RE: [A/S] Optima batteries...need new charger/converter

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I second the suggestion!

Get youself an Intellisync converter with the Charge Wizard.  You can even
get a factory rebuilt one with a warranty from the manufacturer's web site.

The older Univolts were sinply single DC voltage power supplies -  Too high
to maintain a battery for long periods without an electrical load on the
battery (thus will boil off the electrolyte -not a good choice for battery
longevity), and too low to bring back or fully charge a battery under heavy
load, or after a heavy load with any speed.  Note that lead/acid batteries
last the longest when kept fully charged. [or quickly re-charged after a
heavy draw.]

Modern converters sense the condition of the battery(s) and ajust the
charging current and voltage to suit.  Thus thay don't overcharge an
unloaded battery, and quickly restore a discharged battery.  Also, they
"stir up" the electrolyte on an unloaded battery periodically to prevent
stratification (of the acid concentration of the electrolyte) thereeby
maintaining  full power capability of the battery. Such a converter will
more than pay for itsel in increased battery life.

Also, a battery maintained by such a converter will have significantly more
useful power than one maintained by the old Univolt.

Oliver Filippi