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Keeping my car battery from going dead
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micky
Aug 14, 2021, 8:47:48 PM8/14/21
to
Is there a good device that disconnects the car battery when the voltage
gets too low? '
For almost 15 years I used Battery Buddy, and it worked great. IIRC the
first one lasted 13+ years, and I had prepared myself for when it broke
by buying a second one. However the second one lasted only a year. It
came in plain brown box and I think it was a 'second' that they sold off
when they ended production, and maybe went out of business.
Then I bought the consumer version of Priority Start, which it seems is
marketed largely to those with fleets of trucks, some of which may not
be driven regularly. It was much more expensive, but had the advantage
that it is reset without getting out of the driver's seat, just by
pressing the brake pedal, which puts a drain on the battery.
I've had it for 5 or 6 years, ut it wasn't installed for 3 of them, and
I had a new batter for the final year. So had only tripped 3 or 4 times
when I first installed it, and yet it's not working right. It keeps
tripping for no good reason, sometimes within seconds of being reset
(and it confuses my car radio when it does this.)
It costs about $104. Would you buy a second one in these circumstances?
Did I get a defective one?
Or is there another similar product?? (Googling didn't find anthing.)
I really wish there was another similar project. That's the biggest
reason I'm posting.
I plan to buy, tonight or tomorrow night probably, one of those small
battery jumpers*** like
https://www.amazon.com/DBPOWER-18000mAh-Portable-Starter-Charging/dp/B01D42TYFC/ref=zg_bs_318336011_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=SXMBZFMB1NHTRB6FAGF0
(This onee is probably bigger than my 3.3L engine needs) But those are
more effort than Battery Buddy and Priority Start are. I'd rather have
both.
For many years I wouldn't replace my battery until it was worthless, and
at first by geting jumps from passersby and later with the help of
Battery Buddy, in one case I was able to go 5 years on a battery anyone
else would have replaced. In that case, I saved $100 afaic. Now I have a
1-year old battery, good charging system, and a car that turns off the
headlights after 30 seconds and iirc other lights after 30 minutes, but
I still like the security of knowing if I drain the battery, maybe by
parking and listening to the radio with its external amp, or charging
the cellphone while talking on it while using the radio/amp as the
speaker, it will disconnect when there is still plenty to start the car
with.
***If you have a mini battery jumper you like, I'd also appreciate a
recommendation. I like that you can power your phone even with some
small ones.
gets too low? '
For almost 15 years I used Battery Buddy, and it worked great. IIRC the
first one lasted 13+ years, and I had prepared myself for when it broke
by buying a second one. However the second one lasted only a year. It
came in plain brown box and I think it was a 'second' that they sold off
when they ended production, and maybe went out of business.
Then I bought the consumer version of Priority Start, which it seems is
marketed largely to those with fleets of trucks, some of which may not
be driven regularly. It was much more expensive, but had the advantage
that it is reset without getting out of the driver's seat, just by
pressing the brake pedal, which puts a drain on the battery.
I've had it for 5 or 6 years, ut it wasn't installed for 3 of them, and
I had a new batter for the final year. So had only tripped 3 or 4 times
when I first installed it, and yet it's not working right. It keeps
tripping for no good reason, sometimes within seconds of being reset
(and it confuses my car radio when it does this.)
It costs about $104. Would you buy a second one in these circumstances?
Did I get a defective one?
Or is there another similar product?? (Googling didn't find anthing.)
I really wish there was another similar project. That's the biggest
reason I'm posting.
I plan to buy, tonight or tomorrow night probably, one of those small
battery jumpers*** like
https://www.amazon.com/DBPOWER-18000mAh-Portable-Starter-Charging/dp/B01D42TYFC/ref=zg_bs_318336011_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=SXMBZFMB1NHTRB6FAGF0
(This onee is probably bigger than my 3.3L engine needs) But those are
more effort than Battery Buddy and Priority Start are. I'd rather have
both.
For many years I wouldn't replace my battery until it was worthless, and
at first by geting jumps from passersby and later with the help of
Battery Buddy, in one case I was able to go 5 years on a battery anyone
else would have replaced. In that case, I saved $100 afaic. Now I have a
1-year old battery, good charging system, and a car that turns off the
headlights after 30 seconds and iirc other lights after 30 minutes, but
I still like the security of knowing if I drain the battery, maybe by
parking and listening to the radio with its external amp, or charging
the cellphone while talking on it while using the radio/amp as the
speaker, it will disconnect when there is still plenty to start the car
with.
