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Old 05-14-2020, 08:48 AM   #19
rotorwrench
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
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Default Re: OT: "An Alternator is a Battery Maintainer, -NOT a Battery Charger."

Most of the old chargers would lower the current output as the battery charged up. These were smart enough for me. I also use a 3-amp steady state charger for 12-volt cycle batteries but a person shouldn't charge longer than recommended by the battery manufacturer to top one off.

The generator or alternator is an integral part of a vehicles electrical system. The original 3-brush units were just constant output generators unless someone puts one of the little regulators on them like John Regan's unit. With those things installed they will gradually reduce current output as the battery charges but still ramp up the current when the lights come on. The alternators hardly have to work at all since there function is automatic. They top the battery up quickly then wait for a high current draw from accessories or lights.

As one of their tasks in the system, they all charge the battery to maintain full charge. It's as simple as that. Salesmen will come up with all sorts of excuses if their product has problems.
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