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If your Noco doesn’t have temperature compensating technology then it will take MUCH longer to charge when the temps drop. If it does then you’re good and by leaving that connected for long term it will restore your battery within reason. I would be surprised if your batteries don’t last a couple more years if you continue to use the tender.
It sounds like it does have some sort of temperature compensating tech inside...
Enjoy precision charging - An integrated thermal sensor detects the ambient temperature and alters the charge to eliminate over-charging in hot climates and under-charging in cold climates.
Also, according to the NOCO site, the operating temps for the NOCO10 are -4F - 104F (-20C - 40C). So based on the -0.4F temp reported in Forscan, it looks like I am almost at the cut off point for low temp charging. I haven't measured the temp inside the engine bay, but I wouldn't expect it to be much (if any) different since the engine hasn't been running for at least 14 or more hours... maybe the device itself is putting off a little heat though... It was so cold though I didn't even pop the hood and put eyes on it! LOL.
But, I did do a more "permanent" install by using a pigtail with eyelets instead of the clamps, and I also installed the NOCO plug on the front of the truck. I do like that I can simply unplug the device from both, the plug side and the battery side and easily and quickly remove the charger. I am planing to continue to use the charger in colder weather, but once I get to warmer weather I likely won't use it as often. I'll just have to wait and see, but I never got the power saving message on the Sync3 screen, or noticed much difference in the mirrors folding during warmer weather. I also kept my dash cam's parking mode turned on during the summer... it's off for now but I may go back and turn it back on now that I have the charger on hand.
It sounds like it does have some sort of temperature compensating tech inside...
Also, according to the NOCO site, the operating temps for the NOCO10 are -4F - 104F (-20C - 40C). So based on the -0.4F temp reported in Forscan, it looks like I am almost at the cut off point for low temp charging. I haven't measured the temp inside the engine bay, but I wouldn't expect it to be much (if any) different since the engine hasn't been running for at least 14 or more hours... maybe the device itself is putting off a little heat though... It was so cold though I didn't even pop the hood and put eyes on it! LOL.
But, I did do a more "permanent" install by using a pigtail with eyelets instead of the clamps, and I also installed the NOCO plug on the front of the truck. I do like that I can simply unplug the device from both, the plug side and the battery side and easily and quickly remove the charger. I am planing to continue to use the charger in colder weather, but once I get to warmer weather I likely won't use it as often. I'll just have to wait and see, but I never got the power saving message on the Sync3 screen, or noticed much difference in the mirrors folding during warmer weather. I also kept my dash cam's parking mode turned on during the summer... it's off for now but I may go back and turn it back on now that I have the charger on hand.
Thats some good reading. A few years ago I switched my camper over from FLA to LiFeP04 batteries and that’s when I first realized about the different charging profiles for different chemistries. Batteries are pretty interesting for sure.
With my key turned to on and my drivers side door open, it looks like I am pretty consistently pulling 24A from the battery (and that's with the NOCO10 plugged in), and the SoC dropped from 92% to 89% in that time frame! I wonder if that would be as dramatic if the temps weren't so dang cold, or if that would level back out once the doors were shut and the power was off again... but by this point my fingers were pretty cold, and I still had to go in my camper and check on things!
I'm pretty sure you realize that 24 amp draw was a result of you turning the key to ON to use FORScan also activated the glow plugs. I don't know how long they typically stay on with a cold motor, but lower temperatures will definitely increase the length of time.
I'm pretty sure you realize that 24 amp draw was a result of you turning the key to ON to use FORScan also activated the glow plugs. I don't know how long they typically stay on with a cold motor, but lower temperatures will definitely increase the length of time.
Yep, I did. With the key turned to on, the truck is all but running. That’s why I was sure to mention it.
