Like many of us, I have various vehicles with batteries that don't get used over winter.
I am thinking of getting a battery tender, not to charge a flat battery, but to keep a charged battery healthy.
Solar sounds good, just leave it running.
I have 5 batteries I'd like to do this with though so I was thinking if I could diy something. One solar panel, make a bank of controllers, a shelf underneath, multiple clip leads to connect each battery.
I need 6v and 12v.
Doesn't seem like too complicated a project. Quick look online shows a few simple circuits.
Anyone tried this though? Or even used commercial solar ones? Any good?
The main things I don't really know is how much current each battery would need, and therefore how to spec the solar panel.
Also, if I set it up to charge all 5 batteries from the One panel, will it care if sometimes it only has 1 or 2 batteries connected.
One battery tender station set up in the garage would be nice, connect and disconnect batteries at will. Buying 5 commercial battery tenders sounds messy and expensive.
I am thinking of getting a battery tender, not to charge a flat battery, but to keep a charged battery healthy.
Solar sounds good, just leave it running.
I have 5 batteries I'd like to do this with though so I was thinking if I could diy something. One solar panel, make a bank of controllers, a shelf underneath, multiple clip leads to connect each battery.
I need 6v and 12v.
Doesn't seem like too complicated a project. Quick look online shows a few simple circuits.
Anyone tried this though? Or even used commercial solar ones? Any good?
The main things I don't really know is how much current each battery would need, and therefore how to spec the solar panel.
Also, if I set it up to charge all 5 batteries from the One panel, will it care if sometimes it only has 1 or 2 batteries connected.
One battery tender station set up in the garage would be nice, connect and disconnect batteries at will. Buying 5 commercial battery tenders sounds messy and expensive.
