|
Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today! If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us. Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated. |
|
The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
26-08-2020, 01:07 PM | #1 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mornington
Posts: 2,144
|
Just to let you know Repco has some good discounts at the moment for Ctek chargers in case any of you are interested.
|
||
8 users like this post: |
26-08-2020, 11:50 PM | #2 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,167
|
Well I just bought a M200 427$ local marine shop, 237 at Frankies Auto Electrics.
__________________
igodabigblackshinycar and I relented and allowed a BMW into the garage. |
||
27-08-2020, 04:30 PM | #3 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Trinity Beach FNQ
Posts: 807
|
Thanks for letting us know GT450. I went to Repco today and bought the 5.0 amp charger $99.00 with a bonus power bank. Been thinking about one for ages.
|
||
28-08-2020, 11:30 AM | #4 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mornington
Posts: 2,144
|
Did the same ozpacman, handy to have.
|
||
28-08-2020, 12:54 PM | #5 | ||
Starter Motor
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Adelaide Hills
Posts: 27
|
Thanks for the heads up. I've already got an older mx5.0s but picked up two more as they're a great unit and very handy to have. Even more discount with RAA card ($178.80 total)
__________________
Current garage. FGX XR6 Sprint 055 BA Fairlane G220 BF Fairmont Ghia BA Fairmont BA XR6 Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG Toyota LC200 Sahara |
||
30-08-2020, 04:01 AM | #6 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 225
|
Geez the C Teks are a bit overpriced aren't they?
50% more than Victron. 12v/10A Victron: $200 on amazon.com.au 12v/10A C-Tek: $279 on amazon.com.au What is the appeal exactly? Victron is a 'premium' brand and even the Victron balks at the C-Tek's price. I've found things that are engineered in "enter 1st world country name here" are going based upon a presumed reputation of quality where there is none. German cars for example, designed well and look good but expensive as hell and really not worth your time and money. You know its not that difficult to engineer a charge curve for a lead acid battery. I even did it once with an arduino. Doubt there is any smarts in overpaying for a charger. Just saying once the sale is off I wouldn't bother with one and if the sale brings it down to the price of a victron then its not really a sale then is it. More of a slimey tactic designed to get you into the Repco store. Something that I've experienced in the past with repco. Also last time I walked into Repco I hopped out with only a walking stick under one arm. Have always found their stuff to be typically much more expensive than other stores. $2 here and there above the other priced items. $4.95 in other areas. But it adds up. (Hint: Arm and a leg joke) Last edited by gooseneck; 30-08-2020 at 04:30 AM. |
||
2 users like this post: |
30-08-2020, 04:36 AM | #7 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 225
|
Victrons have bluetooth too. and lithium charging modes.
https://www.victronenergy.com/upload...30V_EN_web.pdf |
||
30-08-2020, 09:37 AM | #8 | |||
AWD Assassin
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,170
|
Quote:
The 10 amp unit looks good I have the c tek MXS 5 amp unit and it’s been a very reliable and good functioning unit. Interesting to note that Victron spec sheet recommends the 10 amp unit for car batteries. I guess it’s all to do with float levels and type of battery. The Bluetooth functionality is a bit gimmicky and worthless but the ability to update firmware and 5 year warranty v 2 year ctek warranty is a bonus. I’ll look into this brand if my ctek fails.
__________________
Old RIDE 2006 BFGT Gone but not forgotten New RIDE 2018 AMG Mercedes A45 Angry AWD assassin
|
|||
30-08-2020, 09:51 AM | #9 | |||
The good, bad and fugly
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,808
|
Quote:
If you buy C Tek, you have paid a large brand tax. There's other options available. Eg. I bought five of the Aldi 4 Amp units and they have survived on worksites in extreme heat and cold for over two years now. LCD display, three operating modes and auto float charging etc Paid $39 each for them.
__________________
Time was on my side! |
|||
This user likes this post: |
30-08-2020, 10:25 AM | #10 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 895
|
Every time I see CTEK I think of DYSON, spin, spin & more spin.
I've had a 4 Amp Arlec (cheap & comes with an Ammeter) for as long as I can remember, put it on charge until the current drops to one Amp then let it top off for a couple more Hours & the job's done. If you want a maintenance charger buy a wall wart. |
||
30-08-2020, 04:46 PM | #11 | |||
AWD Assassin
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,170
|
Quote:
The CTEK is a good unit. It’s expensive in comparison but they are reliable and well made. Anyone that buys one won’t be disappointed for general trickle charging and maintenance . They are also standard equipment sold as accessories for Mercedes , Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini . They just whack their individual logos on the Ctek unit and are sold as OEM equipment through their dealer networks. There is a lot of market confidence with their products and they are pretty good. Doesn’t mean the other lesser known brands aren’t , it’s just that people will gravitate towards the better known and well represented brands. Nothing working with that when they perform well and especially better value when they are on sale as they are at the moment.
