Show all / Hide all

How does FAB Technology work?

FAB technology is a patented process that suppresses sulphation build-up on battery plates, this is a common cause of lead-acid battery failure. Although there is enough reactive material in batteries to last for many years, often they don’t because of sulphation build-up. In the past little could be done, but with First Aid for Batteries that is all changed.

What are the benefits of using FAB Technology?

FAB technology ensures peak battery performance and maximum life. This means: You save money on battery costs by maximizing battery life. You help the environment by not having to discard batteries prematurely.

Will FAB help other electrical components?

By maintaining batteries in peak condition, alternators do not work as hard because batteries accept charge more readily so alternator life is extended.

Healthy batteries start engines easier, so your starter will also last longer.

An added benefit is maximum fuel economy, because maximum spark will be achieved by your vehicle's electrical system.

Will FAB work on Gel-Cell batteries?

First Aid for Batteries works on all lead-acid battery types including: Gel Cell, Antimony, Hybrid, Calcium Plate and Absorbed Glass Mat. (AGM)

Will FAB work with different voltage systems?

Yes, New FAB-MK5 is multi voltage sensing and auto setting, this means that one model can now be used will all DC systems from 6v to 48v. FAB-MK5 can also be installed in series using multiple units to condition large battery banks. For example a 144 volt system can be fitted with 3 units working at 48v or 4 units working at 36v or with 6 units working at 24v. The factors dictating which combination is correct will depend on battery bank capacity, size and physical configuration. Please fill in the contact form for specific advice for your installation.

Does sulphation build-up occur on new batteries?

The rate of sulphation build-up on a battery will vary depending on battery usage and condition. It will occur faster on batteries that are used infrequently but will still affect frequently used vehicles. New batteries may already be sulphated when they are installed on your vehicle, sulphation can occur in new batteries in stock as well as used ones. sulphation build-up begins to occur the moment battery acid is added to a battery, so new batteries on a store shelf can suffer from this build-up.

How much longer will batteries last with FAB?

Service life of batteries varies depending on many different factors. By using Megapulse FAB, the life of your batteries will be maximized. There is enough reactive material in a battery to perform the energy transfer process for many years, but sulphation build-up normally prevents that from happening. By eliminating sulphation build-up, FAB enables batteries to have maximum performance and maximum service life. FAB has been evaluated by CSIRO, Unitech Energy, Volvo Sweden, Scania Sweden and Mercedes Norway. The answer is the same every time, FAB is a cost reducing product.

Can FAB be used on more than one battery at a time?

NewFAB MK5 is designed to work with a battery or a bank of batteries of up to 2000 Ah per FAB unit. For banks above 2000 Ah adding further FAB units in series will increase the rating by 2000 Ah per unit.

Can FAB be moved from battery to battery?

FAB can be moved from battery to battery (minimum 3 months), but we recommend permanent installation. Sulphation build-up happens 24-hours a day from the moment acid is added to the battery. Although you can use the FAB part time, a permanent installation will give maximum result because it eliminates the existing build-up and prevents it from re-occurring.

Is FAB a charger?

No, FAB is a battery maintenance system. It will not recharge a discharged battery.

Will FAB harm vehicle computers or electronics?

FAB has been tested by CSIRO and found to be safe on vehicle computers, ignition systems and electronics.

How does FAB impact the Environment?

FAB will help protect the environment from the hazards of discarded lead-acid batteries by reducing the number of batteries dumped in landfills every year. FAB will also help by reducing the energy required to recycle discarded batteries, the emissions from recycling plants raise the carbon footprint. The damage caused by lead and sulphuric acid leaking from batteries that have been disposed of is alarming. Even small amounts of lead can cause severe damage to animals and humans who ingest it. The most effective way of reducing the number of discarded batteries is to keep them in service longer.

Show all / Hide all

Can FAN be used on AC systems?

No, FAN is only suitable for low voltage DC systems from 6 volt to 48v maximum.

Is FAN waterproof?

Yes, FAN is IP 67 rated therefore ideal for marine environments.

Does power flow in both directions through FAN?

Yes, power will flow through FAN in both directions therefore it can be used with chargers and with appliances such as radios etc. Filtration however is unidirectional and if the filter is connected in reverse, filtration will not take place. If FAN has been accidentally installed in reverse, simply correct the direction and filtration will resume.

where in the DC system is FAN installed?

FAN must be installed close to the battery and between the battery and the appliance experiencing the interference.

What is the current rating of FAN?

FAN is rated at 30A continuous.

Where can I use FAN?

FAN is an Interference filter which can be used in all DC systems from 6v to 48v where interference is experienced on appliances such as radios, depth sounders fish finders, communications equipment, chargers, brake controllers, speed controllers etc.

Show all / Hide all

What are the possible problems with solar panels and how can I prevent them?

Solar panel failure is most often caused by damage to the panel or connections. 

What type of maintenance is required on solar panels?

No maintenance is usually necessary on solar panels other than the face must be kept clean for maximum efficiency.

Can I use equipment directly from solar panels?

Yes. Solar panels will directly power equipment such as fans and pumps as long as the load is accounted for correctly. 

Equipment load that is greater than the output of the solar panel will weaken equipment efficiency, as overcast or cloudy days reduce output. 

Equipment that requires a more stable voltage should be used in conjunction with a battery.

How well do solar panels work in the winter?

Solar panels work on light not heat. With shorter daylight hours in winter, solar panels produce proportionately less power. 

If the modules become covered with dirt or snow, they stop producing power. As soon as you brush the snow off or clean the dirt off,  they resume operation immediately.

How well do solar panels work in cloudy conditions?

A cloudy day provides sufficient diffuse light by which the panel will produce electricity. Optimum electrical production occurs with bright and sunny weather conditions. 

Under a light overcast sky, the modules might produce about half as much as under full sun, ranging down to as little as five to ten percent under a dark overcast day. 

Do solar cells store energy?

No. Solar cells just convert sunlight into an electric current that must be used immediately or stored in batteries for later use.

What is PV conversion efficiency?

PV conversion efficiency is the ratio of the electric power produced by a PV device to the power of the sunlight shining on the device. 

Cell efficiency defines how much energy in sunlight is actually converted into electricity. 

What is a blocking diode?

A blocking diode connects to the cable and prevents the solar panel from discharging the battery in the absence of sunlight.

Do I need the charge controller? Can I just connect the panel directly to my battery?

The purpose of the charge controller is to prevent destruction of your batteries due to over-charging or over-discharging. If you run without the charge controller,  you would have to monitor the voltage on your batteries and connect and disconnect them from the solar panel manually. Over-charged or over-discharged batteries will result in battery failure.

How long has PV been around?

The photovoltaic effect was first recognized by Edmund Bacquerel, in France, in 1839. Scientists made solar cells of selenium in the 1880s. And, modern PV technologies were developed at Bell Labs and RCA Labs in the mid 1950s.

What is "PV"?

PV is short for photovoltaics (photo =light, voltaics = electricity). PV is a semiconductor-based technology used to convert light energy into direct current (dc) electricity, using no moving parts, consuming no conventional fuels, and creating no pollution.

How many mA does the SolarMate provide?

SolarMate 8w can provide 520 mA output. This is sufficient to charge small batteries and charge devices such as ipods or Phones or it is able to keep large batteries in a charged state when left inactive for long periods.