| Author | Message | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 863 Registered: 3-2001 |
Thx Dave.... Tom and HF too.... !!! | ||
| david handa (Davehanda)
Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 344 Registered: 5-2001 |
Bob, I just looked at the Optima site, you are misinterpeting what they stated. They said maximum 1 amp continuous charge....The Battery Tender is not continuous, it stops when the battery reaches full charge, then give a very minor "float" charge of a few milliamps, until the voltage drops enough to require charging again. | ||
| david handa (Davehanda)
Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 343 Registered: 5-2001 |
Bob, I wouldn't sweat it...I used a two amp model on the Optima in my previous 308 (according to the meter, about 1.75 amps) and no problems after a couple years of intermittent use. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 2068 Registered: 9-2001 |
I charged my optima with a trickle and qucik charge 11 amps and no problem | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 532 Registered: 5-2002 |
I don't know why an Optima would be so sensitive that it couldn't take over a 1 amp charge rate. I have charged partially discharged regular Champion car batteries with a 12 volt power supply. I was drawing 6 amps for several hours and nothing blew up. But I wouldn't try charging a dead battery with a larger power supply. First off, you would have to have a 50 amp power supply to satisfy the initial current draw that the dead battery would try to pull. This high current flow would cause the battery to really heat up. That's why chargers are limited in the current flow. I really don't think the Optima would be hurt by an extra 250 milliamps (.25 amp) charge rate that the Tender could supply. But then, I haven't read Optima's reasoning behind their 1 amp maximum rate. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 862 Registered: 3-2001 |
Whooops, just noticed something. I have an Optima battery in my 328 (gell cell???). The Optima site says it can be charged with a maximum 1.0 amp charger. The Battery Tender Plus charges at 1.25 amps. Will the extra 00.25 amps cause any problems to the Optima battery.... cause it to blow up? I'd hate for this to happen, I'd have to report the incident to Horsefly. I'm serious... should I be concerned? | ||
| david handa (Davehanda)
Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 340 Registered: 5-2001 |
Horsefly, I think we could always be preparing for the "what ifs" in life, but the reality is that most people are not going to be pulling the battery in/out of their car with any regularity, thus the Battery Tender makes for a good solution. The are microprocessor controlled, UL listed, and should be relatively safe. I have had one continuiously connected to my Kawasaki Ninja for over two years (except for when I go for a ride, of course) :-) Bike starts up everytime. I connect another Battery Tender to my 328 when I know I will not be driving it for a few weeks (rare for me). YMMV | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 858 Registered: 3-2001 |
VS, of couse I came back from the Home Depot with more stuff than I went for... I always do!  Arlie, thx as always for your input. I actually know a bunch of people who use these things on cars, boats, motorcycles, etc. It has built-in circuitry to know when the battery is fully charged... and goes into a float mode. You should consider getting one for your Ford pick-up truck! http://www.batterytender.com/catalog/Product_Info_BT_Plus.pdf | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 523 Registered: 5-2002 |
I made my own battery tender. I marinated it in steak sauce. I think that I would have some reservations about leaving any electrical device attached to a battery for months on end. There is always the chance that the device or the battery could suffer a failure. The potential for a fire hazard is real enough to make me nervous. How about a better idea? Since the car is obviously going to be stored for several months throughout the winter, why not remove the battery from the car and attach the "tender" to the battery in a location away from the car? Like in a remote corner of the garage or a seperate utility building. That's what I would do. | ||
| VS (Vs1)
Junior Member Username: Vs1 Post Number: 76 Registered: 10-2002 |
Here's another thread on the cover: http://server.ferrarichat.com/~ferrari/ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/112/183267.html?1040153830 Now Bob, the real question is did you get out of Home Depot with only the items you went there for? I can never seem to accomplish that goal | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 857 Registered: 3-2001 |
VS, thx for the pics. I installed the Battery Tender connections during lunch today with only one trip to the Home Depot (remarkable for me). Picked up some connectors, black cable ties and matching black wire. Hopefully, no more battery problems! | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Advanced Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 3153 Registered: 2-2001 |
Hey VS, where'd you get that cover for the 328? It looks pretty nice and my cover is starting to wear out where it holds over the bumper... | ||