I thought of Chadstickpoindexter and his NOCO charger over the weekend. I had a similar, confusing red blinking light experience. I think some of Chad's issues were compounded by the NOCO charger inaccuracies. While I normally use the BatteryMinder chargers with great success, I do have a NOCO onboard charger on my dump trailer and it seems to work fine. While reading this thread over the past weeks, I was perusing the NOCO website and noticed the Genius 1 had a 6V mode. It was only $30 so I ordered one for my lone 6V battery on an old Ford tractor, since it doesn't get used for months sometimes. I attached the Genius 1 to the 6V battery a few days ago, and it showed a slow pulsing red light, meaning less than 75% charge. Odd, I thought, since I thought the battery should have been around 85 or 90%, but too lazy to check it I decided to leave the NOCO attached and wait till the next day. Day two, the light was still slow blinking red. Hmm, how low was that sucker? I pulled out my trusty old clunky Schumacher "semi-smart" charger figuring I'd get a quick full charge and then go back to the NOCO for maintenance going forward. The Shumacher showed the battery was at 100% charge, 6.7V, and went into maintenance mode almost immediately. I switched back to the NOCO, and it still blinked red. I left it connected as that was the long-term plan anyway. Day three, still red. Day four, still red pulsing. I think I'll stick to another brand charger next time, but there are not many choices for 6V so hopefully this one will eventually go to green solid and then green blinking to show maintenance mode.
Man, all these reports of the NoCo 2 apparently not ever reaching maintenance mode have got me spooked. I already purchased one, but still need to complete installation of the remote power plug connection, so haven't actually powered the NoCo up yet.
I'll have to monitor mine after I get everything hooked up and see if it exhibits the same behavior...
I thought of Chadstickpoindexter and his NOCO charger over the weekend. I had a similar, confusing red blinking light experience. I think some of Chad's issues were compounded by the NOCO charger inaccuracies. While I normally use the BatteryMinder chargers with great success, I do have a NOCO onboard charger on my dump trailer and it seems to work fine. While reading this thread over the past weeks, I was perusing the NOCO website and noticed the Genius 1 had a 6V mode. It was only $30 so I ordered one for my lone 6V battery on an old Ford tractor, since it doesn't get used for months sometimes. I attached the Genius 1 to the 6V battery a few days ago, and it showed a slow pulsing red light, meaning less than 75% charge. Odd, I thought, since I thought the battery should have been around 85 or 90%, but too lazy to check it I decided to leave the NOCO attached and wait till the next day. Day two, the light was still slow blinking red. Hmm, how low was that sucker? I pulled out my trusty old clunky Schumacher "semi-smart" charger figuring I'd get a quick full charge and then go back to the NOCO for maintenance going forward. The Shumacher showed the battery was at 100% charge, 6.7V, and went into maintenance mode almost immediately. I switched back to the NOCO, and it still blinked red. I left it connected as that was the long-term plan anyway. Day three, still red. Day four, still red pulsing. I think I'll stick to another brand charger next time, but there are not many choices for 6V so hopefully this one will eventually go to green solid and then green blinking to show maintenance mode.
Day five, pulsing green, finally. It seems from my use the NOCO flashes red on anything under an absolute 100% charge, contrary to what their documents state. Once there, it goes into a maintenance mode. That's fine, but it is a very basic charger or tender and nothing like their marketing claims, with multi-level charging and maintenance modes. I was used to my BatteryMinders that provide a much better indication of those levels and help you identify the state of the battery (but they do cost more). Maybe the higher level NOCO chargers use more sophisticated charging cycles and indicators. I don't think I'll be the one who determines that.
Yeah I am not as excited about the 2D’s as I hoped I was going to be. However, the NOCO10 has been great since the day I installed it…. Well I think it has! It started blinking red, but after about 45 seconds or so all 4 lights were lit and the last one was flashing green.
I wonder if the smaller ones just don’t work well when the batteries are still connected since it’s so small, whereas the larger ones can actually overcome any parasitic draw and still report on the actual battery. I don’t know…
But, now I wish I would have just gotten the regular NOCO2 since it is also 6V compatible. However, I like the NOCO10. It has lots of features and a little more umph than the 2 amp chargers. And I finally got the bracket mounted so it’s not just sitting in an open spot under the hood!
FWIW, there can be differences in charging algorithms between various brands of multi-stage smart chargers.
Enersys, the manufacturer of Odyssey batteries, acquired, tested, and monitored a variety of smart chargers to discover what would be suitable for charging the thin plate pure lead AGM batteries they make. At the time (15 years ago) Enersys was discontinuing their own line of chargers due to supplier issues (Enersys eventually found a new supplier, and now offers a line of chargers again). However, during the transition between suppliers, Enersys directed battery customers to consult their list of recommended chargers, that was based on Enersys lab testing of other brands of chargers.
