| Page 1 of 2 | 1 | 2 |
|
|
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. The charger
has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
BetaB4 wrote:
I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. The charger has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? No. Not unless the charger shuts down automatically when the battery is charged, and then, not unless you have tested that feature. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
HK wrote:
BetaB4 wrote: I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. The charger has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? No. Not unless the charger shuts down automatically when the battery is charged, and then, not unless you have tested that feature. Will wonders never cease. Harry actually answered a boating question correctly. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
On May 13, 3:54*pm, jim78565 wrote:
HK wrote: BetaB4 wrote: I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. *The charger has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? *My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. *Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? No. Not unless the charger shuts down automatically when the battery is charged, and then, not unless you have tested that feature. Will wonders never cease. Harry actually answered a boating question correctly. That's because he's seen that answer here before! Mechanical engineer my ass! |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
jim78565 wrote:
HK wrote: BetaB4 wrote: I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. The charger has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? No. Not unless the charger shuts down automatically when the battery is charged, and then, not unless you have tested that feature. Will wonders never cease. Harry actually answered a boating question correctly. Actually, if any of the boating mags run an article about a subject, he can understand the basics. -- Reginald P. Smithers III, Esq. This Newsgroup post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
"BetaB4" wrote in message ... I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. The charger has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? No. Get yourself a 3 stage charger. Bulk, absorption and float modes. They are inexpensive ..... a 10 amp version costs about 30 bucks. It will automatically charge and then maintain the charge as required for as long as your want and will not overcharge, causing water loss. Those old fashioned voltage controlled chargers should be taken off the market. The new types are cheap and work much, much better. Eisboch |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
"BetaB4" wrote in message ... I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. The charger has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? Get an automatic charger that shuts off when the battery is full. I also use a wall timer and set it for 12 hours and remove the "ON" clip and manually turn on the timer and 12 hours later it turns off, preventing the charger from running until you reset it. Before I had the auto timer I cooked a couple of batteries. The Automatic model I have now, does not need the timer. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
"Eisboch" wrote in message ... "BetaB4" wrote in message ... I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. The charger has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? No. Get yourself a 3 stage charger. Bulk, absorption and float modes. They are inexpensive ..... a 10 amp version costs about 30 bucks. It will automatically charge and then maintain the charge as required for as long as your want and will not overcharge, causing water loss. Those old fashioned voltage controlled chargers should be taken off the market. The new types are cheap and work much, much better. Eisboch I should add, however, The only disadvantage I've seen with some of the "smart", 3 stage chargers is that if your battery is really run down some of them will kick off and give you an error code indicating that it cannot charge. This is usually when the battery has been depleted to the point where the voltage is 5 or 6 volts or less. It doesn't mean the battery cannot be recovered, however. In this case, the old fashioned, voltage controlled chargers have a purpose. Charge it for about 1/2 hour to an hour with the old fashioned charger, then switch over to the smart charger. The old fashioned charger will raise the battery potential high enough that the microprocessor controlled smart charger can be .... smart. Eisboch |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
Thank you all. Well, I sure am glad I posted the question. I am now in the
middle of looking online for battery chargers to see what is available, what they cost, where to buy them, etc. Over the next few days, I'll check some auto parts stores to see what hey sell. Obviously, I need a charger that I can leave on and not have to worry about the battery being overcharged. "BetaB4" wrote in message ... I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. The charger has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
On Wed, 13 May 2009 22:35:11 -0400, "BetaB4"
wrote: Thank you all. Well, I sure am glad I posted the question. I am now in the middle of looking online for battery chargers to see what is available, what they cost, where to buy them, etc. Over the next few days, I'll check some auto parts stores to see what hey sell. Obviously, I need a charger that I can leave on and not have to worry about the battery being overcharged. The cheapest solution if you already have a 2 amp charger is to put an automatic timer on it as gfretwell suggested. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
