Which charge rate?

[john61ct]

Use the standard terms here as a Rosetta stone, translate each vendor's to those.

First is CC / Bulk, striving to reach the charge setpoint

That V setpoint is Absorb, also the name of the second CV stage after it transitions hitting that voltage, until charge finished

usually by a trailing amps spec, e.g. .05C as 100% Full

Only then drop V to third stage, Float.

[rom]

Originally Posted by US1Fountain

FWIW, a response from Interstate.
Now I just need to align what terms they are using with the terms that ProMariner uses. Seems to be some conflict

So your batteries are supposed to instantly jump to 15.8V ("absorb") when they reach 14.4V ("bulk")

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by US1Fountain

FWIW, a response from Interstate.
Now I just need to align what terms they are using with the terms that ProMariner uses. Seems to be some conflict

Have to admit, I can't translate any of that to anything intelligible.

Haven't ever seen any other manufacturer recommend an absorption charge voltage 1.5V higher than their recommendation for bulk charge.

Usually bulk and absorption voltages are the same: Constant Current increasing voltage (to the set point) during bulk, Constant Voltage (at the set point) decreasing current during absorption. Usually.

Hard to imagine wet batteries enjoying 15.5V-ish for a few hours at every recharge.

-Chris

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by rom

So your batteries are supposed to instantly jump to 15.8V ("absorb") when they reach 14.4V ("bulk")

No, 14.4V is a perfectly normal standard-term Absorb setpoint.

15.8V is an Equalize V in standard terminology, also Conditioning,

often done as infrequently as monthly, spelled out in a separate protocol, ignore for now.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by ranger42c

Usually bulk and absorption voltages are the same

Usually-usually, Bulk stage is while striving to hit Absorb setpoint.

Regulators have no control over the transition between the two stages, depends on C rate and batt chemistry.

Some will spec a higher Bulk to strive for for faster charging in the first CC stage, then drop to a lower Absorb for the long tail CV while trailing amps are dropping.

But that is pretty rare these days.

And yes, chargers with separate setpoints for CC vs CV they are thus usually set the same.

[john61ct]

They even state what-they-call "absorb" higher voltage is really equalize.

The frequency you equalize (always manually) should really be determined by how often your cycling is PSOC , not getting to 100% Full.

See my description above for knowing whether or not you get to 100% Full.

Are you charging mostly from shore power?

How often solar vs genset vs alternator?

Need an ammeter for sure, but an AH counter or SoC meter even better to learn how to really optimize care for your bank make it last.

If so may get 3+ years, and then get a better brand, by then may be able to get 6-8 years.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by US1Fountain

FWIW, a response from Interstate.
Now I just need to align what terms they are using with the terms that ProMariner uses. Seems to be some conflict

I would be very reluctant to follow the advise of a supplier (not a manufacturer) that equates Absorption with Equalisation.

[john61ct]

No, even among the best manufacturers, terminology is all over the place.

But yes Interstate is not among them for deep cycling purposes.