07-26-2004, 05:23 PM
[url "javascript: addTag('cool')"][cool][/url][#0000ff]I think we need to clarify that there is a difference between a "battery tester" and a volt meter. Simple testers just tell you if your battery has any kind of charge. The volt meter tells you exactly how many volts your battery is putting out.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As we have discussed in previous threads, a 12 volt SLA battery can take a charge up to almost 14 volts. It then slowly drops in voltage as it powers your sonar...or whatever. Once it drops below 12 volts in output, the battery is on its way to running out of power. By the time it hits 11 volts, your battery is not capable of operating anything and is likely to suffer some damage if you run it dry...especially if you do not get it back on a charger soon and get it up to full charge.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]SLA batteries are not "deep cycle", like the boating fraternity sets up in their craft. Those big batteries are designed to survive being drained before recharging. Gel cells are not. Run them too low, too often, and you will shorten their life.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As we have discussed in previous threads, a 12 volt SLA battery can take a charge up to almost 14 volts. It then slowly drops in voltage as it powers your sonar...or whatever. Once it drops below 12 volts in output, the battery is on its way to running out of power. By the time it hits 11 volts, your battery is not capable of operating anything and is likely to suffer some damage if you run it dry...especially if you do not get it back on a charger soon and get it up to full charge.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]SLA batteries are not "deep cycle", like the boating fraternity sets up in their craft. Those big batteries are designed to survive being drained before recharging. Gel cells are not. Run them too low, too often, and you will shorten their life.[/#0000ff]
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