I have several older 12V batterys hanging around. (who doesn't?) Any feedback on these new-fangled desulphation chargers? :confused:

I have a 2000 watt Heart inverter for my travel trailer that has a charger built into the package. The charger has an "Equalization" mode that reduces the sulphation build-up. I have been happy with the results.

Normally, the battery is charged up to about 14.2 volts. A higher voltage will cause the battery to "gas" or bubble. It is the gassing voltage that removes the build-up. Seems different manufacturers have different ideas as to what is the best equalization voltage. My Heart unit is designed to hold just under 16 volts for eight hours. You would not want to hold this voltage on a regular basis because it would ruin the battery due to overheating, boiling out the water, etc. On the other end, I have seen some manufacturers claim an equalization charge at 14.4 volts. I also have a solar panel regulator that has an equalization feature, and I think it recommends an an equalization voltage of around 14.8.

I am currently running two 6 volt golf cart batteries wired in series for the 12 volts. They have already completed 4 summer seasons of hard use and still check out fine. Although the 15.8 volt equalization charge seems high, it doesn't seem to be hurting the battery as I am getting good life out of them.

Important: Be sure and disconnect any voltage sensitive equipment before doing an equalization charge. You could fry circuits if the voltage is to high.

Have you had any success in finding stand-alone chargers that offer the equaliztion charge feature? I did a search about three years ago but without much luck. What are some of the products that you have found?

pm, if you look on homepower.com website they have how to build your own and explain operation, it not really charger but frequency device to shake sulphide off of lead plates. built 1 to try but battery was shot(cells shorted). havent played with it(dont know where it went). solar power users like them though. best for deep cycle batteries.