Charging Old Battery Pack - help needed!

[arty93]

<font color='#000080'>Hi

I've got a UK1200R torch which i have not used for some years due to moving home and loseing the batteries, they recently turned up in a black bag in the attic so i was well pleased!

I put them on charge for about a day them stuck them back in the torch, turned it on and .............nothing, not a sausage.

I'm not too clued up when it comes to batteries but i know someone here will be so..

I guess my questions are:

1)How can i test the batteries
2)How can i test the chargers
3)How can i test the bulb

apologies for the stooopid questions


paul

[daz]

A multimeter can be used to test all of them.

Maplin do one for £9.99 &nbsp;M32669

I would suspect the batteries to be honest, &nbsp;If they are marked NICD or NICAD they tend to have a problem if left discharged for too long.

The meter above will measure the voltage of the batteries and charger. &nbsp;It can also measure the bulb continuity to make sure it has not blown. &nbsp;(Does the filiment look intact in the bulb)?

Daz

[arty93]

<font color='#000080'>Filament on the bulb looks fine

Markings on the side of the battery read 'PHOENIX FNC 650 (6V 5A.H)'

Just did a quick google search but came up with nowt, thanks for the link, think i'm

gonna git me a battery thingy wotsit


Paul

[daz]

What does the battery physically look like Paul?

Does it look like any of the ones here? &nbsp; Batteries

If it is the same as one of these then I would buy a new one. &nbsp;It could be a sealed lead acid and again these do not like being left discharged for long periods.

Any other clues on the charger.?

Daz

[arty93]

<font color='#000080'>They (there are 2 of them) look like the grey one at the bottom (but they're black)

I'll go and dig one of the chargers out and have a look for clues

[daz]

Sounds like standard 6v lantern batteries, as found in many flashing amber lights on road works.

I am sure if you ask there are a few students around who have some sat in their wardrobes in Uni halls &nbsp;

If they are SLA, and they do sound like it. &nbsp;Then they are in all likelyhood knackered.

Daz

[arty93]

<font color='#000080'>Okay charger says

BATTERY CHARGER (no sh*t)
6V Gell Cell
Input 240V
Charge Max 18hrs
DO NOT FULLY DISCHARGE BATTERY &nbsp;Doh!
DO NOT USE ON OTHER BATTERIES


Paul

[arty93]

<font color='#000080'>Okay Daz final questions i promise then you can go back to posting about diving

When buying replacements is the 6V bit important or it what type of battery SLA, NiCad NiMh etc etc

Thanks again for your help



Paul

[daz]

GEL cells are more expensive than SLA batteries and a bit more difficult to track down.

I'll see what I can find.

Daz

[parahandy]

Be interested if you can source the batteries somewhere else. Replacements can be sourced the price for the Underwater Kinetics( uk) packs are horrendous, not much short of the price of the torch.

Fingers crossed for ya