PMEL Forum

Quote from: Hawaii596 on 03-04-2016 -- 14:10:07
I think the rule of thumb is about 5 years in a 732B, or so.  That could go longer for a well kept bettery.  I believe these Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries don't like to be left discharged - which can be their demise.  But if they have been kept in charge, they do better.  I last changed mine in 2012, and think I should be considering changing them out soon. 

What I will have to figure is how I want to handle preventing the IN CAL from going out.

The procedure for changing the battery is in the manual, and it is done while the unit is under power from the AC mains.  IIRC, there are only two screws to lift the charge controller PCB, and the battery is tilted out and disconnected-- then the reverse to replace it.  Anyway, seems pretty easy to do.  I have a couple of new[ish] good lead acid batteries that should just drop right in.  As I understand it, a 732A is quite a PITA when changing batteries, but a 732B is easy-peasy...

Yes, I have a unmber of 732A's.  I ended up damaging some circuitry while changing the battery in one of them.  But, yes, as I recall, the 732B is much easier.