Battery charger recommendations ?

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Donald
I would get one specific to an AGM if it were me.

Yeah, the problem is that it'll preclude me from using it on all my other non-AGM batteries. I'd have to upgrade to the more expensive Battery Minder 12248 to be able to accommodate multiple battery types I guess.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: Donald
I would get one specific to an AGM if it were me.

Yeah, the problem is that it'll preclude me from using it on all my other non-AGM batteries. I'd have to upgrade to the more expensive Battery Minder 12248 to be able to accommodate multiple battery types I guess.


Email Battery Miner and ask. They have responded to my emails in a day or two.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Thanks. Battery MINDer folks seem to think the 2012 model (not 2012-AGM) is the right tool for the job in my case.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Uhh... Amazon sent me 2012-AGM version by mistake...

 

[GaleHawkins]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Uhh... Amazon sent me 2012-AGM version by mistake...



1BatteryMINDer Model 2012-AGM is precision set for Specialty AGM batteries including but not limited to: Optima and Odyssey. Not for use with non-AGM batteries.

Source: http://batteryminders.com/details.php?prod=2012-AGM

It seems the three stage 2012 is good for AMG as well but not the other way around.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Yes. Hence my unhappiness with the situation.

 

[Quattro Pete]

By the way, the main difference between 2012 and 2012-AGM seems to be the charging voltage in various stages...

But there is also a difference in the way the CV stage is handled:
Quote:
Constant Voltage (sometimes called Absorption) is the second charging stage. The charger regulates the current given to the battery to maintain a constant voltage CV* (See Voltage Table). As the battery nears a full charge, the current needed to maintain this voltage decreases. Once the current falls below 0.5A (0.1A for 2012-AGM) the stage is complete.

 

[GaleHawkins]

I would keep the 2012 AGM if it was me after looking at those numbers because the difference is so small. Our charger/inverter in the 1992 motor home has been floating at 13.6v for ever.

You are not talking a 40 amp charger here.

Since more and more high end cars are shipping with AGM batteries and the trend will only speed up I am certain. Get AGM replacement batteries next time would be an option.

EPA in USA will kill the FLA's at the rate DC is going green.

 

[GaleHawkins]

Originally Posted By: rkpatt
I am seeking recommendations for automotive battery charger under $60.
I want something that will last.
Shumacher Speed Charger (microprocessor control ). vs Autocraft (traditional ) Can buy with AAP coupon discounts. Thanks


While I have several for other reasons the microprocessor controlled chargers will not fully charge a battery in my experience.

I have two of these and they are my first choice to fully charge.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: GaleHawkins
I would keep the 2012 AGM if it was me after looking at those numbers because the difference is so small.

Hmm... so what would happen if I used the 2012-AGM on a traditional battery?

 

[GaleHawkins]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: GaleHawkins
I would keep the 2012 AGM if it was me after looking at those numbers because the difference is so small.

Hmm... so what would happen if I used the 2012-AGM on a traditional battery?


If you will use the temperature sensor especially in hot weather that should come with the BatteryMinder 2012-AGM I expect nothing bad would happen based on my heavy use of small 2 amp rated manual chargers that top off at 16 volts but at maybe 1/5th of an amp.

Read up on battery charging. Our BatteryMinder came with Gel, AGM and FLA settings to select that we have on the golf cart but it was over $100