Standalone Battery Tender? (marginally Coupe-related)

[dpdapper]

So I travel a lot and sometimes (I'm sorry to say), my cars sit for up to three months. On my coupe I know I can just disconnect the battery and only have to reset the clock (and maybe the aftermarket stereo) when I return to prevent the battery from discharging. But for my modern Porsche 996 and Audi A3, disconnecting the battery is problematic due to the anti-theft technology, and I think it also causes various codes in the ECU to reset, necessitating a trip to dealer.

Well, you say, just hook a trickle charger. Indeed that was my solution until I moved into a high-rise building with underground parking where there is no access to an outlet. So, I'm wondering if there is a technological solution (i.e., as opposed to having someone come and start the cars periodically)? For example, is there such a thing as a portable battery charger that can itself provide a trickle charge for an extended period and then be moved and recharged at an outlet?

Suggestions/thoughts? Thanks!

 

[Stan]

thoughts...change jobs?
leave the key for me? I am in the LA area about 10 times a year for a week...

 

[sfdon]

Have you got 16 bucks?

Is there a light on in the garage?

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-watt-solar-battery-charger-68692.html

 

[dpdapper]

thoughts...change jobs?

Fortunately, it's all leisure travel. :smile: Have a home overseas.

 

[dpdapper]

Is there a light on in the garage?

Thanks. However, my quick Google search suggests that fluorescent lights won't charge solar panels:

Solar panels will not properly produce power under fluorescent lights. It may be able to produce some voltage, but not enough current to power or charge anything. http://www.batterystuff.com/kb/solar...tion-tips.html

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=932081

 

[craterface]

Ferraris have a battery on off switch, and I can turn the battery off with no consequences. Can an a similar aftermarket switch be installed in the P car or Audi?

 

[sfdon]

Your plan B appears to be storing them in a proper garage whilst you are gone.

 

[x_atlas0]

What is the current draw you are experiencing? That will determine how much extra juice you have to pack. Since you can't get it locally, you have to bring it in with you, probably in a parallel setup so as to not over-volt your cars.

 

[Arde]

Well the ayatollahs may be selling some uranium soon and you can have your own nuchelar trickle charger.
Else you can put a spare battery in the trunk.

 

[Mike Goble]

Get a remote start from your cell phone. Call your car once a week and start it.

 

[alanmcg]

quick disconnect

griots garage sells a nice battery quick disconnect http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/quick+disconnect+terminal.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search

 

[dpdapper]

Well the ayatollahs may be selling some uranium soon and you can have your own nuchelar trickle charger.

Wow. Just like J. Frank Parnell in Repo Man. http://youtu.be/3VKzqAefBVY

 

[dpdapper]

griots garage sells a nice battery quick disconnect http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/quick+disconnect+terminal.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search

Thanks--I think this is the solution I'm looking for. Will report back once they're installed.

 

[Mike Goble]

I don't see the advantage of the fused disconnect units. If you have a constant discharge from the battery for keeping electronics alive in the car and it drains your battery over a period of time, it will be just as dead if you drain it through a 15 amp fuse or through the battery cable.

 

[alanmcg]

nope

the quick disconnect is just that - a disconnect. you turn that green screw and it breaks the connection with everything in the car, thus zero draw.

 

[Mike Goble]

What's the reason for the bypass fuse? You can buy the basic disconnect at Harbor Freight for $5.

 

[dpdapper]

I don't see the advantage of the fused disconnect units. If you have a constant discharge from the battery for keeping electronics alive in the car and it drains your battery over a period of time, it will be just as dead if you drain it through a 15 amp fuse or through the battery cable.

the quick disconnect is just that - a disconnect. you turn that green screw and it breaks the connection with everything in the car, thus zero draw.

I do see Mike's point. The quick disconnect with the fused bypass would seem to allow the same amount of current to flow to the radio, etc. as if there was no disconnect attached. And just having the quick disconnect (without the bypass) would result in the same problem I'm trying to avoid--activating the anti-theft protections, etc. when the battery is disconnected. . . .

So as I think about, the Girot's device may really be intended to be more of a theft deterrent than a solution to my problem. :sad:

 

[jabloomf1230]

"griots garage sells a nice battery quick disconnect"


I have that same one. If you have a battery that is a bit high (an Optima for example) , you might have to fool with the positioning of the switch or it will hit the hood hinge.

I got mine from Summit Racing. They have a bunch of different types including ones that can be mounted under the dash:

http://m.summitracing.com/search?keyword=Battery switch &toggleResults=display

 

[alanmcg]

you are right

sorry mike, i see your pt too now that i look at the bypass fuse, mine doesnt have that. and agree, if there is a draw, will still draw through that fused circuit. sorry for confusion.