does this charger have automatic 4 stage charging? I will be using it with a 100w panel hooked to my RV batteries when RV is not being used.
359586
it is a mpt controller, optimizing the charge cycle, has a low voltage cutout so you can't drain batts too low, don't know about the four stage thing, but it is a good charge controller, has worked well, has two panels hooked up to it to two deep cycle batts
359587
it has automatic 3 stage charging,I have 4 100watt and a 85watt panel running with 3 12 volt batteries deep cycle. It's a great controller for the price.Hope this helps you.
418849
All 4 of my chargers are set for 4.2v.I have had NO problems at that setting But, always charge new batteries as soon as you get them.I charge all my batteries, any size in it.The charger is automatic , stops charging at the correct voltage.George
616969
This is why I hooked my 520 watts of panels in series so you halve the amperage. I can add another 2 panels in the future and still keep it under 30 amps. Remember too that the charge controller can charge a normal 12v battery bank, that's what mine is. I recommend making a 24v panel setup.
1098395
I think it depend on how "smart" the charger is. As I understand it, lead-acid batteries require a three step charging process, first the actual charging, second, a top charge, and then a float or trickle charge to maintain the charge over time. Maybe the rechargeable lanterns have this sort of smart charging. I hope so, and so far have found no definitive answer. My own testing confirms the lantern charger handles the first two steps well, so probably it does the maintenance charge as well. Too bad, isn't it, that rechargeables lose power over time, whether used or not.
1064402
Yes. The provided charger will charge 4 AAA batteries at once -or- 4 AA batteries at once -or- 2 AA & 2 AAA at once. There is a recessed area that fits the AAA batteries at an angle. I wish the description was this detailed!
1708920
Yes it does work at full rated amps but only for very short periods. It constantly cycles out of the higher amperage because the unit cannot handle hard charges. It is OK if you are charging one battery over night or for more that 4-6 hours and need the surge to kick out a start, but it is a light duty charger. Do not expect it to charge a battery bank of 2 or more batteries.
1140534
These connect to the supplied (or a replacement) charge controller which connects thru a fuse to your battery. If your generator also charges the battery then this charge controller simply will be over shadowed by the generators charger (as in at night). I have it connected this way and it works fine. (Both chargers in parallel with no issues.)I'm keeping this charge controller as a spare and have replaced it in my RV with http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/spec_sheet_kid_frontBack.pdf. I ended up getting a total of 4 of these panels for a 400W system. The Kid essentially adds another virtual panel due to it's improved efficiency. These connect to the supplied (or a replacement) charge controller which connects thru a fuse to your battery. If your generator also charges the battery then this charge controller simply will be over shadowed by the generators charger (as in at night). I have it connected this way and it works fine. (Both chargers in parallel with no issues.)I'm keeping this charge controller as a spare and have replaced it in my RV with http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/spec_sheet_kid_frontBack.pdf. I ended up getting a total of 4 of these panels for a 400W system. The Kid essentially... » Read More These connect to the supplied (or a replacement) charge controller which connects thru a fuse to your battery. If your generator also charges the battery then this charge controller simply will be over shadowed by the generators charger (as in at night). I have it connected this way and it works fine. (Both chargers in parallel with no issues.)I'm keeping this charge controller as a spare and have replaced it in my RV with http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/spec_sheet_kid_frontBack.pdf. I ended up getting a total of 4 of these panels for a 400W system. The Kid essentially adds another virtual panel due to it's improved efficiency. « Show Less
797374
All 4 of my chargers are set for 4.2v. I have had NO problems at that setting But, always charge new batteries as soon as you get them. I charge all my batteries, any size in it. The charger is automatic , stops charging at the correct voltage. George
1018655
Yes - I've used a base level Sears 10 amp battery charger on them for years with no problems. I've always charged them in "Regular" mode and had no problems.
368380
No it does not. Just give status of each battery as its going thru the charge cycle. It probably works this way because you can charge different capacity batteries like AA and AAA in the same charge cycle.
1401623
In short, no. The charge controller is always monitoring and regulating the charge between the battery and the panel. If you properly size your system, the miniscule amount of power leached by this charger should never negatively effect your bottom line battery power.
2082893
Mppt controllers usually cycle just like pwm controller depending on load light etc at 200watts the mppt controller isn't IMHO the best controller for charging at lower wattages. Check your manual that came with the charge controller.
1542485
Yes it does. It comes with 4 AA batteries and includes an adapter for charging AAA batteries.This thing is really a must have item for your pack or vehicle. It will save your bacon when you are off the grid. I love mine!!!
1140535
These connect to the supplied (or a replacement) charge controller which connects thru a fuse to your battery. If your generator also charges the battery then this charge controller simply will be over shadowed by the generators charger (as in at night). I have it connected this way and it works fine. (Both chargers in parallel with no issues.) I'm keeping this charge controller as a spare and have replaced it in my RV with http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/spec_sheet_kid_frontBack.pdf. I ended up getting a total of 4 of these panels for a 400W system. The Kid essentially adds another virtual panel due to it's improved efficiency.
420114
It probably does, but keep in mind that different batteries require different floating voltage ("maintenance mode" in other words). This charger has no voltage adjustments. For an expensive AGM battery you will want a better charger, the one that would allow voltage regulation, and also has a temperature compensation.
1348158
the battery has to be disconnected from whatever the battery is powering, otherwise you charge not only the battery but also the connected car/RV etc. This can be harmful to your cars electronic or the charger itself. I sell these chargers (6 volt version) with my battery powered pet fountains and had no complain over many years.
650427
If the rv is a 12 volt system then yes. The batteries would be connected in a parallel configuration .you can tell if this is correct by looking at the battery terminals. If the positive+ is connected from one battery to the + of the other battery then the system is most likely a 12v system. But if the + of one battery is connected to the - of the other battery the batteries are connected in series making the system 24v in that case the charger could only charge one battery at a time