Battery Charger

[Piston-Broke]

Now my Cerb has retired a bit from its previous owners daily use the Battery needs a trickle charge. I've got a Gunson auto charger designed for this purpose but am wondering if anyone has any experience of fabricating an easy connection. I've seen a few posts with ideas but none seem to state if it has been done. It sits in a locked & alarmed garage so security is not a big problem. Can I just ditch the croc clips and put a cigar lighter adaptor on? Many thanks for the advice.

[njw 77]

I've just bought an Acumate charger, ordered the optional cigar lighter connector which is now permenantly in place while the car is in the garage, been perfick for 3 weeks

[budaholic]

I also bought the Accumate... Superb charger, fully auto and can be left connected for months if necessary.

I didn't like the idea of the cigarette lighter socket, or opening the bonnet to connect croc clips. So, I bought my own weatherproof socket from RS Components, http://rswww.com

Then mounted the socket in my front number plate, (after much deliberation), run + direct to battery and - to chassis. Then soldered the plug onto the Accumate cables.

What do you guys think?



RS part numbers, in case anyone wants to know are,

Socket.. 216-7486
Plug..... 216-7436
Cover... 216-7537

The connectors are rated at 7Amps. The Accumate only charges at 1.2Amps.
All cost less than £10 with the dreaded VAT added.

Budaholic

[Piston-Broke]

Hey - looks good. Can you post a photo of the whole front of the car. The Gunson charger apears to do the same thing so I could eaisly wire it in the same way.

Many thanks

[kojak69]

budaholic said:

I also bought the Accumate... Superb charger, fully auto and can be left connected for months if necessary. I didn't like the idea of the cigarette lighter socket, or opening the bonnet to connect croc clips. So, I bought my own weatherproof socket from RS Components, http://rswww.com Then mounted the socket in my front number plate, (after much deliberation), run + direct to battery and - to chassis. Then soldered the plug onto the Accumate cables. What do you guys think? RS part numbers, in case anyone wants to know are, Socket.. 216-7486 Plug..... 216-7436 Cover... 216-7537 The connectors are rated at 7Amps. The Accumate only charges at 1.2Amps. All cost less than £10 with the dreaded VAT added. Budaholic

Nice idea. Will look into this myself.

[budaholic]

Haven't taken any pics of front of car since fitting. Will post when I get a chance. I was considering hiding it within the grille somewhere, or under the front wheel arch. But I wanted it easily accessible.
It's quite small and not too obvious. Only about 20mm DIA.
One other thing, the plug & socket I bought is a twist locking type. Must remember to unplug it before driving.