***If you have a mini battery jumper you like, I'd also appreciate a
recommendation. I like that you can power your phone even with some
small ones.
Rod Speed
Aug 15, 2021, 12:38:35 AM8/15/21
to
micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote
And don't replace the devices that disconnect the battery
because lead acid car batterys don't like sitting around flat
so even tho they will start you car, the battery is fucked and
needs to be replaced.
> I'd rather have both.
Me too, just got an Audew and it works fine. Bit tricky to use tho
in my car because the car decides that the car has been broken into
when you use the key to get into the car and use the jump starter.
The other approach is a small solar panel which keeps the car charged
even when it isn't used much. Obviously not ideally convenient if you
garage you car but you can use a full time trickle charger in that
situation.
> For many years I wouldn't replace my battery until it was worthless,
> and at first by geting jumps from passersby and later with the help
> of Battery Buddy, in one case I was able to go 5 years on a battery
> anyone else would have replaced. In that case, I saved $100 afaic.
I normally get that long out of a decent battery.
> Now I have a 1-year old battery, good charging system, and a car
> that turns off the headlights after 30 seconds and iirc other lights
> after 30 minutes, but I still like the security of knowing if I drain
> the battery, maybe by parking and listening to the radio with its
> external amp, or charging the cellphone while talking on it while
> using the radio/amp as the speaker, it will disconnect when
> there is still plenty to start the car with.
> ***If you have a mini battery jumper you like,
> I'd also appreciate a recommendation.
I love my Audew but its not clear how long it will be useful for.
> I like that you can power your phone even with some small ones.
Yeah, mine will do that and is a torch too.
because lead acid car batterys don't like sitting around flat
so even tho they will start you car, the battery is fucked and
needs to be replaced.
> I'd rather have both.
in my car because the car decides that the car has been broken into
when you use the key to get into the car and use the jump starter.
The other approach is a small solar panel which keeps the car charged
even when it isn't used much. Obviously not ideally convenient if you
garage you car but you can use a full time trickle charger in that
situation.
> For many years I wouldn't replace my battery until it was worthless,
> and at first by geting jumps from passersby and later with the help
> of Battery Buddy, in one case I was able to go 5 years on a battery
> anyone else would have replaced. In that case, I saved $100 afaic.
> Now I have a 1-year old battery, good charging system, and a car
> that turns off the headlights after 30 seconds and iirc other lights
> after 30 minutes, but I still like the security of knowing if I drain
> the battery, maybe by parking and listening to the radio with its
> external amp, or charging the cellphone while talking on it while
> using the radio/amp as the speaker, it will disconnect when
> there is still plenty to start the car with.
> ***If you have a mini battery jumper you like,
> I'd also appreciate a recommendation.
> I like that you can power your phone even with some small ones.
micky
Aug 15, 2021, 2:13:04 AM8/15/21
to
In alt.home.repair, on Sun, 15 Aug 2021 14:38:28 +1000, "Rod Speed"
was no longer decent.
<rod.sp...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> For many years I wouldn't replace my battery until it was worthless,
>> and at first by geting jumps from passersby and later with the help
>> of Battery Buddy, in one case I was able to go 5 years on a battery
>> anyone else would have replaced. In that case, I saved $100 afaic.
>
>I normally get that long out of a decent battery.
It was a decent battery earlier. I got 5 more years out of it when it
>
>> For many years I wouldn't replace my battery until it was worthless,
>> and at first by geting jumps from passersby and later with the help
>> of Battery Buddy, in one case I was able to go 5 years on a battery
>> anyone else would have replaced. In that case, I saved $100 afaic.
>
>I normally get that long out of a decent battery.
was no longer decent.
micky
Aug 15, 2021, 5:44:16 PM8/15/21
to
>> ***If you have a mini battery jumper you like,
>> I'd also appreciate a recommendation.
>
>I love my Audew but its not clear how long it will be useful for.