| Todd (Tkrefeld)
Junior Member Username: Tkrefeld Post Number: 91 Registered: 11-2001 |
Good thought VS. I just recently put the car away for the winter so have not tried it for extended periods. Have used for a 6 week non-start condition, but never an entire winter(which seems to be an extended one this year)... | ||
| VS (Vs1)
Junior Member Username: Vs1 Post Number: 74 Registered: 10-2002 |
Todd - I have one of the disconnects installed on the negative terminal on my 1969 Corvette. Really depends how long the car will be sitting. That car sits all winter long - so even with the disconnect - I replaced the battery in the spring/summer 2 years in a row before I starting using the trickle charger [but it's a lot easier to get to that battery]. Just my experience - I'm sure being in cold OH has something to do with that as well. My guess is the disconnect would be much more effective for those in warmer climates [not like you and I]. I thought someone had posted before that there is a factory battery disconnect under the front bonnet by the headlamp of the 328? | ||
| Todd (Tkrefeld)
Junior Member Username: Tkrefeld Post Number: 90 Registered: 11-2001 |
Another alternative is a battery disconnect which I have on my Porsche. It hooks to the positive terminal and the battery cable to it. It has a plastic knob on top. You just unscrew the knob and it stops current. Unscrew the knob all the way and take it with you and no-one can steel the car (by drving away that is, or if they happen to have a knob with them...) for a few extra bucks you can get a fuselink which I have which while the knob is disconnected there is just enough fusable power to keep your radio presets, clock ect Ok...These things are about $35 in the stores but can find them all day long on Ebay for $15-$20 depending on what you get. | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 425 Registered: 4-2002 |
In the UK I use an Optimate III, and switch it between the bike and the car about once every couple of weeks (yes they do a multi channel version but its 8 channels! nothing in between). Installation is just a short flying lead to the battery, lives with the car and I have one lives with the bike then plug the maintainer/charger in as required. | ||
| VS (Vs1)
Junior Member Username: Vs1 Post Number: 73 Registered: 10-2002 |
Here's the pictures. Hardwired to the battery - wire-tied to the bar below the battery:  From under the car:  And finally - the nice clean install plugged into the wall [no extension cord required]:  It's a bit akward at first to try and reach the plug to attach the charger - but once you get the hang of it - it's easy. I'm going to pick up a spare connector to be the 'cap' while driving to keep the plug clean - right now I just use a little bit of tape over the plug. | ||
| jake diamond (Rampante)
New member Username: Rampante Post Number: 35 Registered: 4-2002 |
Daniel------ I believe there is a micro-chip in them that monitors everything, and that they are supposed to remain plugged in for long periods of time. Jake | ||
| Daniel B Reese MD (Dbr328gtb)
Junior Member Username: Dbr328gtb Post Number: 131 Registered: 5-2001 |
Back to the topic. My car is fine if it sits for 2 weeks, but any longer I use my tender for 1 day which fully recharges it and one day a week thereafter until I go for a long drive. I would rather not leave it plugged in all the time (too scared something would happen) Is this ok? | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1074 Registered: 8-2002 |
I agree William, I am sorry for bring you into this. I have enjoyed your posts in the past and I still continue to. Please accept my apology and let's move on. | ||
| William Huber (Solipsist)
Member Username: Solipsist Post Number: 524 Registered: 9-2001 |
Great, I'm now dragged into this. "The only guy that ever came to his defense doesn�t even own a Ferrari. Sad but true. (1/24th scale models don�t count)" That hurts Peter, but that just makes me push myself harder for the goal. "14 here praise Eugenio, 1 here for Free Jacket boy, nuff said" Attacking me, Matt? Also, its very interesting also how many non-owners are joining in on this flame war. I joined this forum to learn more about F cars & hopefully own one in the near future. Until then, I�ll just keep working for the goal. Since joining back in 9/2001, I have never seen anything like this get so out of control & just needs to come to end. | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1071 Registered: 8-2002 |
William Check out your buddy. http://server.ferrarichat.com/~ferrari/ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/21/183357.html?1040084671 Like I said. He does not share your views about dropping issues and flame | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1070 Registered: 8-2002 |
William, Your buddy started something he can't finish and put his nose, like you, where is does not belong. So, when you actually get a Ferrari, then we can discuss service, support, parts and the like. Maybe then I can be considered a "true Ferrari Owner" | ||
| William Huber (Solipsist)
Member Username: Solipsist Post Number: 523 Registered: 9-2001 |
