Agm battery management

[dogdaysindurham]

ntsqd,
How do you like the Sunsaver Duo? I was thinking of that model or the Prostar 15 amp model? I think their both comparable in price.

I remember that thread. Did you end up going with the swap or did you find an alternative solution?

 

[ntsqd]

No progress on either front, been on a trip until the middle of this week. Plan is to mount the controller, hopefully this weekend, and temporarily use an 'extension cord' to the mobile solar panel until I find the time to locate the camper's aluminum roof structure to mount it to. Have yet to make a decision on which regulator, but I'm leaning heavily towards the NextStep. I'll need to find an "ignition" wire on the diesel engine somewhere, possibly on the "hold" relay for the fuel cut solenoid.

 

[Dell]

I'd recommend a float charger over a fast charge for AGM batteries.

I use a $ 9.00 harbor freight float charger.

Works good... costs little.
I leave it hooked up most the time...
as muh junk sits idle for longer periods these days.

Hella lot cheaper then a "Battery Tender" or likewise float charger.
and it does the same thing, for less money.

I think most AGM batteries prefer a slow rate, low voltage, charge.
I don't know squat about Odyssey/Sears batteries.
But might assume they are similar in charge methods/directions.

Optima regards 1.0 - 1.5v as the best charge voltage.

I believe the lower, longer charge rate de-sulfates the battery
while it charges.

There are more expensive float chargers on the market...
But they simply cost more...
and offer little more then the cheap HF float charger.('cept higher cost)

just sayin'... if money is of any consideration.

 

[dogdaysindurham]

So here is the full manual from Odyssey, it's a more detailed version that pman poster.

http://www.odysseybattery.com/documents/US-ODY-TM-001_0411_000.pdf

I think the higher charge rate is needed for a 100% discharged unit. But it looks like a trickle charger would do fine if one is just topping it off.