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Re: (ET) Charger stuff



The float voltage on the Soneil 3610SRF is 41.4 volts or 2.3 volts per cell - at the charger leads.

http://www.econogics.com/Soneil/3610SRF.pdf

Battery University recommends 2.27 volts per cell - at the cell - or 40.86 volts across the pack.

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_the_lead_acid_battery

The difference is 3/100ths of a volt per cell, or about half a volt across the entire pack. Also, there is a voltage loss across the various connections and cables which you need to overcome to move current in either direction.

I used a Soneil 3610SRF on my E12 for about 15 years, plugged in almost continuously. Huge reduction in watering requirements, and the tractor is always ready for operation (after time for the recharging cycle of course).

If you still have a concern about overcharging in float mode, put a mechanical 24-hour cycle timer on the AC side before the charger, and leave it to charge for an hour or two a day after the initial recharge is done.

I have been happy with my Soneil charger (so much so that I became a distributor), and others on the list have told me that they are also satisfied with their Soneil chargers for charging these tractors.

You are correct, the voltage settings on the 3610SRF are not adjustable. That's a Soneil design philosophy decision (take the ability to kill batteries out of the hands of the customer).

Darryl McMahon

On 6/7/2017 9:18 PM, David Tiefenbrunn wrote:
I talked to tech support at Soneil. I have the 3610SRF-B charger. The float voltage is too high. They say it isn't adjustable. So I'll have to shut it off after a charge cycle completes. Totally defeats the purpose I bought it.

I also talked to Schumacher, about their big 36V maintainer, built for golf carts. Again, no way to adjust the float / maintain voltage. Add to that, the idle power they told me is about 90watts! Ridiculous.

Dave


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--
Darryl McMahon
Freelance Project Manager (sustainable systems)