04-01-2004, 12:38 PM
[cool][blue][size 1]With those little "trickle chargers", it does not hurt to leave the battery hooked up beyond full charge. It only charges at about 1/2 amp per hour...about the same rate as you use the power with the Cuda. So, I usually leave my batteries on about an hour longer than I have been on the water. Then, I put them on the charger for a couple of hours before going out again...especially if it has been a couple of weeks since I recharged them. [/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]I have heard that batteries normally lose their charge at about 1% per day, even while not in use. Plan accordingly. You will get longer life and better performance from your battery if you put it on the charger as soon as you get home, and try to keep it charged up all the time. These are not the "deep cycle" marine batteries on bass boats. They should be kept charged.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]There are several makes of inexpensive battery testers available at building supply or Wally World. Most of them are adjustable to test all ranges of voltages...so they can test your little household batteries as well as your 12 volt tube battery. They are a good investment and help you with the peace of mind thing. Nobody wants to hit the water with a dead or too low battery.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The last two batteries I bought are little 6 amp Panasonic batteries I found on the last day of a gold and prospecting show in Phoenix. Gold hunters use these to power the little recirculating water pumps on their "concentrators". The "last day discount" price I paid was two for $15. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]I have used the one in my craft heavily for over two years. It is light enough I carry it to the water in a side pocket of my vest. It is small enough that it takes no room at all in the big pockets of my Super Fat Cat.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you look around, and find some of the specialty electronics and battery places that are popping up everywhere...for service and supplies for all the battery powered gizmos we use...you can no doubt find some good deals. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Not a bad idea to take an extra battery or two if you go fishing/camping in a remote area. Better than taking in thirty miles of extension cord so that you can recharge your battery between fishing excursions.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][size 1]I have heard that batteries normally lose their charge at about 1% per day, even while not in use. Plan accordingly. You will get longer life and better performance from your battery if you put it on the charger as soon as you get home, and try to keep it charged up all the time. These are not the "deep cycle" marine batteries on bass boats. They should be kept charged.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]There are several makes of inexpensive battery testers available at building supply or Wally World. Most of them are adjustable to test all ranges of voltages...so they can test your little household batteries as well as your 12 volt tube battery. They are a good investment and help you with the peace of mind thing. Nobody wants to hit the water with a dead or too low battery.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The last two batteries I bought are little 6 amp Panasonic batteries I found on the last day of a gold and prospecting show in Phoenix. Gold hunters use these to power the little recirculating water pumps on their "concentrators". The "last day discount" price I paid was two for $15. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]I have used the one in my craft heavily for over two years. It is light enough I carry it to the water in a side pocket of my vest. It is small enough that it takes no room at all in the big pockets of my Super Fat Cat.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you look around, and find some of the specialty electronics and battery places that are popping up everywhere...for service and supplies for all the battery powered gizmos we use...you can no doubt find some good deals. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Not a bad idea to take an extra battery or two if you go fishing/camping in a remote area. Better than taking in thirty miles of extension cord so that you can recharge your battery between fishing excursions.[/size][/#0000ff]
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