> I don't have access to a bench supply at the moment, but in any case,
> shouldn't the effect of over voltage from either a bench supply or batter=
ies
> be the same?

Potentially.
(Pun noticed).
A reasonable bench supply can be current limited as desired - and
while you don't don't want to connect an above spec voltage regardless
of current drain, it current limiting may provide some protection.

As you said you wanted to be able to terminate charge on low battery
you will need a series pass element (transistor usually) so can limit
maximum output voltage extremely easily. An eg CES2310 FET, anyold
[tm] opamp (say LM358 / LM324) a cheap reference diode (TL431) and a
few resistors will allow an acceptable solution.


          Russell
--=20
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