Battery Charger

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( But I've read a few bad reviews on these chargers (among many good reviews). Like Soundguy said - these new types have more that can go wrong with them....thus I'd loveto hear others opinions and experiences with these chargers.
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The 2 situations that would make me not have a 'smart' charger are as follows. And I've personally seen this happen, helping others.

Completely discharged battery.. dead.. 0.0v showing on meter... His smart charger would not charge it... My cheapy napa 2/10/50 charged it up fine.

Reverse polarity. Had a battery that was reversed to some degree.. not sure how.. think it was a genny problem... had a heck of a time killing the battery to get it down to repolarize it. Even running a load onthe battery to kil it.. after a few minutes, chemical action would bring back a half volt or so.. and the smart charger didn't like it.. cheap charger didn't mind...

Soundguy

 

[vongiese]

maybe one of each then! now that my old one seems to be back in action.... I like the idea of plugging in and walking away, plug in my tractor if it hasn't been used for a while /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif and rejuvinate it with the desulf mode. Realizing some of the shortcomings as Soudguy noted....
thanks guys!

 

[vongiese]

Looking at getting a Vector 2/10/20 charger and while looking at the Vector website - i ran across this - pretty good deal if you've benn having trouble with your charger... if it matches one of the listed model numbers.
I'll also try to post this on the thread where someone was explaining their trouble with a vector charger.

REPLACEMENT INFORMATION
We have recently updated and improved our line of Smart Battery Chargers. As a courtesy to our loyal customers, if you have purchased Vector's Smart Battery Chargers with model numbers VEC086, VEC087, VEC088, VEC090, VEC091, VEC092, and VEC093, we will replace your old unit with one of our new Smart Battery Chargers at no additional charge. Please note that there is no safety concern with the old units.

The new units contain model numbers VEC1086 A, VEC1087 A, VEC1088 A, VEC1090 A, VEC1091 A, VEC1092 A, and VEC1093 A and do not need to be replaced under this program. If you have one of the old units and wish to have Vector send you a new updated unit as a replacement, please send us your old Smart Battery Charger and your name, address, telephone number and email address to Vector Manufacturing, Ltd., 4140 SW 28th Way, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33312, attn: Customer Service.

 

[ronjhall]

My personal opinion is they should replace the VEC1093 that I have. Gives fault messages when none should be displayed. Plus if it's cold out you can never rely on it working properly. I have already sent it back to the company one time for replacement. Sent me a new one but shipping was $15. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
If you buy one of these units. Do not send in warranty card and original receipt until you are sure it works. You will not be able to take it back to where you bought it from for exchange or refund.

 

[Sully2]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Bedlam,

Did'nt know what it was either so decided to investigate & found out the following.

If lead acid batteries are stored for a long peroid of time, lead sulphate will form on the negative plate of the cell. If batteries are stored in warm conditions (35 deg. C) sulphating can occur much quicker....3 to 4 months. Same thing can happen if a battery is left in a discharged state for a long period of time. The sulphate layer on the cell increases the internal resistance of the battery to an extent that it will no longer accept a charge. What some people do (& I guess in this case the charging equipment if it has this feature) to recover a badly sulphated battery is to apply a much higher voltage than normal charging voltage to increase current flow which will start to break down the sulphate layer. Caution needs to be exercised though because as the sulphate layer is broken down, current will start to increase very quickly.

Interesting eh !!

Vic )</font>

Commonly refered to as "equalizing"..or "boiling a battery". For MAX battery life...it should be done at least once a year!

So called "smart chargers" are for battery MAINTAINENCE...and NOT for bringing the dead back to life. A well equipped house has BOTH types..unless you REALLY work at maintaining batterys..and then a "smart charger" will work A-OK for you

 

[vongiese]

Sounds like they must realize that they made some bad chargers - might be worth a try to call them up and complain - they come with a 5-year warranty...plus the fact that you will blab your bad experience with their chargers to your friends on the internet.....could result in a replacement without shipping!? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Their current replacement doesn't mention receipts or shipping, but does mention Loyal Customer.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Maybe it was your response or post that I read about troubles in cold wx with a vector charger - I couldn't find that post.... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Anyone else having similar probelms with their Vector Battery Charger??