How long to charge deer feeder battery???

txdiamond17 · Post by **txdiamond17** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 6:41 pm

Well I got a Cuda 240 yesterday for 48 bucks and went to Academy today for a battery. I got the 12V deer feeder battery. After seeing the Cabelas with a charger, I looked for one at Academy and Bingo, I found one. Same little wall charger with alligator clips as Cabelas. 12.99 + 14.99 and I am set up with a FF battery. Problem is, this thing came with no instructions of any kind. How long and often should I charge this thing? I plugged it in when I got home, figure overnight will be a good start.

Mythman · Post by **Mythman** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 9:35 pm

I would agree, over night. If it is one of those little battery chargers that has both 12/6 volt options, overnight will do.

You can use an regular battery charger and the ones with the automatic regulator will quit charging as the battery approaches full charge.

Just because it is small, doesn't mean a reg. batt charger can't be used.

reelfisherman · Post by **reelfisherman** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 3:57 pm

You need to be sure you use a bigger charger on the low amp mode, 2 or less, you could risk trashing the battery and an acid spill.

JimD · Post by **JimD** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 6:10 am

I picked up a Walleyworld light guage cheap that checks the battery charge

though I guess you could check it off a multi meter if you know how.

Sackett · Post by **Sackett** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 9:41 am

disgruntled wrote:You need to be sure you use a bigger charger on the low amp mode, 2 or less, you could risk trashing the battery and an acid spill.

I'll second this advice! If you have a battery charger with multiple Amp charging options, always choose the lesser Amp to charge your "Deer Feeder Batteries". It's actually better to charge your "Auto Battery" with the low-amp selection at a much longer charge time than to "quickly" charge it on the higher Amp settings.... hence the term "Trickle Charge" :wink:

Fla-Fish · Post by **Fla-Fish** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 9:59 am

I second these guys also. I have the Cuda 240 a 12 volt 7amp/Hr alarm system battery and a TRICKLE CHARGER. On the 2amp (lowest setting) it can take 2 days to fully charge a new battery. Then every 3-4 trips works great for me.

I am not responsible for damage to your battery, for your battery catching fire in your garage. (it has happened "Bird") or for you running out of juice in the middle of a fishing trip.

gyoung · Post by **gyoung** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 9:33 pm

Correct, low amp charge or trickle charge... you bought the same one I have 12v 8amp. this is a sealed battery so you don't have to worry about acid leaks (unless you drop it and damage it).

anyway you can also pickup the solar panel in same location at academy which can charge the battery while in use on the water. The panel also has circuits to prevent over charge, note these were designed for deer feeders so thier pretty much no maintanance.

Final word: let me know how you feel about the performance and drain on this 12v 8amp... Mine is dead as a door nail after 8 months and my electric needs are high (I use this beyond just my kayak, but also at the camp site). I will be moving to a higher amp battery from autozone (used for go-carts and lawn mowers; not as big as a car battery.. but somewhere inbetween the 8Amp you bought and the car battery). another downside is it, is not sealed so could be prone to acid leak).

Although the battery acid should not be harmful to the yak (note most battery containers are plastic)... I still have some reservations (but I will go this route anyway).

hope this helps.

oh, costs on the higher amp battery is identical or slightly more than what you paid at Academy. The higher amp battery at autozone ranges from 15-30 bucks.

G

PawPaw · Post by **PawPaw** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 10:43 am

trickle charge is the best for most rechargable batt. look at the amp hours on battery and the charger. 1amp trickle charger 8amp hour battery [fresh battery] about 8hours min. charge the smaller the battery the smaller the charge. the large auto size battery's or deep cycle can take more amps. to charge but as a rule the smaller the better. the larger chargers heat up the battery's and heat is what break's down battery's

txdiamond17 · Post by **txdiamond17** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 12:43 pm

I charged it for about 16 hrs. because I forgot to unplug it the next morning. I used the little wall charger from Academy that just plugs in and has alligator clips. I just found my volt meter, so I will check the voltage and post back.

slippinaround · Post by **slippinaround** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:20 am

Be careful when charging these batteries. Vincent had one catch on fire while charging it. Since I read his thread I never charge mine over night and I don't like to go too far from the area so I can keep an eye on it.

Link to his thread: http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/foru ... ttery+fire

TexasKayakFisherman.com

How long to charge deer feeder battery???

How long to charge deer feeder battery???

Overnight