Above: Assembled Thermistor Equpped 555 Kit
Two types of desulfators are available, 555 based and BASIC Stamp based (microcontroller).
These circuits are not average consumer safe. These circuits run at the edge of the performance envelope. As they are designed with performance as the prime consideration, they can be damaged with improper use.
There are no safeguards against incorrect polarity. To have included such protection would have decreased performance. If you connect it incorrectly it will destroy the unit.
To compare this with other pulsers on the market is like comparing the family station wagon with something that blisters through the 1/4 mile belching flames.
High performance and insurance against overheating is provided by the thermistor option. The thermistor option was introduced to enable the pulsers to run at 100% power at all times. They were initially intended as a performance option. But at the same time they do afford protection against overheating.
Thermistors are an option for both 555 and Stamp based pulsers. They control the heat gain of the components in order that the components do not overheat.
555 pulsers with thermistors lower inductive pulse to lower temps. They are calibrated to run at a specific temperature. The thermistor option for the 555 includes a Zener diode for 555 over voltage protection.
Stamp pulsers at all times deliver maximum inductive pulse. Stamp pulsers are calibrated to run at 10 to 20DegF over ambient temperatures. This allows use in a wide variety of temperature environments. The software alters the number of pulses in the pulsing loop and/or varies the PRF to manage temperature.
555 based pulsers are a singular voltage.
Stamp pulsers have the capability of dual voltage. Although the multistage Stamp pulsers deliver stunning performance, they are state of the art and the software is still undergoing revisions to gain further performance increases.
Here is what we have in increasing performance/ protection and pricing. I apologize if this appears to be a bewildering array of choices. I try to work with folks to see what they need. I always recommend the minimum. The user can opt for whatever they please.
Price sensitive folks are usually recommended to stay with 12V 555 based pulsers (thermistor protection if needed). At the other end of the pricing/performance scale are the multi-stage Stamp pulsers. They borrow the gatling gun concept of firing multiple barrels to reduce heat.
In the same way the Stamp can effectively use multiple stages as a force multiplier. For example a 2 stage Stamp pulser works at about double the speed of a single stage. A 3 stage pulser, triple, etc...
Folks that expose their batteries to below freezing temps are advised to use the BS2i series.
For those of you willing to accept the challenge, digital desulfator kits are available with and without the BASIC Stamp. These can get you started into desulfation and give you the platform to develop an analyzer.
The digital desulfators utilize a BASIC Stamp computer (smaller than a stick of gum) to trigger the FET of a desulfator.
They are dirt simple to set the pulse width. Example,
PULSOUT 7, 5 (puts a 50uSec pulse on pin 7)
FOR Y=1 TO 65000:PULSOUT 7, Z:NEXT Y (does it 65000 times at about 2,000 Hz)
Here is a small sampling of the digital I/O commands available in the BASIC Stamp:
L.E.D's can be added to provide status via blink code. Other improvements such as battery analyzing circuitry (and others too numerous to mention here), can be added to make your digital desulfator a very powerful tool.
The addition of a rotary switch and a few dropping resistors enables you to build a digital desulfator that can be voltage selectable from 6, 12, 24, 36, etc. volts.
Here is a schematic for the Stamp pulser.
Here is an app note that will allow for voltage monitoring with the Stamp
Here is a preliminary program to use with the kit.
Stamp pulsers (includes power switch and activity LED)
http://www.parallaxinc.com/
Stamp BS1 (entry level Stamp pulser)
Most folks will want to customize their leads and clips in accordance to the battery types they are working with (Gell Cell, Automotive, L-16, etc....). Be sure to keep your leads as short as possible. I have had great success with 12 gauge, single strand (wire used in your house for 20A circuits). I have also discovered that the negative lead should be soldered directly to the diode lead (do not allow the pulses to have to travel through the printed circuit board traces)
One thing to consider. With a pulser you will be able to get all the flooded cell batts you want.
If you ruthlessly forage for batts that people trade in or throw out you will be able to salvage them and build up a whopping AH capability virtually for free.
Good hunting grounds are salvage yards, battery dealers ($200 L-16's only have a $5 trade in value), boat yards, airports, recycling centers, etc...
I have batteries here worth over $3000 retail that I have not paid a dime for. They are all close to new battery spec now with the TLC they get. These add up to about 12V 2000AH. I lucked out scoring 6 Trojan L-16's. 4 Trojan T-145's and numerous deep discharge batts that are large but unlabeled.
email any questions you may have or your order to,
desulfator@yahoo.com
Payment is to be sent to:
Don Denhardt
39264 Charbeneau
Clinton Township, MI 48036
Payment is acceptable in the forms of:
( PayPal purchasers: You will not fail. Should your kit not operate
when assembled, merely ship it back (insured w/delivery confirmation).
I will troubleshoot, correct, test and ship back for a small fee + parts
cost)
If you can provide your email address, I'll be able to notify you of the status of your order. Sorry, but please do not send a personal check as it adds to the delay in shipment and increases the time I spend in administration. It's a lot easier for you to trudge down to the local drug store/Post Office and get a money order than for me to have to deal with a personal check and makes shipment a lot faster for you.
Have a look at this gallery of dissected batteries, showing their internal anatomy.
I also am able to supply custom aeration systems for large batteries. Here is the BMS manual which covers its operation. Here is a front panel view. Inquire for further details.
Typical comments from kit builders:
WARNING: Only connect these devices after the battery area has been/is
well ventilated. These devices spark when connected. Failure to follow
this precaution may result in the ignition of a hydrogen/oxygen pocket
and result in property damage, severe bodily injury or death.
CAUTION: The circuits depicted on this web site are not FCC approved.
They are only suggested configurations of parts which will work but are
not a finished product. FCC approval can be obtained by providing the
necessary shielding to meet their requirements and application to that
organization. Other government agencies may have a vested interest in a
finished product configuration depending on the area that you live.
