09-16-2003, 01:46 AM
[cool]Hey, bro. For the SLA batteries they do not recommend the same type charges you would use on the acid and lead plate ones...like motorcycle batteries. What you need is a little stepdown transformer wall plug that charges at 500 to 800 milliamps. The ones I use are about a half amp hour (500 milliamps). One of them came with the original SLA battery I got from Cabelas, and can probably be found for under $10. The other one I got at a specialty battery place...and paid more...but it is a good charger.
Check with Radio Shack or any place they sell a lot of batteries for all the modern 12 volt SLA uses. If you go in a battery store anymore, it is amazing all the sizes and shapes.
The rule of thumb I use, for the low wattage Eagle sonar units I use, is to charge them about an hour for each hour on the water. Theoretically, that is about right. They draw 1/2 amp per hour and charge at the same rate. It does not hurt them to forget and leave them on the charger overnight. It is also a good idea to top them off periodically, if you are not using them. They are not designed to be "deep cycle" batteries like the big marine units.
I have a heavy duty battery charger that will charge as low as 2 amps, that I have not plugged in since I began using the SLA batteries about five years ago. Man, it sure is great to be able to just stuff the battery in a back pocket, in any position, and not have to worry about spilling acid. Had a couple of "troublesome" experiences with my first motorcycle batteries. Had to strap them upright in plastic boxes to keep them stable.
That help any?
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Check with Radio Shack or any place they sell a lot of batteries for all the modern 12 volt SLA uses. If you go in a battery store anymore, it is amazing all the sizes and shapes.
The rule of thumb I use, for the low wattage Eagle sonar units I use, is to charge them about an hour for each hour on the water. Theoretically, that is about right. They draw 1/2 amp per hour and charge at the same rate. It does not hurt them to forget and leave them on the charger overnight. It is also a good idea to top them off periodically, if you are not using them. They are not designed to be "deep cycle" batteries like the big marine units.
I have a heavy duty battery charger that will charge as low as 2 amps, that I have not plugged in since I began using the SLA batteries about five years ago. Man, it sure is great to be able to just stuff the battery in a back pocket, in any position, and not have to worry about spilling acid. Had a couple of "troublesome" experiences with my first motorcycle batteries. Had to strap them upright in plastic boxes to keep them stable.
That help any?
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