[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: (ET) Chargers

I recently purchased a Soneil 3610SRF from Darryl @Econogics. Prior to this, I ironically was recharging two at a time with an old 10 amp Schaeffer automatic / manual 12 volt charger. Whether on automatic or manual, I was never able to get the batteries into the at least middle of the good range (1310 of my Leica prismatic specific gravity meter); only 1260 to 1280. I used 3610SRF for 48 hours and every cell of every battery read dead center @ 1310 specific gravity, at 38.6 volts after sitting for three days.
Needless to say, my E12 never ran and sounded so good since I first started using last July. I can mow entire lawn to perfection (about 1 hour steady use) with power to spare. The Soniel obviously has won my endorsement based on my experience.
I am now inspired to finish the details and buy batteries for my WH185. I can get 6 new Interstate deep cycles @ $95 apiece from work from my battery wholesaler - can anyone confirm if this a good deal or not?
Hope this helps; I must also disclose that Darryl is an interesting person and great author and has not paid me in any way for this endorsement! 

Jef Spalding

On Aug 9, 2009, at 8:14 AM, Darryl McMahon wrote:
I am a big fan of modular charging (one charger per battery). I have 12 chargers in my current electric car, one per 12-volt battery.
However, the proposed arrangement strikes me as less than optimal. I am assuming the use of 6 x 6-volt batteries, preserving the centre tap to power the lifts.
My primary concern is the two electrically centre batteries. The front and rear lifts tap at the 18 volt point, which splits the middle pair if you are charging at 12-volt points. If your use of the lifts is unbalanced, this middle pair will likely become unbalanced as well, and even an intelligent 12-volt charger is not going to actively address that imbalance on the two 6-volt batteries in series. If you are going to let that imbalance slide, why not just one 36-volt charger for simplicity (and likely lower initial cost).
If you choose to use multiple chargers in series, make sure the chargers are rated for this application (fully isolated). Any electrical common points in the chargers will lead to problems.
The Elec-Trak also has a 12-volt tap for the headlights, which would be addressed by using 3 x 12-volt chargers.
I use the Soneil 3610SRF on my E12 in preference to the original charger, and have for years. Disclosure: I am a distributor for Soneil chargers, because of my experience with this charger. 

Darryl McMahon

David Brandt wrote:

I plan to use 3 12V smart chargers in my E15 - they are only about
$35 each at batteryweb.com or many similar websites.  Of course if
you desire to spend a lot more by going to a Lester offboard charger,
or by getting a marine grade multi-bank charger, you can get
excellent results that way, too, but I have heard from several on
this list that went this route and would never go back.
A 3A model is the smallest that you would want to get - it'll take a
long time to charge, but a typical mowing schedule is only once a
week anyway, and the smart chargers can be left plugged in.
David Brandt



--
Darryl McMahon

The Emperor's New Hydrogen Economy (in trade paperback and eBook)
http://www.econogics.com/TENHE/
Latest review of The Emperor's New Hydrogen Economy in Greenlife Magazine 
http://www.econogics.com/TENHE/tenheGLspring2009.htm


_______________________________________________
Elec-trak mailing list
Elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu
https://cosmos.phy.tufts.edu/mailman/listinfo/elec-trak