BATTERIES AND CHARGING SYSTEMS
There's more to charging batteries than just volts!
Selecting the correct charger type
Batteries are not all created equal and it is important to select a charger for the specific type and construction of battery that you will be charging not only to get the most life and duration from your battery, but also from a safety standpoint.
Charging a battery with too much current or at a charge rate the battery is not designed to accept can have serious consequence. The batteries used in aircraft are not the same as the batteries used in your automobile, lawnmower or your boat. The same is true for Sealed Gelled, AGM, or Dry (no filler caps -electrolyte is "non liquid") Batteries like the ones used in most sailplanes. Only chargers specifically designed for these applications are listed here. If the charger is listed here then as indicated it is Ok for charging a battery of this type providing the battery is in good condition. If you have questions about other battery types and chargers available for these other battery types, please call or see the links to "useful information on this page.
Aircraft Battery Chargers
IMPORTANT!! All Aviation specific BatteryMINDer models are designed exclusively for use with either SEALED (AGM-non liquid) or Flooded (liquid w/ filler caps) as manufactured by Concorde, Gill and EnerSys (Odyssey, Hawker) for use on non-commercial aircraft specifically approved by FAA and/or PMA. ALL these types, regardless of manufacture are based on LEAD-ACID chemistry, NOT Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, or any other chemistry-construction. If you have any doubt about the battery you intend to use with any of our BatteryMINDer products, please confirm these facts with the maker of your particular battery type.
Matching The Correct Charger To Your Battery
Battery Types
Optima-type Battery
(similar construction and requirements to Power-sonic batteries on previous page)
Charging Multiple Batteries

BatteryMINDer®
Chargers by VDC Electronics, Inc.
 BatteryMINDer chargers are manufactured by VDC Electronics, Inc.  However, please note, just because it may be a BatteryMINDer Charger it may NOT be the correct model for your specific battery type! Please call if you are not sure what battery type you have or what charger is best for your use.

BatteryMINDer® Plus AGM/OPTIMA

Click image for more info
NOTE: Model 12118 AGM / OPTIMA BatteryMINDer PLUS^® should only be used on AGM type sealed batteries, not “filler cap” liquid batteries, due to its special voltage settings. This unit is designed primarily as a maintenance charger for long term, safe storage charging of Optima and other similar AGM type batteries, not as a primary or general charging source.
¹ 1.0 Amp = Maximum current available if required by battery when unit is in maintenance mode. Charge voltage, 14.7; Float-Maintenance voltage, 13.4. If storing or in-season charging your battery, in higher than 77 degrees F temperatures, we recommend maintenance voltage setting of 0.2–volts lower, namely 13.2-V (Float). www.batteryminders.com tech support at (800) 379-5579 Ext. 206 (ET, M-F) MSRP $69.95.
 Maintenance Charger / Desulfator-Conditioner 12 Volt – 1.0 Amp
$59.95

BatteryMINDer^® Aviation Specific Battery Charger Model 12248-AA-S2
BatteryMINDer Aviation-Specific 12-Volt 8A Charger-Maintainer-Desulfator-Conditioner Plug 'n Run Model

Click image for more info
VDC Electronics now has available a Plug 'n Run Aviation Specific versions of its 12-V Maintenance Charger - De-Sulfator - Conditioners. Designated as the 12-V model 12248-AA-S2 (Aviation Specific), it is similar to model 12248-AA-S1 except for its Plug ‘n Run feature, eliminating the need to set neither the output current nor battery type, before operating. This feature is of particular importance if any person, unfamiliar with the setting requirements, is involved in maintaining the battery.
The model include full-time pulsed de-sulfation circuitry designed to safely dissolve sulfation build-up on the battery's storage plates, restoring lost cranking power and extending life. Our de-sulfation method is fully automatic, does not use potentially damaging high voltage and is exclusively protected by two U.S. patents.
Presently only a small number of VDC dealers carry this -AA-S2 model. Wings & Wheels stocks this type!
$170.00
BatteryMINDer® Solar Charger-Controller-Desulfator 12 Volt with 5 Watt Panel

BatteryMINDer^® Solar Charger Controller 12 Volt with 5 Watt Panel
Charger-Maintainer-Conditioner (Desulfator)
Don’t just charge your batteries…Condition them!
The BatteryMINDer® is a 3-mode charger/maintainer/conditioner that extends performance and life of all types/sizes/brands of 6-Volt (series-connected) and 12 Volt lead acid batteries. These include maintenance-free, marine, deep cycle, sealed, gel, and all popular brands of AGM dry-type, valve-regulated batteries, such as Interstate, Exide, Optima, Odyssey, Trojan and U.S. Battery.
$120.00

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" CHARGERS
The very best battery chargers for glider owners and operators. We have sold literally 100's of these chargers and use only this type for our own use successfully for years. In our own use and experience, batteries charged more fully with this type, perform better and last longer.
for either 12 or 14 Volt
 
R&R 12 or 14Volt chargers
This type Charger, although higher priced charges faster and assures that your battery will last longer and charge to it's maximum potential R & R 12 and 14 Volt Smart chargers, fully automatic 12 & 14 volt chargers for Gel-Cell and Sealed Lead Acid batteries. A ready light comes on when battery is fully charged and may be left on indefinitely without harm to battery or charger.
RR12650A 12Volt 7amp. Hr..$74.00
RR14650A 14Volt 7amp. Hr.$74.00

R&R AUTOMATIC "SMART" BATTERY CHARGERS
FOR LARGER BATTERIES
(10ah and over)

Automatic Chargers for Larger capacity Gel-Cell and Sealed Lead Acid Rechargeable Batteries
For 12 Volt Batteries from 10 to 14 amp.Hr.
order Model RR121500...$79.95
For larger 14 volt batteries use model RR141500..$84.00

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

click on image for data sheet
BP SX 20 20 watt solar panel
BP SX 20 photovoltaic modules are part of BP Solar's SX module series, providing cost-effective photovoltaic power for DC loads with moderate energy requirements. With 36 multicrystalline cells in series, they charge batteries efficiently in virtually any climate
Outside dimensions about 19.7" x 16.7" about 6 pounds without cable
$188.00

NEW BSP2012

same characteristics as our BP SX20 but lighter and thinner for less $
Typical Electrical Characteristics
Maximum Power (Pmax) 20W
Voltage at Pmax (Vmp) 17.3V
Current at Pmax (Imp) 1.20A
Short-circuit current (Isc) 1.30A
Open-circuit voltage (Voc) 21.7V
Mechanical Characteristics
Dimensions 21.81" x 15.35" x 1.33 " Weight 6.5 lbs
$152.00

An optional voltage blocking diode 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
brochure
more info:http://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/support/product.cfm?ProductId=8