Looks like you have some good info from others. Here's a little more.

What you will be doing is not "trickle" charging, but it is called "float"
charging. Lead acid chemistry, similar to Li-ion (unlike ni-Cd & Ni-Mh) has
the characteristic that it has a voltage charactistic such that the terminal
voltage rises between dead and full charge. You can safely put a constant
voltage (but also with a current limit) on the battery and it will seek its
own full charge and the current will taper off, when it gets enough, to what
it needs to stay at full charge. CAUTION -- This voltage is typically
around 13.8, HOWEVER you MUST consult the manufacturer's specs. This
voltage also changes slightly as the temperature of the battery changes.

A commercial device designed for this service is recommended.

73, Steve, K,9.D;C'I





"west" wrote in message
.. .
I know this question has probably been beaten to death, nevertheless I
hope
you will still indulge me.

During a power outage, which occurs frequently in Florida, I would like to
use a battery to power some communication gear. Although the battery is
12v
and not 13.8v, I think that the gear will still work OK (hopefully).

Question 1. I believe that car batteries have a low internal resistance
because their primary function is to provide a lot of current for a short
time. There are other 12v large battery types that will last as long as a
typical car battery. They are designed not to provide peak current, but to
supply steady state current for a long time.
For the life of me, I can't remember the name of those type batteries so I
can't do a google to find a supplier. I hope this is making some sense.

Question 2. Where can I find articles & schematics for a solar cell to
provide a trickle charge for the aforementioned battery?

Thank you very much.

Cordially,
west