|   night riding charger help..any electricians out there? | JimC
Apr 22, 2002 10:13 AM | | mfr. of my system tells me a trickle charger lasts 2 years, then replace it. Seems wonky to me, is this true? Anyone know of an electical review site like mtbr I can check at? TIA, Jim |
| There may be some truth to it... | GregR
Apr 22, 2002 10:29 AM | | Capacitors are generally one of the main failure components in electronics. If the mfr knowingly uses cheap caps, then thier suggestion to replace may be good advise...
G |
| More info... | GregR
Apr 22, 2002 2:37 PM | | Spending a few years working in the repair field, mostly with DC rectifiers (plating), charging (UPS), and process control. Seeing the failure modes first hand.
Electrolytic capacitors have a life expectancy rated in hours, typically in the thousands (1000, 2000 etc), the rating is also linked to operating tempurature (85.C 105.C etc). Basically the higher the temperature of the capacitor while it is in operation, can significantly reduce its rated life expectancy.
Charging circuits get hot. Some can get quite hot. Typically, many chargers used in these applications (bicycle lighting, remote control planes, radios etc) utilize a "dumb" timed charging system that will produce a particular current output for a given amount of time, then switch to low current or "trickle" mode.
When a NiCD or NIMH battery reaches its full charge, the excess energy applied from the charging circuit is dissapated as heat. Which is not good for the battery (breaks down the chemistry of the cells), nor the charger (can break down the electrolytic properties of the capacitor). So continuing to charge a battery that is fully charge only stresses the battery and ages the charging circuit. When capacitors degrade, although they still operate, they do not operate effectivley and can cause excessive ripple amplitude of a power supply.
Many electronic circuits are designed around a particular expected usable lifetime of the product. A simple example is lets say a particular model computer becomes obsolete in 3 years by newer/faster models, what is the point in designing the circuitry to outlast its usability? And although this sort of life expectency model likely does not apply to a charger for a lighting system, other conditions cany apply that may affect the design, such as warranty, cost of production, and expected revenue from repairs and replacments.
So likely your television or CD player will not cease to function at the same rate as the electrical stresses are much different. A charging circuit may continue to operate, but not within its original specification.
G |
| well... you're wonky, however... | KonaMan
Apr 22, 2002 10:41 AM | | that's not the issue here. From what I understand, it's the battery that typically will only last aboot 2 years before they won't hold a good charge anymore. If it was the case of electrical thinggys in the charger going bad, we'd have to replace all our household electronics every 2 years... something to think about... |
| you are such a genius | spideysgirl
Apr 22, 2002 10:59 AM | | I guess I'll cancel that appt I just made to rewire all my household appliances. ;) |
| I dont know 'bout no flux capacitors or wonkiness but... | ILLustrious
Apr 22, 2002 2:12 PM | | I do know that someone GAVE me a digi-12 pro because they couldnt get the battery to hold a charge. They bought the thing from a b-93 sale at REI (which means it was already returned once and was on sale for damn near free). After a year or more they gave it to me cuz they thought they had damaged the battery in a bad crash (involving an automobile - yikes). I sent it back to Night Rider - Night Rider said it was the charger - replaced the charger for FREE- and God said let there be light. I am now the proud owner of a $400 lighting system for free.
I would strongly suggest playing the tough customer and getting your MFR (mufugger?) to replace that sh##! To hell with poor customer service, man - we consumers poor tons of hard-earned cash into this industry - and yeah I know - "the stuff's expensive otherwise theres no incentive for people to try and make a living of the bike industry" - but the industry needs to return the favor and take care of us when the time comes - we sure take care of them. 2 years my ass!! Did it have an expiration date on the side of the charger? I didnt think so! Get your charger replaced by the MFR free!!! Peace. |
| Where'd you read that? | Monte
Apr 22, 2002 3:29 PM | | me rides with Jett too. I assume you are talking about those.
Monte |
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