<VV> Battery Tender Problems

[Bruce Schug]

I bought a "BatteryMINDer", made by VDC Electronics a couple of months 
ago. Before doing so, I researched the subject some. I looked at the 
"Battery Tender Plus" too. As I recall, VDC's web page, 
www.vdcelectronics.com, convinced me that the "BatteryMINDer" might be 
a bit better. The principal feature difference is that the 
"BatteryMINDer" has the ability to de-sulphate a battery. I had never 
heard of this before, but after reading about it, I decided there may 
be some merit to it. I emailed VDC a question and they gave a very 
positive reply. They guaranteed me that their unit was better than the 
"Battery Tender Plus". I get the feeling Delran pioneered these "smart" 
chargers but that, perhaps, VDC has improved on the design. Mine has 
been blinking away since I bought it, keeping my riding mower's battery 
as good as new (I hope).

For those of you not familiar with these devices, these are not the 
same as a simple battery charger that keeps on charging. These shut off 
and monitor the charge. They are designed, not so much to charge a dead 
battery, but to maintain one. They seem to be ideal for maintaining 
batteries that are seldom used. They are not cheap; mine was $49.99 at 
Northern.

Bruce

tire size expert - not battery charger expert


On Jun 2, 2004, at 10:32 PM, Phil Fairman wrote:

> Wanted to "poll" the group on experience with the "Battery Tender 
> Plus" from
> the Delran Corp. My first one lasted abour 2 years, the second one 
> lasted less
> than a year...anyone have experience with this? Is there an 
> alternative? I'm
> hesitant to send another one back, pay the $15+ "handling charge" 
> again for a
> 3rd failure. Is there a better quality battery tender available? 
> Nothing in
> Hemmings other than this brand.
>
> Thanks,
> Phil Fairman
> '66 Monza 110/pg

Bruce W, Schug
CORSA South Carolina
Greenville, SC
bwschug@charter.net

CORSA member since 1981

'67 Monza. "67AC140"