Vexilar charger

[red ice]

Recently purchased a FL-18 Ultra Pack Vexilar. Only had time to take it out once so far. I really like it, but will take a while to get used to it and learn all of its capabilities. Anyway, the battery status indicator was down to 50-90% charge. So I put it on the charger. That was two days ago and it still isn't fully charged according to the indicator lights. Was wondering if this is normal for it to be this slow? Or maybe I should give Vexilar a call tomorrow? You would think that they would put a halfway decent charger with these things for the price a guy pays for them. Wondering if there is any other Vexilar owners out there with some advice. Thanks in advance!

RED ICE

[Dry_Fly]

Two questions for yeah did you have the switch turned on when you were charging? This is a must or it won't take a charge. The master power switch must be on when charging but the mode switch should be turned off also. Than I aways have a problem with the light it will never read charge complete for me but it will get to 100% full charge. I bought a V-300 charger so it will auto shut off when charged. Also I use a digital volt meter to check my battery. Over charging can be the absolute worst thing for a battery.

[red ice]

Yep, I do have the master switch on and the mode switch off. I think that I am going to call Vexilar tomorrow with my comments and concerns about this charger. See what they have to say about this set-up. How much is that V-300 charger with the automatic shut-off? I have been looking online and can't seem to find a different charger. Must be looking in the wrong places.

[Dry_Fly]

V-300 e-mail me and I'll give the address of a cheap place to buy one on line. Save some bucks for sure.

[email protected]

[red ice]

Dry Fly, you've got mail.

[Giant_Jackpot]

Red,

Here is some battery info that I have posted in the past. The state of charge indicators are not always reliable....

Here is the scoop on the Vexilar type batteries and chargers. Since I used to work for a company that made smart chargers for these types of batteries, I can say the info I am giving you is good stuff.

First of all, the batteries are sealed lead acid and just like the battery in your car, they like to be charged. Charge the battery after each use and you can get them to last 4 or more years. The worst thing you can do to a lead acid battery is run it down and not charge it as soon as possible. Also charge the battery every month or so during the off season.

With that said, the cheap chargers that come with these batteries will cook the battery and shorten its life if you leave charger on the battery for extended periods. If you really want to take care of the battery, connect a voltmeter to the battery during charging. When the battery reaches about 14.8 volts disconnect the charger. Otherwise don’t leave the charger connected for more than 24 hours (unless the charger is a smart charger).

The smart chargers are a good idea if they are doing the right thing. They should charge the battery to about 14.8 volts and then drop into a maintenance or float mode at about 13.2 volts.

As far as the LED battery indicators go, don’t believe everything you see. The components used in an inexpensive device like this can have tolerance swings of up to 20%. On a properly charged battery, one indicator may read fully charged while another might say ¾. Just something to keep in mind.

Let me know if you have any other questions.........

[red ice]

Thanks for the advice! Guess that I am just frustrated that a guy spends a fair amount of $$ on these things and they put cheap slow chargers in them. I did call Vexilar and they are having a few problems with a few chagers. So, they are going to send me a new on. I also plan on looking ar those smart chargers and will try to find a good deal on them. Thanks again!

RED

[red ice]

Giant,

Just thought of a couple of questions for you. What kind of smart charger do you recommend? Also, if I buy one of those, can I continually leave the charger connected?

RED

[Dry_Fly]

Ryan Budlong I couldn't get your e-mail address to work. Tried several times always came back sorry. dry_fly

[Giant_Jackpot]

Red,

I am lucky enough to have some of the fancy chargers from the company I used to work at. They are not available anymore. I do know that some of the guys on FM were getting a smart charger at Gander and I thought it was made by Marcum but I have not checked them out. And yes, you can leave the smart charger plugged for extended periods. Ihope this answers your questions.

[TRITC]

Red,

Gander carrys The Smart Charger, I think they are around $20 - $25. Just put the charger on and forget about it.

TRITC