Author Topic: Battery Maintenance (Read 1023 times)

Painlesstom · « **Reply #15 on:** July 27, 2019, 07:54:07 PM »

Very true. I've moved away from using a trickle charger since it is possible just to give you a false sense of security enough to land you down river, only to hear that dreaded "click click click..............." I was in my jet jon and fortunately had a little 4 stroke backup outboard. Took an hour and a half to go 5 miles up river, but I didn't have to call anyone or paddle. LOL At least in the Mokai you have the pull start as a backup, so it isn't so much a big deal in that case. Just something to think about when it comes to trusting batteries. Not that trickle chargers are bad, just that batteries do go bad and the charger can mask that just enough to get you stuck.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lScSzZ7_O4" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lScSzZ7_O4</a>

CC-Coder · « **Reply #16 on:** July 27, 2019, 10:45:23 PM »

Quote from: happul3 on July 27, 2019, 07:23:29 PM

Just as Tom stated, it does look exactly like a full charge right after taking battery off trickle charger. However, a completely failed battery might show exactly the same. A much better test is battery under load, but that requires more than a multimeter. Easy alternative is to load your battery moderately for a little while and check voltage afterwards. If the voltage drops below 12.2-12.3 V, the battery will likely need to be replaced.

P.S. I realize that "moderately for a short while" is quite vague, but I'd be happy to help with that if need be.

Thanks. I’d be happy to take you up on your offer, if anything maybe just to learn something new that might save me from paddling a few miles. I better throw my pull start back in my storage and remember to bring my new jump starter too.

happul3 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2019, 12:12:01 AM »

Quote from: CC-Coder on July 27, 2019, 10:45:23 PM

Thanks. I’d be happy to take you up on your offer, if anything maybe just to learn something new that might save me from paddling a few miles. I better throw my pull start back in my storage and remember to bring my new jump starter too.

I'd feel pretty safe with a jump starter onboard. And if you are interested in testing your battery, the simple test is to drain 5-10% of its nominal capacity and check that its voltage is still above 12.5V (which means >75% of capacity). I am guessing the stock Mokai battery is roughly 5 ah capacity, so you'll want to drain 0.25-0.5 Ah. If you have a 12V->USB charger you could simply charge your cell phone. Assuming 3000 mAh phone battery, you'd want 25-50% increase in phone charge.

Painlesstom · « **Reply #18 on:** July 28, 2019, 08:06:41 AM »

Just crank the engine for 30 seconds, that will tell you a lot. An old tired battery won't make it. And the batteries I put in these are 10ah AGM type. Brining your jump starter is always a good idea.

happul3 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 28, 2019, 09:17:21 AM »

Quote from: Painlesstom on July 28, 2019, 08:06:41 AM

Just crank the engine for 30 seconds, that will tell you a lot. An old tired battery won't make it. And the batteries I put in these are 10ah AGM type. Brining your jump starter is always a good idea.

Good test too. Just be sure to disconnect spark plug lead.

Painlesstom · « **Reply #20 on:** July 28, 2019, 06:34:35 PM »

Easier just to pull the safety kill switch key.

happul3 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 29, 2019, 08:54:24 AM »

Quote from: Painlesstom on July 28, 2019, 06:34:35 PM

Easier just to pull the safety kill switch key.

I assumed the kill switch disables starter too. If it does not, that's a very neat way to crank engine without starting.

Painlesstom · « **Reply #22 on:** July 29, 2019, 09:03:42 AM »

Safety kill has nothing to do with the starter, simply grounds the coil like the ignition switch would. You can pull the lanyard key out, or simply hold the button down.

CC-Coder · « **Reply #23 on:** July 29, 2019, 11:34:46 AM »

I’ll give it a try, probably Thursday after I drop anchor and wait for a bite. 👍🏻

CC-Coder · « **Reply #24 on:** August 02, 2019, 06:41:16 PM »

Can I use the multimeter to test a 12V Lithium-ion rechargeable battery? If so, is 20 the correct setting and touch leads to battery adapter leads? Also, what reading would show if battery is fully charged?

Painlesstom · « **Reply #25 on:** August 02, 2019, 07:17:24 PM »

That should be a 3s battery, and at 4.2v per cell you should see 12.6v fully charged. Yes, 20 would be the setting to check DC voltage up to 20 volts.

CC-Coder · « **Reply #26 on:** August 02, 2019, 09:54:06 PM »

Registered a reading of 11.35 after 3-4 hrs of Humminbird use. At the ratio of Mokai outings to battery charges, should last me a full season on one charge...unfortunately! Just kidding, we'll get out there more in the next few months. Very pleased with the outcome of yesterdays trip. Got 3 decent bites, Nocqua battery lasts awhile, no issues with stalling for the 5th time and tons of wildlife views and a gorgeous day.

Author Topic: Battery Maintenance (Read 1023 times)

Painlesstom

Re: Battery Maintenance

CC-Coder

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happul3

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Painlesstom

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happul3

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Painlesstom

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happul3

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Painlesstom

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CC-Coder

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CC-Coder

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Painlesstom

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CC-Coder

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