[Boatanchors] GEL CELLS

[Michael Zolno]

John,

I have and use the very same, comprising 4 total. At any one time I have them rotating out from my Ft-817 or under maintenance charge using a true AGM or gel type charger, as left unattended for any length of time they'll start their discharge sitting idle. I'd knee jerk that they are gone, but recommend placing them under a good charger rated for AGM or gel to see if they come back. It's worth a try, and free. The models I use are battery tender model 021-0123 and the larger 021-0128. Both have kept my batteries well maintained. One has been on the lawn tractor for the past 7 years. Either are inexpensive at Amazon with a five yr warranty.

As an aside. In the 90s a pal Bob, KD6DYR, placed a 100watt incandescent light bulb in series with a lead acid battery and completely discharged, then added a charger in series with the bulb, but reversed the connections at the battery (pos to neg). Fully charging as it removed some of the built up insulation inside. He then drained using the the bulb and charged normally, again with bulb in series. Worked well roughly 7 of 10 times. One one occasion, the charge was fully accepted but in the reverse mode. He need to jump his jeep and grabbed the battery, connecting in reverse to the vehicle, moving it to a new spot in his yard. He left it in place and some fool came that night and stole the battery. Gosh I'd hate to see his face when he connected it to his car the normal way as it was fully charged in reverse. Bad day to be sure.

All my very best,

Mike WH6YH

Sent from my iPad

> On Jan 21, 2015, at 3:42 PM, boatanchors-request at mailman.qth.net wrote:

> Greetings,
> 
> Several years ago, I bought a case of gell cells at a hamfest.   They  were 
> rated at 12V, 7A.   They were supposedly "recent pulls"  having full 
> capacity. Today I needed one as a replacement in a UPS unit and  found that only 
> one was at full terminal voltage and would work in the UPS.  Several others 
> were at 6V and the remainder essentially dead.
> 
> Does anyone know of a safe way to restore these batteries or should I take  
> them to the recycle place?
> 
> Thanks and 73, 
> 
> John,  W4AWM