Battery charger

[Brad Buchanan]

I have several battery chargers which are fairly new and I have become increasingly agitated using them. Every one of the smaller models has digital controls that either don't work well or do not display the information needed.

I would really like to buy a charger that is simply a transformer/rectifier and an ammeter. My last one bit the dust after about 30 years and I have not been able to find a replacement. I like to know how much amperage the battery is drawing and modify my actions accordingly.

Perhaps I am just behind the times but this is something that annoys me a bit. Thoughts?

 

[Tom R S]

I like the old ones too. Have several.
Did you open your old one up? Could be something simple.

 

[Jim.ME]

Web search ''Manual Battery Charger''. That will at least reduce the number of smart chargers that appear in a ''battery charger'' search.

You don't say what voltage or amperage range you are looking for. If you want a heavy one search ''Commercial Manual Battery Charger''.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

Some of the first generation of smart chargers can be converted to manual by Removing the brains.

Did you know an amprobe will measure the current from a battery charger.
Clamp the meter on just one wire, try it..

Some large chargers on wheels are old school chargers you want. They have just a timer and you can adjust the output manually.

Amazon

Schumacher DSR139 225/50/25/10 Amp 6/12V Manual Wheel Charger, Black
Visit the Schumacher Store
$175.99

About this item
PROFESSIONAL GRADE: Powerful engine starter boasts 225 cranking amps (12V), which packs enough power to start cars, SUVs, trucks, boats, and other large engines
50A 12V AND 25A 6V/12V BOOST MODES: The two boost modes quickly bring deeply discharged batteries back to life
PRECISION CONTROL: A 135-minute timer gives the user complete control over the charging process
WORKS WITH MANY BATTERY TYPES: The DSR139 is compatible with 6V and 12V standard, AGM, gel, and deep-cycle batteries
EASY-TO-READ METER: Visually monitor charging levels with the built-in analog meter
HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION: With a sturdy, built-tough case and heavy-duty clamps, this wheeled battery charger and jump starter will stand up to frequent use; Retractable handle for easy storage
BUILT FOR SHOPS: The DSR139s heavy-duty, front-mounted, 6-guage output cables with a 12-foot total reach are well suited for automotive shop/dealer use

 

[Brad Buchanan]

I did and it was completely shorted out (transformer) and in generally poor condition.

 

[Andy Wickiser]

Search Ebay for ''vintage battery charger 12v'' or similar phrasing.

 

[urbancase]

Here what I been buying to replace some of the old one, still old school. They work good, I get them from my local parts store.

 

[MarkB_MI]

Those old-school chargers will overcharge a battery if left on indefinitely. And, contrary to what you might think, the amount of current the battery is drawing from the charger doesn't tell you much about the charge state of the battery. If you really want to know what's happening, get a digital multimeter and monitor the battery voltage.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

My dewalt charger shows the charge state, voltage and current.

Don't tell, but the thief that stole my dewalt charger returned it and put it in my other pole barn.

I think I have the onset of All-timers.
My Dr told me nothing can be done for All-timers, so go home and forget about it.
This is my old school manual charger that is over 50 years old and rebuilt a few times. The last rebuilt was because of my All-timers getting worse.

This, by far, is the best charger I've ever owned.

 

[MarkB_MI]

> Don't tell, but the thief that stole my dewalt charger returned it and put it in my other pole barn.

Well, George, if you're going to have two pole barns you need to have two of everything you keep in your pole barns.

> I think I have the onset of All-timers.

I doubt it, George. I was told once that if you can't find your car keys, that's normal. But if you can't find your car keys AND you insist that you HAVE your car keys, that's dementia.

> This is my old school manual charger that is over 50 years old and rebuilt a few times. The last rebuilt was because of my All-timers getting worse.

Well, that's quite the contraption. I don't think you need to worry about it being stolen. Does it make coffee, too?

> This, by far, is the best charger I've ever owned.

You just need another one like it for your other pole barn.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

You just need another one like it for your other pole barn.

If I'm a good boy this year, Santa may bring me another dewalt charger.

I do have duplicate tools in each pole barn and a third set in my truck.

After selling my one rental property, I don't need a third set as much as I used to..

 

[Stephen Newell]

I started using a battery maintainer because of the stupid smart charger. If the battery is really drained and you need to charge the battery they won't do it. They will say the battery is sulphated and turns itself off. You put it on a battery maintainer and get the battery mostly charged and the smart charger will work.

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

I still use a Schauer deep cycle battery charger my FIL got years ago. Six and 12 volt settings and it has a timer for up to 12 hours. It's nice because my sheds are a distance away so I don't have to remember to shut it off. I've replaced the charging cord, made it much longer. I just wish I could find clamps better than the hardware store cheapies.

 

[NDIHC]

Associated charges are the automotive industry standard and have been for many years, at least in places I've worked. You pay for quality, but they don't let you down.

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley]

A good Float Charger is best. It is attached when vehicle is at rest/idle to ensure the battery is maintained at optimum capacity so it is ready t go when you are. It will charge the battery when unit detects a drop in charge and automatically shut off when full. You should avoid your standard garage/shop Trickle Charger. Many units do not have an automatic shut-off circuit. If left on it can over charge the battery and boil out the battery fluid which then renders it junk. Know how specific gravity works and how to test with a hydrometer. When a battery sets for a long period, after about a week it will begin to deplete the lead plates and electrolyte. You just can't add more electrolyte - it doesn't work that way. Draining a battery and recharging are the worst thing for battery life. It is also very important to have the proper fan belt tension on the GEN or ALT to ensure a good charging circuit is maintained. Improper belt tension will also affect the water pump and will cause premature damage to the battery and radiator as well. Just connecting a trickle charger every time you need to start your tractor isn't going to do much if battery is weak or dead. Your trusty STARTER/ALT/GEN shop can bench test the battery on their special machine under load. If bad or failing, invest in a good brand unit. Bargain House batteries usually have poor lifespans. Quality brands: INTERSTATE, DEKA, EAST PENN/DURACELL, EXIDE for a few better ones. I've been using INTERSTATE for over 25 years with good success - 8 years and more. It's also important to keep terminals clean and cables in good condition. 6V Cables need to be thick as your thumb, not small diameter ones like on your 12V car or truck.

TESTING BATTERY WITH A HYDROMETER:

FLOAT CHARGER - DELTRAN BATTERY TENDER JR; 6-V:

Tim Daley (MI)

 

[Brad Buchanan]

The grammar police strike again.

 

[Brad Buchanan]

I actually have one similar. I have need of one a bit more portable.

 

[Brad Buchanan]

Looked at their products and the model 9640 looks like just what I would want. Unfortunately I really can't justify $700.00 for this type of item.

 

[NDIHC]

Agreed. Their prices keep them out of reach of the average user. They are more geared toward the auto, truck or ag shops. Even under the harshest of use I have seen them still working fine at 30+ years old.

 

[Jim in rush co]

Mike, I put welding cable and new clamps on my 35-40 yr old Associated, old ones got stiff and were too short. The clamps came from NAPA, they have them in different AMP/Wire sizes.