Author Topic: Vex chargers (Read 1442 times)

62&done · « **on:** Nov 17, 2022, 10:12 AM »

Here's a question for you car guys : I want to be able to charge my vex while in my vehicle on a road trip. I contacted vex about a charger to run off the USB port or the cigarette lighter and they say nothing is available. I was thinking of running wire leads from the engine compartment (truck battery) to the cab with alligator clips and an inline fuse. Will it work ? I'm not sure about all this stuff and would like to hear some suggestions. My apologies if this subject has come up before but I couldn't find anything in the "search" dept.

ice dawg · « **Reply #1 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 10:22 AM »

Use a cord that plugs into your 12v power port or cigarette lighter socket. Same thing as running wires from your battery.

Rebelss · « **Reply #2 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 10:24 AM »

Quote from: ice dawg on Nov 17, 2022, 10:22 AM

Use a cord that plugs into your 12v power port or cigarette lighter socket. Same thing as running wires from your battery.

And go to Walmart and grab one.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/12V-24V-Cigarette-Lighter-Battery-Clip-on-Car-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket-Adapter-Length-Extension-Cord/833533040?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101125877&adid=22222222227833533040_101125877_142390348505_18620663447&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=631527591288&wl4=aud-393207457166:pla-1880170929581&wl5=9019794&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=540204127&wl11=online&wl12=833533040_101125877&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1NebBhDDARIsAANiDD101vnt5k25X0k5na8WafLPvmLUjdLIEnpDgZ_ZgjSUEUyD7ce4wZoaAo-lEALw_wcB

hardwater diehard · « **Reply #3 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 10:27 AM »

https://www.thornebros.com/products/clam-dc-plug-with-alligator-clips

https://www.amazon.com/Clam-8854-Plug-Alligator-Clips/dp/B004CG2E0W

62&done · « **Reply #4 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 10:33 AM »

Thanks guys that was quick ! I'm going to look at the local truck stop store Maybe they'll have something there

Iceassin · « **Reply #5 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 10:35 AM »

Without somehow using the transformer/converter, that is the charger, don't you run the risk of overcharging? There will be nothing to indicate that the charge is complete. Or am I overthinking this?

Raquettedacker · « **Reply #6 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 10:46 AM »

Quote from: Iceassin on Nov 17, 2022, 10:35 AM

Without somehow using the transformer/converter, that is the charger, don't you run the risk of overcharging? There will be nothing to indicate that the charge is complete. Or am I overthinking this?

No your correct..

hardwater diehard · « **Reply #7 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 10:48 AM »

Quote from: Iceassin on Nov 17, 2022, 10:35 AM

Without somehow using the transformer/converter, that is the charger, don't you run the risk of overcharging? There will be nothing to indicate that the charge is complete. Or am I overthinking this?

You may be correct ...maybe a lighter plug with a low Ah usb out

https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-Universal-Car-Charger-Cigarette-Lighter-USB-Charge-for-Apple-and-Android-Devices-2-4-Amp-12W-Black/120238440?fulfillmentIntent=Pickup

hardwater diehard · « **Reply #8 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 11:12 AM »

Quote from: Iceassin on Nov 17, 2022, 10:35 AM

Without somehow using the transformer/converter, that is the charger, don't you run the risk of overcharging? There will be nothing to indicate that the charge is complete. Or am I overthinking this?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-100-Watts-Vehicle-Power-Inverter-Converter-12V-DC-to-110V-AC/102391592?fulfillmentIntent=Pickup&athbdg=L1600

Iceassin · « **Reply #9 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 11:21 AM »

Or...get a female plug for the charger and wire the cigarette lighter/OSB connector to it. Alligator clips on the other end for the battery.

ice dawg · « **Reply #10 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 12:35 PM »

I have a 200W inverter that plugs into my power port in my pickup or sxs that I can use for a Vexilar or equivalent charger.

Rebelss · « **Reply #11 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 12:56 PM »

As mentioned...

https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-400-Watts-Vehicle-Power-Inverter-Converter-12V-DC-to-110V-AC/743326527?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=1971&adid=22222222277743326527_117755028669_12420145346&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-294505072980&wl5=9019794&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=743326527&wl13=1971&veh=sem_LIA&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1NebBhDDARIsAANiDD2OrHpapK-d8YQkIAYNd1ooO2mteozpymrowYqQ644TzCbJ0vYrDJYaAulyEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

62&done · « **Reply #12 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 01:21 PM »

OK now I'm getting a little confused I should be able to run a USB cable with a pair of alligator clips from my dashboard port to the battery in my vex. without any worries
Right or wrong ?

