Hello All,

First time posting for me so I hope I follow all the proper etiquette.

I have seen another posting called "Avan Electrics" and this has been a great eye opener.

We have just collected our third Avan, the  " Frances "; now in the process of personalizing it

My question relates to the Electrobloc EBL 109-6, and in particular the Battery Selection Switch.

To begin:

The current configuration includes an ACDelco  battery HCM27SMF, which apparently uses "lead calcium technology"

The Battery Selection switch (batterie-wahl)  on the Electrobloc is set downwards in the "blei   saure " ( Lead Acid ) position.

I have  two Ritar RA12-100 batteries ( less than 6 months old) , which are Lead based, but use the AGM technology.

I was planning to replace the existing battery with these AGM batteries

The original battery charger that I used with these had multiple settings for battery type, including AGM, and Calcium.

So my question: is the Electrobloc capable/suitable as a charger for these AGM batteries?

and if it is, what switch position is the best?

I have read through the EBL109-6 Instruction manual, but cannot find any references to AGM type batteries.

I have also noted, as others have in the other "Avan Electrics" posting, that the  "Battery Charging While Driving" has not been wired in ( or at least does not appear to be)

Thanks in advance..

Colin

Hi Bob, Thanks for your reply.
I did do some other internet based research and to say that too much information is a dangerous thing and is confusing is an understatement ;)

I have stumbled across the "Operating Instruction Manual Elektroblock EBL 109-5" and I'm guessing/hoping that the -6 is only a minor variant.
( Am I allowed to include the Url which is http://spotidoc.com/doc/981243/operating-instruction-manual ?
If not apologies...)

This provides on page 2 the details of the charging profile for the two settings,
and appears to be a 3 stage process: Boost charge (I) , Equalize (Uo), and Float (U)

In both cases the maximum voltage is 14.3V, and the float voltage is 13.8V

Quote
"I" boost-charge at 18 A arithmetic mean, electronically limited up to maximum charging voltage
"Uo" equalize-charge at constant 14.3 V, selectable: 1 h duration for lead-acid, 8 h duration for lead-gel batteries
"U" automatic change-over to float-charge at 13.8 V

Unquote

The only difference is that the TIME is set differently for the "equalize Charge" segment.

The voltage range that the separate charger that I originally had for the AGM batteries uses a voltage range of 14.4 for charge and 13.7 for float.

Again from all the reading it suggests that the Electrobloc would not be ideal ( because of the slightly different voltage ranges) , but would be a reasonable compromise, with some possible effect on the eventual longevity of the batteries.

How many AGM batteries do you have?

Thanks again.. Regards
Colin

Thanks again Bob,

Apologies for not answering your reply from last year .......( This jokes are becoming a bit silly aren't they? ;)  

Hope you have a happy, peaceful and safe New Year..

Colin

An old thread but worth adding some more information to this discussion.

I have the Elecktroblock EBL 109-6 installed in my Avan Aspire 499 as well. After researching the charging properties of this unit, I am convinced that it is not the ideal charger for fully sealed AGM batteries. The reason why I say that is because fully sealed AGMs require a charging voltage of 14.7V and the EBL109-6 user manual documentation indicates that it can muster a max of 14.3 V for absorption, which is not sufficiently high enough to suit AGMs that require somewhere between 14.6 to 14.8V to charge properly. That's not to say that an AGM can't be used, but as alluded to in previous posts above.  (Elektrobloc do make a separate model which is AGM compatible in their range)

My van came supplied with a pair of AC Delco flooded lead-calcium batteries. Frustratingly this is not suitable for the EBL either because lead calcium batteries also require a higher charging voltage to a "regular" lead acid battery. I have discharged my batteries too deeply with the fridge (my fault) so it's time to replace the batteries.

SuperCheapAuto are having a weekend sale on the 100 Ah Century (flooded) deep cycle battery, a non-AGM battery. This is the perfect replacement for the EBL109-6. And this weekend, SCA have a sale on the battery is priced at $179 (regular price $242). This is the perfect opportunity to buy a good quality Australian manufactured battery. More of the money stays in Australia, buying Aussie made. Win win!