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Author Topic: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries  (Read 5333 times)

barryfoote

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Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« on: August 20, 2008, 10:34:34 am »

A simple one for you electronics experts.

I installed a single 6 volt 4 ah battery in my springer, connected via an ACTion fuse board to the speed controller. To add ballast I have bought another identical battery. Can I connect this in the same way as the original.

The photo shows the original wiring. If I simply add the new battery and connect the positive and negative to the fuse board, as the original is, will this be okay. I don't want to run it on 12 volts. Sorry if this sounds stupid..

If not, how do I install battery number two?

Barry
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Tug-Kenny RIP

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2008, 10:38:41 am »


Hi Barrie.

As long as the batteries are connected  Positive to to Positive, the voltage will stay the same at 6 volts. The amp. hours will then double and you still be on the lake when we've all gone home.  O0

ken
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barryfoote

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #2 on: August 20, 2008, 10:40:24 am »

Kenny,

Now that is what I call quick.

I asked the question and within two minutes, I have the answer. Cheers amigo.

Barry
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Tug-Kenny RIP

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2008, 10:41:18 am »


My pleasure  8)

ken
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malcolmfrary

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #4 on: August 20, 2008, 11:13:58 am »

When hooking two batteries together, just make sure that they are charged equally.  If there is a difference, there will be a small voltage difference.  With lead acids, this will result in a huge current in the wire connecting them until they even out.  A digital voltmeter is really helpful in this case, as they read down to two decimal places.
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Faraday's Cage

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #5 on: August 20, 2008, 01:04:37 pm »

Another solution is a changeover switch so when first battery starts dropping off then manually switch over to secondary battery. A bit like having a reserve fuel tank.  O0

FC
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barryfoote

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #6 on: August 20, 2008, 02:05:18 pm »

Thanks guys.

I have looked at these voltmeters before but it would be like buying a book written in Chinese....Not a clue what to do with them...
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Martin (Admin)

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #7 on: August 20, 2008, 04:28:10 pm »


Yes captain Frary is quite right as usual, but that's how I run my very old double 6v batteries in my Springer!
But if you at all worried, fit a change over switch as FC suggests..... don't know / want to do that, manually
change over the battery leads at the pond side but you should be OK with them in parallel as long as the
batteries are identical and roughly the same age.

Bit more info......
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/Common/Electrics/Batteries.htm
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barryfoote

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #8 on: August 20, 2008, 04:51:38 pm »

Thanks Martin, that explained it very well. The two batteries are identical in every way. I really think I must try to buy one of these multimeters/voltmeter thingies and learn how to use it...

Barry
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funtimefrankie

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #9 on: August 20, 2008, 07:49:16 pm »

Thanks Martin, that explained it very well. The two batteries are identical in every way. I really think I must try to buy one of these multimeters/voltmeter thingies and learn how to use it...
Barry
Get one of these, easy peasy to use.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=44679&doy=20m8
Not too dear if you bust it
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Stavros

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #10 on: August 20, 2008, 08:01:22 pm »

ref 2 x 6v batts give FLJ a ring and ask him about his Stavros Special Thingy for the Eldergarth, that will sort you out PROPELEY




Stavros
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sheerline

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #11 on: August 21, 2008, 09:49:46 am »

Barry, mutimeters are so cheap these days so it's worth buying one even if you haven't a clue how it works. Simple basic measurements such as voltage and current are vital if you want to know whats really going on in your boat and as electricity is invisible, a meter will become 'your eyes' and wil show you exactly where it is going and how it is being used, efficiently or otherwise. Loads of us on here use them all the time and we are all here to help so all you need to do is ask and you will get a flood of advice. This will be a new sting to your bow so go on, take the plunge.
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barryfoote

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #12 on: August 21, 2008, 10:57:25 am »

Okay guys, you have talked me into parting with more cash....I will buy one.

Watch this space though for the questions......You all have to teach me the ways!!!!! O0 O0
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portside II

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #13 on: August 21, 2008, 05:11:50 pm »

and if you still cant work it out you can allways try your morse code out  {-) . .. -- --.. .
daz
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Martin (Admin)

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #14 on: August 21, 2008, 05:19:39 pm »

Okay guys, you have talked me into parting with more cash....I will buy one.

Watch this space though for the questions......You all have to teach me the ways!!!!! O0 O0

Bit about using meters here: http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/Common/Electrics/Speed%20controlers.htm
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DickyD

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #15 on: August 22, 2008, 10:17:54 am »

Hey Barry your mate Dave sells the meters you know.   O0

http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/stuff1.php

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barryfoote

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #16 on: August 22, 2008, 10:22:10 am »

Richard,

You are quite right, but with postage, not so cheap. I can get one here for 8 euros, so will go down that path I think. Meanwhile see the altered internals. It works too..
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Stavros

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #17 on: August 22, 2008, 12:08:03 pm »

Footski ARGH MODIFY it immediatly before you have FLJ having a woobley you have a BARE wire  >>:-(going into your lovely ACTION speed controller you dont want to upset him do you O0


Stavros
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DickyD

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #18 on: August 22, 2008, 12:14:04 pm »

Richard,

You are quite right, but with postage, not so cheap. I can get one here for 8 euros, so will go down that path I think. Meanwhile see the altered internals. It works too..
But if you buy one out there the readout will be in Spanish surely, then you will have to convert it into electricity. I'll get in touch with barry park for you if you like.
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barryfoote

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #19 on: August 22, 2008, 12:28:08 pm »

Footski ARGH MODIFY it immediatly before you have FLJ having a woobley you have a BARE wire  >>:-(going into your lovely ACTION speed controller you dont want to upset him do you O0


Stavros

Stavros. The electrics need tidying up. I have it connected to ensure all works, before final installation and clean up. Watch this space..

Barry

Richard,

Thanks for the offer, but i do speaky de lingo me amigo....
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DickyD

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #20 on: August 22, 2008, 12:30:13 pm »

Wasnt on about the Spanish, was on about elctricity ::)
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barryfoote

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #21 on: August 22, 2008, 12:33:59 pm »

Oh no ....Now I definitely do not read electricity :D :D

I see what you mean. I have my eye on one ayt the moment so will have a look. You could be right. They may well use different values out here... :-\
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barriew

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Re: Running on Two 6 volt Batteries
« Reply #22 on: August 22, 2008, 12:52:41 pm »

They may well use different values out here... :-\

No chance - they are all made in China anyway. {-)

Barrie
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