On 5/23/2012 9:04 PM, -MIKE- wrote:
On 5/23/12 8:39 PM, Richard wrote:
On 5/23/2012 6:23 PM, Steve B wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Wed, 23 May 2012 07:19:43 -0500, Leonlcb11211@swbelldotnet
What do you do to make them last? ;~)

Easy answer. I don't use them as much as you do. As a habit, I run a
battery right down and then recharge it fully before I use it again.
That habit is not as necessary these days as it was in the past, but
it has become my habit anyway.

I'll put a slip tie on mine, and let it run.

Steve




And recharge it as soon as it sounds like it's getting low.

Running a battery down below 50% charge WILL shorten it's life.

Leaving it uncharged for weeks will kill it even quicker.


Back in my motorcycle days there was a quote -

Ride every day the battery will last near forever.
Once a week it may last a year.
Onece a month it may not last a year.


Your motorcycle battery was probably plain old lead acid.
Newer batteries are apples and oranges in chemistry compared to lead
acid and the rules are different depending on if they are NiCad, NiMH,
Li€‘ion, etc.



True.
But...
You still have to use them regularly to keep them healthy.
And taking them below 50% charge will still shorten their lives.