Topic: UA-5 digimod w/ 12v SLA

[aberg]

I've got a little problem here... I digimodded my UA-5 properly and it works fine when connected to the AC adapter or to RC battery packs... but I think my SLA might be fucked... it's been charging for a LONG time and the charge complete light hasn't come on... the UA-5 will power when connected to it, but the optical out light won't go on... Any ideas? I have the SureCharge Float Charger with 1A output from batterymart.com... any ideas? Thanks guys... you've been real helpful lately.

[fozzy]

try plugging in a auto bulb or something that can suck a bit of DC juice off the SLA.  I've had to do this when i over charged one of my SLA's

[aberg]

Hmm, that's a good point.... maybe that's what I'm doing.. although I'm pretty sure my charger protects against overcharging... hmm... what could I power off 12v?

[aberg]

I can't find anything to use to drain it with... what can you suggest?

[fozzy]

anything automotive, gas station has 2 packs of 12v bulbs for 99 cents

[aberg]

How long did you have to run a blub for to drain it enough? Can you think of anything else around the house?

[fozzy]

5 mins or so.

old cell phone w/ auto charger

PC fan

[aberg]

I can actually run the UA-5 off it... the optical just doesn't work.... should I run it for a bit to drain it that way? or would that be a bad idea?

[fozzy]

i don't like that optical isn't working, i wouldn't feel comfortable w/ that

[aberg]

Yeah, alright, i'm going to try and do the PC fan method.... thanks. I'll let you know if it works.

[fozzy]

those dont draw to much power so i'd run it for 15 mins or so.  try to rig it so you don't have to hold the wires they may get hot.  the bigger the fan the better

[aberg]

I'm using a 60mm antec CPU fan... it's all i could find... it wasn't being used.. an old one... i will run it for a while.. 20 mins or so. I'm assuming this is so that the SLA's voltage drops a little to within the UA-5's range?

[aberg]

If this works, I'm going to keep this fan in my bag for similar situations.... a good tool to have. I'm surprised I haven't heard more about this situation on here. I was worried that I fucked up my SLA....

[fozzy]

I have two 12v light bulbs in a series w/ aligator clips, but i don't keep em in my bag.  Haven't had to use em since i got my powersonic charger.

[aberg]

I think my charger must have fucked up cuz it has circuitry in it meant to prevent overcharging.. it just does float charging... and this green light is supposed to blink... but it wasn't. Rather frustrating... I'm considering scrapping SLA's altegether, and buying a bunch of 3000mah 9.6v RC packs...