Advmoto18
Senior Member
I have been trying to ascertain the state of my 2 month old Optima Blue Top D27M batteries. Quite frankly, impossible with a battery monitor.
But still, I'd like to guesstimate what is going on. Further, I found the Zamp manual somewhat lacking in describing the controller's operation and automatic mode switiching.
According to Optima, the D27M in series should be charged to 14.7V. My Zamp controller displays "FUL" (Full) at 13.6V. I know the D27Ms are not full at 13.6V. I have AGM battery type selected.
My Optima D27M's in series are fully charged at 14.7V. However, the Zamp controller will only charge the batteries to 14.4V before entering Float when AGM is the selected battery type. This will leave the batteries less than fully charged. to what percent less than full? I have no idea without a battery monitor.
While the controller's specs are published on page 8 of the manual, understanding when the specs apply can be difficult to sort out. Thus, a call to Zamp.
After calling and speaking to a Zamp tech rep, I discovered I could select WET bettery on the controller allowing battery charging to 14.7V (as noted on page 8, spec 2-5) then entering Float. However, WET will allow equaization mode and 15.5V charging if the battery charge drops below 10V. 15.5V is far too much charge for the D27M.
I have a Trimetric 2030-RV on order. For the time being I have slected AGM battery type and willing to accept 14.4V max charge before entering Float.
Once the monitor is installed, it will be interesting to see the percent below fully charged the controller with aGM selected and 14.4V cut out is costing me.
It is impossible to get in touch with a human at the Optima customer service phone number. I would like to know what kind of under-voltage protection the D27M has and if the under-charge design will prevent the intiatization of equailzation mode if WET is selected as the battery type on the controller.
But still, I'd like to guesstimate what is going on. Further, I found the Zamp manual somewhat lacking in describing the controller's operation and automatic mode switiching.
According to Optima, the D27M in series should be charged to 14.7V. My Zamp controller displays "FUL" (Full) at 13.6V. I know the D27Ms are not full at 13.6V. I have AGM battery type selected.
My Optima D27M's in series are fully charged at 14.7V. However, the Zamp controller will only charge the batteries to 14.4V before entering Float when AGM is the selected battery type. This will leave the batteries less than fully charged. to what percent less than full? I have no idea without a battery monitor.
While the controller's specs are published on page 8 of the manual, understanding when the specs apply can be difficult to sort out. Thus, a call to Zamp.
After calling and speaking to a Zamp tech rep, I discovered I could select WET bettery on the controller allowing battery charging to 14.7V (as noted on page 8, spec 2-5) then entering Float. However, WET will allow equaization mode and 15.5V charging if the battery charge drops below 10V. 15.5V is far too much charge for the D27M.
I have a Trimetric 2030-RV on order. For the time being I have slected AGM battery type and willing to accept 14.4V max charge before entering Float.
Once the monitor is installed, it will be interesting to see the percent below fully charged the controller with aGM selected and 14.4V cut out is costing me.
It is impossible to get in touch with a human at the Optima customer service phone number. I would like to know what kind of under-voltage protection the D27M has and if the under-charge design will prevent the intiatization of equailzation mode if WET is selected as the battery type on the controller.