On May 13, 2:24*pm, "BetaB4" wrote:
I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. *The charger has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? *My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. *Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? My question is this. Why do you feel you need a battery charger on the boat? If the charging system is good and there is no electrical draw (leakage) your boat battery should stay up for the whole summer. My daughter has been in college all year and her 2003 Pontiac GrandAm has sat for literally three months at a time, and has always started like new. I have two boats. both are mercruisers with Delco alternators. I pull the batteries out for witer storage and will take them in the house where they stay at a 68 degree (+/-) for the winter. Well, I may take an older one and put it in my tractor to blade snow in the winter, but.... In the spring I put them on a charger for a couple hours then install them in the boats and that's all. when I park the boat[s] I make sure everything is shut off and the batteries stay up all season. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
On Wed, 13 May 2009 21:24:13 -0700 (PDT), Tim
wrote: My question is this. Why do you feel you need a battery charger on the boat? If the charging system is good and there is no electrical draw (leakage) your boat battery should stay up for the whole summer. That's fine for engine starting batteries that never get discharged to any real depth and are otherwise in good condition. "House" batteries and trolling motor batteries rarely see enough run time on the boat to be completely recharged however. Fully recharging them at home or dockside will greatly extend their life as long as they don't get over charged in the process. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
On Wed, 13 May 2009 23:52:55 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote: On Wed, 13 May 2009 22:35:11 -0400, "BetaB4" wrote: Thank you all. Well, I sure am glad I posted the question. I am now in the middle of looking online for battery chargers to see what is available, what they cost, where to buy them, etc. Over the next few days, I'll check some auto parts stores to see what hey sell. Obviously, I need a charger that I can leave on and not have to worry about the battery being overcharged. The cheapest solution if you already have a 2 amp charger is to put an automatic timer on it as gfretwell suggested. Go to the thrift store and get a 50milliamp 12v power supply for a calculator or whatever. One of those cubes that plugs in the wall. In a week, 50ma comes to some 6 AH, not enough to cook the battery. If you add water once a week, it should be all right. It would be better to get a smart charger. Casady |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
"Richard Casady" wrote in message ... On Wed, 13 May 2009 23:52:55 -0400, Wayne.B wrote: On Wed, 13 May 2009 22:35:11 -0400, "BetaB4" wrote: Thank you all. Well, I sure am glad I posted the question. I am now in the middle of looking online for battery chargers to see what is available, what they cost, where to buy them, etc. Over the next few days, I'll check some auto parts stores to see what hey sell. Obviously, I need a charger that I can leave on and not have to worry about the battery being overcharged. The cheapest solution if you already have a 2 amp charger is to put an automatic timer on it as gfretwell suggested. Go to the thrift store and get a 50milliamp 12v power supply for a calculator or whatever. One of those cubes that plugs in the wall. In a week, 50ma comes to some 6 AH, not enough to cook the battery. If you add water once a week, it should be all right. It would be better to get a smart charger. Casady I've had boats and RV's with the old school, voltage controlled chargers and the newer, 3 stage smart chargers. The ferro-resonant type used to keep big boat batteries charged (multiple 8-D's) also have a nasty habit of cooking the batteries if you don't keep a watchful eye on the water. For many years the newer, switching power supply "smart" chargers just weren't big enough (current wise) for this application. But over the past few years the 3 stage smart chargers have been improved and increased in capacity. We have a little 2005 Sprinter based RV built by Pleasure-Way. Pleasure-Way builds RV conversions with an excellent quality reputation and use top shelf components. The "smart" battery charger in it has kept the original 2005 house battery in excellent, like new condition and I've never had to add water to it in 4 years. With the older type chargers, I'd have certainly had to replace the house battery by now. Eisboch |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
On May 14, 12:29*am, Wayne.B wrote:
