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Jump start and battery tender connector

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 2:50 pm
by Firebolter
I have one of those XP antigravity batteries for jump starts. It has a special connector with wire that can handle the load but it has that unique connector. I have seen some SAE connectors that have the jump start connector on one side and SAE on the other, but that wire is not right size for the load and you shouldn't jump start with cables that are standard like those used on most trickle chargers.

I found this elegant solution, a Jump Start cable with a SAE connector so you can use the same wire to jump and charge! Good stuff and 1 connector off the battery will support both jumps and trickle chargers.

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Re: Jump start and battery tender connector

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 3:40 pm
by smdub
FWIW, Small wire is fine for jump start. Its short and only carrying the current for mere seconds.

The "special connector" everyone uses is a EC5. Super common in the RC field (RC airplanes/cars). Will do ~90A continuous. I'm a much bigger fan of the XT90 (especially the anti-spark derivative) but its not what jump pack manufacturers chose :( (The XT90 and EC5 are functionally identical but the EC connectors are a PITA to solder up/assemble and impossible to disassemble)

What I'm curious about is whats under the heatshrink. I'm guessing some sort of PTC/thermal fuse. Its the only thing thats stopped us from wiring all the bikes w/ XT90 stubs - some short of short protection is nice w/ Li batts.

BTW, you can also just cut off your SAE connector from your tender and replace w/ a EC5. Skip the adapter.

Edit: Can you show the end of the EC connector? Is it male (pins) or female (sockets)? Its typical to put the female on the battery as it is more accidental short protected. I'm guessing that is what is typically on jump packs. So that means they have to put a male on that adapter for the bike battery? I wish they would have picked something genderless like the Anderson powerpole connectors.

Re: Jump start and battery tender connector

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 5:38 pm
by Firebolter
I'm not gonna cut off or mod my trickle chargers, I use them on too many bikes. This is a much easier and more flexible solution for me to put one of these on the bike vice the trickle charger plug I have now. The end of the EC connector is female.

Re: Jump start and battery tender connector

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 6:26 pm
by Marylander
I had a similar one from earthx, maybe this? https://earthxbatteries.com/shop/etx-qcc2

I don't know anything about the electrical stuff but it worked. :cheers:

I forgot about it and left it on the bike that I got rear ended on and I let insurance keep. I forgot other stuff on that bike too. :(

Re: Jump start and battery tender connector

Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2020 7:39 am
by Laoch
I like. Makes life a bit easier, particularly when battery access is a pain.

Question for you battery smart folks- jump starting a lithium battery?
Any concerns? Treat it like a normal battery?
I've never had to do it, but I have Li in my Husky and my son has one in his BRP. And the BRP has charging issues from time to time.

Re: Jump start and battery tender connector

Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2020 9:23 am
by Firebolter
The earthX one Marylander posted has longer leads and might work better if battery access is tucked away or if you want to run the lead down into the airbox so you can get to it by popping the side/airbox cover. That's how I did it on the 500 to get to it easily.

Re: Jump start and battery tender connector

Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2020 12:53 pm
by Wingfixer
That's pretty slick!

Re: Jump start and battery tender connector

Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2020 6:57 pm
by John F
Thanks. I'll order one on Monday

Re: Jump start and battery tender connector

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2020 8:00 am
by Firebolter
I got the earthX one in and indeed, I like it best. It has a long pig tail so it goes nicely down into the airbox, so you just pop the cover and you have access. I also like how it is a "tender" first and you have to attach the "jump" plug. Since you use the tender more than the jumper (hopefully anyway), keeps it simple and clean. I'll carry the jump plug/ cable in my vest with the jump pack battery.

Both will work well, I just like having the longer leads mostly.

Re: Jump start and battery tender connector

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2020 8:18 am
by Laoch
I ordered two of the earthX, mostly for the longer leads.