12borejimbo Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 We must all be in this situation at times so reaching out to other members to see what they do. I have several sealed lead acid batteries which I have bought over the years. I don't do much decoying in the summer (should do really) but I mostly gho decoying on our game shoot when the season is ended, so about now and will be heading out this Saturday and every Saturday for the next 2 months. Each year I go to charge my 12v batteries and they hold no charge so I just buy another one for £30-40 of A1 decoy or something. There must be a way of either preventing them for dying by being sat in the shed, or reviving them? Any tips please? Jay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen-H Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 Leaving batteries on a cold stone floor or in a cold environment kills them quickly there isnt much you can do with a sealed battery to my knowledge as you can't change the water in them or have a look at the cell plates. Maybe just put them on a slow trickle charge & hope for the best but keep your eye on them while they are charging and do it in a well ventilated area incase any are leaking. You can buy a solar powered trickle charger cheap now so might be worth getting one and popping it onto your new battery after a days decoying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam triple Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 you can try an optimizer which is a battery re conditioner but the price is prob more than a new battery ,if the battery is that knackered nothing will bring it back to life , cold kills weak batteries so don't leave them in the shed bring them in doors , this is my advice only Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snow white Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 Go to farming shop lot cheaper battery’s there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 hello, if your using a sealed battery only 8 times a year then leave in shed through summer and cold winter you cannot expect them not to need charging, saying that batteries should last a few years and have warranty, i will try charging all your batteries, see which are duff, if you buy a new one when not in use leave in doors Just now, oldypigeonpopper said: hello, if your using a sealed battery only 8 times a year then leave in shed through summer and cold winter you cannot expect them not to need charging, saying that batteries should last a few years and have warranty, i will try charging all your batteries, see which are duff, if you buy a new one when not in use leave in doors note i use a very small car battery, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 My batteries, when left for a long time, are connected to trickle chargers, which keep them in good condition. The chargers are connected to a timer, and I usually allow a 1-2hr trickle charge per day. The chargers are also very cheap to run. These are what I've used for a few years: Ebay # 161550382594 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 4 minutes ago, steve_b_wales said: My batteries, when left for a long time, are connected to trickle chargers, which keep them in good condition. Either that or once now and again give them a freshener! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmboy91 Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 I had to replace that battery on my boys quad the end of last year, when I picked it up the bloke had tested the other one and said once they've gone completely flat it's hit and miss wether they will be the same after, best to either run them once and week or so or put them on a trickle charger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centrepin Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 Rig up a discharge, two wires, solder in a low watt bulb. Wait till light goes out, recharge. Once every few weeks or when you remember. Works for me. I also store on a couple of thicknesses of carpet. If you know anyone who has a motability scooter or wheelchair. My wife is disabled and has two, lightweight for lifting into car, heavier for street use. These are 24v, they use 2 x 12v bats. Usually last 2 - 3 years. When the batteries are no longer strong enough to power her chair they're discarded. Or rather recharged once a month taken to my daughters allotment and used for 12v lighting and power in the shed, or for a short quick 240v with an inverter. They are also cheaper to buy in the first place from motability outlets or Ebay. I don't have anything 12v for decoys yet so no idea how long they would last. Sure one of you techy type guys would know from the amppage v wattage and so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinj Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 I have a couple of mobility scooter 7AH batteries which last half a day easily, they are used for afternoon sessions, I also have a 14AH battery which lasts all day. Lead acid batteries shouldn't be stored flat and should be topped up every 3 months or so. If your charger doesn't display the voltage when fully charged you can buy a digital multi-meter from Amazon for a tenner. You are looking for a minimum of 12.7V before you start. A reading of 12.4V for instance, indicates that it is partially charged and 11.9 indicates that it is flat (according to the interweb.) I just bought one of these, use the 20V setting for checking a 12V battery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B725 Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 Buy a Ctek x5 charger it will also do a regeneration cycle for the battery not the cheapest but very good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snow white Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 Leaving them on concrete doesn’t help them I all ways put a piece of wood under them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centrepin Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 To check charge cheaper if you have a cigarette type socket, they're about a £1 upwards. Anything 12v or under is dead. You should have at least 12.4 or more if it's any good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12borejimbo Posted February 6, 2020 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 Thanks for all the rpelies. Will get a multi meter and see what happens. WIll also place them on charge. Youtube is coming up with a few repairs byut popping the cell covers off and adding in de ionised water then placing them on charge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacko3275 Posted February 6, 2020 Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 But a cheap 18v 4amp solar panel an trickle charge them all the time not in use make sure to put a charge controller on as not to boil them if it’s a good summer if you have half a dozen batteries you can link them all and once you have your set up it doesn’t cost any extra to charge them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenBhoy Posted February 7, 2020 Report Share Posted February 7, 2020 Ctek charger & use the recondition setting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.