View Full Version : Charging an Optima Battery help?
2Driver
03-01-2006, 10:38 AM
Maybe I'm making to much out of this but before I switch to Blue top Optimas I need to settle on this whole sensitivey to charging crap. The OPtima site indicates I must charge between 13.8-15 volts 10 amp max?
I have a sears 12 volt automatic charger that pumps out 2, 10 or 50 Amps. So can I use that on the 10 amp switch? :confused:
http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/marine/product_spec_sheets.RowPar.0001.ContentPar.0001.Co lumnPar.0005.File.tmp/D34M_082104.pdf
Ive just heard of a number of peeps frying their Optimas.
Thanks
10 amps MAX. that's the key word here. Use the 2 amp setting and it will be fine. Speaking of batteries, if I e-mail you some battery pics can you post them? I'm challenged. :cry:
2Driver
03-01-2006, 11:20 AM
I can post them. It really is pretty easy, have you tried. Do you just want them posted or entered somewhere?
Just posted here. I'm clueless at this point. They are of a failure that occurred at a not to be mentioned facility.
Havasu_Dreamin
03-01-2006, 11:41 AM
Just posted here. I'm clueless at this point. They are of a failure that occurred at a not to be mentioned facility.
DOH! No es bueno mi amigo.....
rivercrazy
03-01-2006, 11:46 AM
Yup. Keep it under 10 amps and those Optima's will be very happy. I'd consider investing in a good quality 3 stage automatic charger as well.
I've had 3 blue tops for 6 seasons and they are still going like brand new. Even with a 3 amplifer stereo.
Not So Fast
03-01-2006, 12:07 PM
I too had this question and here is what I found out from the maker of my charger (has auto shut off) and Optima. You are safe at the 10 amp setting but if you can get by with the 2 amp setting it's better (slower is best?) I charge my batteries after every outing usually overnight and no problemos yet. Hope this helps. NSF
BajaMike
03-01-2006, 12:37 PM
I have 2 Optima and 3 Odesseys on my boat along with a charger under the hatch. When I get to the dock at night I plug it in with the Perko switch set for all. While away and the boat is in the garage I keep it plugged in all winter, etc. I am going on 3 years now with no failures. Here is what I use for charging: http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-chargers/12-volt/multi-bank/DP15-2.html
Tom.... $259 for a battery charger?? :confused:
:rollside: :) :rollside: :)
Dual Pro PS 12/24V 15 A 2 Bank Waterproof Charger # DP15/2
Part: DP15-2
Price: $259.00
Availability: In Stock
I got one for $89 at Walmart..... :idea:
:cool: :rollside: :) :cool:
BajaMike
03-01-2006, 12:45 PM
Mike...Mine and yours' are two different animals. Mine has two banks and spreads the 30 amps (15 amps for both banks) over the 5 batteries in parallel. At least if I understand it properly. One of those $89. units aren't going to charge all 5 of my batteries overnight after a long day on the water bumping the tunes. It is water proof (hopefully not an issue) and is munted under my hatch. It is of a much higher quality than your unit.
I know Tom.......I was joking.... :argue: and I only have one battery.... :yuk:
:cool: :rollside: :) :cool: :rollside: :)
OKAY! will someone help with the pics. This stuff is way interesting and on topic here!
BajaMike
03-01-2006, 01:12 PM
OKAY! will someone help with the pics. This stuff is way interesting and on topic here!
e-mail them to me...I'll post them. :idea:
mchase@gryphoncolleges.edu
:rollside:
phebus
03-01-2006, 01:15 PM
Why, if I'm not mistaken, it looks like one of theese:
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/1753DSCN1490.JPG
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/1753DSCN1489.JPG
BajaMike
03-01-2006, 01:15 PM
LOL...You are a nut gone wild with the smilies :)
Ya.....too many smilies......
:boxed: :rollside: :) :) :eat: :2purples: :sleeping: :mix: :D
e-mail them to me...I'll post them. :idea:
mchase@gryphoncolleges.edu
:rollside:
Thanks, e-mail sent.
BajaMike
03-01-2006, 01:32 PM
Thanks, e-mail sent.
I didn't get anything.....:confused:
:idea:
2Driver
03-01-2006, 01:34 PM
Why, if I'm not mistaken, it looks like one of theese:
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/1753DSCN1489.JPG
Can you dig those out with your back being what it is? I've been starring at mine down there thinking it's not a good risk :mad:
I didn't get anything.....:confused:
:idea:
No mail or pics?
