cliftyhanger
|
| posted on 14/6/23 at 05:37 AM |
|
|
recommend me a solar trickle charger
I have a couple of lock up garages where I stash my old cars. And as I have inherited 2, one of which is prewar, I want to rig up a trickle charger to
maintain the batteries
I reckon 3-5w will be plenty.
So are there any chargers I can attach to the garage roof? I am concerned that something too big will overcharge the battery.
Guidance very welcome.
|
|
|
|
|
adithorp
|
| posted on 14/6/23 at 06:41 AM |
|
|
I looked into smart solar charging last year. There's lots available but most rely on day/night to alternate charging. In the end I found
Optimate do a solar unit that, when linked to a solar panel of your choice, monitors battery condition and charges appropriately with both charge and
maintainance modes.
However it's still in its box so can't comment on how well it works in reality.
|
|
|
Mr Whippy
|
| posted on 14/6/23 at 07:15 AM |
|
|
I used a solar panel on the diggers roof to keep the battery charged after the generator packed in, I just selected one that produced about 12v. It
certainly worked apart from when it snowed and I really needed it.
As it's just a trickle charge you'd only need something like 0.5 amps, mine was a quite a bit bigger and the battery water often needed
topped up and the leads and connections were forever corroding. Solar certainly wasn't remotely as controlled as my mains battery maintainer. If
you are going to do it I'd only suggest using a battery that you can top up the water level.
[Edited on 14/6/23 by Mr Whippy]
|
|
|
cliftyhanger
|
| posted on 14/6/23 at 08:12 PM |
|
|
I have found some (approx £10) charge controllers, and 5W solar panels for similar costs.
I will report back.
Meanwhile, I need to prep my spitfire for a jaunt down to Slovenia at teh end of next week. Just a couple of jobs. Rebuild the rear suspension, that
sort of thing.
And Mr Whippy, I am collecting my 1937 Singer saloon next week. Never a dull moment.
|
|
|
gremlin1234
|
| posted on 15/6/23 at 02:13 PM |
|
|
I have an old one from maplin, it is useless,
very similar to these
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterproof-Automotive-Motorcycle-Powersports-Snowmobile/dp/B07DFD3RMS/ref=asc_df_B07DFD3RMS/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=d
f0&hvadid=218093857332&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16045500062708751812&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hv
locint=&hvlocphy=9041106&hvtargid=pla-527738708323&psc=1
|
|
|
