security alarm draining batterie

DodgeRam

New member
I have a alarm install on my boat that is on at night. It is draining my batterie during the week, I believe that it is normal. For know I have a small portable charger that restore my batterie , on 2 amps charge. I have 2 Optima blue top batterie and might get one more later . The 2 batteries are starter & house batteries . Witch batterie charger would you recommend that is fairly price? Gary
 
How many watts does this critter draw?

I had a fume detector in the bilge of an inboard boat which would kill the batter in a week. Typical low capacity Optima battery may only have 30 useful amp hours capacity (until the voltage drops to below 10.5) and with, say, a small 6 watt draw that's 1/2 amp or 12 amp hours per day. Battery is gone in 3 days or less.

Optimas are great for resisting the pounding of high speed or parachute drops :wink , otherwise a large Group 31 deep cycle will serve you better.

A good rule of thumb published by Spa Creek Electronics several years ago: Useful amp hours equals Reserve Capacity divided by 2.4. A so-called 80 amp hour Group 24 battery will have a RC of about 120 and only give you 50 useful amp hours -- and only if it was fully charged.

-- Chuck
 
THis is the charger that the factory uses. http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/85-2611.htm I also installed this unit on my last boat, and it worked flawlessly, even throughout winter lay-up, when I didn't bother to remove the batteries. Just keep it plugged in, and forget about it, the batteries won't overcharge. If you're installing shore power on a crowded dock, don't forget the galvanic isolator. It will block stray DC currents, yet allow AC fault currents to pass.
 
For that type of problem I would install a solar charger. Even though we don't get too much sun up here in the PNW I still think it would be good enough to replace the charge that is being drawn by the alarm.
 
Thank's Minnow that batterie charger is well price, and sound like it is working good for you, sold on that one. Where did you install it? I am planning to install shore power after fishing is over later this fall. I really love those Optima , I bought the one's that are call Troll Fury they come in a nice plastic box that I mounted between the 2 gas tanks it fit perfectly , even stop the tank from bulging. Raise them up 5'' on top of the drain hole with stratoboard you do not see any wires look very good, one day I will post some pictures. PS Troll Fury only come dual both being starter & house. Gary
 
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