On 5/10/2013 1:36 PM, Tom wrote:
Yes, sounds like you have your system figured out and it works. On the
exact same receipt paper thing that the Canadian Tire guy's machine
tested had the comment on each test result paper " Avg life in area : 46
MO. So that isn't very long and my last batteries (same style) lasted 8
years. After asking the group this question years ago I have put my
batteries on a better program and care for them better.

My charger makes that "chunk" noise you mentioned when I plug it in.

The Chap at Canadian Tire just couldn't tell me anymore, he didn't have
the knowledge, very nice guy, very smart (and handsome) but didn't have
the knowledge of deep cycle marine batteries and their proper
maintenance. Which is probably good idea, however I know this group has
the knowledge, lots of nice guys, (very handsome also) so I like to hear
your opinions. The cheap ones are good also.

Thanks and enjoy the day

I'm no expert with batteries and different types may vary a bit, I can't
say for sure. I worked for a railroad here in the US with the signal
gang and they used batteries on all the signals so they worked in power
failures. Just like much of the equipment on the railroad, they had
batteries in service for many, many years. I believe I was told they
would be expected to last some 20 years. They looked like car
batteries, not anything special like the huge ones they use at the phone
company. The point is that they used a trickle charge.

So I don't know that you must have a super special top charge detecting
charger to properly maintain batteries. But then there may be
differences in batteries. These were some 40 years ago and I believe
this was before they started adding small amounts of cadmium or similar
things to reduce the need for adding water, etc. Maybe trickle charging
is no longer recommended. But back then that was what the battery
makers wanted you to do to prevent damage, trickle charge.

Have you thought of contacting the company directly rather than through
the stores? I bet their web site has some good info on this.

Rick