LABC1 • 19
that R4 is used in the SOC feedback loop that varies the charging terminal
voltage in accordance with the battery’s present state. Lowering the value of
R4 to 15K or less will have the effect of increasing the mode differential
voltage. Initially the battery will be charged at high current levels and the
terminal voltage of the charger will be pulled low by design. When the battery
begins to draw less current, the terminal voltage will gradually increase to the
maximum determined by the value of R4. Using a higher ‘Charge’ voltage will
decrease your charging time but you must keep in mind that cell gassing
normally begins at 14.4V and higher at 25°C, so doing this is risky. Great care
should be taken to avoid possible gas build-up inside the battery. See the
Safety Considerations section before operating your LABC1.
3) Another point to cover is the type of hook-up wire used to connect your
LABC1 to your battery. The wire provided with your kit works well for hobbyist
type batteries but you may wish to increase the wire gauge if you plan on
working with large capacity batteries or longer wire runs. Make certain to color
code any wire you intend to use to avoid polarity problems. The colors Red
(Positive Battery Terminal) and Black (Negative Battery Terminal) work well
and help to ensure no harm will come to you, your battery, or your charger by
hooking the system up backwards.