Solar car battery chargers - any good?

[CHRIS547]

Did not use my Chim for a week and battery died. Bought a type 075 from Halfords, Calcium version with CCA of 620 Amps which seems to spin the engine fine for £60. Fits in my 1993 battery box just. Took the opportunity to unravel all the wiring and tucked the ecu on top of the new battery, placing it in a jiffy bag to preveny any shorts. Managed for the first time ever to jam the foot well cover in place. Had to use a few cable ties to tuck the cables away.

Has anyone bought a solar car battery charger from TG online priced at £14? Look in Ebay under car batteries. This would I hope slow down the alarm and clock drain.

chris547

[Corin Denton]

There has been many threads on this subject but without concrete results. I bought one for use when camping at Le Mans etc for charging cameras etc. The general opinion seems to be that to be sure of a reliable battery an 'Opti-mate' is about the best option.

[CHRIS547]

I would have gone for the Optimate but I need the car tomorrow and I could not find a London stockist. Halfords gave me a £10 Xmas voucher as well. Fingers crossed on Calcium technology whatever that is

[CHRIS547]

Read the threads as you suggested and formed the view that the solar powered jobbies will not be up to the job however someone may leap to their defence.

That is a hell of a current drain. Anyone know how you measure this? Do you have to take one of the battery leads off or is there an easier way? don't fancy unraveling all that knitting again.

chris547

[cmr2payne]

New to all this what is a 'Opti-mate' ??