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Inverters and stuff!

daddodaddo Member Posts: 3,408
edited August 2003 in General Discussion
I got tired of running an extension cord at work to operate a freon H10 halogen leak detector in attics or just for a quick check, so, I took a lawn tractor battery (175 crank amps.) a 140w inverter, a case that fits perfect to hold everything and a 12v plug to plug into the truck and have the battery recharge while driving. Therein lies the question I have. How does one know when the battery is re-charged enough? What would I need to have the re-charge go to trickle or cease when the 12v battery is fully charged to prevent overcharging and causing a possible fire or "boom"!? Call Radio shack? I would like a full charge that takes only a few minutes, not hours.
This thing is great- ran a small TV for an hour on it! I'm gonna make and sell these, but I want all angles covered and the unit safe beforehand!
Thanks for any help.
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Comments

  • outdoortexasoutdoortexas Member Posts: 4,780
    edited November -1
    Now you done it! Posted your intentions in public, they'll be 27-companies started this week building YOUR unit! All company owners will be GB board members. [;)]

    Okay guys, no matter what daddo sells them for...
    mine is ten dollars cheaper. [:D]

    Send your money orders, or cash, to:
    ODT Ent.
    FW,TX 76114
    or call BR5-555-2274(cash)
    [:p]
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  • daddodaddo Member Posts: 3,408
    edited November -1
    Us Texans have the best ideas!?[^]
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  • nitrouznitrouz Member Posts: 1,820 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You can't fast charge a lead-acid battery. Use a cordless drill battery. Find a cordless drill that is 11-14 volts, use the battery and charger for your project.

    jesus2000x.jpg?mtbrand=NS_US

    "He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one."
    - Jesus Christ in Luke 22:36
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  • daddodaddo Member Posts: 3,408
    edited November -1
    Sorry- a cordless drill battery would never have the capacity and the volt drop would cause a shutdown way too soon (if the volts drop too much the inverter shuts down to protect the device and the battery). The battery in a vehicle will charge in a few minutes (from low-about 5- 10 minutes). I have a 125 amp altenator in the truck. I know a slow charge is better.
    Next!?
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  • bigdaddyjuniorbigdaddyjunior Member Posts: 11,233
    edited November -1
    If I understand correctly you'll have to get a voltage regulator to isolate the battery you are recharging.[just the lighter socket] or mount the regulator in the case and have the charge run through it to the battery.At full capacity it will shut down the charger[around 13.5 volts dc] if it looses charge the regulator will automaticly turn the juice back to it.
    Why not just buy the hand held portable leak detector?

    Big Daddy my heros have always been cowboys,they still are it seems
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  • joey garzajoey garza Member Posts: 523 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2342325837&category=20794

    sorry dude someone beat you to it
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  • nordnord Member Posts: 6,106 ✭
    edited November -1
    Easier way out than all that hardware and wiring...

    1. You already have an inverter.

    2. You have a battery.

    3. Your truck has an alternator, regulator, battery and a lighter socket.

    So... Go out and purchase an inexpensive charger (if you don't already own one). Plug your inverter into the truck system, the charger into the inverter, and hook the charger to the drained battery.

    Better yet, buy a second battery and charge it while the other one's in use.

    Very simple and cheap.[:D]

    Nord
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  • nitrouznitrouz Member Posts: 1,820 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ah I see, you need the amps to keep it going for awhile. Wouldn't a regular car battery charger only put out 20-40 amps and take forever to fully charge? Going off your trucks alternator sounds like the quickest charge then.

    jesus2000x.jpg?mtbrand=NS_US

    "He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one."
    - Jesus Christ in Luke 22:36
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  • daddodaddo Member Posts: 3,408
    edited November -1
    I've had many handheld battery type leak detectors and they just plain don't work. They give false readings and the calibration stinks. The $400.00 H10 is the only one that gives no false readings .
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  • bigdaddyjuniorbigdaddyjunior Member Posts: 11,233
    edited November -1
    Then you are back to needing a voltage regulator.

    Big Daddy my heros have always been cowboys,they still are it seems
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  • shooter4shooter4 Member Posts: 4,457
    edited November -1
    If you can find them, you can use the lead/acid batteries from those emergency lights in buildings Most are 6 volts so you'll need two to run a 12 volt inverter. They are 10amp/hrs each.

    Joeaf1911a1 made a couple of portable lights by epoxying a 6 volt lamp and a on/off switch on them. Work great, stay lit for a long time. You can charge them using an old power supply from a broken tool or whatever, just check the output, make sure its about 9volt DC and put a set of alligator clips on them.
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  • bartobarto Member Posts: 4,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    If I had my druthers, I'd druther drag an extension cord than carry any combination of batteries & inverters.
    I'd think dropping that combo in an attic might test your liability insurance to the limit.
    [:(][:(]barto

    Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.-JFK
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