If you lay out the cash for a good battery (AGM) don't ruin it with a cheap charger (ask me how I know about this...). Buy a Battery Tender brand or other quality temp sensing, regulated charger. More up front but cheaper in the long run......as with most things.
For your research and reading pleasure, check out this PDF (page 9 in particular) from one of the major battery manufacturers (pretty sure the Westco is a rebadged WP/Deka as are many others). Regarding Absorbed Electrolyte (AGM) type batteries, from the East-Penn PDF (page 9) <http://www.eastpenn-deka.com/assets/base/0139.pdf>; "*Automatic temperature-sensing, voltage-regulated chargers must be used.* Charge voltage must be limited (14.4 to 14.6 volts maximum at 68°F)" On Wed, Dec 9, 2009 at 5:12 PM, Mark Cookson <[email protected]> wrote: > Thanks for the tip on the battery charger and cable. The local > BatteriesPlus is close to the local Harbor Freight so maybe I can get a new > battery and a way to keep from killing it in one shot. > > Sounds like the Optimas are hit or miss. I'll see what BP tries to sell > me... > > Thanks everyone! > > Mark > > > On Wed, Dec 9, 2009 at 3:38 PM, Ross Kuhns <[email protected]> wrote: > >> I don't know the ins/outs of Optima's, but really, just put the thing on >> a float charger; it monitors and only turns itself on when the power drops. >> They're "plug and forget about it". >> I do this with all my motorcycles (expect for the /6 which is at Donni's >> house) and it's so less stressful than trying to remember to put them on a >> bit of a charger each day. >> >> I use the Yuasa, 'cause it has the lights that tell you when it's good >> (green) or charging (yellow led comes one) >> http://www.yuasabatteries.com/chargers.php >> Harbor freight has the ones with just one light for like $6 on sale quite >> often. >> >> I stick the Fused Ring Connector permanently on the battery, then it >> really it just plug and forget. Have it on my miata too. >> http://www.yuasabatteries.com/accessories.php >> >> >> >> Ross Kuhns >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 15:31:28 -0600 >> Subject: NPC: Optima battery question >> From: [email protected] >> To: [email protected] >> >> >> Hi guys, >> >> I'm in need of a new battery. The last one I got died because I basically >> hardly ever drive my Miata anymore (crying shame, I know). Do the Optima's >> last longer while not being charged by occasional driving? Or should I just >> settle for a cheap battery and buy them like they're disposable? >> >> I know I should put the battery on a trickle charger once a month, but >> somehow I'm too lazy to do even that... >> >> Thanks, >> Mark >> >> ------------------------------ >> Windows LiveT Hotmail is faster and more secure than ever. Learn >> more.<http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowslive/hotmail_bl1/hotmail_bl1.aspx?ocid=PID23879::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-ww:WM_IMHM_1:092009> >> > > > _______________________________________________ > Miatapower mailing list > [email protected] > http://list.miatapower.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/miatapower > > -- "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti
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