On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 20:09:55 -0500, Eric Lang
wrote:


I have been using a battery charger that is around 30 years old. Seems
like it has been working well the last few years, but I wonder if
getting a new one will give me a better charge.
Is a battery charger just a battery charger, or is there a difference?
Thanks!

Hi all, what are you charging? Deep cycle trolling batteries?

Does your old charger have a timer? Or a low 2 amp rate? If yes keep
it!

What I have found is the new chargers can offer a more accurate charge
and help prevent overcharging. They have a chip in them that monitors
the charge and will cut off the charge when the battery is fully
charged.

The only problem is you will need to get one that is designed to
charge deep cycle batteries. The lower price chargers like what you
might find in the auto department only seem to work well on a cranking
battery and only if it is down but not fully discharged.

Fully discharging any lead acid battery is not good but it happens all
the time.

I have found the chip in the newer battery chargers can not handel a
fully discharged battery.

When I get a fully discharged cranking battery I can often bring it
back to life by hooking up an old pre chip 2 amp charger for a long 18
hour or so charge.

Hope this helps, DC

--
Dale Colemam