Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Mr Skrunts on 08 April 2009, 09:35:12

Title: Battery Charging - Maplins
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 08 April 2009, 09:35:12
1st of all, not sure if this should be general chat or electrical.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=217850&C=Newsletter&U=09P04-6&T=-10967729

Whats the pluses and minuses of these.  and what output would actually be requiered for an Elite.
Title: Re: Battery Charging - Maplins
Post by: Kevin Wood on 08 April 2009, 09:56:41
Quote
Requires only daylight (not direct sunlight)

Ignore that for a start. It will need bright sunlight before it does anything at all.

My view is that it will take a long time for a mains powered trickle charger / battery conditioner to use £39.99's worth of electricity. :-X

Kevin
Title: Re: Battery Charging - Maplins
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 08 April 2009, 10:28:26
They seem ok for keeping a good battery topped up if the car is not used......can be got cheaper than Maplins though!
Title: Re: Battery Charging - Maplins
Post by: zirk on 08 April 2009, 12:49:54
I bought a couple of those from Maps when they where on offer at £12 each (think mine were 35w). Total waste of time in this Country we dont have the right Sun.

Wouldn't keep my Car topped while away for 2 weeks.  >:(
Title: Re: Battery Charging - Maplins
Post by: Kevin Wood on 08 April 2009, 13:05:47
Also beware that the type that plug into the cigar lighter are as much use as a choccy teapot on the majority of cars because the socket is isolated with the ignition off, or after the accessory timer expires.

You need to find a way of wiring them across the battery or to a permanently live circuit, remembering to protect any wiring with an appropriately rated fuse as close to the battery as practical.

Kevin
Title: Re: Battery Charging - Maplins
Post by: smoothomega on 08 April 2009, 13:08:16
Quote
I bought a couple of those from Maps when they where on offer at £12 each (think mine were 35w). Total waste of time in this Country we dont have the right Sun.

Wouldn't keep my Car topped while away for 2 weeks.  >:(

I would think your battery was about on its last legs if it wouldnt keep its charge for two weeks without use, i left mine for well over six weeks while working away and the omega started first turn of the key  :y
Title: Re: Battery Charging - Maplins
Post by: ians on 08 April 2009, 14:27:37
I bought my Dad one of the 12 quid ones as an experiment.
He's been using it to keep one of his cars topped up for about a year successfully.
I'm not sure what the extra 27 quid buys you.