Looking for cheap charger with adjustable cutoff

[granolaboy]

I've got some SLA's that are not in the best shape, but aren't in the worst either. I still get decent range out of them.

Problem is, they don't quite reach the required voltage to shut off the charger.

So what I'm looking for is a charger with an adjustable cutoff, so I can lower it a bit so it'll shut off.

I don't mean those $500+ chargers that advertise as having an adjustable cutoff, I mean a (relatively) cheap one that I can crack open and turn a pot.

Any suggestions?

 

[dogman dan]

Not so cheap soneils used to have adjustable pots inside. Most don't.

What you need is new batteries. But you know that of course.

 

[nicobie]

A cheap $20, 50W hobby charger will do that.

 

[wesnewell]

What's their voltage hot off the charger? If it's not at least 13.2V, you need to desulfate them.

 

[granolaboy]

Thanks for the info guys. I know, I need new batteries, I'm just soooo broke right now.

Desulphating eh? I'll have to google that and see how that's done...

...

Ah, so I need to get a desulphating radiant energy charger...can you guys recommend one?

How about this?

http://www.powerwerx.com/batteries-...ing-battery-optimizer-maintainer-charger.html

 

[IBScootn]

I bought my desulfators (12 & 24v) from: http://www.batterytechsolutions.com/

They work well, but you can also buy PCBs and build your own if into that stuff off other web sites.

 

[granolaboy]

yah, googling produces a lot of DIY solutions...this looks a bit frightening:

http://www.goldismoney2.com/showthr...charger-desulfates-old-lead-acid-batteries-12

Anyway thanks...I need to get the most out of this lead weight until I can afford lithium

 

[wesnewell]

My 25A 12V charger has a desulfate mode, although I think they call it a reconditioning mode. Search for battryminder. They are supposed to be the best.

 

[IBScootn]

yah, googling produces a lot of DIY solutions...this looks a bit frightening:

http://www.goldismoney2.com/showthr...charger-desulfates-old-lead-acid-batteries-12

Anyway thanks...I need to get the most out of this lead weight until I can afford lithium

Yeah, that just looks like a "Freddy" charger and the frequency of 120Hz. Most desulfators use a higher frequency of 1KHz like this one:
http://alton-moore.net/graphics/desulfator.pdf

 

[granolaboy]

that batteryminder looks sweet...but i'm pinching pennies, so I'll give the battery tech 12v desulfator with my 2A charger a go and see how that works...

 

[IBScootn]

Granolaboy, when you get the desulfator, don't get discouraged at first, it takes a couple full charge/discharge cycles after desulfating to see the results. The batterytechsolutions page has a lot of good techical info on how it works. Good no matter who's desulfator you buy.

There are cheaper ones on eBay, but many are not as idiot-proof as these (many don't have reverse polarity protection).

I was unsure how it would work at first, but it took two, free, completely worthless Izip RMB 24V 10A packs and returned them to at least 80% like new condition (currently installed and working great in my electric lawn mower).

 

[IBScootn]

Regarding a cheap charger, check out this link: http://www.bmsbattery.com/alloy-shell/26-alloy-shell-400w-lifepo4li-ionlead-acid-battery-ebike-charger.html.

And then this link where members talk about the 600w and 900w versions:
http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=36248

Sounds like they custom make the supply to your needs and have some adjustability.

Now if I could just find a 84V, 32A cheap bulk charger, I would be happy.

 

[wesnewell]

desulfating is a slow process. I brought back 2 batteries that wouldn't charge past 10.5v, but it took about a week for each running 24 hour desulfating cycles. So don't give up too fast and don't expect 1 24 hour cycle to do it. It may take several.

 

[granolaboy]

Cool guys, thanks again.

I have the battery tech 12v on it's way.

Why don't all online shops offer FedEx shipping?