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ZS6CFC > TECHNI 11.08.04 14:45l 99 Lines 4169 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 771822ZS6CFC
Read: GUEST OE7FMI
Subj: Re: Re^2: Charging / DF 3 VI
Path: DB0FHN<DB0FOR<DB0MRW<DB0ERF<DB0ABZ<DB0BRB<DB0GR<DK0BLN<UA6ADV<ZS6FB<
ZS0DLD
Sent: 040811/1057Z @:ZS0DLD.PTA.GAU.ZAF.AF #:40495 [Pretoria] $:771822ZS6CFC
From: ZS6CFC@ZS0DLD.PTA.GAU.ZAF.AF
To : TECHNI@WW
Hello , especially in regard to DF 3 VI OM Patrick
Yes, Batteries are different ( ly used ) in different
climates. The specific gravity is also different , lighter
in warm climates.
In a climate as Germany, the battery size would be about 20%
bigger than here in South Africa. And a diesel, like a
Mercedes would have about 80 amp-hours installed. At least
that was it in the good ol times. Novadays they save on
everything.
But that your car turns over allright doesn't mean your
battery is ...like new. Like with Coax cable or other things
in life, batteries age and loose its capacity. Your 7 and a
half year old will have lost a lot there = unles youre very
lucky. ( Incidently the german DIN for batteries stated ,
that a batterie is considered gone when it can hold 1/2
-half- its rated capacity only )
So , it would be wise to have it tested.
And it comes to that , that South African batteries are
diluted junk. For germany a lifespan of 4 1/2 years is ok.
Batteries here dont keep that long. Many use them to the
point of no start... but due to our high crime rate it is
not advisable to stall at an undesireable location. And it
is just now slowly phased in, that the amp-hour figure is
shown on the case. Mostly you still have to judge by size. A
30 amp-hr is a normal here for a good sized sedan.
For interrest : Some shipping lines replace their standby
batteries for emergency use (Radio) standard truck
batteries- EVERY year.
I have seen a shorted 6 volt batterie explode, I have seen 2
80 Amp-hrs battery , old ones which where used to test run a
300KW genset explode ( with very few peaces left)
I had a car start in the morning everything fine and go ,
going shopping and then nothing any more , not even 1
wrrrrrp.
So , in the climate of ours (its the winter that counts ,
not the 40c in germany now) and the dangers with a dead
battery AND considering Ham-Radio installed in some form - I
change them at least every 2 1/2 years for good measure. The
olde one I keep for standby use at home...Charged every
fortnight or so.
It just happened to a new , only once used battery ( E.G>
One drive only ) showed a dead cell after one month only (
with regula' recharge) The same kind did that , in the same
car after 2 years as well. Probably a bad Brand...
Some Stand-By batteries , made for emergency phone purposes
and such can last up to 14 years. The heat and vibration of
car use diminishes live.
And as is , some are good , some are not so. Some are just
cheap , some are junk.
Talking nicads now...I had some found , several- years old
( big ones 30 amphrs USA made) lying outside here - in broad
sunlight. They where still 95 % charged and very good. Just
because of one bad one the whole lot was thrown out. Whereby
a flock of german made BRAND-name ones didnt make a couple
of month uncared for...out in the weather.
As I said b4 , as long as the cells are covered with water
they can take a lot of abuse , overcharging , heat,
vibration
but let them stand long unRecharged...they will suffer.
A regular , mains Transformer with rectifier (selenium are
more tolerant to mains voltage fluctuations due to higher
intenal resistance) is best. It has shown that the pulsing
E.G. the half cycle input / full cycle input is preferrable
to a regulated DC charge.
Some people go with fancy de/re+plus super chargers which
cost an arm and a leg. Some use ( I did that too for a
while) some special snake oil to lenghten battery life. It
WORKS! but , for the cost of it, I personnally think it best
to change weak batteries or cells to new ones rather than
spend on fancy chargers or juices...
And I am personnally not so shure if the petrol saved by
shutting the engine down at red lights DOES outweigh the
wear and tear on the engine/starters/batteries...
Everything in the name of savings. You would really save a
lot if TAX could be knocked off. The litre Super here is at
the moment 4 Rand 31 cents. Thats with an xchange course to
the Euro : 60 Cents about.
See how much your politicians lie to you.
73 DE Sten ZS6CFC@ZS0DLD.PTA.GAU.ZAF.AF
Message timed : 12:00 on 11 Aug 2004
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