There ya go, I already learned something today. Thanks for the info' Boots, I might look at installing a 2nd charger as a "booster" to achieve the correct level of charge. I have a Century AGM and (as you pointed out) I notice the spec sheet for the Century shows 13.6 - 13.8 Volt float charge, but requires 14.6 - 14.8 Volt equalization charge. I recall reading somewhere that the Setec can remain in place with another charger in parallel and still manage the load circuits OK.
Is this the part where I start with the holes in my pockets as suggested by chartrock, ha ha.
Cheers, Graham
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Hi again
@GrahamHolland, glad you found the info interesting and useful. Just to clarify some terminology for you;
Charging voltage is the maximum voltage that battery should get to before switching to Absorption or Float phase.
Float phase is the recommended voltage for maintaining maximum battery capacity when fully charged.
Equalisation charge is the voltage applied to a fully charged battery to ensure that all cells are at or close to the same voltage. This is sometimes higher than the max charge voltage and is usually a low current for just a brief time. This is different to max charge voltage. See attached for explanation of various battery charging stages. Equalization charges are mainly for WET cell batteries and is not really for AGM or Gel batteries.
If you were to buy (see spending your money already!) a "smart" charger, I would suggest a 10 or 15A multi stage (say 6 or 7 stages) which you can get for around $120.00. My friend got his Kickass 12A 8 stage for $110.00. I paid $124.00 for a SCA 15A 7 stage a while ago, so there is no need to go for the real expensive/dearer brands, although some may give you more/better options for other types of charging.
I do not like the idea of having two chargers on the same battery (especially the 240 volt type) at the same time - they have different charging algorithms. I get around this by using the Setec when at Caravan parks, but when I get back home from on grid or off grid, I immediately hook up my multistage charger to the van battery. I did not want to be opening doors or lifting beds etc, so I fitted an Anderson plug to the outside of my van and ran a pair of 8awg heavy wires directly to the battery with a 20A fuse in line. This allows me to connect my multi-stage charger from outside and not connect the power to the van and the Setec. It also gives you an outside 12 volt outlet to run other 12 volt things and even to charge up fellow vanners battery if their compressor fridge has drained their van battery. I have done that more than once too! You will also see on the picture, an Anderson plug for connection of my solar panels. Something to think about and spend your money on just as
@chartrock said might happen in upgrading/modifying your van.