On Wed, 13 May 2009 21:24:13 -0700 (PDT), Tim wrote: My question is this. Why do you feel you need a battery charger on the boat? *If the charging system is good and there is no electrical draw (leakage) your boat battery should stay up for the whole summer. That's fine for engine starting batteries that never get discharged to any real depth and are otherwise in good condition. * "House" batteries and trolling motor batteries rarely see enough run time on the boat to be completely recharged however. *Fully recharging them at home or dockside will greatly extend their life as long as they don't get over charged in the process. True, Wayne, but well, he's never mentioned the boat type options etc. But what I was seeing in his OP was that he was panning on having a charger on a battery 24/7 because he was afraid he'd get to his boat and the battery would be 'mystically' drained. Well, maybe not "mystically", But giving the impression that there was a natural process that boats needed to have chargers on them at all times. Maybe I'm geting carried away and trying to read way to much betweenthe lines, but I've seen that thought process concerning batteries and baots on here before. either way though, it sure beats the political foolishness. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
Eisboch wrote:
"Richard Casady" wrote in message ... On Wed, 13 May 2009 23:52:55 -0400, Wayne.B wrote: On Wed, 13 May 2009 22:35:11 -0400, "BetaB4" wrote: Thank you all. Well, I sure am glad I posted the question. I am now in the middle of looking online for battery chargers to see what is available, what they cost, where to buy them, etc. Over the next few days, I'll check some auto parts stores to see what hey sell. Obviously, I need a charger that I can leave on and not have to worry about the battery being overcharged. The cheapest solution if you already have a 2 amp charger is to put an automatic timer on it as gfretwell suggested. Go to the thrift store and get a 50milliamp 12v power supply for a calculator or whatever. One of those cubes that plugs in the wall. In a week, 50ma comes to some 6 AH, not enough to cook the battery. If you add water once a week, it should be all right. It would be better to get a smart charger. Casady I've had boats and RV's with the old school, voltage controlled chargers and the newer, 3 stage smart chargers. The ferro-resonant type used to keep big boat batteries charged (multiple 8-D's) also have a nasty habit of cooking the batteries if you don't keep a watchful eye on the water. For many years the newer, switching power supply "smart" chargers just weren't big enough (current wise) for this application. But over the past few years the 3 stage smart chargers have been improved and increased in capacity. We have a little 2005 Sprinter based RV built by Pleasure-Way. Pleasure-Way builds RV conversions with an excellent quality reputation and use top shelf components. The "smart" battery charger in it has kept the original 2005 house battery in excellent, like new condition and I've never had to add water to it in 4 years. With the older type chargers, I'd have certainly had to replace the house battery by now. Eisboch Water usage seems to be a good measure of proper charging. My old camper used almost a quart a month in the 2 golf car batteries. It had a supposedly smart charger that switched modes and when charged it maintained 13.2V BUT and,a Big BUT, every 24 hours it automatically switched to desulfate mode (16V) for an hour. I never replaced the batteries in the 7 years I owned it but I had to be vigilant about checking the water. My new camper Maintains the batteries including the starting battery at 13.2V and I might use a couple of ounces of water. Both units were in converter/chargers. Why don't they design chargers to charge to 14 to 14.5V and maintain that voltage, as car alternators do? |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
Tim wrote:
My question is this. Why do you feel you need a battery charger on the boat? I probably should have explained that I have a 13-foot aluminum boat with a 9.9 HP gas engine and a 12-volt electric motor. I bought the boat about a year ago and I have only used it a few times so far using the electric motor. So, when I take the boat out and use the electric motor, I need to recharge the battery when I get home. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
"BetaB4" wrote in message ... Tim wrote: My question is this. Why do you feel you need a battery charger on the boat? I probably should have explained that I have a 13-foot aluminum boat with a 9.9 HP gas engine and a 12-volt electric motor. I bought the boat about a year ago and I have only used it a few times so far using the electric motor. So, when I take the boat out and use the electric motor, I need to recharge the battery when I get home. I'm in a similar situation. A 15' open aluminum boat with a 25 hp outboard with electric start. I also have a MinnKota electric. When I first got the boat, I seemed to discharge the battery fairly quickly, but the PO warned me that there might be a nick in the wire that travels to the fish finder/depth gague transducer. I slathered liquid electrical tape all over the wire, cleaned & tightened the connections to the battery and all seems well. I do recharge the battery after each trip when I get back home. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
On Wed, 13 May 2009 21:24:13 -0700 (PDT), Tim
wrote: On May 13, 2:24Â*pm, "BetaB4" wrote: I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. Â*The charger has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? Â*My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. Â*Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? My question is this. Why do you feel you need a battery charger on the boat? If the charging system is good and there is no electrical draw (leakage) your boat battery should stay up for the whole summer. My daughter has been in college all year and her 2003 Pontiac GrandAm has sat for literally three months at a time, and has always started like new. I've got a '93 Grand Am and a '90 Corsica with parasitic draws. The Corsica has be started at least every couple weeks to charge up, and the Grand Am is good for at least a month. Not a big enough deal for me to find out what's wrong. --Vic |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
