Furuno RC-1800F Operator's Manual page 14

1. Set the BATTERY CHARGER switch for MANUAL. Watch the charging current of the
ammeter at the RADIO 24V BATT on the Control Panel. (For a 200AH battery, the charg-
ing current will be around 20A at the start, and will be reduced gradually as charging
proceeds.)
For maintenance free battery, set the BATTERY CHARGER switch for AUTO.
2. Turn the BATTERY CHARGER switch off or set it to AUTO when the charging current
falls below 2A.
Note: If the AC power has failed, the radio battery automatically supplies power to the radio
equipment regardless of BATTERY CHARGER switch position. The battery will not discharge
as long as the AC power is alive.
Care of the lead-acid battery
The lead-acid battery powers distress-related communications equipment when the ship's main
power and emergency power fail, to enable communications in the event of distress. Therefore,
follow the points mentioned below to keep the battery in good working order.
1. Confirming charging
Confirm that the BATTERY CHARGER switch on the Control Panel is set for AUTO. Further,
confirm that the battery voltage meter on the Control Panel reads between 23 V and 27.5 VDC.
2. Checking specific gravity of electrolyte
The specific gravity of electrolyte is normal if it is 1.240 ±0.010 (at 20°C).
WARNING
Keep sparks and lit smoking materials
away from the lead-acid battery. Make sure
the battery room is well ventilated.
The battery emits hydrogen gas which can
cause explosion.
The electrolyte in the lead-acid battery
contains sulfuric acid which can be harm-
ful, particularly to the eyes.
If sulfuric acid contacts eyes, skin or clothing,
flush directly with water. For eyes, contact a
physician. Loss of eyesight can result.
The temperature of the electrolyte in the
lead-acid battery should not exceed 45 C.
The electrolyte can cause explosion if it
becomes too hot.
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