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Message started by MnSpring on 05/24/15 at 15:03:11

Title: Charging Batteries
Post by MnSpring on 05/24/15 at 15:03:11

From the ‘Big Heavy’ things, from many years ago.
To the little, ‘little-light’, “Smart Chargers”, today.

Years ago, it was 50 Amps, on, ’Start’, and you lugged it around,
to give a boost, when it was -20, -30, and started cars.
Of course it did have a 20 amp setting,
but that would fry a little battery in a heart beat today.

I have tried several, ’smart’ chargers.
(Home Depot, ’Tender’, brand, etc.)
They ALL, puked out over a winter,

Found one, that I really like, for a small, light, smart, charger.
From Feet Farm, “Schumacher” Mod SEM-1562A-CA
Cost $11.95 Output, 1.5 amp, (in 12v) and ’smart’, so it will not over charge.
(Made in China, ‘Of Course’)
You may find another one that you like.

Used to take batteries, ‘out’ in the winter.
Now, (just got lazy), I, ’top them off’ in the winter.
2 MC’s, 3 LM’s, 1 boat, 1 tiller.
First day on the month,(in the winter),
put one on, for about 24 hours,
next day, next item, next day, next item, etc.
in two years NEVER had a problem.

Point is, Charging a, SMALL, battery,
’Slow & Low”. MC battery, ’Slow & Low”
1, 1.5, 2 amp MAX. 24 hours ! “Smart”, Charger,
so it does not, ‘over’ charge.

Title: Re: Charging Batteries
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/24/15 at 16:54:08

I have a charger that is just six amp maximum, 32 years old.
Wish it was adjustable, it's just on or off,and probably not okay
for a little battery.l

Title: Re: Charging Batteries
Post by Kris01 on 05/24/15 at 19:52:32

I've always thought "low and slow" was best. Seems like trying to force a fast charge on high would overheat the battery - no matter what size battery.

Title: Re: Charging Batteries
Post by Dave on 05/25/15 at 03:55:02

Fast charging is not good for a battery and will reduce the life of the battery. You should not use more than 2 amps on a small battery, 6 amps are OK for larger batteries, big batteries from tractors and diesel trucks can handle a lot more.

Modern "smart" chargers are great, and it is nice that they can shut off when the battery is charged - but they are not able to charge a battery that is mostly, nearly, close to dead. Once the battery voltage drops below a certain level - the smart charger "and tender" sees that the same as being fully charged for some reason (maybe it reads how much current is being taken), and the smart charger shuts off and will not charge the battery.

It is a good idea to have a tender of some sort and use it occasionally, I never keep mine plugged in continuously even though they can be. I will plug mine in for a few days....then unplug it for a week.

You should also have an "dumb" charger....one that will charge a dead battery. Watch for them at yard sales and flea markets....you can find the small "trickle" chargers that work good for small batteries, and the larger ones work for the batteries in your car.

Title: Re: Charging Batteries
Post by Art Webb on 05/25/15 at 09:16:46

764D4057464A51574C444956250 wrote:

My theory is that below a certain voltage, the charger doesn't detect the battery
it has to measure charge, to know when to turn off, so it has to have parameters for doing so, and I think once a battery gets below a certian point the charger just doesn't 'see' the battery
This is based on my Schumacher
on it, there's a green light for 'okay / charged' and a yellow light for 'discharged'
If you plug it in with no battery attached (i never connect to the battery until I've plugged in) the green light comes on, as though it was hooked to a charged battery
Then when you connect it, the light goes yellow (if the battery needs charge) and as the battery comes up, you have a period where yellow and green are on, then just green
I've gotten mine to charge a 'flat' battery by attaching said battery to another that was low, but not flat, with jumpers
the charger then charged both batteries 8-)