Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeod
AJ, I've got to ask about your recommendation to not run down the batteries lower than about 50%. My dealer says the opposite, i.e., I get fewer miles than advertised because I don't run the batteries down low and then recharge fully. He claims that the digital gauge on the cart "remembers" the amount of discharge before recharging and then uses that as the 0% charge level. Therefore it shows a more rapid discharge than is really happening. Is this the break-in you refer to? Or am I getting BS?
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I want to be clear, I am not a professional cart person, my experience is limited to rebuidling/maintaining my carts and reading, so caveat reader.
Trojan battery provides a pretty good site:
http://www.trojanbattery.com/Tech-Su...intenance.aspx
Mike: Select "Discharging" and have a discussion with your dealer
. I do not understand what he meant by your gauge having memory, so I cannot comment there.
BoSox: Check out the testing section, which includes a state of charge chart. Also refer to the user's guide (section 7):
http://www.trojanbattery.com/pdf/UsersGuide_English.pdf
The other night I pushed my cart harder than I like, I live off of Murphey's Estate in Mallory. I went to Orange Blossom, played 18, came home, then went to my Dad's (past Chatham Rec center) for the Pats game
and came home with lights on. This must be close to 40 miles and the voltage of the pack at the end was 48.2. This is as low as I would ever take my cart unless an emergency.
Another maintenance site:
http://www.usbattery.com/usb_care_maint.html
Some information I got regarding new battery break in:
NEW BATTERY BREAK-IN PROCEDURE:Following proper break-in procedure can increase the strength and the useful life span of your new batteries. New batteries are initially about 75% of their full strength. The following procedure will insure they reach their full potential.
The 1st 10 to 20 complete charge/discharge cycles are critical to insure they reach 100%. New batteries should be charged before use and thereafter as follows:
Plug the charger in and leave it alone until charger shuts off by itself. Then drive to discharge the batteries to 75% battery pack capacity (see chart) Plug the cart back in and repeat the charge cycle.......It is very important you let it charge until it is completely done. Repeat this for the first 10 - 20 cycles......by the 12th cycle you will notice a difference in power, speed, and run-time.........I have never had a customer say they have not noticed the increase.
Most importantly, NEVER run the battery pack down below 50% of capacity throughout their entire life. Never leave the batteries in a state of discharge for extended periods of time. Recharge the pack once a week if the cart is sitting idle or in storage. And when in doubt, recharge it.
During the break-in procedure, keep an eye on the water levels (use distilled water only). I have seen it take 12 hours or better for the 1st few Charging times. These extended charge cycles may evaporate some of the distilled water.
As the batteries break in you will notice the charge time gets shorter. Eventually going from 12 to 5-6 hours per recharge.