As we all try and ensure the longest lifespan for our batteries, I think we could be causing a problem.

For me a charge controller is extremely important because batteries are quite expensive, need replacing every X years, so in my mind the best answer to their best longevity is to have a good controller with the latest and best charge algorithms coupled with all the features the manufacturers have learnt to add based on their research and customer feedback / experience over years, irrespective of type of batteries.

Furthermore I have been told one of the lesser known functions of equalizing batteries is to stir the juices a bit so that the sediment does not accumulate at the bottom due to limited use. To ensure such I was told it is good to push the batteries now and then so to this effect I run my batts down to 50% every 2-3 months, on purpose, to ensure all is stirred properly.

And equalizing, since day one all my controllers did that automatically. Is a feature on Morningstar and Victron controllers.

I for one will not easily have a all-in-one unit for as newer en more advance controllers become available, I would like to upgrade without having to throw the baby out with the bathwater. 

 

EDIT: Re-worded the above a bit.

Thanks for your advice Superdiy and TTT. It would seem that the accepted meaning of balancing is to ensure that the voltages of all batteries are the same or as close as possible while equalising is used in the context of overcharging at a voltage higher than the bulk charging voltage to remove sulphasion off the plates and stir up the electrolyte. On Manie's advice I had a chat to Cobus today and it appears that the HA02 balancers works for him even on non-sealed batteries like the T105. As his practical experience proved that I could advantageously use the HA02 balancers on by bank of 16 x 6V T105 Trojans, the next question is whether there is a source in RSA with stock at a price that is not insane. I could only find one for the HA01 but then I would need 8 and would prefer to install 4. Does anyone know of a local supplier or must one order from China.

53 minutes ago, ebrsa said:

Thanks for your advice Superdiy and TTT. It would seem that the accepted meaning of balancing is to ensure that the voltages of all batteries are the same or as close as possible while equalising is used in the context of overcharging at a voltage higher than the bulk charging voltage to remove sulphasion off the plates and stir up the electrolyte. On Manie's advice I had a chat to Cobus today and it appears that the HA02 balancers works for him even on non-sealed batteries like the T105. As his practical experience proved that I could advantageously use the HA02 balancers on by bank of 16 x 6V T105 Trojans, the next question is whether there is a source in RSA with stock at a price that is not insane. I could only find one for the HA01 but then I would need 8 and would prefer to install 4. Does anyone know of a local supplier or must one order from China.

Contact Camel, he used to sell Victron's balancers .

This is just another appeal for information. Can anyone supply a local or foreign website address of a supplier of the HA02 or other battery balancers suitable for the Trojan T105 batteries. Unfortunately I missed Chris Rossouw's importation on behalf of others as well as his own requirements. Neither can I find a local supplier on the Internet. Any information will be much appreciated. Unfortunately the Victron balancers will not work for me as they seem to be intended for 12V batteries and mine are 6V. If someone has information of DIY equipment for the pupose that will also help.

9 hours ago, ebrsa said:

 If someone has information of DIY equipment for the purpose that will also help.

Hi You could build 6V Zeners.

http://www.evdl.org/pages/hartregs.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haYQW5SSRik

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVFtqyOwzZE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK0vAKb2LpQ

 

I think Chris is on leave and hence he is not replying. I built Zener regulators but found that they could not handle my big 260Ah batteries and they still went out of balance. My batteries have been on HA 01s since Sept 2015 and have never been out of balance since about Nov 2015. It took a while to get them in shape after having run 2 months without any balancer. I told  Dockarl (author of the second two videos) about the HA02s and he thinks they are brilliant.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks Chris. I found the quotes that @Chris Rossouw posted and now have the supplier from whom he bought HA02's. Since he seems to have had no problems in getting his order, I guess I am just going to take the easy way our and order from the same supplier. Judging form postings by folks who use this gadget, they really seem to work as expected.

Hi Ebrsa, I will be back at the office from tomorrow morning. Sorry for not responding on your requests. I will be ordering some HA-02 models tomorrow again and will gladly order some for you if you want to. It should be in South Africa by Friday if they have stock available, which they normally do. Cheers

Thanks very much for your reply @Chris Rossouw. I would appreciate it if you would include 5 x HA02 balancers for me in your order. Will e-mail you to obtain payment and delivery details. Appreciate your help a great deal.

Thanks guys, I will be ordering today, just waiting for the availability to be confirmed as well as the invoice. You do not have to pay anything now, I will contact you on arrival of stock and payment can be done at that stage. I will be carrying both the HA02 and 2*Ha02 units in stock as from this order and anybody could thus in future order it directly from me, still at the same price. Thanks

Thanks a great deal for making the HA02's available to others. Everyone who received units from you indeed owe you a great deal of gratitude. If ever you decide to safeguard your installation with CCTV surveilance, I may be able to return the favour with some advice based on practical experience from the CCTV system that we as residents installed in our small village with no police presence. Although I don't want to broadcast the fact far and wide, crime is not an issue here.

1 hour ago, Chris Rossouw said:

Thanks guys, I will be ordering today, just waiting for the availability to be confirmed as well as the invoice. You do not have to pay anything now, I will contact you on arrival of stock and payment can be done at that stage. I will be carrying both the HA02 and 2*Ha02 units in stock as from this order and anybody could thus in future order it directly from me, still at the same price. Thanks

Please let me know when you have in stock.

Hi Everyone

I am new to solar and batteries ,so any help would be appreciated .I have a 200ah gel battery  it is 5 months old and I want to add another one in parallel to have 400ah  at 12v.But II have read up that you cant mix batteries of different ages together .If I get the same brand battery with the same 200ah  capacity, will mixing a new battery with a 5 month old battery be ok ,because  I cant afford to buy 2 new batteries.

Thank in advance

David