celestron power tank, charging

[space3]

hey guys,

my first night out with my Dew controller and power tank, my question is, i got the new power tank for the dew system, so I charged it for 16 ours as it said in the instructions, but after 1 hour, the fully charged light was on, so I was out for two hours tonight and Im wondering how long should I charge my tank for, I dont trust the indicators on the tank, so what you guys think?

does it need recharging, if yes, how long?

[BuzzBomb]

I normally charge my tank for 12hrs, regardless of lights, after every use and at least once a month. I do it on payday so I always remember - yay! got paid, charge the powertank!

Sent from my GT-I9001 using Tapatalk 2

[space3]

thank you, ill go with that.

[LukeSkywatcher]

I also have the Celestron power pack and i dont trust the indicators on it either. I charge mine once a month (about the 9th-10th of each month) when not being used. I charge it over night for about 12-13 hrs. When i do use it for an hour or two a night (not every night), i will charge it the next day for a 4-5 hours.

I dont think you can over charge them (as to damage them). However............if you let it run flat, you may kill it.

[gcraib]

what type of battery is in the power tank?

is it lead acid, Ni-Mh, lithium, Ni-Cd?

[LukeSkywatcher]

what type of battery is in the power tank?

is it lead acid, Ni-Mh, lithium, Ni-Cd?

I have no idea.

[space3]

what type of battery is in the power tank?

is it lead acid, Ni-Mh, lithium, Ni-Cd?

I just looked at the manual and its a lead acid battery

[gcraib]

you can just leave it charging then.

Lead acids work best on a float charge, ideally at 20-25deg C, but you should still be able to leave it in an unheated place (eg garage) but keep it on a float charge!

I have an optimax battery charger that is permanently connected to my bike (lets face it not exactly bike weather) in the garage. Its a 12V charger and maintains the battery, not just charges it. Sure you could use one for telescope. If I ever buy a motorised mount I'll buy another optimax charger for its battery.