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Semi MTM 12-15 vs Deca FL1113D: Seeking Recommendations for 12V Rectifier Purchase

Rojbert 40929 17
Best answers

Which 12V battery charger/rectifier should I buy for automatic charging, long-term maintenance, desulfation, and support for 35–100Ah batteries within a PLN 400–500 budget?

Buy the Ctek MXS 5.0; it is the most strongly recommended option in the thread for automatic 12V battery charging and maintenance, and users say it fits the budget well under PLN 300 [#16860522][#16860534] It is described as meeting the stated requirements and having an IP65 enclosure [#16860522] The manual states that the regular 14.4V program is for maintenance-free wet, Ca/Ca, gel, and many AGM batteries, and the charger also has a Recond mode up to 15.8V for recovery/desulfation [#16862689][#16862715] One user later reported buying the Ctek MXS 5.0 and being positively surprised by it [#17282508] If the battery is already badly sulphated or damaged, though, the thread notes that even a good charger will not make it like new, and a simple transformer rectifier may be enough for occasional recharging [#16863132][#16862847]
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  • #1 16858891
    Rojbert
    Level 14  
    I warmly welcome,
    I am asking for help in making a decision regarding the purchase of a charger for charging aku.
    From many offers I have reviewed, I eliminated the so-called chargers, in my opinion they do not really do their job.
    I searched available offers for the following functions:
    - automatic charging process aku
    - the possibility of leaving the charger for a long time connected to the battery without harming less
    - working out the appropriate electrolyte density / desulfurization
    - device for several years
    - you only need 12V, eye size from 35-100Ah
    Currently, I have two candidates on the eye:
    - Semi MTM 12-15
    - Deca FL1113D
    The anticipated budget is PLN 400- PLN 500
    Of course I am open to any other proposals supported by appropriate arguments.

    Thank you in advance for your help.
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  • #2 16860522
    Piasek80
    Level 31  
    Ctek MXS 5.0 - I do not know a better one and, in addition, a budget of up to PLN 300
    It meets all requirements, and the IP65 housing.
  • #3 16860534
    mariuszp19
    Level 35  
    I also recommend Ctek MXS 5.0. I have been looking for a long time and hesitated, but now I do not regret.
  • #4 16861228
    Rojbert
    Level 14  
    Somehow I'm skeptical about this type of devices, i.e. chargers.
    I am asking for some arguments in favor of this choice, I will add that I currently have a Lidl charger and it does not meet my requirements, i.e. aku quite heavily discharged (start-up problem) and this charger ends the charging process in one hour. In my opinion, something here is not working properly.
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  • #6 16861611
    Wlodek22
    Level 31  
    Rojbert wrote:
    Somehow I'm skeptical about this type of devices, i.e. chargers.
    I am asking for some arguments in favor of this choice, I will add that I currently have a Lidl charger and it does not meet my requirements, i.e. aku quite heavily discharged (start-up problem) and this charger ends the charging process in one hour. In my opinion, something here is not working properly.

    You had to buy in a ladybug :D
    Biedronkowa has Recond and to some extent it would recharge your 15.8V 0.8A battery
    And seriously for the amount you want to spend you can buy two new batteries and it will definitely be the best choice, because the current battery is either very sulphated, until the plates are in bad condition. New battery and current charger used every 1-2 months, how little you drive and you have a problem with your head for the next 3-4 years.
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  • #7 16862633
    Rojbert
    Level 14  
    And does this CTEK also support aku gel and agm? Nowhere else did I read about it that it is recommended for lead acid.
  • #8 16862689
    mariuszp19
    Level 35  
    Buddy, as if you were asking yourself a minimum of effort, you would read in the manual that, of course, Ctek MXS 5.0 supports both AGM and gel batteries (page 5 of the manual).
    Attachments:
    • 857833-an-01-pl-Prostownik_automatyczny_CTEK_MXS_5_0.pdf (300.45 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #9 16862692
    Wlodek22
    Level 31  
    mariuszp19 wrote:
    Buddy, as if you were asking yourself a minimum of effort, you would read in the manual that, of course, Ctek MXS 5.0 supports both AGM and gel batteries (page 5 of the manual).


