8 month old Batteries not lasting long

[Sergio]

You really should get a better meter, The picture of your meter readout shows approximately 5v.

Since You are on the 50v scale, You need to read the second row of numbers (0-50).

First thing to do is to calibrate the 0v reading.

Set the meter to 10v scale.

Disconnect the probes.

If the needle is not exactly on top of the 0 mark, use a flat head screwdriver or equivalent to turn the screw below the meter to align the needle on top of the 0.

Now measure each battery on the 10v scale, the reading should be pass the middle of the meter and you are looking at the 3rd row of numbers (0-10).

Look straight down on the meter to get an accurate reading.

[wingnut2000]

Originally Posted by Sergio

You really should get a better meter, The picture of your meter readout shows approximately 5v.

Since You are on the 50v scale, You need to read the second row of numbers (0-50).

First thing to do is to calibrate the 0v reading.

Set the meter to 10v scale.

Disconnect the probes.

If the needle is not exactly on top of the 0 mark, use a flat head screwdriver or equivalent to turn the screw below the meter to align the needle on top of the 0.

Now measure each battery on the 10v scale, the reading should be pass the middle of the meter and you are looking at the 3rd row of numbers (0-10).

Look straight down on the meter to get an accurate reading.

thanks I will try again tonight

[wingnut2000]

Originally Posted by Sergio

You really should get a better meter, The picture of your meter readout shows approximately 5v.

Since You are on the 50v scale, You need to read the second row of numbers (0-50).

First thing to do is to calibrate the 0v reading.

Set the meter to 10v scale.

Disconnect the probes.

If the needle is not exactly on top of the 0 mark, use a flat head screwdriver or equivalent to turn the screw below the meter to align the needle on top of the 0.

Now measure each battery on the 10v scale, the reading should be pass the middle of the meter and you are looking at the 3rd row of numbers (0-10).

Look straight down on the meter to get an accurate reading.

Did this and all 6 batteries were 6volts or pretty close

[hunt365]

I think you need to find a dvm that gives an actual readout. You need a precise voltage number. 6 volts is about 50% discharged. 6.37 is a fully charged battery.

[wingnut2000]

Originally Posted by hunt365

I think you need to find a dvm that gives an actual readout. You need a precise voltage number. 6 volts is about 50% discharged. 6.37 is a fully charged battery.

Some read little less than 6 percent but not much. When should I do the test?

[hunt365]

I would put the pack on charge and record the numbers as its charging, individual batteries and the whole pack. Record the readings. When the charger nears the end of the charge or at the end of the charge, you should see pack voltage of around 45 volts. Individual readings should be around 7.5 volts. As the pack sits the voltage will settle to around 38.2 for the pack or 6.37 for individual batteries. This usually takes from 12 to 24 hrs. Also check the water and make sure the fins are covered. If not add enough distilled water to cover the fins. Check after a full charge and add distilled water to cover the fins by about a 1/4 in.

[wingnut2000]

Originally Posted by hunt365

I would put the pack on charge and record the numbers as its charging, individual batteries and the whole pack. Record the readings. When the charger nears the end of the charge or at the end of the charge, you should see pack voltage of around 45 volts. Individual readings should be around 7.5 volts. As the pack sits the voltage will settle to around 38.2 for the pack or 6.37 for individual batteries. This usually takes from 12 to 24 hrs. Also check the water and make sure the fins are covered. If not add enough distilled water to cover the fins. Check after a full charge and add distilled water to cover the fins by about a 1/4 in.

Ok do I need to disconnect anything? While testing

[mutant]

no

[wingnut2000]

Originally Posted by mutant

no

I guess I wasn't paying attention when reading to test while charging lol

[wingnut2000]

So I tested the batteries with full charge as it was connected to charger but the charger wasn't running at the time and 4 out of 6 read 6.3V and other 2 went back and forth between 6.1 and 6.2 and a total pack charge of 37.3. What does this mean?