Made in China exclusively for Wirthco Engineering Inc.
© 2017 Wirthco Engineering, Inc. All rights reserved.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What types of batteries can I charge?
A: You can trickle charge all types of 12V batteries with the Battery Doctor’s
®
5 watt Trickle Charger/Maintainer (Model
#23143), including lead-acid automotive batteries, deep cycle (transaction type) batteries, gel-cell batteries and
heavy-duty (stationary type) batteries.
Q: How long will it take for the Battery Doctor’s
®
5 watt Trickle Charger/Maintainer (Model #23143) to charge a battery?
A: The Battery Doctor’s
®
5 watt Trickle Charger/Maintainer (Model #23143) is designed to trickle charge batteries. It
compensates for natural voltage losses and key-off small instrumentation drain by replenishing your battery. This solar
panel can generate 5 Watts of power per hour, which is equal to 420mA of current under ideal conditions. For example,
under ideal conditions, the panel will generate 5 Watts x 7 hours x 7 days per week for a total of 245 Watts of power.
Q: Do I need a charge controller with the Battery Doctor’s
®
5 watt Trickle Charger/Maintainer (Model #23143)?
A: No, a charge controller is not required for the Battery Doctor’s
®
5 watt Trickle Charger/Maintainer (Model #23143)
because it is not powerful enough to overcharge your battery.
Q: Can the Battery Doctor’s
®
5 watt Trickle Charger/Maintainer (Model #23143) drain my battery at night?
A: No. Battery Doctor’s
®
5 watt solar panels are equipped with a built-in diode that prevents any reverse current.
Q: Can the Battery Doctor’s
®
5 watt Trickle Charger/Maintainer (Model #23143) be left outdoors without protective
covering?
A: Yes, the Battery Doctor’s
®
5 watt Trickle Charger/Maintainer (Model #23143) has been weather protected and can be
mounted outdoors. It is weather-proofed, and can withstand small hail, up to 180° F heat, and operate under 3 inches of
snow (on sunny days).
Q: Can I mount the Battery Doctor’s
®
5 watt Trickle Charger/Maintainer (Model #23143) directly to a surface or do I need to
use some sort of bracket?
A: Battery Doctor’s
®
5 watt solar panels can be installed directly to a flat surface, using the brackets and screws provided.
Q: Can I extend the wire?
A: Without loss of power or voltage, the 8’ 8” wire may be extended to a maximum length of 25’ with 16 gauge wire.
Ensure proper connections.
Q: Can I start/drive my vehicle with the Battery Doctor’s
®
Model #23143 connected to the cigarette lighter socket (12 volt
lighter adapter) or battery?
A: No. For safety reasons please make sure the panel is not in use while you are driving your vehicle.
Q: How do I know if the panel is working?
A: Use a voltmeter to measure the voltage of the panel. The voltage reading should be between 16 and 25 Volts in full sun.
This number will continually fluctuate as the strength of the sun is constantly changing.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem: My panel is not functioning.
Ensure that the distance of the wires is not longer that 25’ and all connections are secure.
Ensure battery is operational.
Warranty
This product is covered by a five year limited warranty. WirthCo Engineering, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that this
product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of one year from date of purchase. Power output is
warranted to be 80% of the original output for five years from date of purchase.
To obtain warranty service please contact WirthCo Engineering, Inc., at 1 (800) 959-0879 or email [email protected]. Proof
of purchase including date, and an explanation of complaint is required for warranty service.
For information or technical support 1 (800) 959-0879
www.wirthco.com
[email protected]
Made in China
Instruction Manual
1.8 Watt Maintainer and 5 Watt Trickle Charger/Maintainer
SOLAR PANEL KITS
1.8 Watt Maintainer
(Model #23140)
5 Watt Trickle Charger/Maintainer
(Model #23143)
IMPORTANT!
Please read the instructions before operating and before and during the use of this product.
•
It is important to observe and follow industry standard and manufacturer’s safety procedures when working around batter-
ies and other electrical equipment. Again, when working around batteries and other electrical equipment, please observe
industry standard and manufacturer’s safety procedures.
•
To reduce the risk of electrical sparking when installing these solar chargers, please use a thick fabric to cover the panels,
ensuring the panels are producing very little charge, or do the installation in low light conditions.
•
Ensure that you are making connections in a well-ventilated area free from flammable gases or vapors.
•
These panels are designed for 12 Volt battery configurations only.
•
For 12 V systems, ALL connections should be in PARALLEL: Positive (+) to Positive (+), Negative (-) to Negative (-).
•
DO NOT attempt to recharge NON-RECHARGEABLE batteries, as an example NiMh batteries.
•
When disconnecting your solar panel, DISCONNECT the battery LAST.
General Product Description
Battery Doctor’s
®
Model #23140 and Model #23143 capture the energy of the sun to generate power that can charge a 12 Volt
battery for small power applications such as lighting systems or any small appliance.
