Magnum Energy ME-RTR Router - Manual (Page 68)

©
2014 Magnum Energy, Inc. Page 60
Operation
FAULT
PWR
CHG
INV
Float Charging
Settings/Info...
Float Charging appears on LCD. PWR (green) LED is on
solid. CHG (green) LED is typically on solid, but may blink.
FAULT (red) LED is off, and INV (green) LED could be on or off.
• Float Charging (Float) – In Float Charging mode, the charger reduces the charge voltage
and tries to maintain the batteries at the fl oat charge voltage setting. This is determined by the
SETUP menu’s 03C Battery Type setting as shown in Table 3-1.
Info: If the battery voltage falls ≤12.1 VDC (12-volt models), ≤24.2 VDC (24-volt
models) or ≤48.4 VDC (48-volt models); the unit will initiate bulk charging.
Figure 5-17, Float Charging Mode
• Full Charge (Full Chg) – This status indicates that you have entered the Battery Saver™
mode. This mode maintains the batteries without overcharging, and prevents excessive loss of
water in fl ooded batteries or drying out of GEL/AGM batteries. After four hours of Float charging,
the charger turns off and displays “Full Charge” (charger is now in Battery Saver™ mode). If
the battery voltage drops to ≤12.6 (12-volt models), ≤25.2 (24-volt models) or ≤50.4 (48-volt
models), the charger will automatically initiate another four hours of Float charging. This cycle
helps to ensure the batteries are maintained and continues as long as AC power is continuously
connected to the AC input. “Full Charge” only displays if Multi-Stage is selected from the 03F Final
Charge Stage menu.
FAULT
PWR
CHG
INV
Full Charge
Settings/Info...
Full Charge appears on LCD. PWR (green) LED is on
solid. CHG (green) LED blinks. FAULT (red) LED is off,
and INV (green) LED could be on or off.
Figure 5-18, Full Charge Mode
CAUTION: During Equalizing mode, the batteries begin gassing and bubbling
vigorously—which consumes water. Ensure each cell has adequate distilled water levels
prior to equalizing, and add water as needed after equalizing.
CAUTION: Ensure your batteries can be equalized. Only do so if permitted by your
battery manufacturer or dealer. Performing an Equalize charge on batteries other than
liquid lead acid or certain AGM types could permanently damage them. Contact your
battery manufacturer for their recommendations.
CAUTION: Ensure the DC loads will not be damaged by the higher voltage applied to the
batteries during the Equalize charge. If in doubt, disconnect the loads to prevent damage.
Info: Even though equalization charging can be enabled if the GEL or AGM2 battery
type is selected (under the SETUP menu’s 03C Battery Type setting) The voltage will
not increase above the absorption voltage level, which effectively does not allow an
equalization charge for these two battery types.
How often should I equalize? Some experts recommend that heavily used batteries should
be equalized periodically, ranging anywhere from once a month to once or twice per year. Other
experts only recommend equalizing when the cells have a low specifi c gravity, or when the
difference between any individual cell has a specifi c gravity reading greater than .015 after being
fully charged. Contact your battery manufacturer for their recommendations.
How long should I equalize? While the batteries are gassing, monitor the specifi c gravity readings
every hour. When the specifi c gravity readings no longer increase, the Equalization charge is complete
and should be stopped.