    The charger has 4 programs
    1 to small aku with a 14.4V limit
    2 to normal aku with 14.4V limit
    3 to normal winter mode with a limit of 14.7V
    4 Recond to 15.8V

    Which of these programs will he safely charge the gel battery?
  • #10 16862715
    mariuszp19
    Level 35  
    Page 3 of the instruction (table):
    "A program for regular batteries
    14.4 V / 5 A
    Used for maintenance-free batteries with wet links,
    Ca / Ca, gel batteries and many AGM batteries. "
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  • #11 16862726
    Wlodek22
    Level 31  
    The GEL battery is not a regular battery and charging it with a final voltage of 14.4V will damage it.
  • #13 16862847
    Jawi_P
    Level 36  
    Wlodek22 wrote:
    The GEL battery is not a regular battery and charging it with a final voltage of 14.4V will damage it.

    It would have to be corrected somewhat.
    Because this is true if the battery works in a buffer mode, but if it is a cyclic job, then Yuasa in his gel batteries gives 14.5V at 20 ° C.
    And -4mV / cell / ° C.
    The inverter chargers are in my opinion ok, but when it comes to the occasional recharging of the battery. If I had a starter battery to recharge more often then I would prefer a rectifier on the transformer.
    But, no charger / charger will make the battery dead start to work like new ;)
  • #14 16862887
    Wlodek22
    Level 31  
    mariuszp19 wrote:
    I recommend the thread:
    https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic942905.html
    and many more on the electrode

    Thank you, but the "specialists" there unfortunately do not distinguish the AGM battery from the GEL battery, so it is difficult to learn something from them.
  • #15 16863068
    Rojbert
    Level 14  
    I am not convinced, on the contrary, after the information I received, I am confused,
    I received info from one of the rectifier manufacturers that the only right purchase is a device with a transformer and a microprocessor
  • #16 16863112
    Wlodek22
    Level 31  
    If you want to charge a maintenance-free Ca / Ca car battery once in a while, you do not need any microprocessors. The simplest transformer rectifier that will recharge the battery with a small current of about 15.5-16V, for PLN 50.
  • #17 16863132
    E8600
    Level 41  




    Personally, I do not trust pulse chargers. I have an old 30 year old Bester who theoretically has only 4 A but due to the fact that he has a fused fuse, he is not terrified of electricity 7-9A. If you have such a budget, send it to check the installation and the alternator and starter in cars because they are largely responsible for the battery's durability. The most expensive charger will not revive an old damaged battery.

    Rojbert wrote:
    I received info from one of the rectifier manufacturers that the only right purchase is a device with a transformer and a microprocessor

    The manufacturer advises transformer because they are the best and the microprocessor, so that you do not burst the batteries tightly closed.
  • #18 17282508
    Rojbert
    Level 14  
    I bought Ctek MXS 5.0 - and I'm positively surprised.
    I would recommend.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around selecting a suitable 12V battery charger, specifically comparing the Semi MTM 12-15 and Deca FL1113D models. The user seeks a charger that supports automatic charging, can remain connected without damaging the battery, and is capable of electrolyte density management and desulfurization. Several participants recommend the Ctek MXS 5.0, highlighting its features such as IP65 housing and compatibility with AGM and gel batteries. Concerns are raised about the effectiveness of various chargers, particularly regarding their ability to handle heavily discharged batteries. Some users suggest that a simple transformer rectifier may suffice for occasional use, while others emphasize the importance of checking the battery's condition and the vehicle's electrical system. The conversation also touches on the limitations of pulse chargers and the necessity of understanding the specific requirements for different battery types.
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FAQ

TL;DR: For 12 V car batteries, users reported best results with CTEK MXS 5.0; one called it “I do not know a better one,” and it fit a PLN 300 budget. Choose correct modes for AGM/GEL and avoid overvoltage. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #16860522]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps drivers pick a safe 12 V charger, set modes correctly, and avoid killing a borderline battery.