On May 14, 11:54*am, Vic Smith
wrote: On Wed, 13 May 2009 21:24:13 -0700 (PDT), Tim wrote: On May 13, 2:24*pm, "BetaB4" wrote: I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. *The charger has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? *My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. *Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? My question is this. Why do you feel you need a battery charger on the boat? *If the charging system is good and there is no electrical draw (leakage) your boat battery should stay up for the whole summer. My daughter has been in college all year and her 2003 Pontiac GrandAm has sat for literally three months at a time, and has always started like new. I've got a '93 Grand Am and a '90 Corsica with parasitic draws. The Corsica has be started at least every couple weeks to charge up, and the Grand Am is good for at least a month. Not a big enough deal for me to find out what's wrong. --Vic- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Usually, nothing is wrong. Modern cars with computers have a small draw for things like the stereo, electric seat memory, clock, computer, etc. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
|
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
Don White wrote:
I'm in a similar situation. A 15' open aluminum boat with a 25 hp outboard with electric start. I also have a MinnKota electric. When I first got the boat, I seemed to discharge the battery fairly quickly, but the PO warned me that there might be a nick in the wire that travels to the fish finder/depth gague transducer. I slathered liquid electrical tape all over the wire, cleaned & tightened the connections to the battery and all seems well. I do recharge the battery after each trip when I get back home. You should have two batteries, dummy. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
"BetaB4" wrote in message ... Tim wrote: My question is this. Why do you feel you need a battery charger on the boat? I probably should have explained that I have a 13-foot aluminum boat with a 9.9 HP gas engine and a 12-volt electric motor. I bought the boat about a year ago and I have only used it a few times so far using the electric motor. So, when I take the boat out and use the electric motor, I need to recharge the battery when I get home. Just use a cheap timer to charge the battery for 10-12 hours after you return from fishing. The battery sitting unused will not discharge much. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
Calif Bill wrote:
"BetaB4" wrote in message motor. So, when I take the boat out and use the electric motor, I need to recharge the battery when I get home. Just use a cheap timer to charge the battery for 10-12 hours after you return from fishing. The battery sitting unused will not discharge much. About using a timer..., if I use a timer and the timer turns off the power to the battery charger when the time is up, the battery charger will still be set to "ON" and it will still be connected to the battery. Is there any problem with that? Somehow, that seems like the battery charger circuit will still be connected to the battery, and the battery will discharge back through the battery charger. On the other hand, if the battery charger switch is set to "OFF", and the battery charger is left connected to the battery, I assume that the circuit between the battery and the battery charger is disconnected. But, with the timer approach, there is no way to switch the battery charger switch to the "OFF" position at the end of the pre-set elapsed time. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
"BetaB4" wrote in message ... Calif Bill wrote: "BetaB4" wrote in message motor. So, when I take the boat out and use the electric motor, I need to recharge the battery when I get home. Just use a cheap timer to charge the battery for 10-12 hours after you return from fishing. The battery sitting unused will not discharge much. About using a timer..., if I use a timer and the timer turns off the power to the battery charger when the time is up, the battery charger will still be set to "ON" and it will still be connected to the battery. Is there any problem with that? Somehow, that seems like the battery charger circuit will still be connected to the battery, and the battery will discharge back through the battery charger. On the other hand, if the battery charger switch is set to "OFF", and the battery charger is left connected to the battery, I assume that the circuit between the battery and the battery charger is disconnected. But, with the timer approach, there is no way to switch the battery charger switch to the "OFF" position at the end of the pre-set elapsed time. Never saw a problem with the charger I used. I very much doubt any dumb charger has any difference from it being off and no power to the charger. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
Calif Bill wrote:
