View Single Post
  #12  
Old 12-13-2009, 08:49 PM
cdavisdb cdavisdb is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sarasota, FL
Posts: 1,056
Default Re: Marine Batteries

The old style chargers were transformers, the output of which was hard to control precisely. With the exception of Sentry, which had controls which could completely shut off, you could just about count on transformer chargers burning up your batteries if you left them on, certainly shorten their life. The newer battery chargers use some kind of solid state electronics to make the switch from ac to 12v dc. With solid state, its easy to get very precise control of output. They automatically go to a trickle or "float" charge once the battery is fully charged. That won't burn your batteries and keeps them exactly where they need to be, lengthening their life. You have to make sure the charger is set for your type of battery (for example,lead/acid uses a different cutoff voltage from gel)and that the charger is working correctly.
Reply With Quote