Quick Facts

Which 12 V charger should I buy: Semi MTM 12-15, Deca FL1113D, or something else?

In this thread, recommendations converged on CTEK MXS 5.0. The original poster later bought it and reported a positive experience. If your needs match 35–100 Ah, automatic charging, and long-term maintenance, MXS 5.0 fits well. [Elektroda, Rojbert, post #17282508]

Does CTEK MXS 5.0 support AGM and GEL batteries?

Yes. A user quoting the manual noted the regular program (14.4 V/5 A) is used for maintenance‑free wet, Ca/Ca, GEL, and many AGM batteries. Pick the program that matches the chemistry and ambient temperature. [Elektroda, mariuszp19, post #16862715]

Which MXS 5.0 mode should I use for GEL?

Use a voltage near 14.5 V at 20 °C for cyclic use. One expert added a temperature coefficient of −4 mV per cell per °C. "No charger will make the battery dead start to work like new." Avoid Recond on healthy GEL. [Elektroda, Jawi_P, post #16862847]

What does Recond mode do on these chargers?

Recond raises voltage up to about 15.8 V at very low current (~0.8 A) to attempt recovery of heavily sulfated batteries. It is a special routine and should be used selectively, not as daily maintenance. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16861611]

My smart charger stops after an hour on a deeply discharged battery—normal?

Yes. Many smart units terminate early if the battery is badly sulfated or has internal damage. One member suggested your battery was “very sulphated,” so the charger quits. Try a recovery routine or replace the battery if capacity is gone. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16861611]

Do I need a microprocessor charger, or will a transformer rectifier suffice?

For occasional charging of a maintenance‑free Ca/Ca starter battery, a simple transformer rectifier reaching about 15.5–16 V can work. Microprocessor control adds safety and automation but is not strictly required for basic top‑ups. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16863112]

Are pulse (switch‑mode) chargers trustworthy compared to old transformer units?

One user prefers an old transformer unit and warns that the car’s alternator, wiring, and starter often dictate battery life. The advice: verify the vehicle system first; a charger cannot fix a failing battery. [Elektroda, E8600, post #16863132]

How often should I top up a car battery that sees short trips?

If you drive little, connect a charger every 1–2 months to maintain charge and slow sulfation. This simple routine extends service life and reduces winter start issues. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16861611]

Is 14.4 V safe for GEL batteries?

One user argued GEL is not “regular” and 14.4 V would damage it. GEL needs chemistry‑appropriate targets and temperature compensation. Select the correct mode and avoid aggressive routines unless specified. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16862726]

Can any charger restore a dead battery to like‑new performance?

No. As one expert put it, “no charger/charger will make the battery dead start to work like new.” Desulfation can help marginal cases only. Plan for replacement if capacity and cranking fall. [Elektroda, Jawi_P, post #16862847]

What’s the real‑world cost angle: buy a charger or a new battery?

A member noted that the proposed spend could buy two new batteries. That’s an edge case, but it reminds you to weigh charger benefits against outright replacement, especially for severely sulfated units. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16861611]

Is the budget CTEK MXS 5.0 enough for typical 35–100 Ah car batteries?

Yes. It was recommended as meeting the stated requirements and carries an IP65 enclosure. One user said, “I do not know a better one,” within a PLN 300 budget. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #16860522]

How do I pick the right MXS 5.0 program for winter?

Use the winter mode with a 14.7 V limit for cold conditions. It targets higher absorption voltage to offset low temperatures and sustain charge acceptance. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16862692]

What does Ca/Ca mean and how should I charge it?

Ca/Ca refers to calcium‑alloyed lead plates in maintenance‑free starter batteries. A simple transformer rectifier that reaches around 15.5–16 V can recharge them well during occasional maintenance. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16863112]

Any quick steps to safely recover a weak starter battery?

  1. Top up using a normal program; avoid Recond first.
  2. If cranking remains weak, try a single Recond cycle (15.8 V, low current).
  3. If performance does not improve, test and replace the battery. [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16861611]
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