Maplin Solar Battery Charger - Anyone got one?

alt · 18 November 2006, 17:04

I just bought one => http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...rger&doy=18m11

Now, the manual says that the LED will flash when charging is taking place. However, the LED on mine flashes when it's not connected to anything, but as soon as I connect it to a battery the LED goes out. Does anyone know what the story is here? Or have one that the same thing happens to?

codprawn · 18 November 2006, 17:35

I suspect the LED flashes to indicate when there is an excess of voltage present - in other words maybe it will only flash when the battery is fully charged? Often these manuals are totally wrong - transalation from Chingrish doesn't help!!!

alt · 18 November 2006, 18:40

I have come to the conclusion that;

Power generated by the solar charger today (dull day) < Power already in the battery

Hence no charge, hence no flashing LED!

Rodan · 20 November 2006, 13:33

i have one, its great. but light always flashes (perhaps my battery is crap).

richardjawilson · 20 November 2006, 22:49

Alt, Ive just seen your link. Do these work reasonably well??? I have a dual battery setup so when I leave the boat, I switch it to run off 1 battery only, but that battery can drain if I leave it for a while, particularly with the auto bilge pump working overtime in this weather.

Are there any other similar products available which people can recommend for a budget of < £50.00??

regards

alt · 20 November 2006, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by richardjawilson

Alt, Ive just seen your link. Do these work reasonably well??? I have a dual battery setup so when I leave the boat, I switch it to run off 1 battery only, but that battery can drain if I leave it for a while, particularly with the auto bilge pump working overtime in this weather.

Are there any other similar products available which people can recommend for a budget of < £50.00??

regards

Don't have it long enough to comment, but a guy at my boat club has one on his RIB and his battery never went dead, even with an auto bilge pump. Caused a bit of the oul electrolisis (sp?) though

Rodan · 21 November 2006, 15:17

as i said mine is left on all year. boat just been lifted out but has worked all season with auto bilge pump working and been left for long periods with lots of rain, battery always has plenty of power for starting and the opti takes a bit of power to turn. i give it a 10 out of 10 and it was very cheap from maplin. i just remove it before using the boat.

Matal Mickey · 21 November 2006, 17:29

I hope the following information will be of some benifit.
I use this exact charger on a small fuel bowser and boat.

Matal Mickey · 21 November 2006, 17:45

My apologies for the unintended last thread, pushed the button at the wrong time!!!
Regarding this solar panel, I have used one on a fuel bowser to constantly top up a golf cart battery which in turn operates my small 12V electric fuel pump. The fuel bowser dispenses fuel for my boat and other ground equipment. It has been totally successful and after a period of approx 4 years bolted to the top of my bowser is still suppyling excellent service.
I also have a much larger solar panel fitted to my boat at approx 35W output which for a good number of years has been topping up my dual batteries through a regulator, supplying an anchor light and small interior light. I am a great believer in solar power for the correct applications. Don't expect miracles however good efficient service in the correct mode. I hope this is useful.

ian mcconnell · 22 November 2006, 17:01

just ordered one at £9.99, can't go to wrong at that price, will place on top of A-frame, out the way.

Do you think it would be ok to keep it continously connected to battery??

Jizm · 22 November 2006, 17:07

Should be ok as it's just a trickle charger.

alt · 22 November 2006, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by ian mcconnell

just ordered one at £9.99, can't go to wrong at that price, will place on top of A-frame, out the way.

Do you think it would be ok to keep it continously connected to battery??

Careful, someone in the boatclub did this, and lost all the paint on their skeg! Electrolisis or something..... Make sure you disconnect the battery from the engine (Be it switch etc...)

Matal Mickey · 22 November 2006, 19:24

Yes, most certainly leave it connected at all times, no problem. Mine has been continually charging for about 4 years and no hassle. Best of luck and keep charging!

Poly · 22 November 2006, 19:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by alt

Careful, someone in the boatclub did this, and lost all the paint on their skeg! Electrolisis or something..... Make sure you disconnect the battery from the engine (Be it switch etc...)

Maybe I'm being dumb - but why would electrolysis be any more likely with a solar panel attached trickle charging the battery?

alt · 22 November 2006, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Maybe I'm being dumb - but why would electrolysis be any more likely with a solar panel attached trickle charging the battery?

Something about the outboard in the water causing an earth to the water? Possibly an electricity leak somewhere in the outboard causing the earth in the first place... Ah sure I don't even know what im talking about!
I'm not an electricion, could be total bullsh1t, just passing word's I heard elsewhere

MarkM · 23 November 2006, 08:30

There is one on its way to Holland. For that price I'll give it a try.