Recharging deep cycle batteries

Does anyone on this forum know whether I can use a Targus universal laptop charger (Model APM62) to charge two Trojan 6v deep cycle batteries (In series for 12v)?  I have this Targus just laying around unused.  It is labeled: "Input: 110-240v; 3A; 50/60hz; Output: 15-24V; 6.5A; 100W max."  

Hi Alden;
Good question!
My first off the cuff answer is no.
However being the rocket scientist that I am... give it a go.
15 volts is fine 24 is getting up there. You probably won't hurt the battery's but the charger might heat up and ???
If it gives you 6.5 amps @ 12 vt great! But then it says 100 watts max ?  I believe that is about 5.5 amps @ 12 vt
Use a multi meter. to monitor voltage getting to the battery's.  Check the transformer for how hot it is getting.
Try it out and let us know!   But be careful ... electricity can hurt.

I suspect if you bought a modern trickle charger for automotive use it would use less electricity , charge your battery's better and not have a chance of melting down.

You could try running it through a pwm type solar charge controller to regulate the power. It's going to be slow though...

Thank you, Thomas and David.  Yes, I know what you mean about the voltage.  I was just wondering what to do with this old Targus thingy.  I do have a motorcycle trickle charger on the batteries that keep them fully charged.  I basically use these batteries only when the lights go out up here in northern Maine, which is often.

Alden Banniettis wrote:Thank you, Thomas and David.  Yes, I know what you mean about the voltage.  I was just wondering what to do with this old Targus thingy.  I do have a motorcycle trickle charger on the batteries that keep them fully charged.  I basically use these batteries only when the lights go out up here in northern Maine, which is often.

Hi,

You could always try.
But only if you are prepared that the adaptor might blow it's fuse/let magic smoke escape ...

Why?
Chances are the batteries want more then 6.5Amp. (constant current charging)
The batteries might look like a short circuit from the adaptor's point of view.
That will overload the adaptor.


Greetings!

Thanks, Steven.  That Targus cost me a pretty penny some years ago.  Trying to figure out what to do with it.

I keep an old laptop power supply around to do electrolysis on rusty tools. You can look it up on Youtube for a good description.

Aren't those Trojans 100+ amp/hour units? I get visions of a male Chihuahua trying it on with a lady Great Dane....  Except I don't think male Chihuahuas come with any  circuit protection... Not even an "Off" switch. <g>


Cheers,
Rufus