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Gear / Technical Help => Remote Power => Topic started by: taperroy on December 12, 2012, 11:50:09 PM
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heading north for a fishing trip, and have a fishfinder that runs on a 12v 9 amp hr battery.... and was wondering, rather than getting a second backup battery, was wondering if using a higher capacity 12v motorcycle battery might work, as a longer term powering option. anyone have experience with anything like this?? at times, ill be out on the lake for over 24 hours, and dont want to run out of battery power! i would think that just like as with taping gear, the higher capacity, the better, but just trying to make sure i dont try to push too much power to my device, (and fry it) !!
beyond that, anyone have recommendations on a goodquality, yet reasonably priced, 12v sla battery that would be over 9 amp hr??
thanks in advance, you tech heads!!
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As long as you're giving it 12v, the capacity doesn't matter... As for AH, you can find scooter or motorcycle batteries that are about 20AHs, which will in effect double your run time...
Terry
ETA Add a fuse on the Positive supply... Someone more experienced will chime in I'm sure...
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What type of battery is attached to the fish finder? This is important when you charge the battery - different types of batteries use different types of chargers
Any 12v should work so you could use a 12Ah or larger - just make sure you get the polarity right when you wire it up
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Taperroy,
motorcycle and car batteries are designed to give a very high current during starting and then be recharged as fast as possible. They do not like loads that draw rather small, but constant current (1-2A being small for them). If you use them this way, they will die after a few cycles (no kidding, I found out the hard way).
My best bet would be to get an AGM or gel cell designed for deep discharge (those portable power pack/compressor/work light combos come to mind). Common sizes are also 16-18Ah gel cells for emergency lighting, alarm and UPS systems. Maybe you have a company near you that services such devices. Those batteries are replaced after a certain runtime and if you can get some (mostly free) there is a good chance that they are still okay (70% or more of nominal capacity).
Another tip: invest in a good charger!
Greetings,
Rainer
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best bet it a deep cycle marine battery. hands down,best solution.
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the battery that is supplied with the unit is a 12 volt, 7.2 amphour battery, sealed lead acid rechargable battery.
my buddies just got two of the same batteries, and will swap em out. i just thought that if i could use a larger amphr battery, id go that way.
thanks a ton for the recommendations.... now, if the fish will only bite!!