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Maintaining a charge on the battery?

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 3:35 am
by Valiant
Obvious solution:
Use a charger.

Unfortunately, I don't have an outlet(apartment complex), and my broken leg hasn't healed enough to ride it around for a bit. My dealer is evidently full of idiots as they sold me a portable jump-starter instead of a charger, so I'm stuck with a $168 PoS.

I can place an order for a solar charger, but that's going to take a few days and my battery shows a 20% charge. The drain is caused by a GPS-alarm, and disconnecting it from the battery will trigger a backup battery(and the siren).

Is it possible to charge it by running the engine with the PCX on its centerstand? I'm not sure how it works, so I'm not sure if I have to actually ride it or simply run the throttle. I don't have anyone I know who can ride it around for me.

Re: Maintaining a charge on the battery?

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 3:58 am
by kramnala58
You live in Hawaii ... it is one of only 10 states that I have not been to yet ... fly me there and I will be glad to ride your PCX around for you. ;)

On a serious note, it should work to have it idle while on the center stand but it will likely take longer than riding it.

Hopefully your leg continues to heal and there aren't any complications.

Re: Maintaining a charge on the battery?

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 5:21 am
by Slickvic
I dont know anything about the GPS alarm since I dont have one, but I would.
- Remove battery and bring it up to apartment.
- Attach jumpers to battery and plug the jump starter in to charge both the internal jump start and PCX battery.

This is what I do in the winter since I have not bought a trickle charger yet.

Re: Maintaining a charge on the battery?

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 10:33 am
by Valiant
Wouldn't it be better to just return the jump-starter for an actual charger then? I also don't believe a current will run through the jumper cables unless you actually try to jump-start it.

Re: Maintaining a charge on the battery?

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 11:07 am
by Mel46
I have been to 49 of the 50 states, including being stationed in Hawaii. Love that place. I think Slickvic has the correct idea. However, if you can't disconnect the battery to bring it upstairs to your apartment, that might be a problem. One thought might be to see if someone on the first floor apartment will allow you to charge your battery. You only have to do it once before your new charger comes in. You could run a long extension cord from their apartment. However, you will need a charger. So, do you have a charger for right now? I'm not sure a jump starter will charger anything, though it is great for jump starting your bike when the battery is low. Consider returning the jump starter unless you think it will come in handy later on.

Re: Maintaining a charge on the battery?

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 11:27 am
by Valiant
I don't have a charger, and I seriously doubt I'd ever need the jump starter(no cold winters! ^_^). It's not that I can't disconnect the battery, just that I'm a bit ham-handed with the technical stuff, but it seems like the only option anyways, so I'll see if I can do it without having the siren scream into my face.

Oh, and there's no first floor apartments. First floor is for parking, and occupant units start on the 2nd floor.

Re: Maintaining a charge on the battery?

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 1:20 pm
by Valiant
Okay, I think I managed to remove the battery without much drama(at least, the siren didn't scream at me). Now hopefully my dealer doesn't give me BS for returning the useless piece of crap they sold to me which I can't use.

Re: Maintaining a charge on the battery?

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 1:25 pm
by Bash On!
1. Attach a charging connector to the PCX battery, terminating in the underseat storage compartment. A "Battery Tender" brand connector will do the trick. It's available through Walmart Online or Amazon.
2. Get a portable battery power source (it's a battery pack with outlets) that you can charge in your apartment. Also available at Walmart or Amazon.
3. When you need to top up the PCX battery, connect the battery power source to your underseat battery connector. My 22AH battery power source will fit under the PCX seat.
4. Rinse and repeat, as needed.