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solar battery tender

 
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tncean



Joined: 26 Feb 2005
Posts: 1652
Location: Chattanooga, Tn.

PostPosted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 6:01 am    Post subject: solar battery tender Reply with quote

Picked up a unit at Northern Tool for under $20. Has either clamps or cig lighter plug. About 8ft cord between panel and connector. Manufacturer claims will not overcharge. Panel may be used outdoors.

In my case, am using cig lighter plug, with panel placed against interior of rear window. Rear of car faces south, and is under an outdoor canopy.

So far, does okay, even though we had clouds/rain for like 10 straight days here in Chattanooga. Car sat for 2 weeks, cranked well.

Even though I'd tried cranking the car about every week, am only taking it out for a drive sporadically, and was getting a low battery. Battery has been charging right up using a standard battery charger, just got tired of hauling out the extension cord, waiting a few hours, etc.

Perhaps some extension wiring could be spliced in, for remote panel placement?

So, for those of us that don't have easy access to 120v outlet and keep car outdoors, this unit might be useful.

Cheers.... tncean
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dale



Joined: 22 Aug 1999
Posts: 3087
Location: Seattle, WA USA

PostPosted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 5:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here is one at Northern Tool for $42, I don't see one listed for $20.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200578631_200578631
Can you post a link to the one for $20ish?

I have one of these in my garage, but have never used it. It's a VW factory part, my neighbor works at a VW dealer, and they were discontinuing them.

My 325ic hasn't had trouble with the battery running down when sitting for weeks, but our X5 and our old VW Beetle diesel do have that problem.
I think I'll plug it in on the X5 and see if it helps.
In overcast Seattle, it may not make much difference, especially with only 10 hours of light in the winter.

It looks like this one, with a cigarette lighter instead of an OBD2 connector:
http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-New_Beetle--2.0/Tools/View_All/ES1899345/

Dale
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tncean



Joined: 26 Feb 2005
Posts: 1652
Location: Chattanooga, Tn.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 7:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I didn't find it on the Northern Tool site either. I found the unit by googling solar 12v battery tender.

The specs on the one I got is Npower 2.5 w solar 12v battery maintainer. The list is 19.99, but I got it on sale at 16.99. Maybe a phone call to a local store?

From what I gather, a tender, or maintainer, is low wattage, as in under 5 watts, a charger is rated at greater than 10, and requires a regulator of sorts. Manufacturers claim units still produce in low-light, but best in direct sunlight.


There's lots of units available, Home Depot, Radio Shack, etc, prices all over the place, but usually under 40$

Doesn't apply to e30, but will not work with a cig lighter or 12v port that is disabled when key is out.

Hope this helps.

t
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tncean



Joined: 26 Feb 2005
Posts: 1652
Location: Chattanooga, Tn.

PostPosted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 9:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I found the receipt. Item# is 27921. Came right up on Northern Tool site.

t
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dale



Joined: 22 Aug 1999
Posts: 3087
Location: Seattle, WA USA

PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yep, easy to find with the part number. Nice to see one for under $20.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200578629_200578629?isSearch=27921
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