I just read Beifert's thread about murdering batteries, thinking how sad it is that good 24volt chargers aren't common- and suddenly I just put two and two together and remembered that a local surplus place just got in a LOT of really nice smart chargers, 24 volts at I believe 10 amps, maybe even some 20 amp ones, and he only wants $35 bucks each plus shipping!
As I recall they are three stage, and he also guarantees them. The reason they're so cheap is that around here nobody wants them, 'cause everyone wants either 12 or 36 volts. So give the guy a call and maybe your problems can go away!!!
talk to: Bill / Escondido Surplus / 760-746-7493
Cheers
Boogiethecat
Gary thanks for passing this on! At that price I'm gonna see if dad will let me buy and install one on each of our buses.
;D BK ;D
Gary: Just ordered one, they are 24volt 8amp "smart" chargers.
Will let you know what I think, when I get it in a couple of days.
Chuckd
Gary, as always you are a gentleman and a scholar...and a good judge of bad whiskey. And there's darned few of us left. I will post my order forthwith and thank you again for the lead.
NCbob
I ordered one yesterday. Will be nice to have.
ED
Hey I just checked with Bill and he's all sold out.
Fred
Ordered mine yesterday. Must have gotten one of the last ones. Bill's a great guy to talk with..spent some time with him on the phone. Mine should be here by next week.
NCbob
Actually i was just there this afternoon and he still has a lot left- he's a nice guy but basically a junk guy and told me he didn't expect that my post here would actually result in him having to pack things and take them to the post office. He apparently does not want to bother shipping so many, so he's just telling people he's out. Boohoo.
The good news is that I'm willing to facilitate you guys getting these if you want 'em- I'm not sure how though. I guess if there's firm commitments and you send me the $, I'd be willing to go there and buy as many as committed and pack them myself as long as you're willing to cover my UPS charges. I'd say $15 should cover my packaging materials, postage and the drive out there (it's 35 miles away) so if $50 shipped is ok with you I'll be happy to do it.
Here's photos of what he has left-
http://www.heartmagic.com/chargers (http://www.heartmagic.com/chargers)
He has 4-6 of the ones in the last photo- all the rest are one of a kind's. Tell me which ones you want by the URL of the photo...
Let me know which ones you want, send me the $ for them (or paypal me) and I'll go fetch them next week, and get em into UPS for you.
Then hopefully no more murdered batteries!~! :)
cheers
Boogie
Interesting. I did not know the motorized wheelchairs were 24v. If you do not buy one of these, you can be on the lookout for a used wheelchair charger. They are pretty prices new.
Ok I'm headed out there tomorrow- I have to drive right by the place and always love an excuse to stop in when I'm near!
Picking three "interacter" units up for ya all- anyone else want one? I think he truly only has 1 or 2 interacters left after this...
Gary,
If he has 2 interacters left I'll take them both, if he has only one I'll take it, if he has none I appreciate the offer!
Let me know where I stand $wise & I send you a check! (let me know if $50 ea covers it, if it's a little more I don't mind paying it. I don't want you going in the hole just to do me a favor. area code for shipping is 38344)
Let me know the address and amount and the check will be sent ASAP!
;D BK ;D
Dang, looks as tho I'm a bit late on this but I really appreciate knowing that "chairs" use 24v. chargers so I will keep a look out for one that way.
Thanx for the info,
Chaz
Gary, you're one of the good guys. Not many people would go out of their way to make people happy.
Do you remember when I was having a problem fitting my new Tachometer in my dashboard because of a mismatch in the size of the holes....and you took a piece of scrap brass, chucked it up in your lathe and made me exactly what I needed...and wouldn't accept any payment for it?
That was a few years ago but for the newbies I've related this account so they know what real great people we have on this Board. I think of you every time I get behind the wheel and look at the tach.
Thanks again, and again, again....
NCbob
I received mine in two days by UPS. Freight was $16.95 to Cornville AZ. Had a question, called Bill and he sent me their web site where I was able to print instructions. He was very nice and helpfull to deal with.
ED
Quote from: edvanland on October 22, 2010, 02:42:20 PM
I received mine in two days by UPS. Freight was $16.95 to Cornville AZ. Had a question, called Bill and he sent me their web site where I was able to print instructions. He was very nice and helpfull to deal with.
ED
As I said if shipping and Gary's time cost more than he projected, I don't mind paying the extra. Just ned to know how much and where to send it too! ;)
;D BK ;D
i bought a 12volt Battery Minder at Northern for $49.00. Added two more alligator clamps in parrallel to the first two. I will connect them to the two 12 volt start batteries after I switch the main disconnect off. That should keep the 24volt part out of the equation. Obviously I'll have to remove the charger and both sets of clamps before switching the disconnect back on.
Even the 12 volt model is designed to "maintain" multiple batteries wired in parrallel. I'll let you know if for some reason it doesnt' work.
Fred
Just got mine from Bill via UPS, great looking device. Will put some clips on it and give it a go. I do not have a 24 volt battery charger on my bus, only a 12 volt charger. So will use this when hooked up this winter to maintain charge. Hopefully topped off batteries, and a block heater will mean I have a chance of getting it started after being outdoors for a month :'(
Chuck