Battery Tender

ryder1 · Post by **ryder1** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:10 am

I have the 12 volt Battery Tender, is that okay to use on the Buddy?

Sorry, I don't know what the battery size is of the Buddy.

Is there a piece to order that I could plug it right into the outlet under the grip on the left hand side? Or would I damage it leaving it on all winter while the battery tender does it thing.

Thanks for posting helpful replies.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:25 am

Several companies make a low amperage 12V charger with an adapter that fits in the cellphone charger outlet. That is a perfect way to trickle charge your battery and keep it up to full charge all winter. The Black and Decker model is adjustable to charge at 1 amp or 2 amps which is perfect as 1 amp will not overload the fuse on the outlet. If the charger you already have is adjustable to a low enough amperage you can buy a "cigarette lighter" adapter at an auto parts store and connect it to your charger.

Kevin K · Post by **Kevin K** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 5:08 am

I love my Battery Tender. It's the epitome of "set it and forget it".
The Jr. version is perfect for Buddy.
-K

ryder1 · Post by **ryder1** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 2:04 pm

I already have the "battery tender" (Isn't that the actual name of it). We had it for a Yamaha Razz.

Do I need something fewer than 12 volts to put in the cellphone charger or whatever that outlet is for on the 2007 Buddy?

vitaminC · Post by **vitaminC** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:09 pm

The 12V tender is fine for the Buddy. To use with the charger, all you need is this:
http://www.scooterworks.com/Battery_Ten ... _P5478.cfm

anderson · Post by **anderson** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 5:49 pm

Tell me what I'm missing here, folks.

How does powering a tender -- with the battery (through the 12-volt adapter), and then attaching the tender to the battery to trickle charge it -- work?

vitaminC · Post by **vitaminC** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 6:54 pm

anderson wrote:Tell me what I'm missing here, folks.

How does powering a tender -- with the battery (through the 12-volt adapter), and then attaching the tender to the battery to trickle charge it -- work?

You're missing the plug!

Juice flows like so:
Wall socket -> battery tender -> cigarette adapter -> battery

anderson · Post by **anderson** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:02 pm

vitaminC wrote:
You're missing the plug!

Juice flows like so:
Wall socket -> battery tender -> cigarette adapter -> battery

Hahaha! So wait -- what you're saying (and this I did *not* know) is that one can trickle charge a battery via the 12-volt "cigarette lighter" rather than attach leads to the battery + and - terminals? That power is going from the tender TO the 12-volt jack rather than from the 12-volt jack to the tender?

I'm a smart person! Honest! I just don't feel that smart right now.

Thanks!

10gallonhat · Post by **10gallonhat** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 8:04 pm

I too am confused as to what the cigarette lighter adapter adds to the equation.

vitaminC · Post by **vitaminC** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 8:25 pm

Hahaha! So wait -- what you're saying (and this I did *not* know) is that one can trickle charge a battery via the 12-volt "cigarette lighter" rather than attach leads to the battery + and - terminals? That power is going from the tender TO the 12-volt jack rather than from the 12-volt jack to the tender?

Exactly! Check out the link I posted above. The connector on the end of the BT is just a plug, and you can plug in either the clips for the battery or the cig adapter, or whatever other connection you dream up.

I too am confused as to what the cigarette lighter adapter adds to the equation.

The cig adapter adds simplicity. Instead of having to take off the panel to get your battery, you just plug it directly into the socket in the dash. Note, only the '07 models have these has standard, though it probably wouldn't be much work to retrofit one to an '06.

On this bike I used to own, I permanently attached the wires to the battery, and then just let the connector dangle so that I could juice it up without taking anything apart. Same concept as using the cig adapter, justing getting there a different way...

anderson · Post by **anderson** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 10:15 pm

vitaminC wrote: The cig adapter adds simplicity. Instead of having to take off the panel to get your battery, you just plug it directly into the socket in the dash.

And I thought that the 12-volt adapter was provided to make it easier to smoke while riding!

Thanks for the info and clarification -- it's a good day when you learn something new.

D

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 11:30 pm

Crap...I STILL cant find that power point on my Buddy!

ryder1 · Post by **ryder1** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 2:11 am

I'm chuckling to myself while reading these posts. I don't know if you are serious or joking about this.

