Some cool battery graphs
I'm checking out the Costco GC2 batteries and Iota 55A converter as well as the new 16-bit a/d for Arduino. Prior to discharging the 208AH GC2 batteries, they were top charged with 16V for about ...
Forum Discussion
I almost never use the Iota. It just happens to turn on when starting the gen to operate the MW. 130W of solar does all the charging. I don't think anybody would be happy with just a gen/converter to charge batteries. Operating a gen for 2 - 3 hours a day wouldn't be a good boondocking experience. However, the Iota is an excellent converter to complement solar. There's nothing better than running in boost mode at 14.8V to shorten gen time.
I may record data over a few 24 hr time periods to see how well the battery holds up to solar as the primary charging source. January, out in the Arizona desert is a worst case scenario for me.
I'm not completely sure at what % SOC voltage flattens out. The chart below says it's at 100%. I've read other sources that state voltage flattens when over-charging to about 105%.
My setup allowed the voltage to rise to 15.5V. I had set the max voltage to 16.5V. I stopped the test due to very strong battery gas odor in the MH. Voltage was not going to rise much more.
I'm really not going to worry if batteries are not getting their full charge. I've said it before, they are a throw-away item. The cost of two GC2's is just a couple tank-ups of fuel.
I may record data over a few 24 hr time periods to see how well the battery holds up to solar as the primary charging source. January, out in the Arizona desert is a worst case scenario for me.
I'm not completely sure at what % SOC voltage flattens out. The chart below says it's at 100%. I've read other sources that state voltage flattens when over-charging to about 105%.
My setup allowed the voltage to rise to 15.5V. I had set the max voltage to 16.5V. I stopped the test due to very strong battery gas odor in the MH. Voltage was not going to rise much more.
I'm really not going to worry if batteries are not getting their full charge. I've said it before, they are a throw-away item. The cost of two GC2's is just a couple tank-ups of fuel.