BajaMike
03-01-2006, 01:48 PM
No mail or pics?
Nothing.....
Nothing.....
Tried it again.
BajaMike
03-01-2006, 05:31 PM
Tried it again.
Here are your pics.....
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1098batteryincident_022706_003.jpg
:rollside:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1098batteryincident_022706_002.jpg
:boxed:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1098batteryincident_022706_001.jpg
You want to explain :confused:?
:cool:
Havasu Hangin'
03-01-2006, 07:06 PM
Optimas are sealed, but they have a vent in case they overheat (so they won't explode). If you heat them up, they'll vent the water, and never hold a charge properly again.
Most guys kill them with an auto charger.
Use a three stage charger that goes into a "maintain" mode (not "trickle" charge) and you'll never hurt them.
RitcheyRch
03-01-2006, 07:43 PM
There are chargers specifically for Optima type batteries. Do a search for Cetek Chargers.
2Driver
03-01-2006, 08:16 PM
Thanks everyone. I am off to the store!
bigkyle
03-01-2006, 08:27 PM
I don't quite understand these Dual Pro Chargers. How do you wire up one of these two or three bank systems? I was always under the impression that if your batteries are connected in series (I have two in series for the tunes and one stand alone), charging one battery would result in a charge to the other battery. However, if one battery charged faster than the other, wouldn't it cause the charger to overcharge that battery because the second or third battery is still asking for a charge?
I need one but am confused. :cry:
bigkyle
03-01-2006, 08:38 PM
Dual bank chargers are designed for battery systems isolated by switches. For batteries in PARALLEL (not series), you just hook up one bank to one of the batteries and both will receive an equal charge. Don't worry about overcharging because the batteries might be discharged at unequal level, electricity is smarter than you. ;)
OK, parallel. So with two batteries in parallel and one single, a two bank charging system would be in order? One bank for the two battery setup and one bank for the sinngle? Why not set the Perko swithch to all 3 batteries and charge them through a single charger? Take too long?
Simple questions from a long time lurker who simply likes to learn how others do sh*t the right way.
phebus
03-01-2006, 08:41 PM
OK, parallel. So with two batteries in parallel and one single, a two bank charging system would be in order? One bank for the two battery setup and one bank for the sinngle?
Exactly what I'm doing here.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/1753DSCN1489.JPG
bigkyle
03-01-2006, 08:43 PM
Exactly what I'm doing here.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/1753DSCN1489.JPG
I guess it's time to go shopping. Not much else to do to get the boat ready for the 16th! Thanks.
Keyser
03-01-2006, 09:25 PM
Here are your pics.....
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1098batteryincident_022706_003.jpg
:rollside:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1098batteryincident_022706_002.jpg
:boxed:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1098batteryincident_022706_001.jpg
You want to explain :confused:?
:cool:
Can you say BOOM :cry:
Sotally Tober
03-01-2006, 10:08 PM
OK, I'm ignorant on the Optima thing. You say do not charge more than 10 amps at a time. What happens when you start your boat with say a 100 amp altenator. Is this going to hurt them? Are Odesseys better for taking a stronger charge? Just asking as I need to help my battery problem.
Sotally Tober
03-01-2006, 10:18 PM
The vehicle uses most of that output.
On a boat? What power is used? If the batteries are dead after playing the tunes isn't the bulk going to go to charging the batts?
Havasu Hangin'
03-02-2006, 05:09 AM
As battery voltage increase, it will accept less charge. Just because you have a "high output" alternator doesn't mean that it will always be outputing high. It's kind of hard to explain if you don't have a solid background in DC eletronics, but a rather simple explanation is as battery voltage rises, resistance increases. Resistance is what regulates current flow, the more resistance, the less current flow. A fully charged battery is an almost perfect resistor, it will accept no further current flow.
Good post by SWB. It's about damn time.
Also, if you only have a 65 amp alternator, and your tunes are requiring 100 amps, then even if your motor is running, you are still running your batteries down.
The regulator in the alternator reacts to load, so your 100 amp alternator is rarely putting out 100 amps.
Tom Brown
03-02-2006, 07:26 AM
Optimas are sealed, but they have a vent in case they overheat (so they won't explode). If you heat them up, they'll vent the water, and never hold a charge properly again.
