Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Technical => Topic started by: Tony G on Jul 31, 2008, 13:55:02

Title: Power Stations..........
Post by: Tony G on Jul 31, 2008, 13:55:02
Hi all,

I have tried to charge the 2 power stations for DSC, to use as back ups just in case, but neither seem to hold there charge anymore and will not even operate the built in light, and this is after 24 hours charging.
Has anyone any ideas as to what the problem might be, other than its knackered or was it switched on at the wall socket etc............. :)

Tony G
Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: Ian on Jul 31, 2008, 13:59:20
have you stored them discharged? If so they might be b*ggered. Still there's no substitute for opening them up and messing around with their guts.

I believe they have 7Ah 12V SLA batteries in them, and they're quite easy to get hold of (Maplin, Screwfix, any burglar alarm supplier).
Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: Mike on Jul 31, 2008, 14:10:20
Yeah as Ian says if they haven't been used for some time and left discharged then they are probably beyond the point of no return. Unless the battery is one of the lithium varieties you have to keep them topped up.
Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: RobertM on Jul 31, 2008, 14:22:17
Screwfix is by far the cheapest for that type of battery, I recently got one for my burglar alarm there.  Other than the price it's exactly the same as the one from Maplin .
Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: Ian on Jul 31, 2008, 14:24:50
you could take one out of your burglar alarm at home, Tony. You and Flis won't be in so you won't miss it...
Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: JohnP on Jul 31, 2008, 14:37:45
QuoteI believe they have 7Ah 12V

Ian mine is a 17Ah 12V... which I think is the norm... see here:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=49038&source=1&DOY=31m7

Tony RU sure that you are using the right charger - mine is marked 12V 500mA O/P So many electrical devices have the same sort of fitting it's easy to get mixed up...

Maplins have them on special offer again...


Tony Mate - what is it with you & batteries - you always seem to have probs :-)

Cheers,  John.

Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: Tony G on Jul 31, 2008, 15:17:15
Quote from: Ian on Jul 31, 2008, 13:59:20
If so they might be b*ggered.

Ian,

These technical terms go right over my head, but I think the advice from everyone is 'buy a bloody new one!!!!!!! tighta**e'

John,
I learnt my lesson with items that have to be recharged. The amount of gear I threw out because I couldn't find the right charger to charge something, and so I now write the item on the charger to what it charges with Tippex, but I think it is the case of not charging them on returning for previous DSC's. I think I'll pop into Maplins on the way home at Lakeside, and buy a new one, and at those prices they are cheaper than ALDI or LIDL's :)

Ian,
Flis and I (educated you see, Flis and I) have no need to worry about the house and security, as the daughter is by all accounts, holding a 3 day party, with about 25 of her mates, so if the weather is overcast, I know where I'm heading ;)

If anyone needs anything from Maplins this evening for DSC, let me know before 4.30pm and I'll see if iI can get it on the way home.

Tony G
Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: Mike on Jul 31, 2008, 15:21:36
Can you get me all of the motherboards, hard disks, memory, etc they have in stock. All of their audio equipment, radio equipment and CCTV stuff please.

..Oh hang on.. Did you mean legally ?
Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: Tony G on Jul 31, 2008, 15:34:12
Sorted...........

Phoned a man I know, who has a mate that owes his brothers aunt a favour, and there will be a artic outside yours at 3.35am. Be there, with the readies or you'll be owing him a favour, know what I mean, M25 + Columns. Say no more :lipsrsealed:

Tony G
Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: Carole on Jul 31, 2008, 21:38:21
Quotethe daughter is by all accounts, holding a 3 day party, with about 25 of her mates
Don't want to worry you but is that a good idea to mention on the internet.

Carole
Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: Tony G on Jul 31, 2008, 22:01:58
Carole,

I was thinking that the only people that read this forum are either astronomically orientated or will be at DSC, and don't think either would want to attend the party, unless its cloudy that is ;), anyway Ian has already told everyone that the burglar alarm battery is being used to power the toaster for Flis's toast. :D

Tony G
Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: Carole on Aug 03, 2008, 21:37:59
Yeah but they only have to put in "party" in google.

Carole
Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: Mike on Aug 04, 2008, 14:15:57
Try that.Tell me what page this one appears at.
Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: Tony G on Aug 04, 2008, 17:23:18
Carole,

By the time they read 912,000,000  :o links to the word 'Party' and found this one, my daughter would be married and her children would be having parties of there own, But then after finding this website, they would then have to work out who Tony G was and what is his address.
I believe there is more chance of aliens landing, and finding the correct party than anyone on here! :lol:

Tony G

PS ........ Home is intact ;)

Title: Re: Power Stations..........
Post by: Carole on Aug 04, 2008, 21:25:02
I was only winding you up Tony.

...but decided to give it a go and googled Party and Orpington and actually got OAS website on the 2nd page, but it led me to the Starparty.

Carole