XPost: aus.cars, aus.cars.offroad, aus.computers   
   XPost: aus.electronics   
   From: dachthetniet@net.invalid   
      
   On 1/5/2014 10:32 AM, Damian wrote:   
   > "Phil Allison"  wrote in message   
   > news:bis9b2Fd5dgU1@mid.individual.net...   
   >>   
   >> "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.   
   >   
   > Hi Phil,   
   > What I meant was, the procedure they use to 'smart charge' lead acid   
   > batteries(specially AGM ones).   
   > Basically I'm more interested in the classic three stage charging method.   
   > Which basically means, start with constant high amp, decreasing voltage,   
   > then contant voltage, decreasing amp,   
   > then float voltage( 13.3 V etc) with minimum current.   
   > There're microprocessor controllled units out there for sale.   
   > I had a good one of them and accidently stuffed it up.   
   > Now, I'm trying to do what it did, manually using the home build PSU.   
      
   What is the reason you want a three stage charge?   
      
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