Battery charger

[tomo256]

Hi Guys.
I have just bought a 35 amp absorbed glass mat mobility battery for our series one running one standard real life toys motor, what i need to know is do i need a special battery charger and if so what type, hope you can help.

Martin
PS, its nearly finished, we will post pics soon.

[Anthony]

Hi Martin,
An AGM Absorbed Glass Mat and GEL, or Caravan batteries are deep cycle batteries and benefit from correct charging. They generally are recommended to be used and charged and left on charge when not in use HOWEVER this is only when attached to a suitable charger. If left on a constant trickle charger that did not float / maintain then they can explode. Ask me how I know.

[jimmyybob]

Like anthony said you must use the correct charger dont buy a wet charger for a gel battery or visa versa.

[dale]

Hi Martin,
An AGM Absorbed Glass Mat and GEL, or Caravan batteries are deep cycle batteries and benefit from correct charging. They generally are recommended to be used and charged and left on charge when not in use HOWEVER this is only when attached to a suitable charger. If left on a constant trickle charger that did not float / maintain then they can explode. Ask me how I know.

I have the GEL batteries and charger supplied by Real Life Toys.  After using the Toylander, I put the batteries on charge, but once charged I do not leave the charger on.  However, I do have a timer fitted to the plug socket, so that the charger comes on once a week for 6 hours (Friday eve)  The thinking behind this is that if we want to use the Toylander at the weekend, I know that it's fully charged, and ready to use, and it helps keeps the electric bill down!

My question is, will I reduce the useful life of the batteries if not left constantly on charge/maintain?  Also, whether the once a week charging whether needed or not will reduce the useful life of the batteries?  Would it be better to charge them after use, then disconnect the charger?

[markh15]

Hi Dale,
It is my understanding that 'Gel' filled batteries, are intended for leasure pursuits, in particular caravaning, camping etc., and are designed to be run down to about 20% efficiency, before being re-charged, that's why they are called 'Deep Cycle'.

I would guess therefore, that keeping them on a weekly charge when they have not been dis-charged would shorten their life somewhat.

There is quite a lengthy discussion about batteries and charging information in Gremlin's (Patrick) build posts, titled 'Hi, My Toylander Build' in the Toylander 2 section of the forum, so you might find some of the information you require here.

As these things are quite expensive to replace, I would research the subject further, before it becomes costly!!

Hope this has helped,
Regards,
Mark.

[jimmyybob]

Just to add a pointless fact,gel batteries are also used in factories where food is produced as they cannot obviously have any acid leaks.

[multisync]

Hi Guys
As Mark says these are deep cycle batteries, and as such are designed for charge-discharge cycles, and benefit from being exercised. The ideal situation is to charge: - use til discharged: - charge: - use til discharged and so on.
However it is usually impractical to discharge properly each time before recharging, as we all need to have them fully charged, ready for the next outing. The other problem is that in common with all lead acid batteries, and many other types, they discharge slowly over time when left idle.
The outcome of all this is that you will never be able to deal with them in their ideal situation.
So as a compromise its best to use them to about 75 or 80 % discharge if possible, (rather than charge after a short period of use), then charge fully using a dedicated Gel Battery Charger. I like the idea of a timer to maintain a top up charge before the weekend, but it's imperative to use a charger that will automatically cut off when the battery is fully charged.
One of the worst things that you can do is leave them with long periods of idleness...they need exercise and will benefit from it!!
( I discharge the leisure battery in my camper, occasionally out of season, and as my wife only uses her buggy occasionaly I sometimes discharge that as well, in both cases simply by leaving the lights on).
But it's also detrimental to overcharge, hence the need for an auto cut off charger.
But don't get too hung up about it, just be sensible, don't over discharge and don't over charge, and all will be well.
Sorry to be long winded, hope it all makes sense
best wishes
Walter

[toylander]

Just to add further confusion

Gel cell batteries and Absorbent glass mat batteries are correctly called VRLA batteries, which stands for valve-regulated lead-acid. VRLA is the designation for low-maintenance lead-acid batteries, and just for even more confusion are refered to as "sealed lead acid bateries". They are often confused with some car and leisure batteries that are also termed as sealed. Sealed car and leisure batteries which are found in most caravans are actually of the wet cell type. Sealed batteries are also not really sealed, because if they were there would be the risk of explosion when charged... If you have a sealed car or leisure battery there is the risk of acid spill if the battery is upended or turned over.

A VRLA gell battery has a life expectancy of 4 to 5 years before a noticable drop in its capacity, they do not have the need for constant charging, and can be stored for months with no attention, using them in toy electric cars i would recommend that after use they are re-charged and never stored once they have been dicharged to a flat state. (although it has been known that a totally flat cell has been revived into a useful condition by a low rate charge).

The use of the correct type of charger is essential, as the charge voltage differs from that of a car battery, although nowaday's  suitable electronic chargers are availible that sense the battery and regulate accordingly, and switch to a float charge to prevent damage once charged.

Check your Yellow pages for battery suppliers, it should work out cheaper than anything on ebay and you get a warranty too! They can also reccomend a charger, i bought a small plug in 12V 2 Amp unit for ?10.