Re: (ET) chargers

["Barbara Heinzerling" <bheinzerling uakron edu>]

Let me throw in my three cheers for the Fair Radio Charger.  As mentioned,
unregulated but very versatile.  Basically controlled by a bazillion
switched taps on the (I think) primary of the transformer.  A neat trick:
If you set the input switch on 230 volts and run it on 115, you have 144
steps of control between 0 and about 78 volts.  If you don't mind doing a
little babysitting, this unit is great for a pretty precise equalizing
charge or for bringing one or two batteries up to the state of charge of 
the
others.  At these low final currents, it's pretty stable, although output
will vary a little bit with line voltage fluctuations.  Also no annoying
buzz like a lot of the Lester units when they get older.  Built like a 
tank.
Will be causing our heirs to scratch their heads wondering what the hell it
is long after we're gone.

Paul Heinzerling
Hudson, Ohio

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Roden (Akron OH USA)" <roden ald net>
To: <elec-trak cosmos5 phy Tufts edu>
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 8:37 PM
Subject: Re: (ET) chargers


> On 7 Feb 2001, at 9:54, Derick Crump wrote:
>
> > I am now using the fair radio charger with my ET. ... I am very
> > happy with the fair charger.  ... Also it only costs $50.
>
> But it weighs 60 lb.  It may be cheap at $50, but I hate to think what it
> cost to ship one to Jamaica!
>
> For those who don't know what a "Fair Radio Charger" is, Derick is
> talking about a rather useful military surplus battery charger:
>
>      http://www.fairradio.com/powers.htm
>
>      http://www.fairradio.com/pp-1659a.htm
>
> sold by Fair Radio Sales:
>
>      http://www.fairradio.com/
>
> These are not sophisticated chargers; they are just unregulated power
> supplies, and they have ~no~ charge control whatsoever.  The advantage
> they have, though, is that they can charge just about any battery pack
> from around 6 volts to 144 volts, because the output is adjustable in 
> one-
> volt steps.
>
> Every EV owner should have one of these in the shop somewhere, especially
> as cheap as they are.  I own two and a half.  <g>
>
>
> David Roden - Akron, Ohio, USA
> 1991 Solectria Force 144vac
> 1991 Ford Escort Green/EV 128vdc
> 1979 General Engines ElectroPed 24vdc
> 1974 Honda Civic EV 96vdc
> 1970 GE Elec-trak E15 36vdc
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