digital chargers

[fishhook8]

I received a Menards sales flyer today, they show 3 car type digital chargers. The price increases with the amperage like the old style chargers. My question is they claim up to a 3 times faster charge. How does it work?

[Surface Tension]

Not all chargers are the same. For instance theres Constant Current Chargers, Chargers that taper current, Automatic two stage chargers and Four-stage microprocessor-controlled chargers. Prices will vary greatly between these chargers.

[BradB]

What do you think the best charger is for a high amp hour deep cycle battery? I charge three 115 amp hour batteries every week, and have been looking for a better charger to do it. I put them on a battery minder, once charged, but don't really like my cheap-o main charger.

[IFallsRon]

That's complicated stuff. I've always been told that you don't want to charge a battery too fast because it can overheat and explode. And when possible, it's better to do a longer trickle charge.

There's plenty at the following links for you to chew on:

http://www.batteryuniversity.com/partone-13.htm

http://www.nwes.com/using_batteries.htm

Fleet has a Vector charger this week for $25 that I paid $47 for a couple weeks back. For 12 volt, it has a 2 amp trickle, 10 amp trickle and 70 amp jolt for starting. Also will charge 6 volt. It also has an auto shutoff when full charge is reached.

I like the auto shutoff and the 2 amp trickle for my motorcycle battery. I also use it for the boat and camper batteries between trips.

[This message has been edited by IFallsRon (edited 02-12-2004).]