Scooter Doc
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Post by bobf on Aug 19, 2011 15:44:11 GMT -6
Here is another subject where I hope to learn some useful solutions.
On my MC 54 250B I must lift the lid, take off a cover to expose the battery. I would like to start using a battery minder or slow charge to keep the battery ready for action. Also I would like to be able to test the battery charge both while running or in standby.
Now due to my lazy ways I would like to do this without taking off that inner cover and maybe without even lifting the seat.
My possible solution would be to make a wiring addition so that the positive and negative access could be brought direct to the outside so that the connections can be made and charge or test done readily. If not able to do it at some outside point then at least right under the seat, in the storage area.
I have not looked into Radio Shack yet or into any auto stores either, just thinking out lout here.
What I think I would need here are a couple of protected connection points. Maybe a connector that is inside of a plastic body and contact could be done by inserting a pin. Or if inside a terminal board with a plastic cover over it. I could probably mount and external connection point under the rear cargo carrier where it would not be in the way of the driver or passenger or if under the seat it would just be attached to one of the flat side walls.
Then I would need enough wire to reach from the battery to the extended connecting point. These wires would be permanently attached to the connecting point and would have rings on them so they could be put in place and held down by the battery connecting screws with the other wires already in place.
OK, that is my current thinking. So before I waste a bunch of time searching for connectors and ways to do this modification, I am just wondering. Has anyone ever tried this before and if so, was it successful?
If so I will likely follow the path taken. If not I will begin a search for good connection methods and see what I can come up with. If successful I will report back to the forum about what I did and how.
It just seems to me to be something that could have been designed into the production machines. Some cars have such alternatives to check and charge batteries from under the hood but the batteries are hidden under the motor or elsewhere in the car. .
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Post by Alleyoop on Aug 19, 2011 16:04:29 GMT -6
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Scooter Doc
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Post by bobf on Aug 20, 2011 14:53:50 GMT -6
I am still looking but I do like your idea. I have a small electronic charger, about 2 amps I think, and I don't really want it connected all the time. But your Battery Tender sounds pretty good at .75 amps and controlled. .
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Clinician
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Post by smokindawg on Aug 20, 2011 20:28:49 GMT -6
Yep alleyoop, that's what I use on mine, except it doesn't have a fuse in it. Mine was on the scoot when I got it, but it was on the front of the scoot, as the battery is behind the headlights on mine, not the best spot, but it works. And with a new battery I shouldn't have to mess with it much. But when I rewired the scoot I moved that plug to the back at the starter solenoid and I have a trickle charger when I need a charge.
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Scooter Doc
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Post by bobf on Aug 23, 2011 13:18:38 GMT -6
Well my decision just happened. I went to our local ACE on Sunday morning and showed them an add from their web site. They did not have it so they ordered it for me. Tuesday is their truck day and it arrived this Tuesday, today, and had it not I would have it next Tuesday for sure. Price was 31.99 with 2.22 tax it came to 34.21. That is about $0.73 less than EBAY. I like keeping the money in local business if I can.
I think I can arrange to have the battery end of the cables at the front of the under seat bay where I can get to it without even lifting the seat. This looks like a very well thought out system. Thanks to all that responded to my post.
I just installed the cable end. Put a small notch in the front of the battery cover so I could bring the wires out there. I thought I could then just reach in and pull the cable out but it gets pinched on something so I still have to open the seat. Just how lazy can a person get? Anyway, opening the seat is not a big deal and right now I have it on the charger. .
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