I'm looking into a trickle charger for a battery or two, I could possibly be after two separate units for different jobs.
Here's what I need:
Currently the primary battery is going flat enough not to turn the engine over after about 7 weeks of not really been used at all (other than the odd move around the yard - no charge time).
I've also got the second battery used for the dual battery system that I think would benefit long term from having a trickle charge. This battery gets some serious use for a week or two at the most then it sits idle, not the best situation I don't think.
I don't know a lot about batteries other than if you drop the voltage below 10.5V you kill them.
I've been looking at these units:
And this one:
Keep your batteries charged, or recharge them after powering lights and appliances the night before. It is an amorphous type panel, capable of supplying current up to 1 amp, suited to a wide range of charging applications, and even powering small 12V appliances. The 3.5 metre lead has a plug on the end, to which you can connect the supplied leads.
These are 300mm leads to alligator clips, a cigarette lighter plug, and eye terminals. A bright blue LED indicates the panel is working, and the strong ABS frame can be bolted down for mounting.
^ Max voltage is the issue here, but I reckon a regulator could sort that out. The last one is this:
Convenient brief case sized solar chargers for keeping a car battery topped up while on holidays or in storage. Three sizes for small, medium and large cars or 4WDs. Each terminates in a cigarette lighter plug or alligator clips.
Specifications
Pmax 7W
Voltage (max) 18V
Current (max) 388mA
Dimensions (closed) 340(L) x 320(W) x 36(H)mm
Dimensions (open) 630(L) x 340(W) x 18(H)mm
I've got an AC delco sealed battery as the secondary battery in the dual battery system, something like one of these:
Ideal for charging sealed lead acid batteries, this 12 volt 4.5 watt solar panel is tough enough to be walked on and can be mounted on a flat surface or on its brackets so it can be moved to follow the sun. Great for use on a yacht or boat or in a car.
Voltage (max): 18V
Current (max): Up to 250mA-
Panel Size: 187 x 255 x 17mmThese
12V (obviously), 82 amp hours. It was the amp hours for the size and price that I went with. There was a "better" battery available but with what I would say was a significantly less amp hour rating.
If you know electronics with the above stuff I'm all ears if it's in laymen's terms! I would also like to know what the best way is to look after the battery when it's not in use.
Cheers
Bennie