What about solar? A lot of problems and liabilities come from being attached to shore. You're just keeping the batteries topped up for the next adventure right?
Every smart charger i have ever seen, (auto, marine, clamp on, or permanent) works as follows: First: It performs idiot checks to make sure the battery is not bad or terminals reversed. Stage 1: (Bulk charge, ~80% of full capacity) Start at max rated current and slowly ramp up voltage until max rated voltage is reached Stage 2: (acceptance charge, remaining ~20% of full charge) Once the max rated charge voltage of your type of battery is reached (14.7v for a standard wet lead-acid battery) then the current is slowly ramped down while simultaneously keeping the voltage at 14.7v . Stage 3: When the charge current has reduced to the float curent 1-2 amps for a predetermined amount of time (1-5 minutes) the charger switches to a float mode where the voltage is reduced to the appropriate float voltage (~13.2v for a standard lead-acid) and the minimum current is applied (~1-2amp). During this stage different chargers may periodically shift on or off or test the acceptance by switching to the 14.7v and "checking" how long it takes to return to the minimum current. The better chargers tend to have battery type seletors and may have a little different time delays or charge programs for each battery type. Many permanent installs have more than one set of charge terminals for more than one bank (the current is still limited to the max rating of the charger). With more features the price goes up. I presume that you are considering chargers for equalizing and "preventative maintenance". Any 3 stage "smart" auto charger could be used as a equalizing charger. I have a 40amp Stanley that is similar to Vector and Schumacher. $100 bucks at Lowes AND it has an alternator checker and "start" booster too. I wouldn't necessarily leave it unattended but while you're tinkering about at the dock 3 or 4 (or more) times a season would be fine. They make 10 and 20 amp versions also. They are just temporary and clamp on. Mine did great as a backup when my brand new 40amp xantrex ($400) died on the delivery trip. Best part is when you are done you can get the weight and clutter off the boat and use it at home. Josh Muckley S/V Sea Hawk 1989 C&C 37+ Solomons, MD On Aug 7, 2014 11:07 AM, "Patrick H. Wesley via CnC-List" < cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > > Investigating availability of "smart" or three step charger to install in > locker next to batteries, obviously concern is size for this type of > boat, or portable one. Must have auto shut-off. Any ideas? Battery guy says > most car type chargers only measure volts and shut off when reach the limit > but you then need to put it on manual and charge another four hours, which > isn't practical given distance house/boat. Also that real importance is > amps and only way to measure that is using a battery acid hygrometer. >> >> > Thanks in advance. > > Patrick Wesley, Sidney BC > > > -- > Sent from Gmail Mobile > > _______________________________________________ > This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album > > Email address: > CnC-List@cnc-list.com > To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of > page at: > http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com > > >
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