Batteries in Tandem

[bigbluepirahna]

My underwater camera goes through an entire battery in a couple hours. It will run the vexillar for days so I know it's a decent battery. Can you hook up a couple batteries in tandem like we do for 12v systems in the boat. Just get some wire and gator clips and hook the like colors together on two batteries. That way maybe I can get a few hours without switching batteries.

I don't want to wreck the camera so I thought I'd ask for guidance first.

Thanks.

[BobT]

Connect (+) to (+) and (-) to (-) so the batteries are connected in parallel. This will keep the voltage at the same level but the battery capacities will be added together.

Bob

[PerchJerker]

You can add the extra battery to get more run time, just make sure you go + to + and - to - to keep the connection at 12 volts.

[bigbluepirahna]

Sounds good. I have never seen anyone do it with the little batteries so I thought I'd check.

Can you charge them in tandem as well, or is there a reason they should be separated and charged separately. I know it would take longer, but I was thinking about hard wiring a couple together.

Thanks again.

[BobT]

I would recommend charging separately. I think it'll be easier for the charger to know when they are fully charged assuming you have an automatic charger. Batteries will draw a little current even when fully charged and that current will be added together, which could fool the charger into thinking they were not fully charged yet.

That's my thoughts anyway. I could be wrong though.

Bob

[Whoaru99]

Or, you could just get one larger battery, like a 12Ah or 17Ah.