Battery Charging

[martinmullen]

I have a solar trickle charger which plugs into the main switchl panel of the boat. By turning the battery switch to the relevant position I have the option of charging battery 1, 2 or both.
Whilst this seems a sensible option, it does obviously mean that I have to leave the electrics switched on when the boat is unattended.
Is this a sensible thing to do or should I look at trying to connect the charger directly to the batteies, bypassing the panel altogether?
All switches on the panel are fused, as is the charger, so in theory it should be safe. I'm just not sure about leaving the boat with the electrics on for long periods.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

<hr width=100% size=1>Martin Mullen

 

[MainlySteam]

We always isolate the batteries (and close all seacocks) whenever we leave the boat and are not returning later that same day. Our solar panels are on a regulator and bypass the battery isolation switch ie they are connected to the batteries all the time, but they are the only thing that is so.

John

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[VicS]

I have screwed some terminal posts, made from two 2BA brass screws with the heads cut off and two nuts on each, into the battery terminal posts. I have crimped spade terminals on the solar panel leads and connect to battery direct. That way I can switch off all the electrics and even disconnect the battery but leave the solar panel in operation. Also importantly I included a small fuse in the solar panel wiring adjacent to the battery.

If you wanted to you could also incoporate a couple of diodes so that botth batteries were connected. The volage drop would not be an issue but if you felt it was then you could remove the existing diode between the panel and battery.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>Ne te confundant illegitimi.</font color=purple>

 

[Birdseye]

On a practical note - does your trickle charger have a big enough output to run all the warning lights etc that come on when the battery system is live, as well as to trickle. Mine didnt.

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[gunnarsilins]

Why switch off?

I cannot see any reason for switching the power off when leaving the boat. At least I leave my boat 'powered' all year round. She is of course always connected to shore power and charged.
But I close the seacocks when leaving for more than a day.

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[Guest]

£1 for a lead and socket end, £1 for a cigarette lighter plug with fuse in .......

Lead to battery, socket sits outside battery box .... solar lead plugged in.

Main switch off ......

Simple. works and lasted a year like that already ....


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I came - cos they said was FREE Guinness !
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[wink]

There are many options..I have used Ample Power charging systems successfully for 14 years. The multistep regulator fast charges my batteries and is also used to trickle charge using windgenerators and solar panels...this company is in the state of Washington in US.

try powertap.com...you can also get advice on what is best....I do a lot of cruising and seldom shut down my electrical system..it is monitored by an energy monitor also by ample power...no problems in 14yrs so it is robust hope this helps

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[martinmullen]

I don't have any warning lights that come on when the battery system is live so that shouldn't be a problem.

<hr width=100% size=1>Martin Mullen

 

[martinmullen]

Thanks Nigel,
I must admit, I'd feel more comfortable with the power off. I think I'll explore this option.

<hr width=100% size=1>Martin Mullen