ive got a new 12v battery for my starter and im wondering when i should charge or discharge it. should i let it go dead and then just charge it or should i discharge it first? its the hobbico jel 7ah(ibelieve) battery.

You don't have to let it run down. You should probably get a decent 12-volt charger though. A good one will shut off when the battery is fully charged. Just check your local motorcycle shops or a car-parts place. Sears or Wal-Mart carries chargers as well.

There is some good info here. http://www.rcbatteryclinic.com/

Click on Lead Acid packs - Care and Feeding

Eric

Never run down a lead acid battery. Get a good automatic charger and you will have no problems. See the Battery Tender at http://www.hughesrc.com/

I would keep it at peak charge. I had a gell cell that lasted 8 months because I would charge it only when dead. I have had my present one for 2.5 years and it gets charged to and from the field by my ciggy lighter.

Right.
Always keep it fully charged. If it's been sitting for more than a couple weeks, throw it on the charger for a few hours.

Oh, and Dave, I just checked that website, and $40 for a basic float charger is a lot. You can find them closer to $25.
Dennis-