[Elecraft] Charging gel cells for my K2 with regulated PS???

[Phil Kane]

On Sat, 15 Sep 2007 17:11:22 -0700, Steve Kallal wrote:

>I hope this isn't off topic.

>I bought an 18 AH gel cell for my K2 after the power went out
>last week. Today I bought a charger from HRO that charges up to
>750 mA, which will take forever with an 18 AH battery. I've been
>told I can charge the battery with my regulated power supply if I
>am careful to not overcharge it. How do I know when it is close
>to fully charged? I plan to use the smaller charger to keep the
>battery trickle charged with the lower current charger. I simply
>want to get the battery charged faster.

  I have lots of experience running my entire comm room -
  including my K2/100 - from "big" Gel-Cells, 100 AH capacity
  class.  (See, it is on topic! )

  As a class, a "12 V" Gel-Cell battery is rated for 14.3 V
  "equalizing" voltage and 13.8 V "float" voltage.  A charger
  designed for this service is essential to avoid damage to the
  battery, and said chargers often costs as much as the battery
  does.  What these "smart" chargers do is to interrupt the charge
  current for a small portion of time and "look" at the battery to
  determine its state of charge, and then adjust the timing and the
  charging voltage appropriately.

  The 60A charger that I use is dual purpose - it serves as both the
  charger and as a primary source if I have to take the battery
  off-line for any reason.  It replaces a 45A allegedly-regulated
  supply and a 10A "smart charger" (I have the latter available
  if anyone needs it - contact me off-line).

--
   73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
   Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402