Odyssey Battery - conflicting info

[nikos]

Do I need a constant voltage or a constant current charger?

The instructions produced by Motorworks specify not to use a constant current charger e.g. Optimate.

The instructions produced by Enersys only say do not exceed 15V whilst charging as this opens up the vents.

Optimate say suitable for charging all lead acid batteries including AGMs...

Confused - I am!

 

[motobiker]

Do I need a constant voltage or a constant current charger?

The instructions produced by Motorworks specify not to use a constant current charger e.g. Optimate.

The instructions produced by Enersys only say do not exceed 15V whilst charging as this opens up the vents.

Optimate say suitable for charging all lead acid batteries including AGMs...

Confused - I am!

just to confuse you even more - Motorworks on their website recommend a constant current charger for the Odyssey. The Ctech

I think they make it up as they go along - or perhaps they just dont like Optimates because the ones they sell have a higher profit margin.

In fact reading the info - the one they sell seems to be a virtual clone of the optimate - only a tad pricier.

http://www.motorworks.co.uk/bmw/products/specials/ctech.php

At least with the optimate you can get a lead which makes plugging it into the powersocket a doddle. - I see no mention of that associated with the Ctech.

Nippy Norman says - NOT DESIGNED FOR CHARGING THOUGH THE ACCESSORY SOCKET which is enough to put me right off the idea.

 

[wessie]

what does the charging system on your bike provide?

It should be a fairly constant voltage. This might provide a clue.

Personally, I've used an Optimate mk1 on my Odyssey battery. Only once or twice a year to top it up if I haven't used the bike and the clock has run it down.

The battery was fitted 3 years ago.

I think the main issue with AGM batteries is recovering them from deep discharge. Low current chargers like the Optimate may not be capable of providing enough power to start the process. How often do you need to do this? Never should be the answer as you are not running a total loss system like a wheelchair for example.

For topping up and maintaining an AGM battery just use any of the jobs that automatically monitor the voltage and switch on/off as needed.

 

[DollyRocket]

In general, most mains powered chargers are two stage, bulk charge and trickle charge. The bulk charge is normally constant current (the max rated by the charger) until the battery voltage rises to meet the max setpoint based on the battery temperature (normally 14.4V @ 25C), it will then go into voltage control mode (or trickle/ float charging) which drops the current to maintain the battery terminal voltage at about 13.8V.

If the battery was designed to go into an automotive application then CV mode at 13.8V should be fine. It is worth limiting the current to around 1/10 capacity in this case (i.e. if it is a 40Ah battery, then limit to 4A) for optimum management.

 

[Slowdown]

Don't listen to the bollocks and buy a battery charger that's meant to charge small, sealed batteries.

Even Halfords sell those!

 

[motobiker]

In general, most mains powered chargers are two stage, bulk charge and trickle charge. The bulk charge is normally constant current (the max rated by the charger) until the battery voltage rises to meet the max setpoint based on the battery temperature (normally 14.4V @ 25C), it will then go into voltage control mode (or trickle/ float charging) which drops the current to maintain the battery terminal voltage at about 13.8V.

If the battery was designed to go into an automotive application then CV mode at 13.8V should be fine. It is worth limiting the current to around 1/10 capacity in this case (i.e. if it is a 40Ah battery, then limit to 4A) for optimum management.

As simple as that? how marvellous!!

 

[Pukmeister]

The CTEK charger comes with the same type of leads and connections as the Optimate does.

 

[motobiker]

The CTEK charger comes with the same type of leads and connections as the Optimate does.

are you sure? I only found a cigarette connector and nippy norman says you cant use the power socket.

supplied with the charger are croc clips and loop connectors for permanent connection to the battery. no DIN plug though.

 

[MattW]

I plug my Ctek into the accessory socket on my 1100 and it works just fine. However I had to buy the requisite BMW style plug adapter separately(a Ctek part which just replaces the croc clips or spade terminals via the inline connector on the chargers output lead). As I understand, there is little to choose between optimates and the Ctek chargers as far as functionality goes.

 

[motobiker]

you clever so and so

(someone should tell nippy norman about this plug!!)

you're right that they're virtually identical - though the Opti 3 is on sale at a marked discount since they realeased the brand spanking new '4'

 

[Bastille]

I plug my Ctek into the accessory socket on my 1100 and it works just fine. However I had to buy the requisite BMW style plug adapter separately(a Ctek part which just replaces the croc clips or spade terminals via the inline connector on the chargers output lead). As I understand, there is little to choose between optimates and the Ctek chargers as far as functionality goes.

I tried this with my 1150 03 and it simply didn't register with the Ctek therefore I connected the loop terminals. If the accessory socket way does work I'd much rather use that? Anybody?

Cheers.