Because the lithium battery will wear out or because they won't work for
>> I'd also appreciate a recommendation.
>
>I love my Audew but its not clear how long it will be useful for.
electric cars?
>> I like that you can power your phone even with some small ones.
>
>Yeah, mine will do that and is a torch too.
I still can't figure out how the Audew etc. send enough current through
those thin wires to run the starter motor, without melting the wires'
insulation or the wires themselves.
Rod Speed
Aug 15, 2021, 7:52:36 PM8/15/21
to
micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote
> Rod Speed <rod.sp...@gmail.com> wrote
>>> If you have a mini battery jumper you like,
>>> I'd also appreciate a recommendation.
>> I love my Audew but its not clear how long it will be useful for.
> Because the lithium battery will wear out
Yep.
> or because they won't work for electric cars?
Nope, I wont be getting one of those even if new
ICE cars aren't allowed to be sold sometime.
>>> I like that you can power your phone even with some small ones.
>> Yeah, mine will do that and is a torch too.
> Sounds dangerous. Oh, that's what Aussies call a flashlight
Not just us, the english etc too.
> I still can't figure out how the Audew etc. send enough
> current through those thin wires to run the starter motor,
> without melting the wires'insulation or the wires themselves.
Same way that jumper cables do it. It has the
same very solid cables with the battery clips
on it and much shorter, only about 6" long.
> Rod Speed <rod.sp...@gmail.com> wrote
>>> If you have a mini battery jumper you like,
>>> I'd also appreciate a recommendation.
>> I love my Audew but its not clear how long it will be useful for.
> Because the lithium battery will wear out
> or because they won't work for electric cars?
ICE cars aren't allowed to be sold sometime.
>>> I like that you can power your phone even with some small ones.
>> Yeah, mine will do that and is a torch too.
> Sounds dangerous. Oh, that's what Aussies call a flashlight
> I still can't figure out how the Audew etc. send enough
> current through those thin wires to run the starter motor,
> without melting the wires'insulation or the wires themselves.
same very solid cables with the battery clips
on it and much shorter, only about 6" long.
micky
Aug 15, 2021, 11:01:01 PM8/15/21
to
In alt.home.repair, on Mon, 16 Aug 2021 09:52:31 +1000, "Rod Speed"
That they're shorter means there is less voltage drop, but it doesn't
make them run cooler.
<rod.sp...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I still can't figure out how the Audew etc. send enough
>> current through those thin wires to run the starter motor,
>> without melting the wires'insulation or the wires themselves.
>
>Same way that jumper cables do it. It has the
>same very solid cables with the battery clips
>on it and much shorter, only about 6" long.
They're a lot thinner, I think, therefore hotter.
>
>> I still can't figure out how the Audew etc. send enough
>> current through those thin wires to run the starter motor,
>> without melting the wires'insulation or the wires themselves.
>
>Same way that jumper cables do it. It has the
>same very solid cables with the battery clips
>on it and much shorter, only about 6" long.
That they're shorter means there is less voltage drop, but it doesn't
make them run cooler.
micky
Aug 15, 2021, 11:05:48 PM8/15/21
to
Oh, I found some instructions that say don't crank t he enginre for more
than 3 seconds. That's why it doesn't melt.
In alt.home.repair, on Mon, 16 Aug 2021 09:52:31 +1000, "Rod Speed"
<rod.sp...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I still can't figure out how the Audew etc. send enough
>> current through those thin wires to run the starter motor,
>> without melting the wires'insulation or the wires themselves.
>
>Same way that jumper cables do it. It has the
>same very solid cables with the battery clips
>on it and much shorter, only about 6" long.
>
>> I still can't figure out how the Audew etc. send enough
>> current through those thin wires to run the starter motor,
>> without melting the wires'insulation or the wires themselves.
>
>Same way that jumper cables do it. It has the
>same very solid cables with the battery clips
>on it and much shorter, only about 6" long.
danny burstein
Aug 15, 2021, 11:16:48 PM8/15/21
to
In <teljhg11r8stk0vtq...@4ax.com> micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> writes:
>Oh, I found some instructions that say don't crank t he enginre for more
>than 3 seconds. That's why it doesn't melt.
