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7 stage charge curve
The Thunder Weekender battery charger employs a 7 stage charging program.
These stages automatically switch from one to the next without any user
input required.
1. desulfation
In the initial startup stage, a high frequency voltage pulse assists in “waking up”
a deeply discharged battery. This method of pulse charging can also help reduce
the buildup of sulfate crystals that may have formed on the battery plates during
the time it was discharged. This stage will last as long as it takes the battery to
reach approximately 10 Volts.
If the battery charger is connected, and your battery is only slightly discharged,
this stage may only be activated for a short time before automatically moving to
the soft start program.
2. soft start
After the battery charger is connected, most conventional battery chargers will
immediately apply a high charging voltage output. This can cause a high amount
of gassing and heat generated by the battery that can affect individual battery cell
voltages to become uneven, lessening the life span of your battery.
The soft start function eliminates this by starting the charge process slowly.
Battery electrolyte and cell voltage is given a chance to even out prior to the
main bulk charging process, greatly increasing the batteries charging capability.
3. bulk
This is the main charge stage where the battery charger will operate at its
maximum output current and voltage until it reaches the correct levels as required
from the selection made with “battery selection” button (different battery types
require different charge voltage levels). The charging period of this stage is
determined by the capacity and charge state of the connected battery.
4. absorb
After the bulk stage, the battery charger will automatically begin to reduce
its current output whilst maintaining the required voltage (depending on the
battery selection). When the current has reached a predetermined threshold
level, charging will halt, allowing the next stage ‘analysis’ to be performed.
5. analysis (testing the battery whilst charging)
After the absorption stage, the battery charger will start the analysis stage and will
stop charging the battery for approximately one minute. At this point, if the battery
voltage drops too quickly past the charger’s set parameters, the battery charger’s
selected battery LED will begin to flash, and if connected to the Weekender, the red
and grey terminals in the LED display will also begin flashing. If the battery passes
the test without any faults detected, it will move to the next ‘Boost’ stage.
6. boost
After a successful result from the analysis stage, the battery charger will
now enter the boost stage where voltage is increased to maximum output
and current is reduced to approximately 25% of the rated output.
This stage brings the battery safely up to a 100% charge state.
7. float
This stage evens out voltage between all cells and will maintain a constant pulse
voltage with very small current. This stage will remain on indefinitely whilst the
battery is connected and is perfect for long term maintenance. Keeping your
battery on this maintenance charge will ensure it is always 100% charged and
in turn reduce the chance of sulfation, extending battery life. During long term
maintenance it is important to periodically check battery fluid levels if it is not a
sealed or maintenance free battery.
Charging your battery in the thunder Weekender
DESULFATION
SOFT START
BULK
ABSORB
ANALYSIS
BOOST
FLOAT
How To Use The Thunder Weekender
