 whose performance I am extremely satisfied with.
Do note that some of the Meanwells shut down on current overload, while others do constant current limiting on overload. You want constant current limiting for battery charging. The Meanwells have good data sheets on each model they sell, so look for this feature if you choose this route.
I've yet to bother with a timer installed on my MW. If I fear forgetting about it, I just set the voltage to 13.6v rather than 14.7 or 14.9. If I need full output and quickest possible battery charging times then 14.9v it is.
I've noticed after days of 13.6v on my flooded battery, that cranking it upto 14.7+ is still needed for an hour or 2 to max out the SG, on my screwy 31. When the SG is not maxed out, I can easily notice the lower voltages during discharge. So, at least with my screwy 31, I am not in the 13.6v will eventually fully charge the battery camp. It needs rather extreme voltages applied to fully charge and perform properly.
It really tanks in performance quickly if not brought to 1.275+ SG regularly
