dylmrt
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Battery Chargers
I've been thinking about getting the CTEK MXS 5.0 12v/5A charger unit for ~$100.
Anyone had any experiences with the CTEK or any other brands for that matter?
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5SGTE
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/08 19:50:58
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Might seem like an odd question but, what sort of charging are you wanting to do? Bulk charging or more like a maintenance charge?
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robk
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/08 21:01:05
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I have that charger, and so does Tom. It's a great charger, I recommend it for sure!
post edited by robk - 2013/10/08 21:04:11
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Senor_2
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/08 22:29:22
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I've got one as well, +1 for recommendation
A man in Dandism ========================== SW20 Midship Runabout
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darius
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/09 07:34:02
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Agreed, that item does both i think.
Its damn handy when you only drive your car once a month or even less than that.
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Mrskylighter
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/09 07:40:09
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I installed another brand called Battery Fighter which worked well in my old SW20. I had it mounted in the Frunk and connected to the battery full time. Was th same as the ctek ones with 4-5 stages , microprocessor controlled etc http://www.master-instruments.com.au/products/59148/BFP012.html
post edited by Mrskylighter - 2013/10/09 09:13:09
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MR2QIK
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/09 08:20:25
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I have a ctek. Does the job for maintenance charging.
MR2QIK - "The Little Car That Could"  320rwkw @ 19psi (pump fuel, no giggle gas) 11.96 @ 116mph (with 228rwkw)
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Carmikey
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/09 08:56:42
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I'm with Robk & Senor_2.
I too have this charger, +1 for recommendation also.
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Reddtarga
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/09 10:59:55
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I've no idea why, but if you run your battery totally flat, (easy to do if you leave your door ajar for a day or two) some chargers just won't charge them up. With them in that situation you might think the battery is kaput. I have two fairly new modern chargers in that category. One is a 'battery maintenance' type, and the other is a supposedly good brand general use type. I do however have an ancient heavy 40 year old one that will easily bring a totally flat battery right back. I suppose there's probably some simple answer why, because the old charger wouldn't have any fancy electronics.
post edited by Reddtarga - 2013/10/09 11:21:46
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MR2QIK
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/09 11:28:10
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I'm guessing it has to do with being a "deep cycle" charger.
MR2QIK - "The Little Car That Could" 320rwkw @ 19psi (pump fuel, no giggle gas) 11.96 @ 116mph (with 228rwkw)
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dylmrt
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/09 11:55:02
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Yeah, I currently have 3 cars, so its pretty often atleast one of them doesn't get driven for a while, so batteries need charging!
Think I'll order one today then!
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dylmrt
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/09 15:23:15
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Ordered one for $93 delivered. Seems like a good price. Will let you guys know how it goes!
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5SGTE
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/09 21:55:47
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Newer chargers need to sense some voltage or they won't turn on if the battery is below a certain voltage dependant on which charger you have. You can however get a zero volt charger which will charge a flat battery from almost zero volts provided the battery is otherwise in good condition.
I too use a battery fighter as I one drive my car about once every few weeks to a month. These are great as they're around 750ma which is a much healthier way of maintenance charging a battery rather than 6 amp (or whatever) switching between a float and bulk charge all week long.
Best way I can explain is 3 meals a day for a week vs a week's worth of food in a day.
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dennis the menace
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/11 11:20:37
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As a little side track to this thread, I've had the issue of a "dead flat" battery and the high tech charger not seeing it. Solution - use a second battery (actually a 12V power supply), jumper cabled in parallel with the "corpse" momentarily to fool the charger into starting. Once it's charging remove the jumper source.
Past-President, MR2 Owners Club Qld "There is a fine line between hobby and obsession."
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Reddtarga
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Re: Battery Chargers
2013/10/11 13:49:28
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Too bad if you don't have another battery handy lol.
I believe that it is a safety feature for many charger's to need to see a voltage before they will charge.
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