charge controller for Ni-Cd batteries

[MartyP in CT]

Hi,
I am new to the forum and solar. I am hoping to put together an inexpensive system for my camp. I have 2 SAFT 125-6 batteries that I got for free. They are 6V/125AH Ni-Cd batteries. Can I use a simple charge controller such as a morningstar SS-10L for example or are these made for lead acid batteries? Somewhere i thought i read that the Ni-Cd batteries require a slightly higher voltage than the lead acid batteries. Would the inexpensive charge controller "shut-off" before full charge for the Ni-Cd?
Thanks,
Marty

[Sunking]

Not compatible.

[Mike90250]

ni-cad takes a completely different charge protocol than lead acid. * I think * - but may be mistaken, that the old Trace C series controllers had a switch or jumper inside, to change from Pb to NiCad. Trace is still sold by Xantrex, the C- series is what to look for and check their manual.

[Sunking]

ni-cad takes a completely different charge protocol than lead acid. * I think * -

You are corect unless you want a trickle charge which cannot be done by solar effectively because TRICKLE means a small current 24 hours x 7 days x 52 weeks.

As you noted there are some older charge controllers that can be programmed dor NiCd or NiMh but charge efficiency is so low, and nickel so expensive there is no demand for them.

[MartyP in CT]

Hi,

The Trace C-12 manual says that it can be used with Ni-Cd. As I suspected, it says Ni-Cd needs 2 additional input volts (16 volts) to charge fully. To do this, the manual says to cut a resistor and adjust a potentiometer on the controller board.

http://www.kyocerasolar.com/pdf/specsheets/c12rev.pdf

page 4-5 if anyone is interested. The trace c-12 looks to be @$100. I might rethink using the free batteries.

Thanks,
Marty

[Sunking]

Marty be careful because if you do not have the right panel wattage sized properly to match the batteries you may never ever get them fully charged. Or if by some chance the panel wattage is way over sized for the battery it can catch fire or explode.

[MartyP in CT]

Hi Sunking, Mike90250,

Thank you for the advice. I think I will abandon the idea of using the Ni-Cd batteries.

Marty