Of course, if you over charge a liquid lead acid battery, it will vent it's water too. The process is roughly the same in an AGM but there is no way to add water to the emulsion.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that a smart charger is a good idea for any battery. Charging a battery, even trickle charging, when it's full is damaging to all batteries but wet cells are more resilient.
ToMannyToyz
03-02-2006, 07:33 AM
Take a look at this website for Chargers. Also, whats the going rate for the Blue Top optima Batteris?
http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-chargers/12-volt/marine-chargers/
Tom Brown
03-02-2006, 07:39 AM
Also, whats the going rate for the Blue Top optima Batteris?
$190 CDN at the Regina Walmart. :D
ToMannyToyz
03-02-2006, 07:43 AM
Thanks Tom, I've had the original deep cycle standard RV marine batteris in my 28 Party Cat sense 2002 and they finally went belly up! Time to pay up.
Sotally Tober
03-02-2006, 08:00 AM
So, if you have a high output alt. and your Optimas are dead it will not hurt them taking the high current. Is this right? I do not have an extensive bsckground in DC, Only AC/DC! :)
Here are your pics.....
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1098batteryincident_022706_003.jpg
:rollside:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1098batteryincident_022706_002.jpg
:boxed:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1098batteryincident_022706_001.jpg
You want to explain :confused:?
:cool:
Mike thank you for posting these pics.
Now this isn't a boat battery obviusly but the point I wanted to make was that any battery can be dangerous and please keep safety at the forefront when we charge or work with batteries. Use that vent before you start your engine also.
What I think happened here was a static electrical charge was drawn from the styrofoam packaging while being removed striking the electrodes and ignited the hydrogen in the battery. These are vented batteries.
It blew the lid about 25' away and relieved itself of the electrolite down to where the crack in the plastic stopped.
Please be careful folks.
Continue :)
BajaMike
03-02-2006, 05:01 PM
Mike thank you for posting these pics.
Now this isn't a boat battery obviusly but the point I wanted to make was that any battery can be dangerous and please keep safety at the forefront when we charge or work with batteries. Use that vent before you start your engine also.
What I think happened here was a static electrical charge was drawn from the styrofoam packaging while being removed striking the electrodes and ignited the hydrogen in the battery. These are vented batteries.
It blew the lid about 25' away and relieved itself of the electrolite down to where the crack in the plastic stopped.
Please be careful folks.
Continue :)
Interesting......Chub, were you around when they blew???
:idea:
Interesting......Chub, were you around when they blew???
:idea:
No not in the immediate area. Those that were said it was f'n loud. I need to be careful with info as litigation may occur but am wlling to offer info not pertaining to site,people ETC..
Again, Thank you for posting the pics. I think we can all learn from this type of incident.
speedneeder
03-07-2006, 01:23 PM
Chub- Dont use the word litigation as this one falls close to my wallet.
buzzaro
03-07-2006, 01:50 PM
I dont know what the intructions say for these batteries but here is what i have personally done to a blue optima that is still working great(10+ hrs/day on 30W radio transmitter). I have used it for about a year 5-6 days a week and 7-11 hrs a day using a 2/10/50 style charger. On normal days using the 10amp charge, with the 2amp used during longer periods of inactivity(ie sundays) AND on the occasion that i forgot to charge the damn thing after a 12-14hr workday, i would panic and throw that mug on the 50amp jumpstart mode till the charger overheated itsself and threw its internal breaker at which time i waited for the charger to cool down and id do it again, after all i needed this battery to last all day at work and had to charge it in about 20mins while i got ready. Then i would throw it under the hood of the truck w/ jumper cables hooked to the truck battery for some more charge while i drove to the jobsite. All this and the thing still performs flawlessly. So im not sure how long these things normally last and im guessing the load youll be putting on it is prolly higher but i wouldnt get too involved in the particulars of charging it.
BajaMike
03-07-2006, 02:24 PM
There are several Optima Blue Top batteries.
I think most boaters would want the "D34M", a dual purpose, starting and deep cycle battery.
See details......
Optima D34M (http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/marine/product_spec_sheets.RowPar.0001.ContentPar.0001.Co lumnPar.0005.File.tmp/D34M_082104.pdf)
It will cost a little more then some other models, but worth it.....($170 to $190) at Costco and other places.
I always use Costco, because they have an unconditional return policy......use for 3 years and trade it in with a full refund.
:rollside:
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