[Elecraft] OT-SLA Battery advice

[Don Wilhelm]

Dan,

Did you ever get a meaningful response?  I don't recall seeing one on
reflector.

I would believe that the longest battery life would be achieved by floating
them continuously at 13.8 volts.  I have come to believe that cycling SLA
batteries shortens their life, even if the cycling is a result of self
discharge.  SLA batteries used in Emergency lighting, security systems, and
UPS units are normally floated and they seem to enjoy a good long life
unless something bad happens.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
>
> Sorry to be a bother, but now I have 4 good SLA batteries to
> preserve until
> needed. I ordered a case (6) for my 3 (2 batteries each) bad
> UPSs. I let the
> smoke out of one, putting the cover back on (I thought it was
> unplugged), I
> fixed one, and one was good anyhow; it had simply been
> overloaded. So, now I
> need to assure these 4 will be good when I want them. I assume I simply
> charge them once per period until needed. My question is "What is the
> period?". Month, Quarter, 6-Months?, Year? By voltage? Do I need
> to trickle
> them at 13.8 the whole time?
>
> Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456
>
>