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  • charging
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Related

Lead acid battery charging

Workshopshed
Workshopshed over 2 years ago

I have some small 12V lead acid batteries and was wondering how to charge these. I've previously charged 6v batteries using a constant current charger based on a L200 regulator. And I think I can tune that to work with 12v.

But I wondered if an easier option would be to use my bench power supply. That has a current limiting mode and can easily provide the charging current.

Has anyone done this? Any pitfalls?

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Top Replies

  • Gough Lui
    Gough Lui over 2 years ago +8
    You can certainly do this - usually for cycle-based charging, a safe voltage cap would be 14.4V with a current limit that matches the manufacturer's limitation. You should manually terminate charge when…
  • Workshopshed
    Workshopshed over 2 years ago +7
    Thanks for all the tips. Am in the process of booking flights to Canada to buy a cheap battery charger....
  • scottiebabe
    scottiebabe over 2 years ago +5
    As you suggest a bench supply works just fine as a current source. I consider it more of a battery tester than battery charger, it isn't something I would recommended you leave unattended. I use a schottky…
  • dougw
    0 dougw over 2 years ago in reply to colporteur

    I have one from Canadian Tire that is even older. It still works perfectly despite an awful lot of abuse. It is rated at 16 A, but I have used it to try and start cars.

    Crappy Tire gets a mention in this song - which is appropriate at this time of year: Relaxed

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s24MAtRgQ4&ab_channel=LianaGuitarBabe

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  • colporteur
    0 colporteur over 2 years ago in reply to dougw

    I recall a story that Canadian Tire sued a person for ownership of the domain name crappytire. They argued in court that is was an infringement on the company name. The judge dismissed the case tellling CT in order for the lawsuit to be valid they must believe they sell crap.

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  • Workshopshed
    0 Workshopshed over 2 years ago

    Thanks for all the tips. Am in the process of booking flights to Canada to buy a cheap battery charger....

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  • michaelkellett
    0 michaelkellett over 2 years ago in reply to Workshopshed

    Don't forget to call in on A&W for a burger (that'll make the trip worthwhile) !

    MK

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  • colporteur
    0 colporteur over 2 years ago in reply to michaelkellett

    I'm heading to Albert & Walters today when I drop the missus off at our daughters. I have my wife duped into thinking A&W are buddies of mine.

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