Which setting to choose on LRM 1218 regulator (1 Viewer)

[Tony M]

I'm in the process of installing a 120 watt solar panel to my Globecar which has a Schaudt EBL 119 Elektroblok (basically a 99 with an AGM setting for the charger) and a Varta Professional LA95 dual purpose AGM leisure battery.

I've splashed out on a Schaudt LRM 1218 MPP solar regulator which has three possible settings depending on battery type and I was wondering if anyone could suggest which would be the correct one.

The first is for lead acid so obviously it's not that but these are the two I have to choose from:
AGM 1 / Lead-gel.
Charging voltage: 14.4 volts. Charge retention voltage: 13.8 volts. Time phase: 12 hours.

AGM2
Charging voltage: 14.7volts. Charge retention voltage 13.7 volts. Time phase: 4 hours.

I emailed Udo Lang at Schaudt but he just suggested I contact Varta which I have done, but not had a reply. Anyone got any ideas which is best?

 

[JeanLuc]

I would contact Varta technical for complete certainty, but their guide to leisure batteries states the following for AGM:

• Absorption phase 14.8V
• Float (retention) 13.8V

Nothing about the time required for charging but it does suggest a charging current of 25-35% of the nominal Ah capacity of the leisure battery bank.

 

[Tony M]

JeanLuc, thanks for that. The absorption phase would suggest I choose the AGM 2 setting but the float would suggest AGM 1. Which is best I wonder?
Still hoping for a reply from Varta.

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[JeanLuc]

I telephoned them and got answers to my questions straight away.

Johnson Controls Batteries Limited
Suite 5, Building 6, Croxley Green Business Park, Hatters Lane
WD18 8YR
Watford
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1895 515650
Fax: +44 (0) 1923 630899
E-mail: info-uk@varta-automotive.com
Website: http://www.varta-automotive.com

 

[Tony M]

Got the answer from Varta - AGM 2 setting.
Thanks again JeanLuc

 

[dave newell]

I would opt for AGM2.

D.

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[Tony M]

Many thanks Dave. That's the setting I'm going to go with.