12V Charger and Power Question !!!

[GPZ1000RX]

The top spec ADT fire alarm charger drops the 27.6V (24V nominal)charge voltage by 0.90V per Deg C above 20C, they do cost about £400 tho!

[CoolHands]

Did you have a motorbike then GPZ ?

quote:

Originally posted by GPZ1000RX

...for my Kawasaki GPZ1000RX battery a few years ago...

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[jozza]

quote:

Originally posted by CoolHands

Did you have a motorbike then GPZ ?

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id="quote">id="quote">I bet you have to get up pretty early in the morning to catch CoolHands out []

[CoolHands]

He He []

[GPZ1000RX]

Maybe I have, maybe I haven't.

Maybe I did, maybe I didn't.

I couldn't possibly comment until you show me the video and the reading on the lazer gun officer.

Really!! I didn't think my old bike could go THAT fast!

[Lucodeath2]

I ran a 7.2v charger from an 85amp leisure battery while on charge and it ******ed the 7.2v charger. Also dont use a cigerette socket while the engine is switched on for some chargers as the input states 12v and the socket can kick out more than 14v.

[ChrisB]

Thought I'd just resurrect this thread as I have just got a new charger with the purchase of some LiPo batteries that is supposed to be able to recycle NiMh packs etc... in fact its a lot more advanced than my old Ripmax delta peak charger []

Only think is the new charger (a Kokam digital JJ) ONLY has 12v input via crocodile clip whatsits.

I need recs for a decent leisure battery that will charge a few 3000mAh packs in the field between charges. Also preferably something that won't give me a hernia every time I try to lift it as well!!!!!

What to folks use? I'd like to get something tomorrow if possible ready for Sunday's Epping Forest meet. Its either that or my fun is over after my 3 packs are used up [xx(].

Cheers,

Chris

[WillyChang]

quote:

Originally posted by ChrisB

What to folks use? I'd like to get something tomorrow if possible ready for Sunday's Epping Forest meet. Its either that or my fun is over after my 3 packs are used up [xx(].

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Going to be driving there? Playing far from your car?

Obvious source is the 12V battery under your bonnet. If its pretty strong you can get 10 charges off it and it'll still be fine.

Just to be safe I'd put a digital voltmeter across it whilst you're charging to monitor the voltage. As soon as it reaches 11.5V it is a good time to start your car and run the engine at a high idle to recharge the battery so you don't get stranded.

[ChrisB]

Yeah, I'll be driving, but to be honest I'm a bit wary of using the car battery in case I goof up and get stranded [8)]. My car is 21 years old, and the battery although of course not original has seen better days.

I need to buy a leisure type battery just for use with my RC pack charger anyway (see the new thread started on that for suggestions).

If I have to I will use the car battery, but I'd rather not.

Cheers,

Chris

[sosidge]

I don't really think there is much to choose between leisure batteries. I've seen them in Camping shops for around £30, and as long as they have a good capacity (work out how many charges you want to get, add up the total capacity, and probably double it to get a realistic figure).

You'll need a 12V lead-acid charger as well for topping the battery up at home.

Don't know if you ever go to Costco, but last time I was there they had Bosch batteries at a very good price.

[ChrisB]

So if I want to get say 10 charges of a 3000mAh (3Ah?) pack then I should be looking at a leisure battery with:

10 x 3 x 2 = 60Ah battery

Does that sound about right. Sounds like the Maplins 38Ah is a bit overpriced at 80 quid then. Anyone know any camping type shops around London that might sell leisure batteries?

Cheers,

Chris

[jozza]

I reckon that a 60AH battery will do you more than 10 charges, probably 15-20 before it gives up. Leisure batteries are meant to be more tolerant of deep discharging than car batteries, but if you run it flat you should top it up with charge as soon as you get home.

[ChrisB]

I ended up getting a nice one from a caravanning place near me in Bromley fo just over 50 quid. Comes with a 2 year guarantee, has a charge indicator built in and is actually an 85Ah battery.

Its pretty much full car battery sized, so weighs a fair bit [8)], but its nice to have the extra capacity should I need it.

Going to be giving it a try today at the meet with jozza and his lads in Epping Forest. Not quite got the hang of the Kokam digital charger yet, but will take along my trusty Ripmax Delta peak too just in case!