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Re: Equalizing AGM batteries

Reply #50 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11722
Quote
>I have used a Link 1000 on this coach for almost 6 years & the previous one 3. While I wouldn't be without one I don't find them to be extremely accurate.

The out amp hrs never agree with the in charging amps especially after
I'm confused about this. If you are saying that the meter indicates that the amphrs

drawn from the batteries is always greater than the amphrs needed to charge the battery;

this is always correct.......read your manual about CEF(charge efficiency factor).

Also, make sure you have entered the correct Peukert's number for your batteries.

You will never get as many amphrs out as you put in....typically only 85-95%.
RTFM

Tom Fisher
Dallas, TX

Re: Equalizing AGM batteries

Reply #51 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11724
Tom... sounds like your perspective on accuracy is right on! Mine will go to negative also but, it is a very small, number. Beats relying on the voltage only reading I had with the Inteletec system that came with the MH. We are heavy users with our U-line and morning breakfast habits. I added two 6v batteries, set the peukert factor, total bank capacity, and set the bottom threshold to 40%. Watching amps in - amps out is a useful tool. ... IMHO.

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I have used a Link 1000 on this coach for almost 6 years & the previous one for 3. While I wouldn't be without one I don't find them to be extremely accurate. The out amp hrs never agree with the in charging amps especially after days/weeks of dry camping I have had the meter show more negative amps that my battery capacity even after running on float for hrs. I am a heavy user, 40 amps per hr at night & have spent up to 6 months off the elec grid in the Quartzite area. It seems to be much more accurate when using light loads than heavy & I use it in conjunction with my volt meter & manually zero out the amp display every couple of days. Terry

Re: Equalizing AGM batteries

Reply #52 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11725
Also, IF Peukert's equation is correct, it follows that the total amphr capacity of two

batteries in parallel is *greater* than twice the amphr capacity of a single battery.

For any given total load, the current is then half of what it was for a single battery. Thus

the capacity of two 210amphr batteries is equal to 210 x 2^1.25 = 210 x 2.38 = 499.8amphrs

*not* 420amp hrs for Peukert's exp = 1.25.
Tom Fisher
Dallas, TX

Re: Equalizing AGM batteries

Reply #53 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11726
Quote
I'm confused about this. If you are saying that the meter indicates that the amphrs drawn from the batteries is always greater than the amphrs needed to charge the battery;
Oops.....should read amphrs drawn is always LESS than needed to charge.
Tom Fisher

Re: Equalizing AGM batteries

Reply #54 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11738
Please don't go back to the Links in any new CCs. Since I never equalize my batteries and still get 4 years out of each set, who needs the Links. I did not think it was that reliable. I also believe that we try to put to much data in our systems. I like the new Slverleaf Total Coach System, its simple and easy to work with. and i don't miss the Links

Bill G. 2005 Magna #6425

Re: Equalizing AGM batteries

Reply #55 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11739
Quote
Please don't go back to the Links in any new CCs. Since I never equalize my batteries and still get 4 years out of each set, who needs the Links. I did not think it was that reliable. I also believe that we try to put to much data in our systems. I like the new Slverleaf Total Coach System, its simple and easy to work with. and i don't miss the Links

Bill, how do you suggest that folks monitor their batteries when drycamping?
Tom Fisher
Dallas, TX

Re: Equalizing AGM batteries

Reply #56 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11783
Tom,

The new Total Coach System with auto-generator does a fine job of monitoring the batteries without the need to do anything. You set the voltage to whatever you want on the Silver Leaf and when the batteries get to that point the generator comes on and charges the batteries back up to the level you set. This works for me and it is good for the generator as well. Plus it keeps the batteries from discharing to much and creating the need to equalize.
When I had a Links in my old Mag I had to do a lot of this manually and the Links had to be reset all the time to keep it from acculating error. My last batteries lasted 4 years without equalizing. We kepted our batteries up during storage with solar panels.

Bill G. 2005 Magna #6425.

Re: Equalizing AGM batteries

Reply #57 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11784
Sounds like a very nice system BUT unless it truly monitors current flow in/out of the batteries and battery temperature, most experts would agree that it is *not* the optimal system. Xantrex makes an excellent inverter/ charger system for ~$1500-$2000 including autogenstart that is highly regarded.

http://www.xantrex.com/Products/supercat.asp?did=289 I have no financial interest here but I do own both the Link 10 and Link 2000 monitors from Xantrex. I use both for a battery monitoring and autogenstart system that I designed and installed in my DSDP. I find them both to be very accurate and usefull. I also have found Xantrex product support to be outstanding.
This is only a hobby project only as I have *no* products for sale.
Tom Fisher
Dallas, TX
 

Re: Equalizing AGM batteries

Reply #58 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11788
tom,

We have 2-3000 Xantrex inverters tied into our total coach system..

Bill G 2005 Magna #6425.