Hi guys/gals,

 

I am looking to put together a testing rig for the HID kits I sell (at the moment I connect every single one to my car to test it ... long a laborious process). I also want to just this "rig" for display purposes at shows, etc. What I'm after is a 12V car battery which is small in size (don't want a full size one) yet is able to run a single HID kit and possibly several indictor bulbs at the same time. I have no idea how much current these items draw which I why I need some feedback from you. Any help is gratefully received, expecially any recommendations as to which battery to buy and where to buy one. I need one for next weekend (Honda show at Gaydon).

 

Many thanks!

 

Dan

Hi Danny, how about a bike battery ;)

 

Vijay

Bike batteries won't last long - I think they're about 10-14 amp hours.

 

If a HID kit draws about 35watts at 12 volts that's........ about three amps????

 

So a bike battery would last about 4.5 hours before being completelt flat????

 

 

I could be wrong!

 

 

The best bike batteries are the red Odessey ones but they're near £100.

 

You can get a cheapie for about £30 but I'd say get a Yuasa if you want a bike battery as the cheap ones are rubbish.

 

 

If it was me I'd get a car battery - big size helps a battery and they're cheap compared to bike batteries considering their performance.

what about one of those jump starter things, would they last as a supply?

 

Vijay

R32 skylines use really small batteries.

Thanks for your thoughts chaps - has given me plenty to think about.

 

The only reason why I was after a small sized battery is space saving. I need to transport all the exhibition equipment (gazebo, table, stands, etc) and stock in the Zed so the smaller the parts the more I can get in!

 

Having trawled the internet I do think I'll just go for a regular car battery. Gives me the best chance of making it last the day :) The HID kit wouldn't be on continuously (only for demos) but the indicators would be flashing away all day (@5W per bulb).

 

Thanks again - you've been most helpful!

 

Dan

 

PS - I hadn't thought of a bike battery - thanks Vijay!

Try a 12V battery our of a UPS or emergancy lighting. I have one that I use to run the starter for my R/C Plane and heli had it 2-3 years and only charged it once. also used it when i was testing out mods on my headlights. the thing lasts for ever so far.

Try a 12V battery our of a UPS or emergancy lighting. I have one that I use to run the starter for my R/C Plane and heli had it 2-3 years and only charged it once. also used it when i was testing out mods on my headlights. the thing lasts for ever so far.

 

Hmmm - that's a good thought. I was just on the Maplins website and saw they have various 12v batteries (non-car related) which could be used. I think that in the interest of time (I need this to be operational by this coming saturday) I'm just going to pick up a cheap battery from a scrappy and continue the search for something better after the weekend.

 

Cheerio!

 

Dan

I have a 12v cay battery you can use for at least 12months. I am building a westfield and wont need the donors battery for at until I am at that stage of the build.

 

I know the battery is a goodun!

 

Will this help? ps, my Mrs works in Warrick so you could pick it up no probs.

I have a 12v cay battery you can use for at least 12months. I am building a westfield and wont need the donors battery for at until I am at that stage of the build.

 

I know the battery is a goodun!

 

Will this help? ps, my Mrs works in Warrick so you could pick it up no probs.

 

Cheers Stevie - very much appreciate the offer! Let me see how I get on today/tomorrow and I'll let you know whether I'll take you up on your very kind offer.

 

Cheerio!

 

Dan