I appreciate you conversation, but a quick look at
http://www.usbattery.com/care.htm
will make things a lot clearer than I can. Can't say it will make yourbatteries last longer but at least you can ask
a "real" expert why they don't.
Always My Best,
R.M.Andrews

Jim Dunmyer wrote:

> 6FEEA08.428CD95@ticnet.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
>
> Robert,
> The charging circuit in a typical UPS will work at about 1 amp maximum.And they don't go over 27 volts (2
> 12-volt batteries), which isn't high enough to equalize the chargein the individual cells. This causes some cells
> to operate at less than full charge, eventually getting sulfatedand killing the battery. As I said, this can
> happen in about one year's time.
>
> It is not necessary to deep-cycle a lead acid battery to eliminate"memory effect", as they don't suffer from
> that. In fact, that's a good way to ruin them. It does help to lightlycycle them, discharging to say 80% capacity
> (removing 20% of the "juice", so to speak), but beyond that "wearsthem out". Suprisingly enough, you'll get more
> total amp-hours out of lead acid batteries if you discharge themto 20 or 25% capacity than if you only draw them
> to 50%. They won't last as many YEARS, but that's not necessarilyyour objective.
>
> Robert M. Andrews wrote:
>
> > You should be charging at 27 volts with batteries in SERIES butyou don't mention the current you are
> > using. Peak current should drop as the batteries approach fullcharge.
> > After an full recharge (8 to about 12 hours) soon after a dischargeis necessary with a good automatic
> > charger with a peak charging amperage of 10 amps. The battery voltageis maintain slightly under 14 volts (no
> > load voltage around 13.9 volts). The short period of recharge isto maintain full peak when not in active use
> > (minimum current at active 14 volt charge). A trickle charger of0.6 amps can also be used instead of a time
> > and charger.
> > Since we are talking about Deep Cycle batteries if the batteriesare not fully cycled to ":maximum
> > discharge" (NOT to 0.0 volts, inquire to manufacture as to fulldischarge voltage) early in the life cycle of
> > the battery a condition of "memory voltage" can set in a not allowfull cycle of the battery and an early
> > replacement. This is most critical in the life cycle of a DeepCycle battery.
> > All batteries should be VOLTAGE tested under load. A 12 volt lightacross each battery terminals is good
> > enough for test load. I usually get between 3 and 4 season of useablelife before replacement depending on
> > the quality of battery. Even Gel Cells last about the same time,the just don't require water level
> > maintain. Gel Cells are much heavier and more expensive than regularwet batteries.
> > If you overcharge a battery usually the water will boil away andalso cause early cycle failure. Running
> > a cell or battery dry causes heavy flaking. Always check waterlevel and replace only with DISTILLED water.
> > This may give you some ideas to work with. I will try to locatethe articles on batteries and pass them
> > on.
> >
>
> --