"BetaB4" wrote in message About using a timer..., if I use a timer and the timer turns off the power to the battery charger when the time is up, the battery charger will still be set to "ON" and it will still be connected to the battery. Is there any problem with that? Never saw a problem with the charger I used. I very much doubt any dumb charger has any difference from it being off and no power to the charger. Now, I'm getting curious, so I tried a Google search on this question. Not too much info so far, but here's what I did: I did a Google search for "leaving an unplugged battery charger connected to battery" (without the quotation marks). One of the results was this: http://www.hydrolynx.com/_manuals/5030.pdf It says, "To remove the battery charger after the charging has been completed, unplug the charger from the power outlet before removing the terminal lugs or connector from the battery. Remove the terminal lugs from the battery terminals immediately. Do not leave a fully charged battery connected to an unplugged battery charger. In some instances, the charger will drain the battery through the power transformer." |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
BetaB4 wrote:
Calif Bill wrote: "BetaB4" wrote in message motor. So, when I take the boat out and use the electric motor, I need to recharge the battery when I get home. Just use a cheap timer to charge the battery for 10-12 hours after you return from fishing. The battery sitting unused will not discharge much. About using a timer..., if I use a timer and the timer turns off the power to the battery charger when the time is up, the battery charger will still be set to "ON" and it will still be connected to the battery. Is there any problem with that? Somehow, that seems like the battery charger circuit will still be connected to the battery, and the battery will discharge back through the battery charger. On the other hand, if the battery charger switch is set to "OFF", and the battery charger is left connected to the battery, I assume that the circuit between the battery and the battery charger is disconnected. But, with the timer approach, there is no way to switch the battery charger switch to the "OFF" position at the end of the pre-set elapsed time. There might be blocking diodes to prevent reverse current flow. Check with the manufacturer or do your own experiment to see what happens. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
On May 15, 1:49*pm, "BetaB4" wrote:
Calif Bill wrote: "BetaB4" wrote in message motor. *So, when I take the boat out and use the electric motor, I need to recharge the battery when I get home. Just use a cheap timer to charge the battery for 10-12 hours after you return from fishing. *The battery sitting unused will not discharge much. About using a timer..., if I use a timer and the timer turns off the power to the battery charger when the time is up, the battery charger will still be set to "ON" and it will still be connected to the battery. *Is there any problem with that? Somehow, that seems like the battery charger circuit will still be connected to the battery, and the battery will discharge back through the battery charger. *On the other hand, if the battery charger switch is set to "OFF", and the battery charger is left connected to the battery, I assume that the circuit between the battery and the battery charger is disconnected. But, with the timer approach, there is no way to switch the battery charger switch to the "OFF" position at the end of the pre-set elapsed time. Actually, your battery charger has diodes in it (one way electrical valves) that allow the current to flow to the battery but not back to the charger. you shouldnt have any problem there. |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
On May 15, 3:42*pm, "BetaB4" wrote:
Calif Bill wrote: "BetaB4" wrote in message About using a timer..., if I use a timer and the timer turns off the power to the battery charger when the time is up, the battery charger will still be set to "ON" and it will still be connected to the battery. *Is there any problem with that? Never saw a problem with the charger I used. *I very much doubt any dumb charger has any difference from it being off and no power to the charger. Now, I'm getting curious, so I tried a Google search on this question. *Not too much info so far, but here's what I did: I did a Google search for "leaving an unplugged battery charger connected to battery" (without the quotation marks). *One of the results was this: http://www.hydrolynx.com/_manuals/5030.pdf It says, "To remove the battery charger after the charging has been completed, unplug the charger from the power outlet before removing the terminal lugs or connector from the battery. Remove the terminal lugs from the battery terminals immediately. Do not leave a fully charged battery connected to an unplugged battery charger. In some instances, the charger will drain the battery through the power transformer." That's the key right the "In *SOME* instances, the charger will drain the battery through the power transformer." |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
Thanks all.
Based on what everyone wrote, I've been looking for an "automatic" battery charger. I checked Harbor Freight and one person suggested. Here's the instruction manual for one Harbor Freight battery charger: http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals...6999/66783.pdf On Pages 8 and 9 of the manual, it talks about not leaving the charger on and the possibility of the battery overheating with the charger on. So, I'm a little confused. Does the automatic shutoff actually work or not? "BetaB4" wrote in message ... I have a battery charger for charging the 12-volt boat battery. The charger has two settings -- 2 amps or 6 amps. My question is, if I have the charger set at 2 amps, how long is it okay for me to leave the charger on? My boat is in a garage at a location that I usually only get to about once a week or so. Is it okay if the charger is left on at the 2-amp setting for say, a week? |
Charging the battery -- how long is okay?
