Optimate on battery while on the run?

[vertigo_blues]

Just got bought a optimate of Ebay for US$58 inclusive of shipping. Just a question.... Can i connect optimate on battery permanently even when its on the move?? As in riding.....

[Mabels Old Man]

You can leave the Optimate lead on the battery, which is what I think you meant. However if you want to connect the Optimate permanently, which I don't think is want you want you 'd need a bloody long extension lead

[Dee Duble Yuh]

It would probably be better to install a charging socket (either a "lighter socket" or a special Optimate one) so you can connect and disconnect it quickly and easily.

[Mabels Old Man]

It would probably be better to install a charging socket (either a "lighter socket" or a special Optimate one) so you can connect and disconnect it quickly and easily.

Agreed, however my lead is direct to the battery, with an inline fuse, and I don't think there's much difference to be honest.

[vertigo_blues]

You can leave the Optimate lead on the battery, which is what I think you meant. However if you want to connect the Optimate permanently, which I don't think is want you want you 'd need a bloody long extension lead

Hmm... i guess i can leave it on with the lead connected to the battery...but does the optimizer do its stuff even if its not charging? Like optimizing the battery and stuff like that.....

[RainMan]

The optimizer will keep the battery at it's optimal rate of charge, hence the name, this will in turn keep your battery at peak performance and extend it's life. What it won't do is over charge your battery no matter how long you leave it plugged in. I think the idea suggested of installing a charging socket is an excellent one. I installed a cigarette lighter socket on my bike and wired the corresponding plug onto the optimizer, both were dirt cheap and now I simply plug the bike in overnight in the garage, without the fuss of trying to clip crocodile clips onto terminals, which also means removing the right hand side panel on my bike.

[Dee Duble Yuh]

Hmm... i guess i can leave it on with the lead connected to the battery...but does the optimizer do its stuff even if its not charging? Like optimizing the battery and stuff like that.....

Umm, I believe it does while it's plugged into the mains power, but not when you're "on the run"!