Battery charger for AGM and Standard Batteries?

[Tom H]

With all the talk of the R/R voltages. I thought I might ask about chargers.

My bikes all now have Odyssey batteries. I am in the market for a portable battery charger with jump start capability that will work on AGM properly, as well as standard batteries, without breaking the bank. I'm not in the market for a "tender" type of charger, nor a roll around like shop uses.

My currant charger is a very old Sears Craftsman, 2/10 automatic charge/trickle with 50A boost. It only puts out about 13.6-8V measured at the battery. I borrowed a friends HF charger that had AGM mode, I could not notice a difference in charging. Only in it's boost mode did it put out 14.5V. From what I have read, about 13.6V will charge AGM, but not to a full charge. The need closer to 14.5V or so. If it was used in a vehicle without a charging system and was run flat, higher volts are required.

I need this to just top of a battery that has sat a bit.

So, has anyone found a sub $100 charger that will charge a AGM?

Thank you,
Tom

[Triple Jim]

AGM batteries don't have any extra liquid electrolyte, since it's all absorbed in fiberglass mats.  Any overcharging that causes venting will cause loss of electrolyte, which means damage to the battery.  Many (most?) AGM batteries have charging specifications printed on them, and the ones I have say that charging should be limited to about 13.7 volts in the "float" condition, and around 14.5 for cyclic use.  I use a charger designed for AGMs to charge them, and it's a Soneil 1206S.  It takes them up to 14.5, and then backs down to 13.7 if you leave the battery connected.  The same charger works fine for conventional (flooded) batteries.

[acogoff]

     What works for me is C-tek MUS4.3. I use 2 around the farm. They are not trickle chargers, but can be used as such. They have a brain and take care of themselves if forgotten on. Have positions for regular and AGM and winter. and a lower setting for smaller cycle battery. They make several models. Cost me about $65.00 each.  No start function on these though. Just very satisfied with what it does do though.

[Demar]

I have the NOCO G750 and it works well.

[Markcarovilli]

     What works for me is C-tek MUS4.3. I use 2 around the farm. They are not trickle chargers, but can be used as such. They have a brain and take care of themselves if forgotten on. Have positions for regular and AGM and winter. and a lower setting for smaller cycle battery. They make several models. Cost me about $65.00 each.  No start function on these though. Just very satisfied with what it does do though.

 :1:

Works well on Odyessy batteries

Mark

[Tom H]

So these are the replacement for my trusty old charger, but in a smaller size? Just no boost setting for instant starting a weak battery.

I searched the models and looked at their specs on their web sites. All look interesting.

These all look like the "tender" style? Are these a new style compact replacement for my box style charger?

Again, not looking for a plug in and leave on for winter. Need something to charge a AGM that has run down due to time sitting, or working on the bike and repeated starts.

Thank you VERY much so far!!!!
Tom

[Tom H]

Thank you for that explanation. I guess the new thing is the mini box as far as chargers go.

Tom