Gene wrote:
Cutting to the chase.... it *should*, no, rather, it MUST. Harbor Freight sells cheap crap made overseas. Put some money into this thing and do it right. A charger should charge at a minimum of three rates: 1) Bulk Phase - maybe at 40-80 amps until the battery is charged to about 75% of full charge. 2) Acceptance Phase - battery voltage is maintained at 14.4V and the amperage is reduced. That should charge the remaining 25% of the battery. 3) Float Phase - (and this directly addresses your question) voltage is reduced to 13.3V. This will maintain the battery without boiling off the electrolyte. The best chargers employ an equalization phase. Here is some worthwhile reading material: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...ryCharging.htm http://www.batteryuniversity.com/ Thanks. That's all good information. Now the question is where to find the right kind of charger. So far, when I look at what is for sale in stores, the information is cryptic. I can't quite tell what it means -- just like the Harbor Freight battery manual is vague about how it works, whether it will shut off, etc. I know this can't be all that complicated to figure out. I guess I'll just keep shopping until I see what looks right. |
Gene: Battery Clips?
Gene -
Any ideas where I can find a pair of *quality* battery clips to attach to my existing battery charger? Probably 12 gauge wire to the charger, need oversized clips to attach to the battery lugs. I've about exhausted the hardware/electrical outlets in this area. Thanks...hk |
Gene: Battery Clips?
On May 23, 12:38*pm, HK wrote:
Gene - Any ideas where I can find a pair of *quality* battery clips to attach to my existing battery charger? Probably 12 gauge wire to the charger, need oversized clips to attach to the battery lugs. I've about exhausted the hardware/electrical outlets in this area. Thanks...hk You're kidding, right? You really can't find them??????? |
Gene: Battery Clips?
HK wrote:
Gene - Any ideas where I can find a pair of *quality* battery clips to attach to my existing battery charger? Probably 12 gauge wire to the charger, need oversized clips to attach to the battery lugs. I've about exhausted the hardware/electrical outlets in this area. Thanks...hk Here are a few places that sell them: http://tinyurl.com/battclips -- Reginald P. Smithers III, Esq. This Newsgroup post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects |
Gene: Battery Clips?
Gene wrote:
On Sat, 23 May 2009 12:38:05 -0400, HK wrote: Gene - Any ideas where I can find a pair of *quality* battery clips to attach to my existing battery charger? Probably 12 gauge wire to the charger, need oversized clips to attach to the battery lugs. I've about exhausted the hardware/electrical outlets in this area. Thanks...hk Here's a start: http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts-kws...tor-heavy-duty 12ga on the battery side? What is WAFA trying to charge? If he *USED* his boat, this wouldn't be an issue. |
Gene: Battery Clips?
Gene wrote:
On Sat, 23 May 2009 18:54:09 -0400, D K wrote: Gene wrote: On Sat, 23 May 2009 12:38:05 -0400, HK wrote: Gene - Any ideas where I can find a pair of *quality* battery clips to attach to my existing battery charger? Probably 12 gauge wire to the charger, need oversized clips to attach to the battery lugs. I've about exhausted the hardware/electrical outlets in this area. Thanks...hk Here's a start: http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts-kws...tor-heavy-duty 12ga on the battery side? 12 ga. at 10 feet is only good for about 15A.... Well, I haven't measured the existing leads off the charger...but I will when I find a decent supplier of clips. The leads are 6' long, though. |
Gene: Battery Clips?
Gene wrote:
On Sat, 23 May 2009 19:47:09 -0400, HK wrote: Gene wrote: On Sat, 23 May 2009 18:54:09 -0400, D K wrote: Gene wrote: On Sat, 23 May 2009 12:38:05 -0400, HK wrote: Gene - Any ideas where I can find a pair of *quality* battery clips to attach to my existing battery charger? Probably 12 gauge wire to the charger, need oversized clips to attach to the battery lugs. I've about exhausted the hardware/electrical outlets in this area. Thanks...hk Here's a start: http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts-kws...tor-heavy-duty 12ga on the battery side? 12 ga. at 10 feet is only good for about 15A.... Well, I haven't measured the existing leads off the charger...but I will when I find a decent supplier of clips. The leads are 6' long, though. You may be stuck with somewhere like Mouser or Digi-Key. Maybe Newark would have it, there is one in Hanover..... I don't care for this design, but they're closer to you than Hanover... http://tinyurl.com/pge9co Yeah, I had a pair of those West Marine clips on my last charger. I wasn't that impressed with them. The local chain auto supply stores sell low-priced Chinese crapola. |
Gene: Battery Clips?
