BFL13 wrote:
jrnymn7 wrote:
anyone know how long the pm4b has to be in float before the equalization stage will kick in? thanxx!
ISTR it is once a week but doesn't matter. You must not confuse "equalization" in that context with "real equalization"
The converter in float does a brief stirring if the electrolyte once in a while to counter stratification. Converter makers call that "equalization" for some strange reason.
Nothing to do with actual "equalization" which is a major episode to desulfate the battery and bring all cells to equal SG. The Equalize feature of the VEC1093DBD is for that. Also you can do it with a manual charger that will not shut off by itself at 14.4v like those "automatic" chargers do (but "manual chargers" stay on until you shut them off) but those manual chargers need to have decent amps like 10a, not a 2 amp trickle type or it will not have the oomph to get the batts over 15v and to near 16v as required to actually equalize them.
Suggest reading all the bumph on how to do batteries in one of the major battery maker's websites such as Trojan's. It will be the same sort of thing for your batteries.
yet another point of contention regarding charging. many say if the batteries are kept well maintained, i.e; at close to full charge, and never left for any real length of time in a discharged state, there is no need to equalize... but only if a cell goes rogue due to lack of use or poor maintenance. they say sulfation cannot, and will not occur if batteries are well maintained. so i find myself conflicted. otoh, i have one cell that's "not like the others", and i take pretty good care of my batteries.
i read mex's post on equalization, and am slowly coming around to "topping off", but i'm still a little freaked out about charging with higher voltages, especially after seeing my batteries drink water like i drink beer!
the xpower-40 had manual reconditioning mode, which was one of the reasons i bought it. it was a great little charger on paper, but was made too cheap. in fact, when i contacted a tech at xantrex, he told me it was a through-away item... so i asked him if the $120 i spent on it was throw-away as well... he didn't answer :(
