solar battery maintainers

[Mike Arman]

> Brett Dikeman <brett at cloud9.net>
> Subject: solar battery maintainers
> To: Quattro <quattro at audifans.com>
> Cc: 200q20V mailing list <200q20v at audifans.com>
> Message-ID: <B035F4CD-F05E-47FA-B142-6B09082C311B at cloud9.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
> 
> I measured drain current today in the 200q20v and found it to be 70mA.
> 
> I then measured current from the solar panel I have (which claims  
> 135mA, or "2W") in late afternoon sun.  I pointed the panel directly  
> at the sun, which was through some trees; highest reading was 50mA.
> 
> It'll work great on any battery not connected, but the panel can't  
> keep up with the car's drain current unless it is in direct, sunlight.
> 
> Looks like a 4W panel would be perfect; too bad a 6W panel the next  
> biggest size, and will set you back a good $70-80.
> 
> Brett


VW part number 1CO 915 687 is a solar powered battery maintainer rated
at 3.2 watts, it is 18.8 volts, 170ma, and you can buy them CHEAP . . .


VW uses them on brand new cars when they are shipped from the
Fatherland. As part of the dealer prep, they get removed and often
discarded - more than a few have shown up on eBay, I paid $15 each for
four of them. Look for "VW solar battery maintainer", a number of people
sell them. Alternatively, if you are on speaking terms with anyone at a
VW dealership, they might make sure to save you one. (Made in China, BTW.)


Best Regards,

Mike Arman
1990 V8Q

DOT required placard - affix to dash: "Warning! This vehicle affects
space and time in its immediate vicinity!"