Battery trickle chargers
Submitted by mako magic on Sat, 2010-10-02 11:45
Just wondering whether anyone uses one of those solar battery trickle chargers and what they think of them , haven't used the boat alot lately and sick of finding flat batteries , so was thinking if putting one of these on board just to keep them charged and looked after
iana
Posts: 652
Date Joined: 21/09/09
Where do you store the boat.
If you keep the boat at home, why not consider buying a charger. These new chargers go through charging and reconditioning cycles that reduce lead sulphate crystals forming in the battery, and hence hold a better charge. They also monitor battery temperature. When the battery is charged, maintain a trickle charge. I use a CTEK multi XS 3600, but CTEK also make marine models that nurse-maid dual batteries and also conects to a solar panel. Check out their web site. They are made in Sweden, not China.
Happy Hooker
Posts: 305
Date Joined: 12/11/08
Yep got one and use it (solar trickle) so does a mate.
Keeps charge up and have a regulator on them to stop overcharging. I bought this one . Pretty good for the price. Great if you are on a long trip and dont have access to a power point too and can use it for the 4wd.
http://www.solarcampingaustralia.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=38&products_id=95
Andy Mac
Posts: 4778
Date Joined: 03/02/06
One tip I have
is don;t get the ones that dont have a gizmo in them that stop the charge going the other way.
By that I mean if you run the charger during the day its fine as the current goes into the battery, but I had the misfortune of leaving it connected all day and then all night and the bloody thing drained my batteries. I now use a plug in one and dont trust the solar ones.
Cheers
Andy Mac (Fishwrecked Reeltime Editor & Forum Moderator)
Youngest member of the Fishwrecked Old Farts Club
Mainey
Posts: 177
Date Joined: 17/09/10
Battery charging
If you get a 240v battery charger you will need 240v available near the boat and make ( positively ) sure it will never, ever get wet or moist, even by condensation
A solar panel of minimum 10 Watts will maintain your 12v battery fully charged, it sits in the sun ( obviously ) the battery should not get wet
You can then use the solar panel to charge your 4wd and any 12v battery you have.
The 'gizmo' mentioned by Andy would be a "diode" make sure the solar panel has them fitted, as they stop current drainback at night, all decent quality panels will have them and mention that on their tech specifications, if not mentioned then look at another panel.
Maîneÿ . . .