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ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas ContinuousWave: Small Boat Electrical Battery Desulfator
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Author | Topic: Battery Desulfator |
Maximus |
posted 02-13-2011 08:38 PM ET (US)
Battery desulfator devices are on the market and claim to bring dead batteries back to life and rejuvenate tired batteries. The devices appear to be passive (not externally powered) and are connected between battery terminals. I have 2 AGM batteries (Optima Blue Tops) starting a fifth season this spring and wonder if this may help extend the life. Does anyone have real world experience with battery desulfators? |
contender |
posted 02-13-2011 09:43 PM ET (US)
What is the cost of this battery rejuvenator? Do you have a dead battery to rejuvenate? Sounds like a scam, Batteries go dead because they wear out, then you trade them in, the companies break them apart for the lead, then make new batteries. If you are able to recharge the battery, how long will it hold the charge? Its still a 5 year old battery, I think after 5 years I would feel better with new batteries than a rejuvenated ones. For this reason, that is why I replace my batteries every two years, I purchase Walmart EverReady Marine, and take them back for an exchange and some cash. Good luck |
jimh |
posted 02-13-2011 11:49 PM ET (US)
quote: I have no experience with a battery desulfator. |
an86carrera |
posted 02-14-2011 06:23 AM ET (US)
The battery charger I use has that capability. I have tried it a few times to no avail. After waiting the 24 hours it takes to cycle thru the process with the unit I have, I always been disappointed. So, in my opinion they do not work. Len |
jimh |
posted 02-14-2011 08:38 AM ET (US)
quote: I cannot imagine that any passive device could perform any useful work on a battery except to discharge it. On this basis, I cannot find any reasonable basis to accept the claims made. |
Jefecinco |
posted 02-14-2011 10:03 AM ET (US)
Maximus, For what it's worth I got good service from Optima Blue Tops for over eight years and they were going strong when I sold the boat last year. As you have dual batteries it is fairly low risk to use them until one fails at which point you could replace both assuming the second Optima is not far behind the first and will fail soon. It is also a good idea to have closely matched batteries on your dual set up. Because the Optimas are now manufactured in China and I have heard of some early failures of the China batteries I have switched to Sears AGMs on the new boat. Butch |
an86carrera |
posted 02-14-2011 10:15 AM ET (US)
Mine does not seem to be passive. I can hear the unit doing some kind of work by cycling on and off during this process. Not being too astute in things electronic, I thought is was hitting it with reversed voltage to desulfate? Is that possible? Len |
number9 |
posted 02-14-2011 11:49 AM ET (US)
Found a link to a similar device which includes the Patent #7374839. Possible Jim or another electrical/electronics type could read up on the patent and give their opinion. A bit pricey at $130 unless it works and you have many batteries. But simple instructions. http://www.batterylifesaver.com/revive/revive.htm |
jimh |
posted 02-15-2011 04:43 PM ET (US)
If the device being discussed contains internal electronic circuitry, you cannot say it is "passive." If there is no external power applied to the battery, the net effect of operating the device has to be a discharge of the battery. The device cannot consume electrical power and yet somehow not draw power from the battery. The power that operates the device must come from the battery, and unless the circuitry is really something special, it cannot create more power than it consumes. So the net effect is to discharge the battery. |
64nauset |
posted 02-22-2011 10:01 AM ET (US)
I have about 10 years experience with a de-sulphator by: http://www.pulsetech.net/ . I think it works, and I continue to use it. Batteries on the sailboat are seven years old. Optimas by the way. I think for the idea to work, de-sulphating should take place on a continuing basis, not just at charging. There were two styles at the time of purchase, one solar powered, one powered by the battery itself. I have the latter. They cost around $40 a copy, though I haven't priced them lately. If using the battery powered one, it is necessary to charge the batteries more often in the off season, maybe once in three months seems enough. Here's a different brand: Pulsetech claims the military uses their gadgets extensively. I haven't checked with the Army to confirm this. As Chuck Husick was fond of saying, "Batteries don't die, owners kill them." The Nauset batt is only two years old now, and I expect to get another five out of it. ----> bruce |
jimh |
posted 02-22-2011 05:11 PM ET (US)
I would like to know the method of testing by which one determines that the use of a battery de-sulfator has caused the battery to have a longer useful life. If this method could be described, I would be pleased to learn how you do this test. |
Mr T |
posted 02-22-2011 05:31 PM ET (US)
I am in that same camp; I have a battery I suspect that I would like to know if it is suffering from sulfation. |
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