Which battery?

Punterian · 12, January, 2015 - 15:23:37

Have nearly finished restoring my C5 and now need to buy a battery - the original Sinclair battery that came with it is unsurprisingly dead!

Which is the best battery to use?

What happens with the battery cover connections as any replacement battery will have different terminals to the Sinclair originals?

Thank you.

KarlG · 12, January, 2015 - 15:55:03

Hi,

use the search function for 'Battery', you will find all the info you need.

If you are going to use the original cover then the size of the battery is important, plus the battery needs to have the plus pole located on the left, you will also need pole adapters available in ebay, IIRC, in the boat accessories section.

If you mod the cables, and remove the cover, then you need a power switch in the circuit.

The other alternative is to fit one of Chas's power cable sets, includes a power switch. Send him a PM.

Just one small point, don't select an oversized battery, the battery space is very limited.

Just found this info in my files. The 063 battery has been recommended (correct size) by a few members.

Edit in red.

Punterian · 17, January, 2015 - 15:30:16

OK. Have fitted a power cable set from Chas now and connected up to a spare car battery - everything works!

Am now looking for a 80-85 Ah leisure battery to fit permanently, rather than using an 063 car battery. Can't seem to find one that fits - all too big. Any recommendations / info' gratefully received.

Thank you.

KarlG · 17, January, 2015 - 16:22:40

For those looking for a reasonably priced leisure battery try here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251360016424?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D251360016424%26_rdc%3D1

Just wish they were available here.

Mattv6 · 18, January, 2015 - 09:09:14

Does the above battery fit in the c5's cabin ok?

KarlG · 18, January, 2015 - 17:33:08

Hi,

length and width are OK, but at 220mm in height I'm not too sure. I was quoted a max height of the battery to be 206mm so it would fit with a cover, and seeing the cover has the key switch fitted it must exceed 220mm. My present battery is 197mm, but this leaves a lot of room above the battery.

It's no problem to measure the distance between the floor of the C5 and the lower part of the seat to find out if it fits.

C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER · 18, January, 2015 - 18:47:56

Hi don't forget the light switch hangs down a little
Chas

mr-c5 · 19, January, 2015 - 09:38:47

What size, make or model batteries do/have you run in yours Chas?
Regards
Mark

C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER · 19, January, 2015 - 10:46:48

Hi I allways use leisure batterys 75/85 amp I know they tend to be heavy but you can get one one ebay for about £60\75 and they fit in ok also you could get upto 20 miles depending on the road conditions

mr-c5 · 21, January, 2015 - 08:55:48

20 miles sounds enough. Does anyone know what determines when the Sinclair cuts off the battery? Is it a voltage level or something else?
Mark

C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER · 21, January, 2015 - 12:05:45

Hi it is the voltage and the power being used It will increase the motor temp and that will also cut out the power ..

KarlG · 21, January, 2015 - 14:24:19

Besides the overheating and over current protection the circuitry is set to shutdown (motor only) when the voltage drops to 10.5 volts. Accessories such as lighting, indicators etc are not effected. This enables you to reach your destination (using pedal power) when it's dark.

mr-c5 · 22, January, 2015 - 12:56:44

Sorry I wasn't very clear, I did mean at what point of battery depletion does the C5 issue it's 20 second beep. 10.5v sounds too low though, did you mean 12.5v as i had a google around and 12.4v is about 50% depletion on leisure batteries 12.5v is 75% so probably between the two would prevent the risk of damage. I'll check mine next time out.

KarlG · 22, January, 2015 - 13:07:51

From the Service Manual:

Quote2. apply the required battery lock out voltage to +BATT (top of R17). The suggested value is 10.5 volts

Also from the IN:

QuoteWhen fully discharged, and with load connected a terminal voltage of around would be expected 10.5V

KarlG · 22, January, 2015 - 23:20:00

Hi,

sorry I should have explained a little bit more than in my last post.

When a battery is under load the voltage drops. So if the C5 cuts out at 10.5 volts the battery voltage will immediately rise. If you want to test your cutout point then you need to connect the voltmeter before and during the cutout, and not after it cuts out otherwise you will receive an incorrect voltage reading.

This covers the cutout only. I'm sorry but I don't know at what voltage level the warning signal occurs. Must check it out at some time.

You are correct in as much the battery under static conditions should never discharge to 10.5v, this is the point were damage starts.

News:

Which battery?