On Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:19:56 -0500, "KLC Lewis"
wrote:


"Richard Casady" wrote in message
.. .
On Wed, 25 Jul 2007 08:37:20 -0500, "KLC Lewis"
wrote:


Pete, do you propose using a hydrometer everytime you want to know your
state of charge? This could be a couple of times each day, or more.

It is, or used to be, the practice on submarines. Not much extra work
when you are checking/adding water. The original smart charger was a
sub sailor with thermometer, hydrometer, and voltmeter. Who knows what

those guys are doing now.

Casady

That raises another question: Just how often are you supposed to check the
water? Once a day? I've been doing it about once a month.
If they never need much water, you are doing fine. If you are seeing
the plates, add water more often.

The sub guys would give them a deep discharge, and then recharge them
at as high a rate as temperature allowed. Three engines on the battery
and one on propulsion was not rare. Most of a full charge in two hours
or so. If I recall correctly, some european boats have been built with
water cooled batteries,

Casady

"Richard Casady" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:19:56 -0500, "KLC Lewis"
wrote:

That raises another question: Just how often are you supposed to check the
water? Once a day? I've been doing it about once a month.
If they never need much water, you are doing fine. If you are seeing
the plates, add water more often.

The sub guys would give them a deep discharge, and then recharge them
at as high a rate as temperature allowed. Three engines on the battery
and one on propulsion was not rare. Most of a full charge in two hours
or so. If I recall correctly, some european boats have been built with
water cooled batteries,

Casady

I must be doing something right, then. :-)