low battery disonnect

[TheUser]

I worry about my battery draining too much and then my car not starting. I know they make low voltage disconnects, but does anyone know of a good one? I've searched on the internet, but only found a few and would like some feedback.

How long should a battery hold up w/ the car off and the radio on?

 

[hllon4whls]

I dont know if an LVD would give you what you want. All of the LVD's are used to save the battery from being damaged by deep discharge due to a load. It may work ok with the small load of the radio, but I am not sure.

If there is dirt/corrosion on the top of the battery, this will cause it to drain quicker.

For something that you dont drive often, I suggest either a AC or solar powered trickle charger. You dont want to dry out the battery. I have always liked the idea of a chepo 1/2-1 amp chager with a simple lamp timer from the store. Total investement $25.

 

[TheUser]

I dont know if an LVD would give you what you want. All of the LVD's are used to save the battery from being damaged by deep discharge due to a load. It may work ok with the small load of the radio, but I am not sure.

The one I read about sounded exactly like what I want:
Intra’s LVDs prevent battery drain, and eliminate the need for a jump-start, which occurs when lights, car stereos or other electronic components are left "on" while the vehicle is "off", or when a car (or boat) is left off for a long period of time without recharging the battery.

If there is dirt/corrosion on the top of the battery, this will cause it to drain quicker.

Nope, hasn't actually happened yet, but I worry about it. I listen to my radio in between classes at school and then at work on my breaks as well and I try to start the vehicle one of the times so it doesn't drain all the way. Plus, if I leave my lights on or something, i'd like the extra protection.

For something that you dont drive often, I suggest either a AC or solar powered trickle charger. You dont want to dry out the battery. I have always liked the idea of a chepo 1/2-1 amp chager with a simple lamp timer from the store. Total investement $25.

Tell me more about this please

 

[HISSIN50]

i like Hllon's ideas. to add, if you dont use a timer on a true trickle charger, get one with a charge reading feature - cuts off the charge when the battery is full. Hllon is right on about not wanting to overcharge a battery.

another option i will toss out - get one of those jump start packs you charge in your house and keep in the trunk. while more inconvenient and embarrassing, it could be more useful (other cars, other issues where you crank till you have a dead battery, etc).

just an idea. good luck bud.

 

[hllon4whls]

If you worry about drainging the battery between classes, a second battery may be your answer. You can install an isolator that will charge both bats, but only allow the reserve battery to be drained by the stereo.

Below is a link to a solar trickle charger for vehicles that sit unattended. The AC powered ones are available at any store usually by the motorcycle/lawn tractor batteries. Like Hisson said, simple ones get a timer or spend some more and get a smarter charger.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...70&PHOTOS=on&productId=200305091&categoryId=0