__________________
Old RIDE 2006 BFGT Gone but not forgotten New RIDE 2018 AMG Mercedes A45 Angry AWD assassin
|
|||
2 users like this post: |
30-08-2020, 06:29 PM | #13 | ||
AWD Assassin
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,170
|
Silly and unfounded comment to make really. When you purchase something that performs as expected and better than most of the competition it’s called an astute and educated purchase. If they don’t perform, regardless of cost or brand then it’s reason enough to debate the virtues of that brand and share the experience in a mature way. Anyways......
__________________
Old RIDE 2006 BFGT Gone but not forgotten New RIDE 2018 AMG Mercedes A45 Angry AWD assassin
|
||
30-08-2020, 06:36 PM | #14 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Trinity Beach FNQ
Posts: 807
|
Gooseneck, xahh, Fed et al. Relax men - purchase of a Ctek isn't compulsory!
I'm happy I bought one and don't feel that I've been bent over by doing so. About three years ago I paid about $60 for a similar style charger from one of the large car accessory chain stores. Sort of a rip-off version of a Ctek or similar. After about 12 months use the 'Mode' button sort of fell down inside the unit making it unusable. I pulled it apart and did a bodge repair by shoving a bit of ally behind the switch to support it and whilst it still works to this day, I thought it was a pretty crappy design to fail like that. I'm more than happy to pay $99 bucks for what is a recognized brand with a few extra features over my cheaper charger. This one suits my purposes as I have several motorcycles on which I like to keep batteries charged if I haven't had them out for a run in a reasonable time. The price difference is negligible if it lasts well. Cheers, Russ. |
||
4 users like this post: |
30-08-2020, 10:21 PM | #15 | |||
The good, bad and fugly
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,808
|
Quote:
Even if it was compulsory, I'd buy something that's better value for money under the radar. Last time I checked, everyone here is entitled to an opinion. I respect yours, please give others here the same privilege. Mine is an educated decision and so is yours. We just went to different schools. I'm glad you are happy with C Tek. In my opinion it's not the best value for money out there. I've got my reasons and you have yours so let's just agree to disagree.
__________________
Time was on my side! |
|||
30-08-2020, 10:25 PM | #16 | |||
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 225
|
Quote:
Because the only other explanation is that you like to show off and brag by buying something by brand name. or.... That you don't think clearly before buying something and you're not alone, I'm sure plenty of other people out there also make the same mistake. Which makes me feel sad because giving money to companies that used brand name to sell a cheap device is bad for the environment and bad for the economy. It sets a bad example to poorer people when they think they need to spend $50,000 on a dual cab to go camping and buy $300 C-Tek chargers just to charge a battery. It sounds like you had a bad experience with that $60 charger, my suggestion is to stop buying from brick and mortar stores without first reading a review for it online. I've had tons of good luck spanning 2 decades by reading reviews for the device online first before buying it. Even if you eventually go and buy it from a brick and mortar store after reading it. Infact I do that all the time to keep brick and mortar stores open. I'm willing and happy to help anyone on this forum to find cheaper but reliable devices that don't cost an arm and a leg. It also makes me feel nervous being in a country where people buy something without thinking it through first, you know like my life is in danger. Last edited by gooseneck; 30-08-2020 at 10:53 PM. |
|||
31-08-2020, 09:27 AM | #17 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mornington
Posts: 2,144
|
Gooseneck you need to take a chill pill. I put the note on here for members to make their choice as several Cteks were on special at the moment and despite what you say they have a good reputation which is what sells them , and word of mouth is good too.
I personally bought one as a spare as I use a projecta 1.6 milliamp trickle charger permanently connected to my car ( as it was to my GT for 12 years ) and whilst that was about $55 when I bought it all those years ago it still performs faultlessly. So I am not a battery charger snob but recognise value when I see it and was just trying to help some fellow members not stuffing my opinion of what I consider the best down their throats, then arguing with them when the disagree. This forum is to help ....not preach. |
||
22 users like this post: |
31-08-2020, 10:10 AM | #18 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Southern NSW
Posts: 67
|
Thanks for the heads up GT450.
I have purchased the 5 Amp kit with the bonus items for $99. A good quality charger at a good price. I've been thinking of replacing my 30 year old Ferguson 4 Amp charger for a while now and finally took the plunge. |
||
31-08-2020, 10:11 AM | #19 | ||
Al
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: South Aus.
