Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-22-2014, 09:01 AM   #1
lwannem
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 106
Default 12 to 6 volt Battery trickle charger

Is it possible to convert a HF 12 volt trickle charger to 6 volts?
lwannem is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2014, 09:44 AM   #2
Joe K
Senior Member
 
Joe K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Cow Hampshire
Posts: 4,174
Default Re: 12 to 6 volt Battery trickle charger

I have two of these HF devices on various 12v standby batteries.

I would wonder about the "electronics" (heh - even if they have any) and what effect that going at the device with (say) 60VAC (step down transformer) might have on the monitoring circuit.

It may be possible to put two "matched" 6V batteries in series - and use a 12V charger on them.

Maybe better would be to find one of the plug-in "wall warts" (power supply) which puts out in the 7.5 to 8 volt range. These usually put out in the milliampere range (500 is typical) and use a common timer unit to turn it on for 10 minutes a day.

Maybe a "bridge" resistance circuit? This would chew up a lot of power as heat - and one would be required to adjust the bridge contact to maintain a reasonable charge rate on the battery. Sort of defeats the "hands-off" objective of a battery maintainer.

Maybe better to fork out the $60 for the commerical 6V chargers?

Or put a 2a charger on the 10 minute timer like I do.

About once a month check the electrolyte level with ANY charger.

Edit: I see Amazon shows at least 2 6v battery maintainers in the $20 range (Prime shipping.) See http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...ttery+ma%2Caps

Joe K
__________________
Shudda kept the horse.
Joe K is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 09-22-2014, 09:48 AM   #3
ModelAMike1930
Senior Member
 
ModelAMike1930's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Illinois
Posts: 382
Default Re: 12 to 6 volt Battery trickle charger

You are better off purchasing a 6 volt battery tender.. I got one on ebay and it works great and they are not expensive..
ModelAMike1930 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2014, 09:50 AM   #4
29ModelA
Senior Member
 
29ModelA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Owosso, MI
Posts: 673
Default Re: 12 to 6 volt Battery trickle charger

One that handles 6V can be had at most auto parts for under $30... I got mine at our local Meijer Store (like a Wal-Mart only Michigan based). I can't imagine trying to convert a HF one to 6v and then have to worry about a fire, or frying a battery that costs more than the charger.
__________________
1929 Model A Barn find. California car, just a few more parts to find.

Interior, steering box (rebuild), and I am sure much more!
29ModelA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2014, 09:50 AM   #5
lwannem
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 106
Default Re: 12 to 6 volt Battery trickle charger

Thanks Joe: I think the Amaazon route would be the least Trouble
lwannem is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2014, 12:32 PM   #6
Tom Endy
Senior Member
 
Tom Endy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 3,122
Default Re: 12 to 6 volt Battery trickle charger

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Sears sells a charger for about $25 called a Die-Hard that will charge a 6 or 12 volt battery. It has a selector switch. It charges 2 amps at 12-volt, or 4 amps at 6-volts.

What is a really good feature is that the charger will not turn on unless connected to a battery. If one of the leads should fall off it shuts off. There are three indicator lights. When plugged into power one tells you it does not see a battery. When connected to a battery the second one tells you it is charging, the third tells you when the battery is fully charged.

Tom Endy
Tom Endy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2014, 01:08 PM   #7
29ModelA
Senior Member
 
29ModelA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Owosso, MI
Posts: 673
Default Re: 12 to 6 volt Battery trickle charger

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Endy View Post
Sears sells a charger for about $25 called a Die-Hard that will charge a 6 or 12 volt battery. It has a selector switch. It charges 2 amps at 12-volt, or 4 amps at 6-volts.

What is a really good feature is that the charger will not turn on unless connected to a battery. If one of the leads should fall off it shuts off. There are three indicator lights. When plugged into power one tells you it does not see a battery. When connected to a battery the second one tells you it is charging, the third tells you when the battery is fully charged.

Tom Endy
This one also has the leads that you can leave mounted on your battery. Mine dangles just above the running board level. I just lay on my creeper and plug it in.
__________________
1929 Model A Barn find. California car, just a few more parts to find.

Interior, steering box (rebuild), and I am sure much more!
29ModelA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2014, 01:32 PM   #8
Russell in Tulsa
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tulsa Oklahoma
Posts: 298
Default Re: 12 to 6 volt Battery trickle charger

Amazon shows a 6v/12v Charger for 18 bucks. I paid a lot more for my Battery Tender Jr. and find I don't need it. I did add a main cut-off switch from the battery on the coupes seat riser and have had no issues, but peace of mind as the car is at my cabin and starts excellent after,sometimes, a couple of weeks non-use.
Russell in Tulsa is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:47 AM.