I will get the cable Battery Tender Cigarette Lighter Adapter and plug-in the Buddy. I just want to make sure it won't blow a fuse or create some other electrical problem like the "plug-in" heated gloves created.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 4:34 pm

The Battery Tender Jr. produces 0.75 amps and will not blow the 1.0 amp fuse in the Buddy accessary plug circuit. As I remember the problem with your heated gloves, they drew 2.5 amps.

ryder1 · Post by **ryder1** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 8:33 pm

I didn't personally have the heated gloves, I just remember reading there was a problem with them being connected to the Buddy.

Thanks for explaining the amps

redcass · Post by **redcass** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 3:00 am

ryder1 wrote:I didn't personally have the heated gloves, I just remember reading there was a problem with them being connected to the Buddy.

Yeah, those were my gloves. So sad.... But I'm doin' alright with silk liners and First Gear Dakotas.

Drumwoulf · Post by **Drumwoulf** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 5:35 am

vitaminC wrote:The 12V tender is fine for the Buddy. To use with the charger, all you need is this:
http://www.scooterworks.com/Battery_Ten ... _P5478.cfm

Waitaminnet waitaminnet here, let me try and unnderstand this my way, ok?

The outlet socket in my '07 Buddy is usually to draw electric juice FROM, yes? And what you're saying here is that if I plug in a 'live' battery tender into the cig-lighter-plug accessory, then plug the gig-lighter-plug accessory into the Buddy's outlet socket, the juice will then run "backwards" (so to speak) into that outlet (inlet, now?) and then down into the scoot's battery? And I don't have to add any addl wiring between the battery and the scoot's outlet?

Do I have that right? (I hope so...) -It sounds almost too easy! Here I was trying to figure where to run that pigtail lead from the battery, and you're saying it's ALREADY there, via that outlet? Correct

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 6:26 am

Drumwoulf wrote:
vitaminC wrote:The 12V tender is fine for the Buddy. To use with the charger, all you need is this:
http://www.scooterworks.com/Battery_Ten ... _P5478.cfm
Waitaminnet waitaminnet here, let me try and unnderstand this my way, ok?

The outlet socket in my '07 Buddy is usually to draw electric juice FROM, yes? And what you're saying here is that if I plug in a 'live' battery tender into the cig-lighter-plug accessory, then plug the gig-lighter-plug accessory into the Buddy's outlet socket, the juice will then run "backwards" (so to speak) into that outlet (inlet, now?) and then down into the scoot's battery? And I don't have to add any addl wiring between the battery and the scoot's outlet?

Do I have that right? (I hope so...) -It sounds almost too easy! Here I was trying to figure where to run that pigtail lead from the battery, and you're saying it's ALREADY there, via that outlet? Correct

Are you sure those aren't 1-way wires?

bikebuda · Post by **bikebuda** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 1:47 am

if you dont understand how incredibly simple this is ..... dont try it

if you get the socket adapter you can now easily switch from scooter to car to motorcycle to boat without having to have a battery plug on each of them

Drumwoulf · Post by **Drumwoulf** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:57 am

bikebuda wrote:if you dont understand how incredibly simple this is ..... dont try it

I don't recall actually asking you anything about how this works on this thread, so why do you bother adding your insulting put-down? If you can't help then just butt out, okay?

Just because no one obviously bothered to teach you a few things is no reason why I should not be asking questions, no matter how ignorant they may appear to you!

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 6:36 am

Drumwoulf wrote:
bikebuda wrote:if you dont understand how incredibly simple this is ..... dont try it
I don't recall actually asking you anything about how this works on this thread, so why do you bother adding your insulting put-down? If you can't help then just butt out, okay?

Just because no one obviously bothered to teach you a few things is no reason why I should not be asking questions, no matter how ignorant they may appear to you!

Okay, folks—let's remember that sarcasm doesn't always come across so well in writing online. If someone has a sincere question, let's do our best to answer it. Please keep in mind how words may come across if a reader doesn't get the intended sarcastic tone.

Unless, of course, you're not being sarcastic, in which case cut it out.

rajron · Post by **rajron** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 3:18 am

If you have the 06 Buddy, or a 06 People 150, there is are no accessory outlets so I hard wired insulated female electrical connectors to both our scoots with easy external attachment points, then switch the Battery Tender between the scoots weekly, not as easy as the accessory outlet but still easy enough.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 3:24 am

ericalm wrote: Are you sure those aren't 1-way wires?

