Charging batteries for the 1st time

gark

I reinstalled some batteries in a cart I was fixing up and this is the first time I charged the batteries. When I first plugged in the charger last night, the meter was reading 12 amps. This morning its reading 6 amps. There are lights on the charger for end cycle and battery, what do these indicate? When do I know it's done charging?

BGW

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scottyb

What year is the cart? Sounds like it is an auto shut off charger...

gark

The cart is a 93 Marathon.

Also, should you charge the cart atleast once a day. It will only be used to go around the neighborhood from time to time and not everyday.

scottyb

Batteries should be recharged at 50% draw down. For a 36v system that will be 36.31 volts. You will need to invest $20 in a voltmeter to read this properly and get to know your pack's capacity and needs

scottyb

A full 100% charge reading taken 30-45 minutes after the charger shuts off is about 38.20 volts

gark

where can you get a voltmeter?

Whis the cart fully charged, how fast and how far can theis cart go?

Thanks for the info ScottyB

gark

what do the amps on the charger indicate?

scottyb

Sock you should get 90 minutes of actual run time ..... top speed will be about 12-14mph ...Modern chargers use a 3 stage program....Initially the deep heavy charge, the longer medium amperage cycle, and the least amperage and longest finish or balance cycle.....let it finish this should take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours depending on the condition of your pack .