Rebelss · « **Reply #13 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 01:34 PM »

Right.....but what you'll be getting is a small charge of 0.5A, some later USB will do about 0.9A

62&done · « **Reply #14 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 02:42 PM »

Thankyou Rebelss that is exactly what I was wondering about Maybe running a cable out to my battery and watching my meter on the vex will be a better solution

Rebelss · « **Reply #15 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 03:45 PM »

Oh, I think you should be fine from the cigarette lighter, since that's the same exact thing as running a wire to your battery, just don't leave it on there for very long, or go with a USB cable/clips and no worries...but it may not be charged up real far in a short period. You never gave a timeframe of how long/when you'd be doing this...on the ride home, the ride to....?? Of course you'll plug it in when it's at home for a proper charge, right?

ice dawg · « **Reply #16 on:** Nov 17, 2022, 04:15 PM »

The charging current should be no more than 25% of the battery capacity. A 12v 10aH battery should be charged at no more than 2.5 amps. A 7aH battery no more than 1 3/4 amps. I don't know how you will control this amperage when hooked directly to your battery while the engine is running. It is fairly easy to ruin one of these small batteries by charging too fast.

62&done · « **Reply #17 on:** Nov 18, 2022, 10:23 AM »

All good info to consider. Thanks to all I'm planning a couple road trips this winter to scratch some of those spots off my bucket list. This charging idea would be from place to place for perhaps a couple hours just to perhaps top of my battery. Nights would be spent in a motel or rental camp and power would be available. Just wanted to be sure of the possibilities if I get caught in a pinch. Hope everyone is looking forward to the ice season as much as I am. Going shopping today and will be looking at acessories

Iceassin · « **Reply #18 on:** Nov 18, 2022, 11:20 AM »

Quote from: ice dawg on Nov 17, 2022, 04:15 PM

The charging current should be no more than 25% of the battery capacity. A 12v 10aH battery should be charged at no more than 2.5 amps. A 7aH battery no more than 1 3/4 amps. I don't know how you will control this amperage when hooked directly to your battery while the engine is running. It is fairly easy to ruin one of these small batteries by charging too fast.

X2. It would be nice to attach the charger as well. Thought maybe a female plug (plugged into the male on the charger), then wired to the connector desired (cig. lighter or USB). But the charger is designed to convert from 120 to 12. Not sure if it would work without converting (12 to 12).

Another option? Buy a lithium. Lasts for days.

hardwater diehard · « **Reply #19 on:** Nov 18, 2022, 12:47 PM »

Another fly in the ointment is that most SLA batteries prefer to be warmed up some before taking a recharge ..not certain that coming from the cold/ice to your cold vehicle and then to your next destination with the battery charging up until your next destination arrival is going to do much of anything ...unless its some distance away . Going with a larger lithium amp hour battery may be a better choice .

ice dawg · « **Reply #20 on:** Nov 18, 2022, 03:39 PM »

Quote from: Iceassin on Nov 18, 2022, 11:20 AM

X2. It would be nice to attach the charger as well. Thought maybe a female plug (plugged into the male on the charger), then wired to the connector desired (cig. lighter or USB). But the charger is designed to convert from 120 to 12. Not sure if it would work without converting (12 to 12).

Another option? Buy a lithium. Lasts for days.

I would use a 12v inverter with my Vex charger plugged into it because it would be simple and safe.. I would also buy another 12v SLA battery so I would have one to use since the battery I need to charge would need to be warmed up before charging it. A lot would depend on how far I would travel between destinations. I would prefer to do something like this rather than cobble something up.

62&done · « **Reply #21 on:** Nov 20, 2022, 05:25 PM »

I must thank everyone for their input. All this info is appreciated, and it is making me reconsider this plan. I think Hardwater has the best option. I'm going to purchase a good lithium battery with the proper charger since mine is too many yrs old anyway. This should take care of any multiple day trip that I can dream up.
Best of luck to all

wile.e.1 · « **Reply #22 on:** Nov 20, 2022, 07:06 PM »

check out a Jackery I have the Explorer 300 model. I take quite a few road trips out of state, and use this to power/charge my phones, tablets, anything that takes power. Quite a handy unit

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Author Topic: Vex chargers (Read 1442 times)