The ones I've used will only put out the full cranking
>Oh, I found some instructions that say don't crank t he enginre for more
>than 3 seconds. That's why it doesn't melt.
amperage for something like 10 seconds before shutting
down. (This is a timeout... there's still plenty of
battery power left and you can reset/restart).
When used for cellphone charging, etc., which is much
lower amperage, they'll stay live until they run
out of power.
--
_____________________________________________________
Knowledge may be power, but communications is the key
dan...@panix.com
[to foil spammers, my address has been double rot-13 encoded]
micky
Aug 16, 2021, 12:17:40 AM8/16/21
to
In alt.home.repair, on Mon, 16 Aug 2021 03:16:47 -0000 (UTC), danny
burstein <dan...@panix.com> wrote:
>In <teljhg11r8stk0vtq...@4ax.com> micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> writes:
>
>>Oh, I found some instructions that say don't crank t he enginre for more
>>than 3 seconds. That's why it doesn't melt.
>
>The ones I've used will only put out the full cranking
>amperage for something like 10 seconds before shutting
>down. (This is a timeout... there's still plenty of
>battery power left and you can reset/restart).
>
>When used for cellphone charging, etc., which is much
>lower amperage, they'll stay live until they run
>out of power.
Both halves of that sound good.
>In <teljhg11r8stk0vtq...@4ax.com> micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> writes:
>
>>Oh, I found some instructions that say don't crank t he enginre for more
>>than 3 seconds. That's why it doesn't melt.
>
>The ones I've used will only put out the full cranking
>amperage for something like 10 seconds before shutting
>down. (This is a timeout... there's still plenty of
>battery power left and you can reset/restart).
>
>When used for cellphone charging, etc., which is much
>lower amperage, they'll stay live until they run
>out of power.
Rod Speed
Aug 16, 2021, 1:50:13 AM8/16/21
to
micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote
> therefore hotter.
They don't even get warm to the touch.
> That they're shorter means there is less voltage
> drop, but it doesn't make them run cooler.
They run cold anyway.
> Rod Speed <rod.sp...@gmail.com> wrote
>>> I still can't figure out how the Audew etc. send enough
>>> current through those thin wires to run the starter motor,
>>> without melting the wires'insulation or the wires themselves.
>> Same way that jumper cables do it. It has the
>> same very solid cables with the battery clips
>> on it and much shorter, only about 6" long.
> They're a lot thinner, I think,
Nope.
>>> I still can't figure out how the Audew etc. send enough
>>> current through those thin wires to run the starter motor,
>>> without melting the wires'insulation or the wires themselves.
>> Same way that jumper cables do it. It has the
>> same very solid cables with the battery clips
>> on it and much shorter, only about 6" long.
> They're a lot thinner, I think,
> therefore hotter.
They don't even get warm to the touch.
> That they're shorter means there is less voltage
> drop, but it doesn't make them run cooler.
Rod Speed
Aug 16, 2021, 1:53:14 AM8/16/21
to
micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote
> Oh, I found some instructions that say don't
> crank the enginre for more than 3 seconds.
The Audew doesn't say that.
> That's why it doesn't melt.
It doesn't even get warm to the touch.
And that was starting a massive great
Great Wall diesel SUV with a completely
dead battery which wouldn't even click
without the Audew.
> Oh, I found some instructions that say don't
The Audew doesn't say that.
> That's why it doesn't melt.
And that was starting a massive great
Great Wall diesel SUV with a completely
dead battery which wouldn't even click
without the Audew.
Peeler
Aug 16, 2021, 3:00:46 AM8/16/21
to
On Mon, 16 Aug 2021 15:50:06 +1000, cantankerous trolling geezer Rodent
Speed, the auto-contradicting senile sociopath, blabbered, again:
<FLUSH the trolling senile asshole's latest trollshit unread>
--
John addressing the senile Australian pest:
"You are a complete idiot. But you make me larf. LOL"
MID: <f9056fe6-1479-40ff...@googlegroups.com>
Speed, the auto-contradicting senile sociopath, blabbered, again:
<FLUSH the trolling senile asshole's latest trollshit unread>
--
John addressing the senile Australian pest:
"You are a complete idiot. But you make me larf. LOL"
MID: <f9056fe6-1479-40ff...@googlegroups.com>
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