Benton BX-1(M), BX-2, BX-4, BX-5 Multi-Stage Automatic Battery Chargers

[Die SwartKat]

Little bit of topic guys.

But why can't Benton come up with something like this?

Eric, I think you need to speak to Developers of the Benton range and tell them its time to keep up with the Jones's and to make us something like this.

[Family_Dog]

I've tried!

But they can't quite see the need for it.

What we should be receiving anyday now is a far smaller DC-DC Charger, nominal 4.5A, max 6.5A, small unit and very well priced too. We've been testing thjis unbit since June last year. We're hoping for about R850 selling price or thereabouts but will only know the true figures when stock arrives towards the end of this month. Should be ideal for trips and won't fry the battery. Easy & quick to install.

It will be pre-set to a range of DC outputs from 13.5 - 14.2v.





Will announce the news as soon as it arrives.


-F_D

[Die SwartKat]

Little bit of topic guys.

But why can't Benton come up with something like this?

Eric, I think you need to speak to Developers of the Benton range and tell them its time to keep up with the Jones's and to make us something like this.

This Ctek little bugger is sommer rigged to quickly and hassle free accept a charge from solar panels.

[andrewbuch]

I have a BX1 and a Rechargeable Sealed Lead Acid Battery (FM12170C) 12V15Ah/20HR from a Generator.

Can I use the BX1 to charge it?

[Family_Dog]

Yep!

The BX-1 is good for charging batteries of capacity ranging from 1.2 to 120A/Hr rating.


-F_D

[andrewbuch]

Thanks, Will pop it on tonight

[BigBear]

Thank You Family_Dog !

Benton BX-2 Received and already put to work !

[Family_Dog]

Good to hear! We had a sudden run on them the past few days, must be the cold weather...


-F_D

[Magnaman]

Hi Family_Dog
I need a charger for my motorbike and for my Hilux that is not driven very much during the winter months due to being on fire standby (forest fires). I can only do short trips, but my batteries take a pounding as these trips are not enough to keep them in good shape.

I need to keep the batteries on charge permanently. What models would you recommend.

[Family_Dog]

The BX-1 is fine for your car and the BX-4 for your motorbike, both these chargers can be left permanently connected. PM your email address to me and I'll send you the details.


-F_D

[jdjoubert]

Hi FD.

My little Benton BX-1(m) is still going strong after all these years. THANKS !!!

One question though. It says in the manual that this unit is good to charge up to 120AH batteries.
I have two 110AH batteries in parallel in the nose cone of the caravan. I presume I cant use the BX-1 to keep these charged?

I have to confess, I did do it and it seemed to work. During the day and evening when sitting at a caravan park we might use 10 to 20 Ah from the batteries. Then when we go to sleep I was hoping the Benton BX 1 would be able to replace that back into the batteries.

Any advice. (I dont really want to spend more money on another 240V charger, but if I have to then so be it.....)

I only have a couple of LED lights running off of them, the fridge is plugged into the 240V caravan park supply.

Regards
JD

[Family_Dog]

JD, it will work while the batteries are still in good condition and are exactly the same type and in the same state of charge. But it is not to be recommended - see here:

Don't do this!


-F_D

[jdjoubert]

Ooo grote griet !!!

Nou hoe nou gemaak?

From the Hilux forum am I to understand that I can draw power from both of the batteries at the same time, but when I charge them I should somehow do them each apart from the other?

Should I install some sort of switch so that the Benton only charge one at a time?

I wonder if there might be a electronic device that can do the 'switching over' automatically?

[Family_Dog]

In short:

Remove the links connecting the batteries in parallel.

Charge one or the other - only.

If the batteries are going to stand for any length of time, use one charger per battery rather than play around with switches, electronic or mechanical, which simply add unwanted resistance to the charger leads.


-F_D

[andrewbuch]

Just ordered another 2 BX1's my dads going away for a month so wanted another one for his BMW and I have been meaning to get myself one.

Thanks again Eric

Sent from my GT-P5100 using Tapatalk 4

[Family_Dog]

Thanks Andrew, shipping tomorrow!


-F_D

[Jhm]

Hi Eric

How does that BX-1 do with a silver calcium battery? I believe they need a slightly higher charge rate of 14.8v.

Is it advisable to charge them in the AGM/sub-zero mode (14.7v) rather than the normal 14.4v?

[Skymaster]

I've tried!

But they can't quite see the need for it.

What we should be receiving anyday now is a far smaller DC-DC Charger, nominal 4.5A, max 6.5A, small unit and very well priced too. We've been testing thjis unbit since June last year. We're hoping for about R850 selling price or thereabouts but will only know the true figures when stock arrives towards the end of this month. Should be ideal for trips and won't fry the battery. Easy & quick to install.

It will be pre-set to a range of DC outputs from 13.5 - 14.2v.





Will announce the news as soon as it arrives.


-F_D

Hi Eric

Any news on this DC-DC converter?
Price, availability?

[Baby Jane]

Would like to know as well.

[Family_Dog]

Yep, these are available - PM me with your email addresses for more details.


-F_D