Lead acid battery charging question

[Scougar]

Hi chaps,

I am still waiting for all my 'bargain ebay lights' to turn up from ebay (Hong Kong), and whilst rummaging around I came across an old UPS battery from a UPS that my dad dropped out the boot of his car, so I ditched the casing and kept the battery for a few year's.

It's a WP1221W. How do I charge it? Does anyone have experience of these for bike lights (and yes, before anyone says it, I know it's very heavy for a bike light lol).

For reference, it's pretty much this spec I believe: http://www.apexbattery.com/kung-long-wp ... eries.html

EDIT: Actually, believe I found the exact battery I have, and here is it spec sheet (Loads up a PDF) : http://www.google.co.uk/url?q=http://do ... HFqGSySdRw

 

[magas]

I dont have any experience with that kind of batteries for bike lights, but I can help about charging.

for that 12 V 5 Ah sealed lead acid battery: Generally you have to charge those batteries with a corresponding lead acid charger and to achieve best results with one which is suitable to charge those VRLA batteries.

you should charge at least with the 10th of the capacity, but most charges (modern automatic ones at least) will offer an output according to the state of charge and stop when reaching 14,40 Volt

 

[Scougar]

Is a car battery charger suitable?

(If NOT, then someone can have the battery for free if they live in the Plymouth/Dartmoor area/South Hams area.)

 

[magas]

yes, should be fine - just check voltage before starting to charge, as below 7,0 V an automatic charger wont start - low voltage can happen because of the selfdischarge of lead acid batteries when not charged regulary

 

[WD Pro]

You say it has been stored for a few years - If it hasnt been refreshed during this time the chances are it is FUBAR, even if it was in good condition / state of charge to start with ...

WD

 

[Scougar]

Probably true

But can only try and find out...

EDIT: Although, whilst shopping I just came across some li-poly batteries for a steal. 4000mah, 5v DC max 1000mah output, and comes with attachments Given the weight etc, I'm gonna give one a go, if I can somehow regulate the voltage down a little.

Think I'll just recycle the big battery, it's just too heavy (At least a 1KG)