Charging calcium batteries

[Kyeemah]

I purchased a couple of 120 amp Calcium batteries. I need to charge them at 16 volts. how can I do that from the regulator?  And if I can get 16 volts how is that likely to affect 12 volt electronics running at the time?
 Ian

[Les Fairwind]

Hi Ian,

Usually you only need 15.5 volts for expanded calcium batteries, and you can either get a dedicated battery charger (cheapest quote I got was $320) or you can get an electrician to change the field diode in you alternator to charge up at the required voltage.

Problem is if you should need to replace it in an out-of-the-way spot where new ones are not available, and you have to replace with a normal wet lead-acid battery, you will overcharge it, perhaps overheating and blowing it up.

I have resisted the urge to use the "maintenance free" batteries for this reason, and just top up the electrolyte with distilled water as part of my monthly maintenance program.

Regards

Les 

[Kyeemah]

My battery charger setting for calcium is a little over 16volts.
Yes I am ruing the calcium thing now. Just the voltage requirement. I like the idea of a sealed battery in a boat. I have a solar panel, currently with a dud regulator. Found some regulators that will do calcium (well 14.8v) so hopefully that will keep it topped up. Also have the calcium charger and a genny so should be able to get them back up to full charge now and again.

[Mickthesparky]

Yeah i am having the same problem...I have now bought Exide batteries which are calcium I think but they recommend the usual 14.4 plus they have a 36 month warranty 

[Kyeemah]

Mick, I have come up with 2 painful solutions. One less painful is to get an MPPT solar regulator (if you have solar) for $100 (http://www.batteryvalue.com.au), or the up market powertech version for around $200. Or, the even more painful but better solution of a redarc DC charger which will do both the alternator and MPPT solar (http://www.kulkyne.com/au/DC-Charger-BCDC1225.html). All have settings for calcium. MPPT apparently improves solar charging efficiency. The Redarc sounds nice since it has a set up for dual batteries and will get the best out of the alternator.
Ian

[Mickthesparky]

I am looking into it myself...I like the MPPT charger from jaycar as I have found the Redarc to be quite expensive....then you can route ( through a voltage relay) all dc to the extra bank...this is how i am going to do it on Kotare as it will have two AGM batteries, as opposed to the others, but the batteries are not the cheapest but work well........I will be usind an Odyssey batterie to use to start

[Kyeemah]

if you mean the Jaycar  12V/24V 30A MPPT SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER. I have found it much cheaper at other sites... http://www.radioandelectronicsupply.com.au/store/powertech-12v-24v-30amp-mppt-solar-charge-controller-for-solar-panels-caravan.html