Battery Conditioning

[TheDeadPrussian]

I've bought myself a C-Tek battery charger which I want to connect to my 997.2 GT3 via the 12v socket in the car in order to keep the battery properly conditioned whilst it is ‘laid up’ for the winter.

How do I get the lead in to the car? Is it just a case of running the wire in to the car and shutting the door carefully, or do I leave a window slightly open to get it in etc?

The Spyder was much easier - it just went in via the gap between the rear screen and the sun shade!

All opinions will be gratefully received...

[Mermaid]

Is this a Porsche branded Ctek, or the original one and what is the model number?

It was my impression you connect it to the cigarette lighter and run the thin cable wedged between the door & the bodywork, but I suppose through the open window would be better?

[TheDeadPrussian]

It is a C-Tek charger (not the Porsche branded one they charge an extra £30 for at your local OPC).
I can't remember the model number, but it is one that was recommended as 'Best Buy' in Autocar etc... it has the battery maintenance algorithms etc and is a fairly normal 12v charger.

[DAB964RS]

I leave my window partially open rather than squeeze than cable in the door shuts

[STiG911]

Mine is wired up to the battery, and I run the cable out of the bonnet above the wipers when connecting. Seemed a much better option than shutting a cable in the window for prolonged periods. (Garage is away from the house, so alarm is on too)

[HoHoHo]

I simply open the door, plug the cable in and shut the door.

simples

[blackburn]

HoHoHo said:

I simply open the door, plug the cable in and shut the door.

simples

This has worked for me for 3 years.

[TheDeadPrussian]

Thanks all - open the door and close it carefully it is then!

I don't like the idea of leaving a window open and the alarm on.

I've noticed that all the OPCs wire the battery conditioners they use straight in to the battery, how difficult is this to do? Do you have to disconnect the battery first in order to do it and does it therefore affect the electrics etc when reconnecting?

[smj996c]

TheDeadPrussian said:

Thanks all - open the door and close it carefully it is then!

I don't like the idea of leaving a window open and the alarm on.

I've noticed that all the OPCs wire the battery conditioners they use straight in to the battery, how difficult is this to do? Do you have to disconnect the battery first in order to do it and does it therefore affect the electrics etc when reconnecting?

no disconnection required..takes about 5 minutes, and putting the extension lead out of the top of the bonnet as described above is far better that trapping it in your door IMHO.

[bqf]

Does anyone leave their battery connected while the battery conditioner is attached? I always disconnect the battery....

[gsewell]

Surely, if you disconnect the battery then you don't need the conditioner as there will be no drain load on the battery.

"I am serious and don't call me Shirley!"

[Trev450]

bqf said:

Does anyone leave their battery connected while the battery conditioner is attached? I always disconnect the battery....

There is no need at all to disconnect the battery. The charger is designed to work with the battery connected and will regulate the charge required based on the state of the battery.

[crisisjez]

Looking at buying 3, do you have a model number?

[Mermaid]

Could be this one but does not feature cigarette lighter connection?

http://www.vertar.com/ctek/ctek-multi-xs-3600/

[cslwannabe]

Im going to buy a CTEK MXS 3.6 (was previously called the 3600) - available for £45-50, as that seems to be what most people recommend.

[BliarOut]

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/special_buys3...

Fill your boots

[Mermaid]

cslwannabe said:

Im going to buy a CTEK MXS 3.6 (was previously called the 3600) - available for £45-50, as that seems to be what most people recommend.

This one

http://www.ctek-chargers.com/?gclid=CM2quP6a16sCFc...

[cslwannabe]

Yes Mermaid - some companies on flea bay sell it for £45ish though.

[Mermaid]

BliarOut said:

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/special_buys3...

Fill your boots

I'm not sure I'd want to chance that.

[BliarOut]

Same guts as the £12 Aldi ones... Why pay more in a recession?