Grid Charger

[j.goebel]

I am new to all this and i am wondering is it worth putting in a grid charger? Does it increase battery life? and if so where can i get one for the best price and is it easy to install? thanks so much for any help or information it is greatly appreciated!

[rayholan]

Originally Posted by j.goebel

I am new to all this and i am wondering is it worth putting in a grid charger? Does it increase battery life? and if so where can i get one for the best price and is it easy to install? thanks so much for any help or information it is greatly appreciated!

Welcome! I'm a satisfied owner of one of Mike Dabrowski's (active here on the website) grid chargers. In my 2003 Insight, after 6+ charging sessions, I noticed my SOC gauge dropped fall less during normal driving vs. before using the charger. For what it's worth, that seems like a good thing in my book.

[Rush]

There are threads devoted just to the questions you've asked, you might as well spend the time searching them.

Good luck

[Willie Williford]

Rush:
Want to do some more testing this Sunday?

Willie

[eq1]

Originally Posted by j.goebel

I am new to all this and i am wondering is it worth putting in a grid charger? Does it increase battery life? and if so where can i get one for the best price and is it easy to install? thanks so much for any help or information it is greatly appreciated!

Member 'Jeff652' or something like that makes simple chargers and sells them for something like $200. I'd say the install is a moderate level job for the do-it-yourselfer type. There's risks involved so it takes some time and careful work. Many have reported that grid charging brought their packs back to life; some report that a regular grid charging regime has improved/maintained their packs...

[Rush]

Originally Posted by Willie Williford

Rush:
Want to do some more testing this Sunday?
Willie

Just saw this, bad weekend, will email

[Mountain driver]

Originally Posted by j.goebel

I am new to all this and i am wondering is it worth putting in a grid charger? Does it increase battery life? and if so where can i get one for the best price and is it easy to install? thanks so much for any help or information it is greatly appreciated!

Mike D. has the cadallac version of a grid charger, Jeff652 has the 'simple' grid charger which I purchased this year for $350. Good way to extend the life of your battery.

..Bob

[jime]

Originally Posted by Mountain driver

Mike D. has the cadallac version of a grid charger, Jeff652 has the 'simple' grid charger which I purchased this year for $350. Good way to extend the life of your battery.

..Bob

Yes, true. But, there are some major advantages of the "Cadallac." First of all, it is run by a microprocessor and has a lot of built in safety features which protect the battery from charging mistakes. Secondly, it can be had with a discharging option which will fully discharge the battery also, making the reconditioning work at both ends of the battery capacity. I don't know that anyone really knows yet from experience whether the 100% or the 80% refurbishment produce better results in the end. Lots of us "feel" that the 100% refurbishment is better.

[Mike Dabrowski 2000]

Lets not forget a third option, Some of the Maintenance charger owners have upgraded to the GCO1, and the traded in Maintenence chargers are available for some good discounts.
These 350ma Smart chargers are fully compatible with the discharger, and the datalogger, and depending on the model GCIM1 (7-190V) or GCM1 full 7-250V range, it is not a lot more money than the dumb charger that Jeff is selling that is based on my original design.
http://99mpg.com/Data/resources/down...dchargerv1.pdf
cost breakdown:
grid charger/balancer

yes you still need a harness, so that adds to the cost, but there is so much difference in functionality that these Maintenance chargers are a pretty good deal.

[j.goebel]

i appreciate the information and help like i said i am new to this so thank you!