Sentry Charger

[MAKANA]

I just replaced my wet cell batteries with AGM golf cart batteries. But still
using the old Sentry charger which cycles off & on as needed. Does anyone
see a problem with using the old charger?

 

[hattitude]

AGM batteries need a different charging voltage than wet cell batteries. I would use a 3-stage smart charger set for AGM batteries.

That old charger, which is probably set up for wet cell voltage, could shorten the life of your AGM batteries....

FYI, found this on google search

http://www.firststartbatteries.com.au/battery-maintenance.html

Good luck...

 

[captddis]

You can adjust the voltage cutout on the Sentry. They also have a special board for the Calcium chloride batteries. Call MDC and they will give you the info, they are a great company. If it all possible I would keep the Sentry, it is the most reliable charger ever made and field repairable. I replace the "high tech" chargers all the time, they are throwaways.

 

[REBrueckner]

Since there are selector switches on modern smart chargers for gel, AGM and wet cell, I'm pretty sure each battery type requires slightly different charging characteristics. Perhaps switch from absorption to float occurs at different times, perhaps float voltage is different,etc,etc. It would be foolish to use an old wet call lead acid charger without doing research, including recommendations from your battery manufacturer. Precisely what effects will result from using the wrong charger type has never been clear to me. But manufacturers warn against mixing battery types and using the wrong type type charger.

The other thing to consider is that smart chargers will get your batteries up to charge levels much faster than older ferroresonant chargers. They bulk charge for a longer period rather than taper off. A forty amp Statpower (smart) charges my batteries much faster than the original 60 amp Sentry (I think it was a Sentry) ferroresonant style. If this is relative to your use, you might be able to reduce genny running time significantly

 

[MarioG]

MAKANA, which battery brand did you use? How much were the battries? who was the vendor?

thanks,
Mario