[V8] Fw: solar battery maintainers

[urq]

... I know there are a lot of us on the big list ... but this was a post I 
found very interesting ... I've been looking to get one or three of these 
things myself ...

FYI!

Steve B
San Jose, CA (USA)
>>
>> 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