Vectrix Scooter Battery Revival Question

[slbaker]

Hi,

I just bought a 2007 Vectrix scooter. It seems to be in good shape, but
it had been in storage for several years and the battery is completely dead.
When I plug it in, nothing happens, no lights, nothing.

Is there a reset or debug procedure for reviving a completely dead battery/electrical system?

Thanks,
Scott

[frodus]

Ah, so you're the one that bought the Vectrix off of craigslist!

Congrats!


Maybe check visforvoltage, there's some vectrix guys there too.

[slbaker]

Hi Travis,

Yep, I think I got extremely lucky on this deal, the bike looks to be in great shape.

I got some tips today on reviving the battery. Basically it needs to be bootstrapped to 100V before the onboard charger will recognize it.

Today, a friend suggested building a simple 0-to-120V power supply using a variac, a bridge rectified,
a current-limiting resistor and a light bulb in series. Sounds a little funky, but it just might work.

Regards,
Scott

[Dauntless]

. . . . building a simple 0-to-120V power supply using a variac, a bridge rectified,
a current-limiting resistor . . . .

Let me get this straight: You're going to run a "Fun with electricity" experiment with lithium batteries that cost. . . ? You DO have a fire extingusher, right?

The single best bootstrap method for batteries I've ever known is a direct connection to an identical battery. I.E., if you have a single charged WORKING cell to touch positive to positive, negative to negative, to each of these cells, I've seriously never seen ANYTHING that works as well.

There is also the battery restorer you can take a shot at. Costs less than this thingee you were talkng of building. A very slow charge, but really intended for lead acid batteries. 12 volt, you'd be going 3 cells at a time. (Not really RECOMMENDING this, just bringing it up.)

http://www.amazon.com/BatteryMINDer-OnB ... =8-1-spell

[slbaker]

This is a 2007 Vectrix with NiMh batteries .. but I understand your point

[Ricky_nz]

Let me get this straight: You're going to run a "Fun with electricity" experiment with lithium batteries that cost. . . ? You DO have a fire extingusher, right?

The single best bootstrap method for batteries I've ever known is a direct connection to an identical battery. I.E., if you have a single charged WORKING cell to touch positive to positive, negative to negative, to each of these cells, I've seriously never seen ANYTHING that works as well.

So you thought it had lithium and you recommend putting as fully charged cell across a very discharged one.... Bad Idea!

[frodus]

how many volts is the pack? I may be able to help. PM me

[ctirad]

Don't even try to charge a dead NiMH pack in a series! You will destroy it as many cells will start to charge at oposite polarity.
The only proper way is to separately charge each cell with a suitable charger. An hobby chargers used by RC guys are good and they usually have program for reconditiong the NiMH cells. Once you will have all cells charged to nominal voltage, you can use it a pack again as a whole without harm.

[Dauntless]

So you thought it had lithium and you recommend putting as fully charged cell across a very discharged one.... Bad Idea!

Oops, you have a point, I am definitely not a lithium man. NiCads, SLA's, much experience with the batteries of the video world, cars and bikes, etc. Is this another of those 'Crossing the streams' things from 'Ghostbusters?' A SLIGHT chance the world woudn't be destroyed?

Perhaps we can get Mr. Physics to make a Saturday Morning childrens show video where he does this. "Remember kids, don't try this at home. Remember what happened LAST TIME."

[slbaker]

I finally got around to removing the plastic covers and revealing the battery boxes.
It has definitely been apart before .. I don't know if that's a good sign or bad sign ..
I measured the battery voltage at 42V. An initial inspection of the battery cells looks OK.
I did not find any bulging or heat damaged cells (but of course I can only see the top layer of cells).

[tchapin]

You need to head over to the Voltage forum. http://visforvoltage.org a very strong following on Vectrix Scooter. I know if you scan the archives, there will be posts talking about getting the min. voltage up so the charger will kick on.

[slbaker]

The pack is showing signs of life !!

I used an adjustable power supply to slowly charge the pack to 100V and then used the internal charger to take it from there.
It's currently still charging, but things are looking very promising, it's up to about 148V now.
With any luck, I'll take it for a short spin tomorrow

[slbaker]

I went for a short ride today. It works great !!