How long to charge a 12V lown mower battery used for field charging Lipo cells  
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All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> Batteries & Chargers >> How long to charge a 12V lown mower battery used for field charging Lipo cells
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How long to charge a 12V lown mower battery used for fi... - 2/6/2005 1:23:56 AM   
vonkloha


 

Posts: 5
Joined: 10/11/2004
From: , MO, USA
Status: offline 		I have a 12 Volt 140 cranking amp lawn mower battery I use to run my Lipo field charger and run my electric starter at the field. I have a 12 volt car battery charger with a selectible 2 or 6 amp switch I am going to use to charge the field battery with. I would like to know how long I should leave the battery charging on the car battery charge if it is set at 2 amps. I have not had good luck with any type of 12 volt battery. I have to replace them every season. Am I doing something wrong (ie over charging the batteries?)

Thanks
       Post #: 1

RE: How long to charge a 12V lown mower battery used fo... - 2/6/2005 2:34:28 AM   
Flying Geezer



Posts: 1049
Joined: 4/12/2003
From: Bowling Green, KY, USA
Status: offline 		Charge it until it hits about 14.4 volts with the charger connected, if you have a voltmeter. You'll find it a lot easier to use a smart charger, such as the Battery Tender. These chargers won't over-charge, and can be left connected, to keep the battery up. Both of these functions will greatly increase battery life.

You will also be wise, next time you replace your battery, not to get a battery made for starting engines. What you really need is a deep discharge battery such as a marine battery or a gel cell. These batteries are designed to discharge to a lower voltage without damaging your battery. Starter batteries are easily damaged if discharged very much.

I have a 7 Ah gel cell which has been worked hard for 8 years. I attribute the life of this battery to charging with a smart charger.

Hope this helps.

_____________________________

Flying Geezer
Hughes RC

(in reply to vonkloha)
       Post #: 2

RE: How long to charge a 12V lown mower battery used fo... - 2/6/2005 11:49:18 PM   
vonkloha


 

Posts: 5
Joined: 10/11/2004
From: , MO, USA
Status: offline 		Thanks,

I will put a voltmeter on the battery as I charge it. What type of smart charger are you referring to, is it an automotive or hobby product? I just don’t have any luck with the hobby gel cell that have the wall charger. I also did not care to spend a lot of money on a larger deep cycle marine battery. Is it a general rule to charge the 12 volt batteries tell the read 14.4 volts?

Once agine Thanks,

(in reply to vonkloha)
       Post #: 3

RE: How long to charge a 12V lown mower battery used fo... - 2/7/2005 12:24:38 AM   
hankpajari



Posts: 459
Joined: 5/29/2003
From: Granite Bay, CA, USA
Status: offline 		I have a Harbor Freight float charger that works great. Costs about $15.

I managed to drop it and it hit on one of the plug prongs. The prong rotated and broke one of the tiny wires connecting it to the transformer. Cut the case open and resoldered it. Works great again.


_____________________________

Hank
AMA 62359

(in reply to vonkloha)
       Post #: 4

RE: How long to charge a 12V lown mower battery used f... - 2/7/2005 3:32:07 PM   
Rodney



Posts: 4782
Joined: 12/8/2001
From: FL
Status: offline 		Check out www.rcbatteryclinic.com for good info on care and charging of all types of batteries including lead/acid and gell cells.

(in reply to hankpajari)
       Post #: 5

RE: How long to charge a 12V lown mower battery used fo... - 2/8/2005 8:53:27 PM   
drbenz


 

Posts: 135
Joined: 1/23/2005
From: SHARPSBURG, GA, USA
Status: offline 		I use one of those 12volt automotive jump start boxes to power my field box. I have been using it for several years with no problems. It came with a charger which charges it overnight. It has a cigar lighter socket on it that i plug my field box into.
works great for other around the yard jobs too.

(in reply to vonkloha)
       Post #: 6

RE: How long to charge a 12V lown mower battery used fo... - 2/9/2005 10:42:43 AM   
Airdale CPO


 

Posts: 131
Joined: 3/11/2003
From: Broken Arrow, OK, USA
Status: offline 		drbenz,

I had the same set up as you with the 2/6A selectable rate charger. I also had to change the battery each season. It now sits in the garage.

What I did is went to radio shack and purchase a 12V power supply that hooks up to the cigarette lighter. It is a 10A fused power source with a on/off lighted switch ($7). Then purchased banana plugs and soldered them on the power source. What I do is when I am done flying for the day and on my way home (15 minute drive) I have it hooked up and its being charged (topped off) on the way. I would check the battery as I am driving and it never gets hot nor does the power supply or cord.

Once home for the first few times I would check voltage and it would read 12.76/12.70/12.75V after 15 minutes of being hooked up. My battery never drops below 12.4 volts. Which was what the initial charge when purchased. Its like your car battery and it just keeps it topped off and on the ready.

Just remember to not to put the plug into the cigarette receptacle and have to ends touch. I always plug my battery then into the cigarette receptacle. Also don't leave it hooked up for a extended time if your cigarette plug is constantly powered as it can and will overcharge.

_____________________________

"It's not HOW many times you fly to have fun.........It's when you GET to fly, your having fun!" FLY SAFE AND FLY

(in reply to drbenz)
       Post #: 7

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All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> Batteries & Chargers >> How long to charge a 12V lown mower battery used for field charging Lipo cells
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