Oh fearless leader, weren't you also pulling our tails a little bit? I'm with you though, a little patience and a sense of humor will probably take us all a lot further.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 8:02 am

Dooglas wrote:
ericalm wrote: Are you sure those aren't 1-way wires?
Oh fearless leader, weren't you also pulling our tails a little bit? I'm with you though, a little patience and a sense of humor will probably take us all a lot further.

I know, I know...

But then I couldn't differentiate between the sarcasm and sniping!

Drumwoulf · Post by **Drumwoulf** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 5:29 am

ericalm wrote: Are you sure those aren't 1-way wires?

I know current can flow both ways thru wires. What I'm wondering about is what else may be on that wires' circuit? I doubt the Buddy's outlet is wired directly to the battery with nothing else at all on that same line? Putting constant juice thru a circuit while the bike stands for 2 months with everything else off might burn something out, no?

hcstrider · Post by **hcstrider** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:51 pm

I suspect that the Buddy’s auxiliary plug is directly connected to the battery which is one reason why the auxiliary plug has its own 1 AMP fuse. I have not traced the wires from the plug to the battery nor is that information listed on wiring diagram in the Buddy’s Service Manual but it makes sense that the auxiliary plug would be on its own circuit. With the plug on its own circuit, if you blow the plug’s 1AMP fuse, you don’t lose vital components such as lights, ignition, speedometer and horn.

Another reason why I think that the auxiliary plug is on its own circuit is because the auxiliary plug is always hot: even when the ignition key is in the off position, the auxiliary plug has power. This tells me that the auxiliary plug is on its own circuit, separated from the other components such as lights, speedometer and horn which only come on when the ignition is on.

On a separate note, the Buddy Service Manual that I have is from 2004 and it is not specific to the 2007 Buddy. I downloaded the Service Manual from one of the links on this WEB site but I was wondering if an updated Buddy Service Manual is available.

Thanks.

vitaminC · Post by **vitaminC** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:30 pm

hcstrider wrote:I suspect that the Buddy’s auxiliary plug is directly connected to the battery which is one reason why the auxiliary plug has its own 1 AMP fuse.

While it may not go directly to the battery, it does seem unlikely that charging the scoot through that orifice will result in any ill effects. And a 1 AMP fuse it pretty darn puny, so you're definitely not going to get enough current by that to hurt anything else!

PS- I like your sig pic, though I prefer this one...

hcstrider · Post by **hcstrider** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 8:13 pm

vitaminC wrote:While it may not go directly to the battery, ...

Thanks, I may have worded my post incorrectly. I guess the point I was trying to make is that it appears that the auxiliary plug is on its own circuit, separated from the more vital components.

The picture in my signature block is a design from www.cafepress.com. I like that design so much that I will probably order a T shirt with that design on it.

livrun · Post by **livrun** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 8:46 pm

As already pointed out this part can be purchased from :

scooterworks.com http://www.scooterworks.com/Battery_Ten ... _P5478.cfm

or directly from the company they buy it from called batterystuff.com
http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-pro ... 069-5.html

Strangely enough scooterworks lists it at $5.95 and batterystuff lists at $6.95. So you at least have a choice.

polianarchy · Post by **polianarchy** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 12:35 am

redcass wrote:Yeah, those were my gloves. So sad.... But I'm doin' alright with silk liners and First Gear Dakotas.

If it makes you feel any better, yours was the post that I learned about silk glove liners! This winter is already loads better than the last.

redcass · Post by **redcass** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:42 pm

polianarchy wrote:
redcass wrote:Yeah, those were my gloves. So sad.... But I'm doin' alright with silk liners and First Gear Dakotas.
If it makes you feel any better, yours was the post that I learned about silk glove liners! This winter is already loads better than the last.

Cool!

Drumwoulf · Post by **Drumwoulf** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 5:25 am

OK, it works great. Plugged the Battery Tender cig lighter option into the '07 Buddy's power outlet, and it's charging the battery just fine. I just wish my other scooter (Vespa GT200) had a power outlet now, so I didn't have to connect it's charger directly to the battery under the floorboard...

