(ET) Charger help

[Jim Coate <jbc coate org>]

Hello -

Roy contacted me directly as he was having troubles getting on the list
and having troubles with his E15. I have sent him directions for
subscribing and also the reply below... if anyone else has thoughts on
his charger/battery situation he is at <Roy Vanderhoef Verizon net>.

**** original message ****

A few thoughts on your charger problems. First and most importantly,
don't try and operate the tractor at all if the batteries are really
only 4 or 5 volts! Doing so can permanently damage them. However, I
would politely ask if you have a good voltmeter? You said you put in new
batteries... new batteries need a charge before using, but should should
still show over 6 volts when delivered. If you used the tractor after
installing the batteries but without a good charge, that would mean the
batteries were discharged too far and would explain the voltage
readings. A good charge will get them going again, but the batteries may
not last as many years as they should.

I have a web version of the battery installation directions at:
   http://www.eeevee.com/ElecTrak/battery_installation.html
so you can make sure everything is hooked up properly.

Then see if the voltage of the batteries goes up *while* the charger is
connected. If so, then the charger is at least doing a little something.
The archives have a fair amount of info on charger repair, or post to
the list if you still have questions.

For the quick fix, I'd grab a regular 12 volt car battery charger and
charge 2 batteries at a time for 24 hours then go to the next pair. So 3
days to get going, but it will work.

Good luck!

yor2much <Roy Vanderhoef Verizon net> wrote:
> I have an E15 I bought last year.  I replaced the battries in it,
> Golf cart type.  The problem I am having is that the onboard charger
> does not appear to charge them vary well.  Not sure if the charger
> is not working, or if some thing else is wrong.  When I plug the
> charger in,  it hums a little and definently draws current as the
> cord gets warm.  However the dial dose not move althe way throgu the
> cycle.  That is if I set it on f for example it rotats a little but
> never returns to the off setting.  After charging I test the batter
> voltage acrose each battery and only get between 4 and 5 volts.
> 
> Any ideas, any wire diagrams to help me make sure I hooked the
> battries up correctly
> 
> Help  I woiul love to get free of gas and enjoy the Electrak,  but
> at best I can not mow enough grass to feed a rabit for a single
> meal:-(



_________
Jim Coate
1992 Chevy S-10
1970s Elec-Trak E20
http://www.eeevee.com