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A three-stage charger is the fastest charger. It charges the battery at a constant current
until the battery voltage reaches a slightly elevated level. The battery is maintained at
this voltage while the charging current diminishes to a low value, and then the battery is
switched to the float voltage where it can be maintained indefinitely. However, the charger
cannot differentiate between a current going to a load on the battery, or being absorbed by
the battery, so it can overcharge a battery supplying current to a load. A two-stage charger
is preferred for “loaded” batteries and a three-stage for idle or unloaded batteries during
recharging.
All of Analytic Systems’ chargers include adjustable output voltage for charging standard or
deep cycle lead-acid, VLRA or gel type batteries.
The charger includes a user selectable equalize function. The purpose of the equalize func-
tion is to deliberately overcharge the battery to force any weak cells to recharge properly.
This function is required by most battery banks once every 2-3 months.
To start an equalize cycle, simply press the equalize button using a pencil or pen. If the
unit is charging (i.e. Charge light is ON), the equalize light will blink until the charging is
complete. The Equalize LED will come on solid when the equalize cycle starts. The equalize
cycle feeds a low current (typically 10 percent of maximum charging current) to a maximum
voltage as shown on the specifications. This cycle runs for 3 hours and then the charger
resumes normal operation. If a shorter time is required, it can be programmed using the DIP
switches on the small equalize circuit board inside the charger.
Equalize
Equalize Time Control
