Battery Tender Question / Advice

[Old Machinist]

For most of my batteries I use a true 10W solar panel with no controller and add a 15SQ045 Schottky Diode rated at 15A 45V. I buy the diodes for $7.33 for 25 off eBay. So far I haven't forgot to unplug one before starting but I figure if I did the worst thing that could happen is I blow a 29 cent diode.

Note I have bought some solar panels advertised to be 10 watts that were not a true 10 watt output. ACO Power panels are reasonably priced and are a true 10W output. Just a tad over a 1/2 amp at full sun so no danger of damaging a battery while enough to overcome most parasitic loads and add a little charge back in.

 

[dirtydeed]

I have tenders (battery tender jr's) on every electric start tool in my equipment garage (3 mowers, atv, tractor, mini-ex and Ram truck). I don't unplug them until they have started. Never had an issue with any of them, ever. They are kept plugged in all year round. Battery in ATV is the oldest at 14 years.

 

[lmichael]

For most of my batteries I use a true 10W solar panel with no controller and add a 15SQ045 Schottky Diode rated at 15A 45V. I buy the diodes for $7.33 for 25 off eBay. So far I haven't forgot to unplug one before starting but I figure if I did the worst thing that could happen is I blow a 29 cent diode.

Note I have bought some solar panels advertised to be 10 watts that were not a true 10 watt output. ACO Power panels are reasonably priced and are a true 10W output. Just a tad over a 1/2 amp at full sun so no danger of damaging a battery while enough to overcome most parasitic loads and add a little charge back in.

Funny you mention that

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I have that privilege. I have served as a VFD fireman/worker. Have you?

Everyone should try that at least once in their lifetimes. There’s nothing more fun than answering a call at 3 AM to go save a drunk who set their house on fire by driving all the way thru their garage, and crashing into the kitchen.

I can't, too old, gray beard and personal reasons BUT I KNOW the local fire chief( farmer too) as well as several firefighters( both men and women) at this 'volunteer' station ( they do get paid... about a 1/4 of full timers...). I also use my Kubota to tidy up or totally plow the combined fire station/ EMS building. Hauled away 4 trailer loads of overgrown brush from the trimming someone did. Always wave to them, 2 thumbs up. It's a very busy station, lots of accidents and 'rope rescues' with 2 tall waterfalls nearby.I appreciate the jobs they do, apparently the EMS took me to hospital in 2014,though I have no recollection of that.