It is impossible to all of those conditions. They can't sit on flaot all the
time and be deep cycled frequently. These situations are contrary.

If they just sit on float all the time a simple float set voltage regulated
charger with equalize (manual or peroidic) will do. Current limiting is a pretty
good safety feature to have also.

If you deep cycle you batteries you may want a charger that adds "bulk" and
"fast charge" rates as well.

If you batteries are in an uncontrolled temperature (as mine are) then you will
also need temperature voltage compensation. 0.17% per degree outside of 25 deg
C. (depending on type) This means at -30C you need to equalize your 12 volt bank
at 15.7 volts. OTOH, this voltage will boil your 12 battery dry in the summer.

I am not familiar with smaller battery charger brand names or features for
alternative energy usage.


"Steve Spence" wrote in message
...
Too_Many_Tools wrote:
"This will also depend on the application of your batteries.
Will they be deep cycled often?
Will they just sit on flaot charge except for emergencies?
Will they be a room temperature always? "

All of the above.

So which charger(s) do you recommend?

Thanks

TMT

Actually, those questions really don't have much bearing on what charger
you want. You want a 3 stage charger that can handle your battery type,
and ah rating.

--
Steve Spence
Dir., Green Trust, http://www.green-trust.org
Contributing Editor, http://www.off-grid.net
http://www.rebelwolf.com/essn.html