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battery charger/optimiser

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melonman View Drop Down
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    Posted: 01 Jan 2019 at 18:27
Hi,
i understand the Breva 1100 has a canbus system from dash to ecu.
does it matter which optimiser i use ?
i am thinking of getting the optimate 3 any views
regards craig
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rapheal View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rapheal Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jan 2019 at 20:27
you need a series 4 to work with Canbus I am afraid
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Brian UK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jan 2019 at 21:19
The "canbus" is only a digital link between the dash and ECU, it's not Canbus in the normal automotive sense.
I've used a CTEK 3600 charger on the Norge for years now.

Remember, AGM batteries do require a higher charge rate, as in 2 Amps minimum, if discharged, so worth getting a charger which will supply this.
Brian.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote iansoady Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jan 2019 at 12:30
Obviously my V50 doesn't have canbus or the like but I agree the Ctek chargers, although pricey, are excellent. I have a XS5.0 version which can bring apparently dead batteries back from the brink. Its only drawback is lack of a 6 volt setting.....

If I did have complex electronics I would probably disconnect the battery when it was on charge.
Ian
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1986 Honda XBR500
1958-ish Greeves/Triumph in progress
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melonman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote melonman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jan 2019 at 15:06
thanks for the replies gents.
my batteries seem ok but was getting the optimate just to keep them ticking over during winter.
roll on spring !!!
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Brian UK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jan 2019 at 16:31
I actually use a solar panel (4.5W) to keep the battery from discharging so much. Works well in summer but still needs a top up in winter.

The alternative, if you are laying it up for a few weeks, is to disconnect the battery so the ECU doesn't constantly drain it. Guzzi recommend removing the main fuse if left 3 weeks or more.

Brian.

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Mike H View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike H Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jan 2019 at 18:15
As an alternative, if not using the bike, I plug a charger in every couple of weeks, if only for an hour or so. It's got both a Voltmeter and Ammeter so I get a good idea when the battery's had enough.

'Course it means going out into the shed .. Big smile


"Chicken nuggets don't dance on a Tuesday."
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jerry atric Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jan 2019 at 18:31
Originally posted by Brian UK Brian UK wrote:

I actually use a solar panel (4.5W) to keep the battery from discharging so much. Works well in summer but still needs a top up in winter.

The alternative, if you are laying it up for a few weeks, is to disconnect the battery so the ECU doesn't constantly drain it. Guzzi recommend removing the main fuse if left 3 weeks or more.


Is that charger like the one on Amazon for about £23 Brian?
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Brian UK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jan 2019 at 22:44
No idea what is on Amazon, but any solar panel of that sort of power would be fine.

On the CARC models there is a parasytic drain by the ECU and dash, so you need about 4 or 5 Watts, less would not be enough to offset the drain. Too much power from a solar panel risks overcharging the battery unless you also use a charge controller.

I tried a 10 Watt one for a short time, took it off when the battery volts reached 15.
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rapheal View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rapheal Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jan 2019 at 21:57
I have a C tek on my tin donkey
Had an optimate for years but the leads failed, mainly due to me being an electrician and not replacing them when they corroded
I bought a C tek as the leads seem stronger
keeps the battery well charged and the bigger connector is easier with my banana fingers
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lawny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jan 2019 at 20:50
Being a cheapskate I bought one of these for £15.  


But the best thing is to pull the 30Amp fuse if you are not going to use the bike for a while.  It takes seconds to refit the fuse versus the frustration of a dead battery.  As belt and braces I use the tender every now and again to overcome the self-discharge but with the fuse out it is minimal.


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