Dry Cell Charging

[ultimasimon]

Just wondering who has the newer style Ultima Battery, and what charger do you use when the car is in storage? I am awaiting collection from Ultima after some work, and I have had the new small footprint battery fitted.

Has anyone used the solar ones while the vehicle is parked when out. Shows etc?

Any recommendations / experience or advice on chargers, make model?

[steve_D]

I am using a Gunsons auto float charger which seems to work OK. Detail Dean also mentioned it for the job in one of his mag items.
I still don't know if it is right for the job and would not be sure if Detail realy had the full facts.
Steve

[ultimasimon]

Cheers Steve. Who is Detail Dean, is this a website? I am going to be more careful with the whole charger thing as I fried my last battery and do not intend to do this again. I was warned by a friend and so should have listened to him

Also I was wondering about the constant current / voltage that these dry cells allegedly need, as I was told that they charge in a different manner to wet cells. Seems strange as they are charged on the car with a conventional alternator, but this is why I am asking the questions because I have no idea what the difference between wet and dry cell battery technology is. Anyone care to enlighten me?

[steve_D]

'Detail Dean' writes technical articals (including a GTR build) for Which Kit? Magazine.
Steve

[ultimasimon]

I know what you mean Steve. After reading all the feuds going on in the kit car section re kit-car magazine etc, I am going to leave that place well alone. I haven't been there for ages because of the atmosphere and bitching between the rival magazines, but it does make for some light entertainment. I would not want to spend time there if I had a car to build though as I find the whole thing very tiring. I went there tonight and saw another padlock and thought I will come back here where its relatively safe. But as you rightly said on that board, it is hardly fitting for a pair of so called 'professional' magazines. As for Den and all his smilees, I could quite happily use his head as a clutch plate. What they need over there is Stig as a mod. That should calm things down.

So your GTR must be nearly finished then Steve, what is left to do - give it to us in weeks ?

>> Edited by ultimasimon on Saturday 10th April 23:36

[steve_D]

It goes to the factory for it's safety check and setup on May 1st. They will then put it through SVA and do the registration. I should get it back in time to take it round the block a few times before heading off to LeMans.
Getting very twitchy now.
Steve

[davejw]

Optimate chargers are used by lots of my friends and were designed to cycle bike batteries while in storage over winter - have proved very reliable.

The Ultima is fitted with a Red (cannot remember make/model)gel battery from Demon Tweeks which once charged and disconnected seems to hold power for months if needed.

Dave.

[k wright]

I can document the ability fo the factory battery to hold a substantial charge for months. Jeff Schwartz sold me his battery and it sat on the bench for months before I used it to start the car.

ken