Excalibur 2 Battery Charging Question...

[TreasureBeachScouts]

Hi Friends,
I've had the excellent Excalibur 2 for about a week now but building up questions already =

Wondering if anyone out there knows :

1.) if it's possible to OVERCHARGE the Excal battery using the provided charger? The battery comes with the standard 14.2v charger (if memory serves) but there isn't a cut-off lamp - and there is no light on the charger that goes on (or off). Would hate to cook the battery within the first month.

2.) the average life of the battery when using it... I've read 9-14 hours of detecting time. Is this accurate or is there a different 'real' time I should know about.

 

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[cudamark]

I've never had a problem and I've forgotten mine on the charger for a few days. I still average about 16 hours on a charge and it's at least a 3 year old battery. If you have an alkaline battery back-up, that shouldn't be an issue unless you're going to be out in the middle of nowhere and unable to recharge.

 

[Jason in Enid]

No, you can't over-charge it. I have no problem getting a couple of days of detecting from my Excal, so that number sounds good.

 

[TreasureBeachScouts]

Great, thanks for the quick replies and personal experience - you just never know where technology supersedes caution. In the 'old days' you'd have a useless battery after a few months with a few too many hours on the charge..
So far, I've only charge twice with about 10 hours total on the machine. Looks like a great power supply. My Garrett Sea Hunter 2 was good for about 8 hours with 8 NiMH.

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

Your information is correct. We also carry an aftermarket smart charger for the Excalibur series that has a green light when fully charged.

Wayne

Metal Detector Sales and Rentals | Fisher, Garrett, Minelab, Lesche and DetectorPro

 

[Dave P]

I have had my Excalibur 2 for 11 months now. I usually run it about 15 or more hours, just guessing, and then I charge it. I also have a battery pod back up. I learned a good lesson recently, I charged it up the night before going out hunting with some friends, and when it was charged up I wanted to check something so I turned it on but forgot to shut it off. There wasn't much life in the batter the next day. Good thing I have my battery back up. I only own one metal detector. I am waiting for the day that I find some nice gold and convert that into a new E-track for my inland ground machine.

 

[lost items recovery]

Hi Friends, I've had the excellent Excalibur 2 for about a week now but building up questions already = Wondering if anyone out there knows : 1.) if it's possible to OVERCHARGE the Excal battery using the provided charger? The battery comes with the standard 14.2v charger (if memory serves) but there isn't a cut-off lamp - and there is no light on the charger that goes on (or off). Would hate to cook the battery within the first month. 2.) the average life of the battery when using it... I've read 9-14 hours of detecting time. Is this accurate or is there a different 'real' time I should know about.

Sent from my iPhone using TreasureNet

 

[TreasureBeachScouts]

Thanks much for the replies all - tho...have to say that some of you say, no, you can't overcharge the batteries, while others of you are using timers meaning, YES, you can overcharge the batts...
Guessing I'll need to post the question directly to Minelab and see what the 'official' answer is!
Thanks much,
TBScouts

 

[shawninNY]

I think the excal 11 lithium ion batts can't , the older ones can ! Post minelabs answer I have the original excal 11 made before minelab changed hands a few years back , have left it on charger overnight and longer multiple times haven't cooked it yet!

 

[lost items recovery]

Who really knows but if they say only charge for x amount of time, then why take the chance.
I do recall someone posted a battery charging in there garage that exploded into pieces and that it sounded like a shotgun blast. Might not have been over charged and it may have. I saw the picture and it looked kinda scary!
With the cost to replace a battery I think it's not worth the risk!
I was told by a local dealer not to over charge it so I'm not taking any chances. A timer for a little peace of mind is worth it in my book.
I think charging is listed in the manual and could be found online if I'm not mistaking.
Good luck.

Sent from my iPhone using TreasureNet

 

[pat-tekker-cat]

While I have never personally overcharged one, I have heard at the club from a few that had or their buddy had.
So yes, you can overcharge. I wouldn't charge mine over 8 to 10 hours.

Battery should go 12 to 18 hours or so. I usually hunt 6 hours or so a day, been able to get three+ good days outta one charge.
Do be sure you got a charger that's working. Last Excal I bought, I had to go through 4 chargers from the dealer.
The first 3 were bad. (stupid cheap Chinese junk).
Good luck.