Charging a battery without an indicator

[Waterbeater]

I did a search and couldn't find anything so if this is an over asked question forgive me. I just bought a battery and charger combo from Cabelas and they came with no charging instructions and no charging indicator light. The battery is the usual 7 amp, 12 volt. The charger is 12 volt, 500mA. I am assuming that means it is a 1/2 amp charger. If that is the case it would take 14 hours to charge a totally dead battery. If I am wrong please correct me and any input on charging and upkeep would be appreciated.

[BDR]

Shinde has it!

[shinde]

Here's an excerpt from the instructions that came with my battery:

12v gel cell batter charging (from Ertl 12v, 7.0ah instruction sheet)

For maximum battery life, batteries should be:

· Stored at 50 degrees or lower. Life is shortened considerably at temperatures above 85 degrees.

· Charge according to proper procedures. Continuous over or under charging does the most damage. Recharge as soon as possible after each use. Recharge every 6-9 months when not in use.

Charging:

· Be sure to disconnect the battery from the locator before charging.

· Just after disconnecting a charger, a reading of 14.5v to 15v will indicate a full charge.

· Peak performance will come from a battery that holds a charge between 13.5v and 13.8v after being given time to “settle” (usually takes 5-10 minutes after charging).

· If not using a voltmeter, general rule is to charge the battery for ¼ the time it was used (assuming started from a full charge).

· DO NOT OVERCHARGE!. It will ruin the battery in as little as a few hours.

Hope that helps!