Posts: 1,839
|
Man! are all threads going to **** now over nothing? bought my c-tec about 7yrs ago and was a fair deal back then..... use the re-con on a regular basis for tractor, quad & 3 cars... very happy with it!
|
||
31-08-2020, 12:57 PM | #20 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,878
|
I bought a Ctek Dc-Dc charger a few years ago and I am happy with it.Did I pay too much?,well time will tell , maybe I did,maybe not.Goose neck reckons Victron are the best!maybe they are.Must remember sometimes the best is only the opinion of the seller who comes up with slick advertising to justify their claims
|
||
31-08-2020, 01:45 PM | #21 | ||
Peter Car
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: geelong
Posts: 23,145
|
I got a good price on the ctek I bought a few years ago.
Do I care if I might have been able to get another brand $20 bucks cheaper? Hell no. It's been faultless. |
||
6 users like this post: |
31-08-2020, 02:00 PM | #22 | ||
Afterburner + skids =
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Skidsville
Posts: 12,128
|
^^^ agree.
Who knew there's be so much passion shown about battery chargers? Sheesh.
__________________
Speed Kills. So buy an AU XR8 and live forever. Oo\===/oO |
||
12 users like this post: |
31-08-2020, 02:30 PM | #23 | |||
AWD Assassin
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,170
|
Quote:
Now it’s C-tek v the world.. In all seriousness though, I’ve had my MXS 5 for well over 7 years and it’s still operating well. Any decent charger is worth it’s price ( high or low ) if it’s saved you even 1 battery going off too early !!
__________________
Old RIDE 2006 BFGT Gone but not forgotten New RIDE 2018 AMG Mercedes A45 Angry AWD assassin
|
|||
31-08-2020, 02:37 PM | #24 | ||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,433
|
From my experience the CTEK stuff is great but regardless how 'smart' they are I've had CTEK and Projecta chargers boil batteries - don't leave em on when you aren't home and don't let lead acid batteries sit on float charge for weeks on end. Had various smart chargers from 5A to 50A and they've all cooked batteries so be careful.
https://www.centurybatteries.com.au/...plosionsv3.pdf Publication from Worksafe Victoria on sealed lead acid battery explosions caused by evaporation of electrolyte solution because sitting on float charge for weeks on end. It specifically mentions automotive type 'maintenance free' batteries. Last edited by Franco Cozzo; 31-08-2020 at 02:44 PM. |
||
8 users like this post: |
31-08-2020, 03:27 PM | #25 | ||
AWD Assassin
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,170
|
Speaking of Repco sales at the moment
Anyone out there used one of these ? Decent or garbage .. https://www.repco.com.au/en/4x4-adve...f1f0YkU-7jxvBU
__________________
Old RIDE 2006 BFGT Gone but not forgotten New RIDE 2018 AMG Mercedes A45 Angry AWD assassin
|
||
This user likes this post: |
31-08-2020, 03:40 PM | #26 | ||
DIY Tragic
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 22,353
|
Looks like it should come from an adult shop!
|
||
5 users like this post: |
31-08-2020, 03:41 PM | #27 | ||
AWD Assassin
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,170
|
I didn’t ask if it works for tyres , just if it works...
__________________
Old RIDE 2006 BFGT Gone but not forgotten New RIDE 2018 AMG Mercedes A45 Angry AWD assassin
|
||
4 users like this post: |
31-08-2020, 04:01 PM | #28 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 463
|
I wish I had known about this when I purchased mine. I saw a sale on sparesbox for 20% off so I purchased my CTEK MXS 5.0 for $105 on the same day that this was available. Ah well, I just miss out on the additional battery pack.
|
||
This user likes this post: |
31-08-2020, 05:29 PM | #29 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Trinity Beach FNQ
Posts: 807
|
Goodness me, this current thread has certainly sparked an emotion charged response. Can't believe how the debate has really started to amp up...
Oh dear - that was terrible... |
||
7 users like this post: |
31-08-2020, 05:55 PM | #30 | |||
WT GT
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: The GSS
Posts: 17,773
|
Quote:
My Optima Red Top will only charge properly with the C-Tek drip charger. It's a little champ and the Red Top is still going after 12 years on a car that gets driven monthly! For the Century lead batteries I use a Callibre 3-stage pulse. This is a great charger for revitalizing batteries that would otherwise have gone to scrap. It wasn't cheap but it has paid for itself in doubling the normal expected life of lead acid batteries. Highly recommended. http://media.supercheapauto.com.au/s...026d9f6b4e.pdf |
|||