|
|
Posts: 793
Location: Ames, Iowa | Anyone use these? I like the idea of hooking to my front battery and at other times to those in the rear. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
Solar chargers, for the most part will really only work to keep batteries topped off, unless you decide to purchase quite a few of them hooked together. To be honest, going solar, although "green" would not, in my opinion, be cost-effective for you. For the price you would pay for enough solar chargers to recharge your batteries, you could buy a very nice compact generator that is lightweight and very very portable. I know that if I ever did a remote trip, a generator would be coming along for battery charging. Not sure if that is what you were looking for in terms of an answer...
Steve |
|
| |
|
Posts: 793
Location: Ames, Iowa | Steve- That is what I was looking for because I had doubts about their power generating ability to fully charge the batteries. The other option is to buy a Minnkota 2 bank charger for the boat. Time to research those. Thanks. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1460
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | djw--
You might want to consider this:
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/battery_chargers/dc_alternat...
Your batteries charge while you run between spots off your engines alternator.
The generator idea I never considered, but would certainly have its applications. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 793
Location: Ames, Iowa | Got more questions. Now looking at the Minnkota chargers. I have done a short archive search on M 1st and read a bit. Looking at the diff between the DC alternator charger and the 2 bank 10 amp each bank charger (MK 220). I understand the alternator charger shuts down when the outboard is not running:
"Alternator charging design uses current from boat’s alternator to re-charge trolling batteries when main engine is running
Charge-on-the-fly circuitry puts additional juice back in your trolling batteries on runs between fishing spots – turns off when the engine stops"
What is the difference between the two types of chargers? I am surmising that the MK 220 (what I would call the regular charger) continues to charge the trolling motor batteries when the outboard is shut off. (??) Wish the Minnkota site explained this difference to make a decision easier. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Yes, the MK 220 is a 12 volt charger you plug in, so it shuts off when you pull the plug on it. This is a regular charger, just mounted in your boat.
The alternator charger shuts off because it's hooked to your main outboards alternator and only runs when the motor has reached a certain rpm level. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | I've considered one of these alternator chargers but I don't see it to be a big advantage to me because I don't typically run my boat for longer than 5-10 minutes at a time. I predominantly fish lakes under 3500 acres so running spot to spot is a pretty short task.
If I fished on Mille Lacs, Vermilion, Leech or fished walleyes in rivers like the Mississippi or the Missouri where runs of 20-40 minutes or even longer at a time may happen, the alternator charger would be something I'd consider.
I'd suggest taking a look at the waters you fish and buy accordingly. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Good info,TJ
Thanks,
Jerome |
|
| |
|
Posts: 223
Location: Minn. | I use the Stayncharge product. I can charge up to 4 batteries by using the boat motor, your vehicle or at your dock. Works excellent.
http://www.stayncharge.com/index.htm |
|
| |
|
Posts: 793
Location: Ames, Iowa | VMS, TJ, Esox Addict, et al-
Ok, I need some help here. Here's how ignorant I am. What does the Minnkota 220 plug in to? Does it charge only when outboard motor is running? Does it continue to charge after the motor is off? I don't make long runs. What product will best charge my 2 12 volt deep cycle batteries. I currently have them in parallel, but because I want to distribute weight better I am placing one of them in the front for bow trolling motor. I'd like to see a wiring diagram if anyone has one they could put up here.
Basically I need Battery Charging 101 with a product suggestion. I am heading back to the archives to do another search. BTW, days are already gettin longer.
Thanks,
don
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1460
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/battery_chargers/on_board_ch...
You put that bad boy in your boat, wire it up to your batteries and plug 'er in to the wall outlet. Better than a regular battery charger b/c it will not overcharge your batteries. If you can't figure out after reading directions, you might have a dealer do it for you.
The MK 230 runs 15 amps per bank, providing a quicker charge---read below for more.
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/_ui/sramk08/tpl/sramk_nohero_banner_p...
Edited by Cowboyhannah 1/6/2010 4:52 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Cowboy is right on. The MK 220 is one you plug into the wall, it's not the alternator charger.
I too would suggest the MK 220 or the 230 like Cowboy suggest. You mentioned you are going to move batteries around. That will make a little more work in regards to connecting the leads of the charger to each battery. You will have to extend one of them to reach wherever you decide to put that other battery. If I were you, I'd keep the batteries wherever they are, and make do. I'm guessing your boat isn't designed to have batteries in other spots. I'm guessing your going to have to move wiring and find a place for the battery, that might be a lot more work than you realize, but whatever you do, make sure you thoroughly think the whole layout through before doing, just my suggestion. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 8848
| djwilliams - 1/5/2010 9:55 PM
VMS, TJ, Esox Addict, et al-
Ok, I need some help here.
[...]
Thanks,
don
Uhh. me? Wait, what'd I do??? I can't help you on this one, djwilliams. I know a little bit about a lot of stuff.. I know a lot about some stuff! Aaand... There's some stuff I don't know crap about. This would be one of those things!!  |
|
| |
|
Posts: 793
Location: Ames, Iowa | Sorry Addict- I believe I meant ESOX Maniac.
TJ- I am looking at the Minn kota 2 bank Alternator charger. Trying to avoid pulling outta the water for a plugin like I have to do now. I'm on Leech- sometimes big moves between spots, and I do troll. Started a wiring diagram this afternoon.
Going to investigate moving one of the deep cycle batteries out of parallel in rear to the front hatch (if it's made for it) for the trolling motor (TM) only. I do like the parallel configuration as my TM runs stronger longer. But gotta move some weight outta the back right of that boat (porpoising). But I have bought trim tabs to help with that issue. If I find they do the trick for the porpoising, I'll leave everything as is. If I do move the battery, I will have to properly extend the wires to the front battery from the charger. Minn kota sells a charger extension complete with fuses on + and -, but I will likely make my own. Question I have now is about fuses in those lines to the TM and other electronics. Should I upgrade those (30 amp?) and where should they go. If you or anyone have help, thanks a lot.
Don |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | DJ- If you move one to the front, you can still keep your batteries in parallel. They will work fine together. Be sure to carefully mark the positive & negative cables at each end- an accidental reversed polarity between two battery's is pretty spectacular and dangerous, especially if you have the cable in your hand. Always wear eye protection when working with batteries. Only 2 minor issues.
1. The front battery will typically work a little harder, i.e., provide more of the power, and it will have a shorter life. This can be balanced out by periodically swapping the two batteries.
2. You need to leave the fuses on the back battery - they will protect the cables going to the front battery. Just install a second set of fuses or a circuit breaker between the front battery and the TM. The fuse or CB should be the size recommended by the TM manufacturer. Same for cable sizes, use the TM manufacturer's recommendation or use larger cables. Never smaller!
It's also a good idea to use marine grade wire/cable. This type of wire typically has tinned copper conductors and that helps reduce corrosion. Before you buy the cables, ask the store/marina clerk to strip off a small piece of insulation. If the wire is copper colored - I wouldn't buy it. If they are silver colored, they have been tinned and you should be fine.
Have fun!
Al
|
|
| |
