Re: (ET) Breaking in a new pack

["SteveS" <ssawtelle fcc net>]

In my understanding, the Landis controller has no real advantage in 
breaking
in a new battery pack, however, I think it has other advantages in normal
use (not just long-term storage).

Granted, the ultimate controller would be three stage type. The most basic
controller is a timed charge, which is what the ET has as standard. I
believe Landis is trying to give us something in the middle ground - a 
timed
controller that senses pack voltage. With the straight timer arrangement, 
it
easy to overcharge (or undercharge) the pack. With the Landis controller,
charging is done only when it is needed. The 'on' time is fairly short,
which may make it thought of as a 'float' charger, but if the pack is drawn
down, it will cycle over and over until the pack voltage stays above 38V 
(or
the set point you choose). I could argue for a longer 'on' time. I think
little harm would come of a 15-30 minute 'on' time. Of course there is more
probabilty of overcharge, but far less than with the stock timer (which is
why I went with the Landis).

Now, I am not a battery expert, so please flail away!

SteveS
E12S


----- Original Message -----
From: "David Roden (Akron OH USA)" <roden ald net>
To: <>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2002 1:07 PM
Subject: Re: (ET) Breaking in a new pack


> On 26 Aug 2002 at 4:14, harry landis wrote:
>
> > If
> > you use the Landis controller, the ET charger turns on when the resting
no
> > load voltage of the pack falls below 38 volts. It turns off 5 minutes
later.
> > When the resting no load voltage falls below 38 volts again, the 
> > charger
> > charges another 5 minutes.
>
> Please correct me if I'm wrong: as I understand it, this device is mainly
> intended to keep the pack charged when the tractor isn't being used.
>
> In my book, that's the functionality of a float charger.  The Landis
> controller  (presumably) accomplishes what a regulated float charger 
> would
> do, using the not-quite-regulated output of the GE charger.
>
> Don't misunderstand me; I'm not disparaging your controller in any way!
It
> appears to have significant value for those who store their ETs part of
the
> year.  There may be other advantages I don't know about.
>
> The question to which I was responding had to do with breaking in a new
> battery pack.  Can you suggest how a Landis controller might be
advantageous
> for that purpose?
>
> Thanks again for the comments.
>
>
> David Roden - Akron, Ohio, USA
> 1991 Solectria Force 144vac
> 1991 Ford Escort Green/EV 128vdc
> 1970 GE Elec-trak E15 36vdc
> 1974 Avco New Idea 36vdc
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