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 5:52 am

Drumwoulf wrote:OK, it works great. Plugged the Battery Tender cig lighter option into the '07 Buddy's power outlet, and it's charging the battery just fine. I just wish my other scooter (Vespa GT200) had a power outlet now, so I didn't have to connect it's charger directly to the battery under the floorboard...

Actually, I hear that installing a 12V outlet isn't too difficult. It's on my list of projects for my scoots, but other things keep taking priority.

Check out the tutorial on MV here:
http://www.modernvespa.com/forum/topic1935.html

Drumwoulf · Post by **Drumwoulf** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 1:59 pm

ericalm wrote:
Drumwoulf wrote:OK, it works great. Plugged the Battery Tender cig lighter option into the '07 Buddy's power outlet, and it's charging the battery just fine. I just wish my other scooter (Vespa GT200) had a power outlet now, so I didn't have to connect it's charger directly to the battery under the floorboard...
Actually, I hear that installing a 12V outlet isn't too difficult. It's on my list of projects for my scoots, but other things keep taking priority.

Check out the tutorial on MV here:
http://www.modernvespa.com/forum/topic1935.html

You're either kidding here, or you're far more mechanically adept than I am!!

I checked out that tutorial, and there's no way in hell I would attempt such a tedious, very complicated mod on my scoot! I'll just install the battery tender lead-in directly on my battery and run the wire out under the accessory floor mat. Not as nice, not as neat, but at least it's a job I can manage without having to take the metal floorboard and also the whole front of the scooter apart, and then cut a hole into the glovebox!! Not too difficult a job you say? ~Yikes!!!

-And I still think Vespa should include a power outlet in their very expensive scoots!

toddrw2251 · Post by **toddrw2251** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:44 pm

I got a battery tender for xmas with the cig lighter plug adapter. I've had it hooked up for a few days and was wondering if it is really working. Is the 12v outlet always hot or does it shut off when the bike is off? If its off then I guess I will have to do a hard wire. Any thoughts? My bike is stored at a friends garage and I figured I could get an answer here. Thanks!

hcstrider · Post by **hcstrider** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 5:53 pm

Congratulations on receiving a Battery Tender and the cig lighter plug adapter for Christmas, you must have been very good in 2007.

The Buddy’s auxiliary power socket is always hot so you can plug the Battery Tender into the auxiliary power socket and it will charge the Buddy’s battery even when the key is not in the ignition.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:43 am

hcstrider wrote:The Buddy’s auxiliary power socket is always hot so you can plug the Battery Tender into the auxiliary power socket and it will charge the Buddy’s battery even when the key is not in the ignition.

Sl,ut4 · Post by **Sl,ut4** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 7:57 pm

The Jr. is perfect.
They make an adapter that plugs into the 12v plug above the storage tray.
Quick and easy.

Bethers · Post by **Bethers** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 8:00 pm

Just a comment - friend of mine who uses a battery tender on his motorcycle suggested I get the waterproof battery tender - as it will sometimes be getting wet. He discovered he was replacing his bettery tender too often until he switched.

Since it's all new to me - I'm just taking in all your comments, and my friends, and hoping it all works for me

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:13 pm

I've no argument with a waterproof charger but I would comment that water and electricity don't mix so charging your scoot outdoors, uncovered, in the driving rain is not a good idea. A waterproof cover would be the minimum approach. I would suggest a carport or garage is an even better choice if available. Also, whatever charger you use, be sure you can control the charge rate to 1 amp or less as you will blow the fuse on the power outlet if you exceed that by much (that is one advantage of the charge rate of the Battery Tender Jr.)

Drumwoulf · Post by **Drumwoulf** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 6:18 am

toddrw2251 wrote:I got a battery tender for xmas with the cig lighter plug adapter. I've had it hooked up for a few days and was wondering if it is really working. Is the 12v outlet always hot or does it shut off when the bike is off? If its off then I guess I will have to do a hard wire. Any thoughts? My bike is stored at a friends garage and I figured I could get an answer here. Thanks!

No lights on your battery tender? I have the Battery Tender Jr. ($29.00). It's LED glows red when the scoot's battery is low, blinks green when it's being charged, and stays on a steady green when the peak charge is being maintained. -So thas how I tell...

Modern Buddy

Battery Tender

Battery Tender

Still confuded...

Re: Still confuded...

Re: Still confuded...

Re: Still confuded...

Re: Still confuded...

Cigarette Adapter Cord