This article explains how to charge your batteries in the field, in case you are running low on energy and your project is not yet complete.
The voltage required to charge batteries is between 11V and 18V direct current (DC). The typical voltage provided from a vehicle is 12V.
Where and how should I connect the cables?
Connect the cables from your car battery to the Wingtra charger. Be careful to connect the positive and negative poles to the correct clamps: the red clamp connects to the positive (+) pole, and the black clamp connects to the negative (-) pole.
While charging, make sure that all of the other devices in the vehicle are turned off: radio, lights, wipers, etc. At the same time, make sure the motor is still running.
Keep the cables close enough to the Wingtra charger so that they cannot disconnect from the vehicle battery while charging.
Connect the wires from your car battery to your Wingtra charger through the port on its side.
We highly recommend you to turn on the car engine and leave it on until the batteries are fully charged. This makes sure the charger receives enough power and your car battery is not emptied.
Make sure that your charger and batteries are on a flat surface so that they don’t slip during the charging and cause undesired contact between the wires, which can create a short circuit.
To avoid overheating of your vehicle and your Wingtra charger, please avoid direct sunlight and park your vehicle so that you can charge your batteries in the shade.
Connecting the charger with an extension cord
For much simpler use, we recommend you the Field Charging Extension Cord (FCEC). It allows you to comfortably leave the charger and the Wingtra batteries in the car cabin, while connecting the clamps to the car engine.
If your car battery does not provide enough power, you will get an error message telling “DC in too low”. If this is the case make sure that the car engine is turned on, while other devices are turned off (radio, windshield wipers, A/C etc.).
If the problem persists, lower the charging current on your WingtraOne battery charger.