BATTERIES AND CHARGING SYSTEMS

Matching The Correct Charger To Your Battery
Size really does matter!
Sealed batteries like those used in most glider applications are of a Sealed and leak-proof Lead Acid variety and require different charging methods than those used with NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) types.
It is important to keep Lead Acid batteries fully charged and to re-charge these battery types as soon as possible after every use. Unlike NiCad batteries, Lead Acid batteries do not have a memory so there is no benefit to deep discharging and in fact if completely discharged like a NiCad will in fact begin to internally corrode and eventually will fail. NiCad type chargers and those used for common household appliances are constant voltage and not suitable for Lead Acid battery charging. A proper SLA charger like the types shown here charge based on the battery condition and automatically sense battery condition to insure the battery is given a Bulk, fill and maintenance charge when connected.
A standard overnight recharge is normally recommended for typical lead-acid batteries.
This is based on a C/10 charge rate.  (C=Ah capacity of your battery)
Example: If you have a 12 Volt, 25 Ah battery then your charging rate is 2.5 Amps (C/10 = 25/10 = 2.5)
The Ah rating of the battery x 1.2 equals the amperes required to recharge, divided by the charging circuit, equals the amount of time (in hours) required to recharge the battery to 90%.
These times are basedon a fully discharged battery.
For 100% recharging, add 3 hours "float" time to the charging time.
If the battery is only partially discharged, the recharge time will be shorter.
Since the recommended voltage setting for each battery type varies, we follow the manufacturer's specifications to determine the correct voltage setting for each charger.   This will help to insure maximum battery life and will provide the most efficient recharging possible.

R&R AUTOMATIC "SMART"
 12Volt charger for smaller batteries

Designed for use with batteries up to about 3.0 aH is fully automatic and will not over/under charge under normal or continuous use rechargeable sealed lead-acid batteries.
Perfect size for most glider tail batteries
RR12250A
$45.95
 

SOLAR BATTERY  CHARGERS / MAINTAINERS
5X5 Solar module

5” X 5” square panel.
Solar panels ideal for mounting on small instrument panels. Thin rigid panels with with two wire leads for simple hook-up and are only 5 inches (127mm) square and under 1/8 inch (3mm) thick so they may be easily attached to panel or where ever you choose with simple glue, Velcro or double stick adhesive tapes.
Output 1 watt @ 17VDC (about 50-70 mA @ 14 VDC)
These cells may also be connected parallel for greater output.
$29.00 each

BSP solar panels come complete with a built-in blocking diode and a ten foot UV resistant output cable. The annodized aluminum frame provides for easy mounting.
BSP-112
1 Watt Module

Maximum Power 1Watt, Voltage at Pmax 16.7V, Current at Pmax 0.075A, Open-circuit voltage 21.0V
includes voltage blocking diode for reverse charging (discharge) protection
Dimensions 3.88" x 9.38" x 0.63" Weight 1.04 lbs
$33.00

BSP-212
2.5 Watt Module

Rated Power Pr 2.5W, Peak Power Current 150 mA, Open Circuit Voltage 21.0V
includes voltage blocking diode for reverse charging (discharge) protection
Length 9.38" (238mm) x Width 6.13" (156mm) x  Thickness 0.63" (16mm)
Cable Length 10 feet
$45.00
 

BSP512
5 watt Poly-crystal Module

Built-in blocking diode, anodized aluminum frame provides easy mounting, glass cover, 10’ UV resistant output cable. Nice for fence chargers, gate openers, outdoor lights and other small jobs. 17.3 volts, .3 amps, 21.3 volts open circuit, .33 amps short circuit. White lead is positive(+), Black lead is negative (-).9-3/8” x 9-5/8” x 1-5/16”. 5 watt, 17.3 volt, 0.3 amps, 5 lbs
Use this or any other of the panels shown with SunGuard regulator for charging and maintaining 12V Sealed batteries.
$75.00

An optional voltage blocking diode(locally available) is recommended
to prevent the battery from outputting to the solar cell when sun light is unavailable.
$12.00 with wire leads

SunGuard 4 Regulator
Protect batteries from overcharging when connected to unregulated sources like Solar Panels are  mounted on trailers or for batteries connected to solar panels and left unattended for extended periods. Temperature compensation, High level of lightning protection, Computerized production testing, Ambient temperatures of –40ºC to +60ºC, Expected 15 year life , Parallel capability for higher current ratings, Easy to use, Constant voltage, PWM series charging, Reverse current protection (at night) , High efficiency, low self-consumption, Tropicalization -Epoxy or conformal coating, Five year warranty
Cheap protection at just $36.00