How much trickle charging/desulphating is enough?

Re: How much trickle charging/desulphating is enough?

I will take a stab at the question... (I am here to learn):

If I understand the controller correctly:

Features

• Allows you to charge and maintain multiple batteries at a time. Quantity of batteries depends on the size of solar panel(s).
• Safely charges-maintains-conditions all size and type starter, deep cycle, maintenance-type, maintenance-free, sealed, gelled, AGM or dry-type batteries.
• Automatically removes (dissolves) harmful sulfation using safe, U.S. patented electronic pulse technology.
• The unit automatically desulfates both in the charging and the maintenance modes.
• Guaranteed to never overcharge any battery, regardless of how long connected.
• No need to add water to maintenance-type batteries during long, non-use storage.
• Isolation transformer and smart chip technology ensure safe, long-term performance.
• Shuts off completely when sunlight is reduced with no drain on the batteries.
• Splash proof, conformal-coated circuitry ensures trouble-free life even in high-moisture marine environments.
• Allows battery to be stored safely at 0°F to +120°F.
• Designed and engineered in the USA.
• Built in strict accordance with ISO 9001 Quality Certification.
• Full year 100% money-back guarantee takes the risk out of trying this great product.
• Five (5) year warranty covers everything except physical abuse
• The unit comes with a Battery Condition Indicator that has a push button for testing the condition of the battery.

General Specifications
Input 16-24 volts DC solar power
Output 12 volts @ 15 Amps
Charge Voltage 14.2 Vdc
Float Voltage 13.2 Vdc
Desulfation Pulse Depends on the solar panel @ 3.26 MHz
Float Current 5 mA - 5 Amp (Depends on the solar panel)2
Size/Weight 3-3/4" L x 2-1/2" W x 1-1/2" H / 1.6 lbs

You have two questions here...

"Charging the Battery" is the first one. Assuming the controller drops down to ~13.2 volts at ~77F... (once the battery is fully charged)--you can leave the charger connected "forever". If, the charger keeps the battery at >14.0 volts for long periods of time--then you are probably overcharging and it would be better to cut the unit down to a few hours per day (monitor the electrolyte levels--if you are adding a fair amount of distilled water every month for a battery in storage--that is probably too much charging).

The second question is the Desulfator... As I understand the claims, yes, you need to run it for long periods of time (weeks/months) to desulfate a battery bank. I guess, there is not such thing as running a Desulfator too long.

So, this Charger/Desulfator is solar based (you are using a computer power supply for DC power)... The desulfator only runs when there is >XX volts of DC input--so I would guess that the desulfator is running 24 hours per day from your DC supply.

As long as the battery is charged then dropped by to float--I would guess the proper operation would be 24x7 operation.

Checking the battery "float" voltage with an accurate DMM (Digital Multi/Volt Meter) would confirm that this is "good for the battery".

-Bill

PS: Realizing that there is great passion out there whether or not a desulfator actually performs as specified.