Something like this (from Optimate)
http://www.optimate.co.uk/tm71.htm
Edited to say, this lead will work with your accumate according to the blurb on the page
ATB
Simon
[Edited on 26/2/13 by Simon]
Have just had a battery die on the gtm and am wondering about options for charging during winter months.
Because of access issues (under the spare wheel under the bonnet) sticking a conditioner on it like my accumate isn't very practical.
I think I'd seen that its possible to charge via the 12v socket but that only gives a trickle charge which isn't ideal from what I've
read.
Am I better off making up a remote connection (ie into the glove box) directly from the battery, that allow me to keep it charged and easily remove it
to use the car?
Cheers
Paul
Doesn't the accumate have an extension lead that you can connect to battery (permanently) so you can have a plug in end in a more accessible
place. If not, prob wouldn't be too much trouble to make something that'd work.
Something like this (from Optimate)
http://www.optimate.co.uk/tm71.htm
Edited to say, this lead will work with your accumate according to the blurb on the page
ATB
Simon
[Edited on 26/2/13 by Simon]
If the the cigar lighter socket is wired to a permanent live and the correctly rate wire has been used you should be able to charge at 8 Amps
through it. I would however make sure it is correctly fused.
Where did you get the idea that trickle charging wasn't a good idea if you want a battery to last then you should charge at slowly at a low
current rate.
If you want to do regular maintenance top-up charges then get a proper "Smart" charger.
I should also add you should check the alternator isn't charging at too low or too high a voltage (ie 13.4 to 14.95 volts at 1500 to 3000 rpm headlights on or off) and check the alternator diodes aren't leaking current when the engine is off. The latter can give symptoms appear to be dud battery and is very common on Lucas- Magnetti Mareli A127 as used on 1980s and early 1990's Rovers and Fords.
Trickle charging isn't the perfect solution but it's OK from what I read and from experience. With LA batteries if you keep pumping even a
low current into them they slowly vent off their electrolyte. But it is slowly, and it's better to keep it topped up than let it go flat by far,
so it's the lesser of two evils. The best solution is (Correctly) periodic charges maintaining a charge rate without continuously pushing power
in, which is what most decent battery conditioners do.
A good general source is:
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_the_lead_acid_battery
[Edited on 27/2/13 by coyoteboy]
quote:
Originally posted by Simon
Doesn't the accumate have an extension lead that you can connect to battery (permanently) so you can have a plug in end in a more accessible place.
Check out CTEK
They do great chargers and also offer a comfort panel connector.
quote:
Originally posted by rdodger
Check out CTEK
They do great chargers and also offer a comfort panel connector.