1237cefc49fa
tech



Hello Tom - 

I was just thinking that you, Roy, and others here in the tech
echo should collaborate on a website about batteries. Seriously. 

The topic comes up frequently and it seems there is much to
know that is worth knowing. There are obviously many
misconceptions some of which could even lead to personal injury
(reviving rechargeables using jumper cables etc.). 

I'd bet the website would be quite popular if it was organized
to be understandable by lay persons and easy to find specific
information. Might even be able to make a few pesos linking to
those who sell batteries online? 

Just a thought. 

TW>>>> Adn incideltly a Gell Cell is a Poor Battery to pick fro
TW>>>> a possable deep discharge operation. A Wet Cell is far
TW>>>> better suited. 

RJT>>> On what do you base this? 

TW>>> Manfacturers Specifications. I have delt with Gel Cell
TW>>> batteries in Critical Medical Equipment. They specificly
TW>>> spec NOT deep discharging them on a regualr basis. 

RJT>> Oh. Perhaps what you were reading there is a warning
RJT>> against the sort of treatment that some people have
RJT>> figured as being "necessary" with nicads, to prevent the
RJT>> "memory effect". I've seen people do that, and gel or
RJT>> wet, deep cycle or not, it's a good way to ruin a
RJT>> lead-acid battery. The way to treat those is to keep them
RJT>> nearest full charge for as much of the time as possible. 

TW> Unless they are designed for it YES. And the problem is the
TW> Quest for Maintenance Batteries. In the old days they used
TW> Antimony to keep the lead places form flaking when the
TW> battery was in the discharged or nearly discharged state.
TW> It had the side effect of High Hydrogen production if
TW> overcharges and the resulting high water usage. In the
TW> quest for the Ultimate sealed Maintenance they shifted to
TW> using Lead Cadinum plates. That almost cut the gassing and
TW> water usage to zero. BUT the Side effect was that IF the
TW> batteries were Deep discharged it was very damaging. The
TW> Sealed Gell cells are even more susceptable to that damage,
TW> Active Material flaking off the plates, then the Wet Cell
TW> types. Unless the batteries are specialy built and Rated
TW> for Deep Discharge. I get a laugh when unjknowing RV owners
TW> don't want ot pay the Price for hte Proper Battery. They
TW> get several of those "Crap" batteries form the Coener Auto
TW> Parts Store and then Cry when they give out in short order.
TW> :-) 

>
>        ,                          ,
>      o/      Charles.Angelich      \o       ,
>       __o/
>     / >          USA, MI           < \   __\__
 

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