NOCO did not make the approved list. Curious as to why, I reached out to a couple of technical folks at Enersys (15 years ago) to learn why. Was NOCO not tested? Or was NOCO tested and not approved? It turned out to be the latter. Enersys tested and monitored the NOCO charging algorithm in at least three NOCO charging products (the 3500 and 7200, and a third one that I forget now, but it was larger than the 7200), and Enersys determined that despite the NOCO chargers having an "AGM" setting, the charging algorithm throughout the stages was not suitable to Enersys batteries.
I had skin in the game, because I had already purchased a NOCO charger in anticipation of transitioning to AGM batteries... but prior to consulting the Enersys approved charger list. I thought later about why I bought the NOCO on the spot (in person at a battery shop), when I normally research a product prior to buying it. I think the reason is that NOCO, if nothing else, is brilliant at marketing, distribution, and physical product design. NOCO's presentation is the most appealing, among all battery charger marketers I've seen before or since. NOCO's products look good, feel good, fit together well, and are well advertised. These qualities attract buyers, and the more buyers, the more additional buyers join in, reasoning that if everyone else is getting NOCO, there must be something good about them. Crowd vetting.
I have no idea if NOCO has adjusted or altered the charging algorithms of their current crop of chargers, but I did notice that NOCO still did not appear on the Enersys approved charger list a couple of years ago, when I last checked.
The other issue of too small of a charger for the size batteries that come with the Super Duty, especially a diesel with two paralleled batteries, has already been discussed.
Characteristics I looked for in a charger:
- Smart (self monitoring, temperature compensating, won't over charge, etc)
- Multi stage (break up of sulfation, bulk, absorption, float, etc)
- Sized (in amperage) appropriately for the battery being charged
- Vetted and approved by the manufacturer of the batteries I use
The foregoing checklist led me to select the following charger:
CTEK MULTI US 25000: The Smarter Charger with Maximum Power to Rapidly Charge
CTEK MULTI US 25000 (Part No. 56-674) is an 8-step, fully automatic primary switch mode battery charger. A powerful charger for 12V batteries that require rapid charging such as in garages, RV’s, boats, and, of course, cars. Unlike old traditional battery chargers, CTEK chargers are designed with a focus on simplicity, safety, and flexibility.
Fully automatic- for charging and maintenance
In addition to the normal charging of batteries, they also have a fully automatic charging cycle through CTEK's in-house patented system for maintenance charging. The batteries are kept at full capacity (float) over the first 10 days period. The chargers then switch to pulse maintenance, which is the optimal way of storing the batteries in the long-term and providing them with maximum service life.
Patented desulfation function
Unused batteries lose their power and their life is shortened through sulphation. It is also more difficult to charge sulfated batteries. CTEK MULTI US 25000 has a patented method for reconditioning sulfated batteries. The charger analyzes the state of the battery and then, if possible, recovers the battery and its power.
Weather independent
The chargers are fitted with temperature sensors adapting the charging voltage to suit the battery temperature and handle effective charging no matter the climate, from 0F to 1200F. They are very robust and have an IP44 classification, approved for outdoor use.
Electronic protection
Most vehicles today are equipped with sensitive electronic systems. Unlike less-sophisticated chargers, there is no need to disconnect the battery as CTEK MULTI US 25000 is specially designed to not damage the electronic systems.
Unique SUPPLY and RECOND mode
The SUPPLY mode serves as a power supply unit which can run 12V equipment up to 25A. While changing a battery, the SUPPLY mode will make sure important settings won't be lost. The unique RECOND mode restores the power capacity in a stratified battery and therefore prolongs the battery's life.
Designed for safety
All CTEK models are designed to consider the safety of the user. They are spark-free making the connection much easier and safer due to the gases batteries normally produce. CTEK MULTI US 25000 is also protected from reverse polarity connections and is short-circuit proof. A red light on the charger will simply indicate that the charging cannot begin until the user has connected the charger correctly.
Technical Data
Part No. 56-674
Inputvoltage: AC 100-120VAC, 50-60Hz
Outputvoltage: Nominal: 12V
Efficiency: HIGH 85%
Chargingvoltage: 14.4V, temperature compensated
Chargingcurrent: 25A max
Backcurrentdrain*: <2Ah per month
Ripple**: 4%
Ambienttemperature: 0°F to 120°F, the output power is reduced automatically at higher temperatures
CoolingFan
Type of charger: 8-step, fully automatic switch mode with pulse maintenance
Type of batteries: 12V lead-acid batteries (Wet, MF, AGM, GEL and Ca)
Battery capacity: 50-500Ah
Dimensions (LxWxH): 9½ x 5½ x 2½ inches
Insulation: IP44 (outdoor use)
Weight: 3.2lbs
*) Back current drain is what drains the battery if the charger is connected without the power cord connected.