Matt, I see your back to personal attacks on F chat members. I guess you can't help your self, you can't find a dog to kick so you go flaming away on a helpful post. What is your malfunction? I don�t see any unkind posts on this tread by JRV, so what the problem? | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Junior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 239 Registered: 8-2002 |
Hey, maybe i could hire myself out as the human battery tender...! i'll drive your car when you're not so as to keep the battery alive...! omg, it's perfect, it's wonderful, it's- it's... GENIUS...! MUAHAH AHA HA HA HA HA...! | ||
| Mike Charness (Mcharness)
Junior Member Username: Mcharness Post Number: 125 Registered: 8-2002 |
Just plug it in via the cigarette lighter socket. That's what I do when the car's in the garage, with a "doubler" so I can also have a meter and see the charge level. See pic below.  | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member Username: Balataboy Post Number: 319 Registered: 4-2001 |
If you need a tender....you're not driving your car enough!!!! | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 854 Registered: 3-2001 |
http://batterytender.com/intro.html | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1065 Registered: 8-2002 |
jrv IS the joke here. Yes, connect it to your battery and it allows the battery to drain and recharge. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Junior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 235 Registered: 8-2002 |
LOL... i see "JRV" will be an on-going joke on here... So what do you do, connect it to your battery when the car's left dormant in the garage...? | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1063 Registered: 8-2002 |
DES, It keeps your battery charged while the car sits for long periods of time. Kinda how booze works on JRV. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Junior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 232 Registered: 8-2002 |
Um... what's a battery tender...? | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1056 Registered: 8-2002 |
Installed JRV...not watched being installed. There is a differance | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 852 Registered: 3-2001 |
VS, pls send me some pics (or post them).... I'd like to hide as much as possible. Where's your plug-in point... through the grill or under the car? THX. | ||
| Jerry W. (Tork1966)
Member Username: Tork1966 Post Number: 335 Registered: 7-2001 |
I have one on my 308 as well....love it. | ||
| JRV (Jrvall)
Member Username: Jrvall Post Number: 402 Registered: 11-2002 |
I've installed quite a few with good results. | ||
| jake diamond (Rampante)
New member Username: Rampante Post Number: 34 Registered: 4-2002 |
I have one that I purchased from Griot's, and use it almost all the time on my Viper. Before that, the battery would die in three weeks. After having to replace the battery (which involves removing the rear wheel !), I bought the battery tender, and have not had a similar problem in three years. Works great. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 2058 Registered: 9-2001 |
most of them have a breaker which cylces on and off when the battery is fully charged | ||
| djmonk (Davem)
Junior Member Username: Davem Post Number: 159 Registered: 1-2002 |
I just bought a battery charger at Sears. Its has 3 diffrent functions jump start, 10 amp charge an a 2 amp trickle charge. My question is this. Is 2 amps too much for a trickle charge function? | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 506 Registered: 11-2001 |
Yes...I have 2 of them, which I rotate between the cars / ride mower / 6-wheeler on a weekly basis -- all of which have connector cords installed on the batteries to make recharging fast and easy (especially on the 308!). | ||
| VS (Vs1)
Junior Member Username: Vs1 Post Number: 70 Registered: 10-2002 |
I have 3 of the Sears variety [fully-automatic 1.5 amp trickle charger]. Hardwired my 328 with the hardwire plug running down along the battery and wire-tied to the chassis below. I'll send you some pics of the install. Very clean look and no wires running down along the body when the car is covered. Some guys like the in the lighter plug method [which my father uses on his F355]. I also use the alligator clamps on the 1969 Corvette and all 3 connection methods work just fine. In fact - all 3 are connected right now. | ||
| Marq J Ruben (Qferrari)
Junior Member Username: Qferrari Post Number: 144 Registered: 2-2002 |
Absolutely! Wonderful product. Although, I don't have the problem from week to week (driving on weekends only) or even if the car sits for 2-3 weeks; only when the car sits over the bad-weather winter months. Then, its a blessing! | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 847 Registered: 3-2001 |
I was encouraged to buy a Battery Tender when I purchased my car 4 years ago... but I never did. I finally got tired of battery problems and just bought one. Most stores sell them for $59 but I got mine off eBay for $39... pretty cheap, really. My car only gets driven every week or two... sometimes less in the winter. And many of my weekend trips only last long enough to get the car up to full oil temp... then it's back in the garage. Those of you who don't drive your car daily, have you invested in one of these things? |