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Charging gelcells?

Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:42 pm
by photo_van
Anyone using gells for their second battery? I was given a couple of nice MK 12 volt gelcells. On the battery it says specifically; "charge voltage not to exceed 14.1 volts". I believe the altenator puts out more than that. Research has shown me that this is common among gells, but I didn't really find any answers for vehicle applications other than expensive voltage regulators. Any suggestions?
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Re: Charging gelcells?

Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 5:50 pm
by JaxSPL
On that brochure link you posted it says charge voltage cycle: 13.8-14.6 and float charge: 13.4-13.6

My alternator outputs 14.5 as I believe most factory alternators do (at least the ones I've messed with). So it should be good.

But then again, I'm starting a battery bank of lawn mower batteries :) .

Re: Charging gelcells?

Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 6:15 pm
by photo_van
Thanks. Ya, I'm wondering why the battery label says 14.1 and the specs say 13.8-14.6? My old analog multimeter isn't accurate enough to get a good voltage output on my alternator. May be time to upgrade to digital.