Battery voltage checking
Ok ,I have learned not to run a 12 volt battery below 12.1 to maximize lifespan. My question is : do you check voltage under load or at rest. Thanks,Mike
Forum Discussion
A voltage reading is an OBTUSE measure of battery state of charge. Loads have to be off for several minutes, charging has to cease or surface charge has to be eradicated. This is an excellent example of how to make-things-hard.
Looking a cumulative ampere hours gained or lost number is the easy and most accurate way to do things by instrument. No it isn't perfect but compared to voltage in-use guesstimates it's like comparing a micrometer to a ruler when measuring bearing bore sizes. Only if you guess wrong the bearing disintegrates.
For a weekend warrior a voltmeter would be OK anything more serious than that, I would love to be your battery distributor :)
Looking a cumulative ampere hours gained or lost number is the easy and most accurate way to do things by instrument. No it isn't perfect but compared to voltage in-use guesstimates it's like comparing a micrometer to a ruler when measuring bearing bore sizes. Only if you guess wrong the bearing disintegrates.
For a weekend warrior a voltmeter would be OK anything more serious than that, I would love to be your battery distributor :)
