Trickle Charger Advice 2

[MarkH]

Am thinking of buying one now it's my first winter with an Elise - read PPPMAT's thread with interest, thanks Matt.

 

Another question - mains or solar panel?

 

Any views from experience?

 

Cheers

 

Mark

[Steve J]

I bought a Draper mains one for about £20 at Halfrauds. Works fine.

 

However there is a similar one at Machine Mart for £11.69

 

If you don't have a garage then maybe a solar powered one would be better

[dobbo]

Optimate, mate.

 

It cycles the battery through small discharge and charge cycles, which is supposed to help keep a better "full" charge.

 

It also can be permanently wired in - I used the spare switch (S1) in which I cut a hole and glued the connector. Some S1s had a permanently live cigaretter lighter socket, which makes quick connection easy. I think it was changed later on, though.

 

Chris

[MarkH]

Optimate, mate - sounds good with discharge & charge cycles - just like my RC plane charger.

 

Where'e the best place to get one from, Chris?

 

Cheers

 

Mark

[dobbo]

Pretty much any car spares place, I would think. I got mine from a motorbike shop.

 

(It's dual voltage, with 6v setting for those 2 wheeled types).

[PPPMAT]

Yep, bike shops seem to be the best bet

[MarkH]

Xmas present from SWMBO then!

 

Cheers for the advice.

 

Mark