XPost: aus.cars, aus.cars.offroad, aus.computers   
   XPost: aus.electronics   
   From: phil_a@tpg.com.au   
      
   "Damian"   
   >   
   > I have a regulated power supply that I've built from scratch back when I   
   > was in 'school'.   
   > It's a 0-24V regulated power supply with upto 5 amp.   
   > There are two settings, 1A and 5A. Also the amps can be controlled via a   
   > turn knob(potentiometer). Also a separate potentiometer for voltage   
   > control.   
   >   
   > My aim is to use this unit for 'smart charging' a 12V, 6V lead acid, agm,   
   > etc batteries.   
   >   
   > How do I do that with this unit?   
   > It's ok for me, to having to walk to the unit every half hour or so, to   
   > adjust the settings to replicate the multi-stage battery charging.   
   >   
   > I'm after some good information on how to do it.   
   >   
   > Your help is very much appreciated.   
      
   ** For once there is a very simple answer to you question -  cos SLA etc   
   batteries are happy with "constant voltage" charging.   
      
   All you need do is set the voltage on you PSU to exactly 6.9V or 13.8V ( use   
   a digital meter )  for use with 6V and 12V SLA/gell cells respectively. You   
   MUST do this setting with NO battery attached  !!   
      
   The amp setting depends on the amp hour (AH) capacity of the battery  -  use   
   the 1A setting for those rated at say 3 to 8AH and the 5A setting for larger   
   examples.   
      
   The battery will decide if takes all the pre-set current or progressively   
   less as it approaches full charge -  then drop to a trickle at full voltage.   
   The voltmeter will monitor what is going on.   
      
   FYI:   
      
   To protect your PSU from accidental reverse connection of the leads  -  wire   
   a hefty ( ie 3amp or more)  diode across the output in reverse and add a   
   fast acting fuse in series with the leads.   
      
   FYI 2:   
      
   I hope your regulated  PSU has a big heatsink cos it is gonna get plenty   
   hot, a fan may well be needed for 5A charging.   
      
      
   ....  Phil   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)