Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - PC1550 as lead-acid battery charger?

I know this is a really weird question, but I hope somebody can give some comments. :)

I got a new alarm system installed and the installer gave me back my old alarm system (PC1550). I don't want to waste it, so I kept it, and now I got an idea! I need to charge some 12V and 6V sealed lead-acid batteries. Would it be possible to use the PC1550 panel to accomplish this? Do I just connect the AC and let the battery charge? Would I need to do anything else?

Is the battery-charging "smart"? Meaning, does it automatically go into float or trickle charge when the battery is near capacity? I am asking this because I don't see any charging ICs except for the 7805 regulator, a potentiometer, and three TO-92 package transistors.

Hopefully I don't have to throw this away. :) Any comments greatly appreciated. :)

I use our demo system in our shop to recharge batteries that have lost a bit baking in the storage locker in my van, so, I don't see why not.

charge 6 volt batteries though!! Also the charging process might take a while....maybe 3-4 days??? MrRonFL might have a better idea on how long it would take to recharge the batteries.

mrken,

The charger that is in these units will have a float voltage for the type of battery they were designed for.
The ones I'm familiar with have a low amperage charge rate and are mostly designed to maintain a battery rather than bring it back from a near dead condition.
If you have the model of the unit you should be able to find out what the charge rate is.

But, you have it all, so there is no harm in trying it. Just make sure it doesn't overheat if the battery ids adead.

When I do 6v batteries, I always gang them up in series as a 12v pack. For a typical partially depleted battery, the NX-8 demo system brings them up to full charge in about 3 to 6 hours, depending how low. Fully depleted sealed Lead-acid batteries are always a bit of a crap shoot, the odds are about 50-50 that they will come back and keep a charge.

mrken,

If you decide not to use your old PC1550 to charge batteries, please consider selling the PCB to me. Does it work? How much would you want for it?

Thanks,

DanZ