GPS Base Battery
I have a maintenance free automotive type 12 volt battery that we use for the GPS base station charging in my office. We have rearranged a little recently and now the charger is in my office for the time being. I know that it releases some hydrogen during the charging cycle but I've never heard crackle before. Is this normal and what does it say about the condition of the battery?
Are you sure it is maintenance free? It still may have covers you can open and add some distilled water.
Nah, it's an Optima red top. Unless the whole top comes off, I don't see any ports. If I recall correctly, the excessive bubbling indicates that the battery is shot or I am overcharging it.
No, optima batteries are gel type batteries.
You might want to run by an auto store and get it tested.
Andy
$hit can that battery and get a gel-cell marine battery. It doesn't care if you overcharge it and will last a helluva lot longer.
Kris
http://www.optimabatteries.com/_media/documents/specs/34_34R.pdf
I get the feeling that it is shot. It still holds enough of a charge for use, but not all day. Looking at the specs, it seems like it was not the best battery to buy anyway (but I wasn't involved with that purchase). Anybody have recommendations for a replacement? I suppose I need marine or deep cycle?
Andy
Looks like the blue-top optima would be the road to go. Thanks for the advice.
I like the jump start battery boxes.
They can power anything 12 volts. Run the equipment, charge small electronic devices,
and jump start a vehicle. Also power a campsite.
They have a handle and are convenient.
Andy
We have had one blue top optima going for 3 years now. They are the only way to go. Believe me, we had tried everyone out there.
Sams Club has always had the best price.
Here's something I bought a while back that I really like. Lots of functions, good quality, and would be good for GPS.
