Author Topic: Quick Battery Maintenance Question  (Read 736 times)

Offline thinblueline

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Quick Battery Maintenance Question
« on: Nov 21, 2021, 06:13 PM »
I bought two new Vexilars, an FLX-20 for myself, and an FL-18 for bringing a family member, both with the standard batteries and a Strikemaster 24 volt auger with the lithium battery. All of these things are brand new in the box as this was to be my first year ice fishing. Now I am having a complex ankle surgery next week which will postpone any ice fishing I do to the end of the season, if I can get out at all. My question is what to do with the batteries in this brand new equipment. Should I get the batteries out now and top off the charge once a month until next winter, or are these batteries good to be left in the boxes without ill effect since they’ve never been used? What say you guys?

Offline DR.SPECKLER

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Re: Quick Battery Maintenance Question
« Reply #1 on: Nov 21, 2021, 07:07 PM »
Top them off every couple of months.at least check on them by hooking up the chargers or hook up a voltage meter to check battery health every couple of months.

Offline Rebelss

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Re: Quick Battery Maintenance Question
« Reply #2 on: Nov 21, 2021, 07:17 PM »
An unused battery should always have a full charge in it......
“The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation”  Thoreau

Offline uncleshorty

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Re: Quick Battery Maintenance Question
« Reply #3 on: Nov 21, 2021, 09:22 PM »
I have a lead acid sealed battery that I keep on charge all the time.  The "Smart" charger charges the batt normally after use and then goes into a "float" mode that keeps the batt at full charge without any input from me.

Lithium batts have similar smart chargers.  In fact those may be standard.

Always store a batt w/ a full charge.  NEVER let a lead acid completely drain.  It "sulfates up" and cannot be charged. 

The advantage of a smart charger should be apparent.  Are you gonna remember to pull your batts out in July?
Ice fishin' & turtlin's all I crave...

Offline SirCranksalot

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Re: Quick Battery Maintenance Question
« Reply #4 on: Nov 21, 2021, 09:31 PM »
Sulphate build up when the batt is not plugged in even though it might remain fully charged.
Keep yer stick on the ice!

Offline OHeyes

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Re: Quick Battery Maintenance Question
« Reply #5 on: Nov 29, 2021, 07:49 AM »
I found this helpful for Lithium batteries: 
https://dakotalithium.com/2018/12/14/how-to-store-a-12v-lithium-battery/#:~:text=When%20doing%20so%2C%20there%20are%20three%20easy%20ways,cold%20or%20heat%20will%20shorten%20your%20battery%E2%80%99s%20lifespan.

How To Store A 12V Lithium Battery
December 14, 2018 | Byron Mucke | How To
12V 10Ah Dakota Lithium Battery Storage
Simple maintenance can extend the lifespan of your battery.

Whether you use Dakota Lithium batteries for ice fishing, kayak fishing, or for ham radio electronics, it is not uncommon to store your battery for long periods of time during the off-season. When doing so, there are three easy ways to keep your Dakota Lithium Battery at its peak performance.

store your lithium battery at room temperature in a dry place
Store your battery in an area with ambient temperatures between 40F – 95F (4C – 32C). In general, extreme cold or heat will shorten your battery’s lifespan. The cells inside your battery will stay healthier and last longer if they are stored at room temperature. On the same note, it is best to charge your battery at room temperature as well.

It is also important to keep moisture away from your battery to prevent rust and other forms of weathering. If you live in a humid climate and/or are near salt water, you can keep your battery inside a plastic bag to keep ambient moisture and salt at bay.

Charge your lithium battery at least every two months
As you know, the performance of LiFePO4 batteries is superior to SLA batteries. However, keeping any battery at low voltage for long periods of time will damage it. Similar to your car’s battery, if it is not in regular use, it is important to turn your car on every once in a while to prevent premature battery death. Even if you store your battery at full charge, it will still slowly discharge over time.

When your battery is completely depleted for extended periods of time, it may prove difficult or impossible for your battery’s Battery Management System (BMS) to “wake the battery up” and bring its cells back into normal usage. It is better to keep your battery charged than to let it completely drain to zero.

Fully charge your battery every time you use it
When you use your battery, sometimes individual cells will discharge their power quicker than its peers. Charging your battery to full capacity allows the cells inside to balance themselves which in turn will give you the maximum run time your battery is capable of. If you are on the fence about whether to charge your battery or not, it is better to stay on the safe side of charging it.

“Will my battery’s life span decrease if I charge it too much?”
You don’t have to worry about wasting any charge cycles as charging it to full capacity does not count as a complete charge cycle unless the battery is completely drained. Your LiFePO4 battery will last longer than advertised so long as you do not completely discharge it every time you use it.

We recommend using our chargers with your Dakota Lithium battery. Not only will they charge your battery faster, but they will bring your battery to it’s most full capacity. Your battery’s cells will be healthier, happier, and last longer.

So don’t forget to fully charge your batteries every two months during the off-season!

Offline uncleshorty

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Re: Quick Battery Maintenance Question
« Reply #6 on: Nov 29, 2021, 08:33 AM »
Or put your lithium or SLA batts on a smart charger in March and forget them until Nov.  No "two month" charges needed...

Remember to charge every two months?  That's the bones and sticks method...

Technology marches on!
Ice fishin' & turtlin's all I crave...

 



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