[Kenwood] 480HX and How To Power It

[Jay AD5PE]

The PG40S is a 4 stage charger, I believe.

Rick Bates <happymoosephoto at gmail.com> wrote:

>Generally it is a BAD idea to use a power supply to charge a battery without
>added circuitry to manage the charge rate, equalization and float charge
>like a real battery charger.
>
>Typically you want a high voltage to charge the battery to overcome internal
>resistances but at a controlled current rate, diminishing over time.  Both
>the voltage and current need to be managed properly to get the maximum
>charge for the battery.  Running a wide open power supply will 'cook' the
>battery through overcharge.  Running it at a lower voltage means that the
>battery is never fully charged, again shortening its life.
>
>A power supply is fine for a quick charge (heavy lifting) but the fine
>charging should be something like a 'battery minder' programmed for the
>battery type (flooded, sealed, gel, metals).
>
>Many solar chargers have this smarts and can be used as charging
>controllers.  They have a wide range of input voltages and can maximize what
>is available for correct charging.  HOWEVER: Some radiate copious amounts of
>RF noise (compare MPPT to PWM types) so buy carefully.
>
>Short version:  If battery costs don't impact your budget (are free) then a
>power supply used as a charger is fine.  But if you want them to last longer
>than a year or two, treat (charge) them with respect.
>
>Happy New Year!
>Rick wa6nhc
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: WD8ARZ
>
>A  standard ham 100 watt rig power supply will easily charge such a 
>system when your on the base and portable (you probably already have 
>that supply left over from some other ham rig), and the vehicle battery 
>is used for charging on the road. Solar could be a source as well.
>
>
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