Tracer Battery, unboxed - first light to follow

[Cjg]

With a dead battery in my Skywatcher Powertank, I looked for a replacement to fit and found that the charging "system" just pumps in full voltage and if you're not careful, you can overcharge and ruin the battery. I think I did this at the end of a night use by plugging it in and leaving it on charge overnight and most of the following morning.

So looked around, and saw the Tracer batteries from FLO.

The Tracer battery looks a useful piece of kit, I went for the smallest option as it would only get occasional use, and if it lasts the 4/5 hrs that my Powertank did (when new) that will do for me.

The box contains the mains charger - numerous adaptors for it, a cigarette lighter charger and an adaptor to attach to the battery

The instructions are comprehensive, though note that the battery must be charged before first use (that's normal) can be charged from the mains or a cigarette socket in a car.  The battery should be charged within 12hrs of being discharged.

The final photo shows the comparison between the Tracer, two Panasonic chargers and the removed SLA battery from the Skywatcher powertank.

The battery case is more neoprene than canvas, there are no straps, but am hopeful it will keep the battery warmer and protected whilst in use.

What you cannot see is the difference in weight between the SLA battery and the Tracer - it's featherweight by comparison.

The purchase from FLO was (as ever) excellent, they answered my questions the same day, and delivery by Fed Ex was next working day for £3!

I'll hopefully be using it on Saturday evening and will see how long it lasts and how it works with my Celestron Nexstar.

Chris

[Hyperion76]

looking forward with great Interest to this review

[ronin]

Would like to know how long it lasts at 12 volts as I need something similar for use on either of 2 small Meades.

[Cjg]

Well, the skies are clearing, so with the battery fully charged, I'll let you know how long it lasts tonight.

@Ronin, not sure that I can tell you how long at 12volts, but certainly how long it maintains accuracy and usage of my 5SE.

[Cjg]

Okay, here's the first light "report".

The 8ah Tracer battery worked like a charm this evening, solidly from about 1830 to about 2200rs when we packed up (the visitors had left).

• The red light on the connector is a little on the bright side and will need masking (i'm being picky here though). (photo attached)
• The connector needs a firm "push" to ensure it does not come loose mid way through the evening causing an alignment loss - I'll know next time.
• By 9pm, it was very cold, with ice forming on the cars, not cold enough when we left for frost to have formed on the ground, but almost, and the car ice warning "beeped" at me as I started the engine.

Am delighted with this, does the job, without the weight and hassles of the Lead Acid Powertank, okay there's not the enormous spotlight at the front, which can be handy (I'm being VERY picky now). 

It's roughly twice the price of the regular 7ah Skywatcher powertank, and I think, well worth the extra investment.

After 3 and a 1/2 hrs hours use, the pack is still showing the three green and two red on the power gauge, indicting between 75% plus power left; to charge or not?

Chris

[Daniel-K]

I have the 4ah version and it runs my 4 dew heaters for 6 hours