Re: LED Battery Gauge

Posted by sgtslag on Aug 18, 2011; 3:37am
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/LED-Battery-Gauge-tp3260407p3263715.html

The Gel Cells are much more reliable:  they don't rely on lead-acid electrolyte, but a gel chemical, so they can be used in any position; sealed, no maintenance; can sit for months, without discharging -- very little internal leakage current.

Another battery to check into, is the AGM -- Absorbed Glass Material:  similar to the Gel Cell, can be used in any postion; no liquid electrolyte; very low leakage current, can be left for months without a trickle charger (assuming very low drainage from accessories); and can last 5+ years!

Do some research on the Internet on Gel Cells and AGM Batteries.  I think you will find it very interesting.  I found one motorcycle enthusiast who tested, I think, five different batteries, to determine which gave the best performance.  The winner was a brand called MotoBatt, available on e-Bay, for a very good price, when compared to lead-acid batteries, as well as Gel Cells.

Just using a smart, trickle charger, like the BatteryTender Jr., after every ride, can double the life of a regular, lead-acid battery.  The trick, though, is to always connect it to the smart charger, after every ride:  it tops off the charge on the battery, maintains it auto-magically, and thereby prevents sulfation, which shorts the plates, internally.  Cheers!