Aloha, and thanks for the responses to all.

I guess the one question I still have is this: What affect does the rate of charge (during peak charge) have on the life of the battery? If I understand correctly, the manufacturer is specifying the 14.1 -14.7 voltage, but consensus here seems to be that the 13.8 will still charge the battery, just taking a longer time to do so (which is not a factor to me). I can switch to a different power supply easily enough, but I want to get the maximum life from these batteries. I want to understand why, however.

73

wh6diq
Richard

On review of the specs and info that were included with the batteries, 11.8 is taking it down to about 18%, 11.5 is 100% discharged. They also state that a 14.1 to 14.7 volts are needed for the deep cycle charging.

Obviously, I want to get the maximum life from the batteries under my expected usage (3 - 10 years per the maker in "standby" use). I just want to try and understand the "why" of the recommendations, to make a good decision on the equipment I will be using long term. It seems the manufacturers (of the batteries and the other equipment) provide just enough info to confuse non-engineers!

To add to my confusion, the powerwerx info on the power supply indicate it is adjustable (via internal pot) to 14.1 output...but I have yet to confirm this, as other info also from the company states it is not adjustable, and I don't really want to take apart the unit without being sure.

Mahalo for your input...

wh6diq
Richard

OK, thanks. I did note that the indicator on the powergate did seem to cycle properly over a period of time through the peak charge indicator, and then the float indicator (where it remains). The batteries were pretty well fully charged when I first connected them, of course.

I plan on cutting off the grid power in the next week or two, and seeing how long I can actually continue to operate before voltage drops to about 11.8, then monitor the charging cycle again when back on grid. 

73

wh6diq
Richard

I was really hoping for more definitive, technical info...thanks anyway.

73

wh6diq

Richard

Aloha,

I have been using a powerwerx ss30-dv to supply my 897 D. Normally, the meter on the radio indicates 13.8 v when using this. I have now added a powergate pg-40s and a pair of agm batteries in parallel. Although I did change the jumper in the powergate for the agm setting, it looks like the power supply can not be adjusted to the optimum 14.2 - 14.8 v peak charging voltage.

Am I correct in assuming I need to get a different power supply, or will this not significantly affect the long term performance/life of the agms?

Mahalo,

wh6diq
Richard

Aloha,

For those smart HAMS out there, I have posted images of my ft-897 setup here:

http://www.smartusainsider.com/photo/albums/ham-hf-antenna-for-portable-base-operation

I have made good contacts to Japan, Canada, Cook Islands, and many areas of the US mainland with this rig, on 10 and 20 meters recently.

73

wh6diq

Good point...not to mention it is a slight PITA. I wish I would have caught this little glitch before I ordered...oh well. I'll probably make do for now, then look at a separate power supply next year. Thanks for the advice!

OK, thanks, that is what I thought when I unpacked, but since I didn't want to wait for the batts to charge, I just installed the fp30 and started playing...

So, as follow up, can I charge the batts outside of the radio with the CD24/PA26 individually?

I really appreciate the help...

OK, just dropped a bundle on first HF rig, so being cautious here...and, since the Yaesu manual is somewhat lacking:

I have the FP30 power supply; CD24 charger; PA26 charger adapter; two FNB78's.

1) Can the FP30 be used with the FNB78's installed in the rig?
       1a) I will mostly be using the FP30, if #1 is yes, is the heat an adverse factor for life of the FNB's?

2) If #1 is yes, will the pigtail from the FP30 power the CD24, thereby eliminating need for PA26?

3) If #1 is yes, can the FNB's be charging from the CD24/PA26 while rig is operating on FP30?

Thanks, and 73!