battery

Motormac · #1 11-09-2008, 02:04 PM

I have a question for anyone in this forum that is good with electronics,as I am not!!

I have a couple of sealed lead acid rechargable batteries 12 V 3.6 A/H. And would like to recharge them when needed with a simple 12 V transformer(input 120VAC 60 HZ--output 13.5VDC 500MA). is this OK? and how long should I leave the charger on? thanks for any info Mac

Motormac · #2 11-09-2008, 02:59 PM

I should mention that these batteries are used for the lighting on my M.B.

Creative Engineering · #3 11-09-2008, 04:45 PM

Motormac,

You need to be more specific. There is no such thing as a "simple transformer", that converts AC to DC. 120VAC to 12VAC is a simple transformer.

If you are attempting to use an AC adapter from a radio or other appliance...don't. It will overheat!

Buy a cheap, 2 amp, trickle charger that is made for this application.

Jim

Motormac · #4 11-09-2008, 04:57 PM

Thanks for your reply Jim, it is a transformer from one of those battery boosters that you use to jump start a car, ok so I will not use it and that is why I asked on this forum. Thanks again Mac

comfortableshoes · #5 11-09-2008, 05:40 PM

You can get a duracell brand trickle charger at Target for $20, you can hook it up overnight to charge and it does a good job. I used it on my SLA battery on my MB and its great.

There are 3 connectors that come with it, one to perm hook to a battery, one with traditional charging clamps and... one other than I can't remember what it does. I have the permanent one hooked to my battery. I go out ride and then when done plug it in. Simple and easy.

Creative Engineering · #6 11-09-2008, 05:43 PM

Motormac,

You're welcome!

I like to recycle, re-use, things myself...unfortunately it rarely works out.

Best Regards,
Jim

Saddletramp1200 · #7 11-09-2008, 05:47 PM

Ah C.E. Wally World sells a 29.00 2Amp and it has auto shut off. Better? Harbor Freight has one two. DON'T mess with battries until you know what your doing! They WILL explode. And I mean EXPLODE! Learn more before you do this, (some more). Don't want to see ya' hurt. They give off gases as they charge. Learn More.

Creative Engineering · #8 11-09-2008, 05:56 PM

Saddletramp,

Did I goof on this one?

I guess I should have asked about the battery before recommending a standard 2 Amp trickle charger.

My Lithium polymer batteries for my RC helicopters are very sensitive to charge rates...BOOM...FIRE...ruined!!!

Jim

Motormac · #9 11-09-2008, 06:00 PM

I think that this is what I should get , do you all agree? 12BC0500D-1 Universal 12V 500ma Battery Charger w/clip leads

Saddletramp1200 · #10 11-09-2008, 06:32 PM

Ah, I remember it like yesterday. 3000.00 paint job on a chevelle. 6K in the motor. Just stopped by the auto parts store to say Hi, to my friends and went to pick up my girlfriend, and BOOM! Moved my hood and fender about 1/2 a foot. If the hood would have been up, three people may have died.