**) Ripple describes the quality of the current and voltage. A high current ripple heats the battery and shortens its life. A linear charger has a current ripple of 70-400% which is much larger than the maximum 5% for a modern sealed battery. High voltage ripple could harm other equipment that is connected to the battery. MULTI US 25000 delivers voltage and current with very low ripple. The battery has a long service life and there is no risk of damage to other electronic devices connected to the battery.
And I finally got the bracket mounted so it’s not just sitting in an open spot under the hood!
That's the challenge I'm facing right now (even with the smaller NoCo); not a whole lot of space to attach a bracket. At least, over by the passenger side battery...
FWIW, there can be differences in charging algorithms between various brands of multi-stage smart chargers.
Enersys, the manufacturer of Odyssey batteries, acquired, tested, and monitored a variety of smart chargers to discover what would be suitable for charging the thin plate pure lead AGM batteries they make. At the time (15 years ago) Enersys was discontinuing their own line of chargers due to supplier issues (Enersys eventually found a new supplier, and now offers a line of chargers again). However, during the transition between suppliers, Enersys directed battery customers to consult their list of recommended chargers, that was based on Enersys lab testing of other brands of chargers.
NOCO did not make the approved list. Curious as to why, I reached out to a couple of technical folks at Enersys (15 years ago) to learn why. Was NOCO not tested? Or was NOCO tested and not approved? It turned out to be the latter. Enersys tested and monitored the NOCO charging algorithm in at least three NOCO charging products (the 3500 and 7200, and a third one that I forget now, but it was larger than the 7200), and Enersys determined that despite the NOCO chargers having an "AGM" setting, the charging algorithm throughout the stages was not suitable to Enersys batteries.
I had skin in the game, because I had already purchased a NOCO charger in anticipation of transitioning to AGM batteries... but prior to consulting the Enersys approved charger list. I thought later about why I bought the NOCO on the spot (in person at a battery shop), when I normally research a product prior to buying it. I think the reason is that NOCO, if nothing else, is brilliant at marketing, distribution, and physical product design. NOCO's presentation is the most appealing, among all battery charger marketers I've seen before or since. NOCO's products look good, feel good, fit together well, and are well advertised. These qualities attract buyers, and the more buyers, the more additional buyers join in, reasoning that if everyone else is getting NOCO, there must be something good about them. Crowd vetting.
I have no idea if NOCO has adjusted or altered the charging algorithms of their current crop of chargers, but I did notice that NOCO still did not appear on the Enersys approved charger list a couple of years ago, when I last checked.
The other issue of too small of a charger for the size batteries that come with the Super Duty, especially a diesel with two paralleled batteries.
I couldn't agree more with the bolded text above. In fact, the box they pack these in rivals the smart phone packages. A box, within a box, and silky-smooth printing with unique folds and closures that makes you want to save the stupid thing because it feels like so much effort was put into it. And then the charger feels like it's built well, with rounded corners and a more technically advanced look compared to competitors. Compare that to the BatteryMinder design which is straight out of the 1950's with hard edges and stamped metal, in a plastic clam pack.
I couldn't agree more with the bolded text above. In fact, the box they pack these in rivals the smart phone packages. A box, within a box, and silky-smooth printing with unique folds and closures that makes you want to save the stupid thing because it feels like so much effort was put into it. And then the charger feels like it's built well, with rounded corners and a more technically advanced look compared to competitors. Compare that to the BatteryMinder design which is straight out of the 1950's with hard edges and stamped metal, in a plastic clam pack.
Moreover, one cannot help but assume that the extra effort that was put into packaging and product appearance, would commensurately apply to the electrical engineering and components inside. And this could very well be the case.
Still, the sub-2 amp trickle charger is a maintainer for fully charged batteries, and not designed to charge a discharged Group 65 truck battery. Maybe a powersport battery, though.
That's a good point about being a maintainer only. I knew that and planned for that use in my case, so I shouldn't be surprised that the charging steps don't apply to larger batteries.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
