I just replaced the 12 volt car battery that I use for my vhf radio. I have no way to know how low the battery or when to re charge it or how to test it to see how much is left in it before before re charging. My outboard is a pull start my running lights and cabin lights are liquid fuel There is no electric power on the boat other than the vhf battery. Anyone know what kind of meter I need to test the battery and where to get it.
battery testing question
- Thread starter bffatcat
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A voltage meter.
The quick and dirty of it is that a battery is considered fully charged at 12.6V and 50% discharged at 12.2V. A battery should not be discharged beyond 50% before recharging in order to extend its life. A battery is considered empty at 11.8V. Since you already have an automotive or starting battery continue to use it until it dies but then replace it with a deep cycle battery which is designed to accept multiple discharge/charge cycles. A digital voltmeter may be easier to read than an analog. Good luck.
The quick and dirty of it is that a battery is considered fully charged at 12.6V and 50% discharged at 12.2V. A battery should not be discharged beyond 50% before recharging in order to extend its life. A battery is considered empty at 11.8V. Since you already have an automotive or starting battery continue to use it until it dies but then replace it with a deep cycle battery which is designed to accept multiple discharge/charge cycles. A digital voltmeter may be easier to read than an analog. Good luck.
Voltage is only one of the TWO battery
measurements. The other is a hydrometer to check the s.g. of the cells. Do some research on batteries, through Google on "batteries" or "deep cycle batteries" and you'll find a wealth of information that is just too much for us to retype for you here. Benny's right about the deep cycle type, too.
measurements. The other is a hydrometer to check the s.g. of the cells. Do some research on batteries, through Google on "batteries" or "deep cycle batteries" and you'll find a wealth of information that is just too much for us to retype for you here. Benny's right about the deep cycle type, too.
Forget the hydrometer
If it is a car battery then it is most likely sealed and you will not have access to the electrolyte to even use a hydrometer. For you purposes a multi-meter from radio shack will serve you well. After you get the electrical gadgets bug you will be able to diagnose electrical problems.
If it is a car battery then it is most likely sealed and you will not have access to the electrolyte to even use a hydrometer. For you purposes a multi-meter from radio shack will serve you well. After you get the electrical gadgets bug you will be able to diagnose electrical problems.
And when he does eventually get a REAL battery
- deep cycle - he would be advised to use the hydrometer. Yup, Bill, might be a tad early for him now.
- deep cycle - he would be advised to use the hydrometer. Yup, Bill, might be a tad early for him now.
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