On Sat, 23 May 2009 20:05:16 -0400, HK wrote:
Gene wrote: On Sat, 23 May 2009 19:47:09 -0400, HK wrote: Gene wrote: On Sat, 23 May 2009 18:54:09 -0400, D K wrote: Gene wrote: On Sat, 23 May 2009 12:38:05 -0400, HK wrote: Gene - Any ideas where I can find a pair of *quality* battery clips to attach to my existing battery charger? Probably 12 gauge wire to the charger, need oversized clips to attach to the battery lugs. I've about exhausted the hardware/electrical outlets in this area. Thanks...hk Here's a start: http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts-kws...tor-heavy-duty 12ga on the battery side? 12 ga. at 10 feet is only good for about 15A.... Well, I haven't measured the existing leads off the charger...but I will when I find a decent supplier of clips. The leads are 6' long, though. You may be stuck with somewhere like Mouser or Digi-Key. Maybe Newark would have it, there is one in Hanover..... I don't care for this design, but they're closer to you than Hanover... http://tinyurl.com/pge9co Yeah, I had a pair of those West Marine clips on my last charger. I wasn't that impressed with them. The local chain auto supply stores sell low-priced Chinese crapola. Never paid much attention to charger clips. They all seem to work fine with a wiggle. Light wire. Jumper cable clips are the ones I pay attention to. Seen a lot of guys think they had a connection when they didn't. Listening to the alt on the running vehicle tells the tale. Same with the chargers I've used. Go by the needles and hum. Might try ****ing on it as a final test. Reminds me of the time me and 3 mates stood on the bumper and ****ed on the generator in my '61 Pontiac to put out the fire. Virginia Beach. --Vic |
Gene: Battery Clips?
Vic Smith wrote:
On Sat, 23 May 2009 20:05:16 -0400, HK wrote: Gene wrote: On Sat, 23 May 2009 19:47:09 -0400, HK wrote: Gene wrote: On Sat, 23 May 2009 18:54:09 -0400, D K wrote: Gene wrote: On Sat, 23 May 2009 12:38:05 -0400, HK wrote: Gene - Any ideas where I can find a pair of *quality* battery clips to attach to my existing battery charger? Probably 12 gauge wire to the charger, need oversized clips to attach to the battery lugs. I've about exhausted the hardware/electrical outlets in this area. Thanks...hk Here's a start: http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts-kws...tor-heavy-duty 12ga on the battery side? 12 ga. at 10 feet is only good for about 15A.... Well, I haven't measured the existing leads off the charger...but I will when I find a decent supplier of clips. The leads are 6' long, though. You may be stuck with somewhere like Mouser or Digi-Key. Maybe Newark would have it, there is one in Hanover..... I don't care for this design, but they're closer to you than Hanover... http://tinyurl.com/pge9co Yeah, I had a pair of those West Marine clips on my last charger. I wasn't that impressed with them. The local chain auto supply stores sell low-priced Chinese crapola. Never paid much attention to charger clips. They all seem to work fine with a wiggle. Light wire. Jumper cable clips are the ones I pay attention to. Seen a lot of guys think they had a connection when they didn't. Listening to the alt on the running vehicle tells the tale. Same with the chargers I've used. Go by the needles and hum. Might try ****ing on it as a final test. Reminds me of the time me and 3 mates stood on the bumper and ****ed on the generator in my '61 Pontiac to put out the fire. Virginia Beach. --Vic Now that is a video that would be worth owning! |
Gene: Battery Clips?
Gene wrote:
On Sat, 23 May 2009 18:54:09 -0400, D K wrote: Gene wrote: On Sat, 23 May 2009 12:38:05 -0400, HK wrote: Gene - Any ideas where I can find a pair of *quality* battery clips to attach to my existing battery charger? Probably 12 gauge wire to the charger, need oversized clips to attach to the battery lugs. I've about exhausted the hardware/electrical outlets in this area. Thanks...hk Here's a start: http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts-kws...tor-heavy-duty 12ga on the battery side? 12 ga. at 10 feet is only good for about 15A.... The extension cord manufacturers show different results... http://colemancable.com/CatalogProdu...ProductsID=156 |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:39 AM. |
|
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004 - 2014 BoatBanter.com