Batteries - Good news and bad news

mikeody · Veteran Member

Batteries - Good news and bad news

Wombat 280 · Guru

Mate try this site for info on battery charging and various configuration

http://home.iprimus.com.au/rfh/battchargers.html

Gary and Kerry · Guru

Mike,
I use a Ctek multi stage smart charger bought off eBay, supposed to be one of the best around.
The electrician at the caravan place where I had it fitted was amazed at the price I paid.
Have a look at http://cgi.ebay.com.au/CTEK-XS-3600-12V-BATTERY-CHARGER-4X4-CAR-CARAVAN-XS3600_W0QQitemZ180317666348QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCaravan_Parts_Accessories?hash=item180317666348&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

-- Edited by Gary and Kerry at 06:16, 2009-01-07

Smokeydk · Guru

Hi Mike

I use a 120amp/hour battery..yesterday I went to the Home of 12 Volts

http://www.homeof12volt.com/

I'm getting a wiring panel made to be put in my Camper Trailer...in the panel will be a P8 Projecta 10,000mA Battery Charger they say it will do the job just as good as a CTek for what I need...they could have sold me one..

Dave

mikeody · Veteran Member

Hi Guys,
Have just bought a CTEK XS3600 charger - looks good.
My battery is a Powersafe SBS C11 92Ah - valve regulated AGM - but the CTEK instructions on which setting I should use are a little confusing - to me at least !

I will be using it for very occasional 'topping up' where there is no real need to top up quickly. The three choices I have are :

14.4V/0.8A - "for <14Ah batteries" [obviously not for me]
14.4V/3.6A - "for wet batteries, MF and most GEL batteries", and
14.7V/3.6A - "for temps below 5degC, many AGM batteries, but NOT for mtce charging where temp exceeds +5degC - in which case use 14.4V/3.6A".

Although the charger will never be left connected when the battery is fully charged, the ambient temp is almost always over +5degC in WA.
My dilemma seems to be do I use 14.4V/3.6A or 14.7V/3.6A ?
Anyone any thoughts or experience of this ?
Thanks.

dave06 · Guru

mike I think your centre setting is the go, the first is for basically low amp bats, according to the website it can charge camera and camcorder bats and mobile phones on the first setting and the last is to be used in freezing conditions, the centre is a general purpose setting and should see you right

I understood the c-tek is a maintenence/conditioning battery charger and therefore should be able to be left constantly connected, the following is nicked straight off the c-tek website

No need to disconnect the battery terminals
Suitable for all types of 12v lead-acid batteries (inc GEL & AGM)
Charges batteries up to approx 75Ah & conditions larger batteries up to 120Ah
Fully automatic - switches to conditioning mode after initial charge
Can be left connected for months - ideal for occasional-use vehicles
Simple 'plug n play' operation - no settings to make
Compact rugged design - water splash resistant & dust-proof
Dual charging options - small batteries (i.e. motorcycles) & larger batteries (cars)
Special cold mode - charge during cold winter days without problems
Supplied with insulated croc-clip connectors & additional connection lead (M6

mikeody · Veteran Member

Thanks Dave,
Am really trying to keep things as simple as possible.

dave06 · Guru

thats the way, easiest installed, less complicated and the easiest to repair, I've travelled by this motto for what seems like a lifetime

Gary and Kerry · Guru

Mike,
checked the settings on my Ctek when i got home and is set on the middle setting.
As Dave said no need to disconnect.

mikeody · Veteran Member

Thanks everyone - will be using middle setting.
So far all looks good.
Will be doing a 'test' [in my driveway !!] with my Waeco freezer this coming weekend [forecast is 36degrees] so I will let everyone know what happens to the freezer, batteries, and time taklen to recharge.