Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Joe Balog, Professional FLW Fisherman Counts on Complete Battery Source

After Joe Balog's recent 9th place showing in the FLW Tour Open on the Detroit River, he sent us this nice summary of how the tournament went for him.  Here's his recap, in his own words:


FLW Tour Open Detroit River
Joe Balog
9th place
70-07#

Joe Balog FLW Detroit Recap:

I just finished an FLW Tour event on the Detroit River, and I’ve got mixed emotions. I’d liked to have finished a little better than 9th overall, mainly due to the fact that I was really in contention to win for the first three days. But, the final day, I went for the glory, and slipped a bit. But with a first place prize of $125,000, it was worth the gamble.

Two days following the event, I’m still sore and tired. The final day, Lake Erie got very rough, as it seems to for all final days of big events. Waves were 3-5 feet out of the southeast, the worst possible direction for events headquartered on the lower Detroit River.

I decided to gamble and make a very big run the final day, one that took me over 2 hours. I didn’t start fishing until about 9AM, and, by that time, had already burned 25 gallons of gas. You can imagine the anxiety going through my body by then.

As I continue to fish competitively all across the Great Lakes, I’m constantly asked by others just how guys like me are able to go out and fish in such terrible conditions. But, it’s part of the game up here.

A couple of factors make it possible to fish the way I do. One: I use a very powerful, long-shaft Minn Kota Fortrex trolling motor. Two: I rely on Complete Battery Source in Michigan to provide me with the power behind that motor.

I’ve said in articles that the guys at CBS know more about batteries than anyone alive, and I stand behind that. These guys can bore you with battery talk. But they make sure that I have the maximum amount of power for the maximum amount of time while on the trolling motor. For that purpose, I use three 31-series traditional deep cycle batteries to power my trolling motor. And I charge them immediately after every use with a 60 amp Minn Kota charger. In addition, CBS has me run a huge, 1125 MCS cranking battery for my big Mercury, and I never have to worry about draining it down with electronics or livewells.

If you want to rig your boat like mine, to perform in these extreme conditions without worry, go see the guys at Complete Battery Source. And be prepared to learn a lot about batteries.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Complete Battery Source Answers the call at Focus Hope

Complete Battery Source has recently donated enough batteries to energize Detroit's Focus Hope's afterschool photography program.  The call came in to the Detroit Branch of Complete Battery Source, that the program was shifting gears to black and white film photography when it was discovered that all of the film camera batteries were dead and their was no money in the budget for replacement. Complete Battery was able to get the batteries into the hands of Focus Hope so their program could continue on schedule.

Focus Hope's Excel Photography Program is a 9-month after-school program that offers a safe haven in the critical after-school hours for 28 Detroit teens and provides them with instruction in the technical and aesthetic aspects of 35mm digital photography and an introduction to the foundations of black and white film photography. In addition to the after-school component, the teens participate in occasional weekend field trips to introduce them to local cultural institutions, regional events, and different tri-county communities outside of their daily lives. Excel’s format incorporates a project-based curriculum with leadership skill-building tools to help develop the youth into well-rounded, confident, and productive adults.  Students receive individualized instruction via mentor-led teams which accommodates each student’s strengths and weaknesses, and fosters positive relationships between young people and caring adults.

Excel culminates with a reception and a photography exhibit featuring students’ work coupled with their artist statements at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) the evening of Wednesday May 23.  All donors who generously contribute to the Excel Photography Program will be included in the exhibit’s Donor Panel; this exhibit and accompanying panel will be on display at MOCAD through their summer season and viewed by many hundreds of visitors.  

To learn more about the Focus: HOPE Excel Photography Program please click here: http://www.focushope.edu/page.aspx?content_id=143&content_type=level3 

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Off-Season Marine Battery Care

Robert M. Hohman
Complete Battery Source, Inc.

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Complete Battery Source is “ What should I do with my marine batteries during the winter months?” Off- season battery care is perhaps the most important factor in getting the most service life from your batteries.

The worst thing to do is nothing at all. Batteries that are left with no type of winterization may survive to fish again, but will most likely be damaged to the point that performance and overall life will be drastically reduced. 

All batteries both wet and “dry” or AGM batteries lose a small percentage of charge everyday. When this occurs, a crystal like substance known as lead sulfate forms on the plates. These crystals reduce and even block the flow of energy through the battery. A partially sulfated battery will still charge and even show that it is fully charged; however, runtime and or cranking performance will be diminished. A sulfated battery can be recognized by it’s “swollen” appearance. The sides of these batteries will be noticeably bowed out. In more severe situations, the plastic case around the posts will appear to pushing up from the inside. 

Batteries that are left connected are even more prone to sulfating. Minute parasitic loads caused by electronics, fuel injection, and engine control systems increase the rate of discharge. Discharged batteries are also more likely to freeze during the winter months. While a fully charged battery will not freeze until the temperature drops to –38 degrees Fahrenheit, a fully discharged battery will freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Frozen batteries will often have cracked or split cases.

At the very minimum, batteries should be fully charged then completely disconnected and left in the boat for storage. These batteries should then be charged for twenty-four hours minimum before the first trip in the spring. Contrary to popular belief, storing the batteries in a heated environment is not beneficial.

Batteries are nothing more than a contained and controlled chemical reaction. As with any chemical reaction, heat increases it’s speed. In fact, a fully charged battery stored at a constant 78 degrees Fahrenheit will lose 80% of its charge within 45 days while the same battery stored at 32 degrees Fahrenheit will take many months to lose the same 80%.

Many fishermen will store their boats with their on-board chargers left on. This practice can have varying affects depending on the charger. Some chargers will merely charge the batteries, and then turn off, leading to a discharged battery. Others will switch to a lower amperage charge, but will eventually over charge, causing fluid loss and battery plate degradation, leading to premature failure. Batteries that have been over charged will sound hollow when their sides are tapped. You may also notice fluid in the battery box or tray. For batteries that have removable caps, a visual inspection will show that the fluid has dropped below the now exposed plates. If your only option is to use your on board charger, we recommend that you plug the charger in once per month for four to six hours.

The best method for maximizing battery life is to use a battery maintainer. These devices are very popular and many brands are available. As with any marine equipment all maintenance chargers are not created equal. At Complete Battery Source, we have found a charger manufactured by CTEK to be one of the most advanced and effective for charging and maintaining both traditional wet batteries and dry cell AGM types. A link to the CTEK website can be found on our website at www.CompleteBatterySource.com

The CTEK chargers range in price from $44.95 to $119.95. The CTEK chargers use a three step charging cycle, including a pulse maintenance mode to rid the battery of minor lead sulfate build up on the plates.

Before storing you batteries you should, if possible, check the fluid levels. The fluid should be just covering the plates but not touching the inner wall of the fill hole. If fluid addition is necessary use distilled water. 

Next fully charge your batteries using your normal charging method. After charging make certain that the top of the battery is clean and dry. If your boat is stored where no power is available, remove your batteries and take them to your garage or basement for storage. 

You can also maintain multiple batteries with one maintenance charger as long as they are of the same size and type. The batteries should be connected in parallel, meaning positive posts connected together and negative posts connected together. Connect the batteries together using #6 or larger wire with alligator clips or ring terminals. Connect the charger and you are finished for the season. The batteries will be ready to reinstall in the spring. 

If connecting the batteries in parallel is too complicated, or just too much trouble for you, a single small charger can be used for each battery, or one charger can be rotated from battery to battery every few weeks. The second method will obviously require more work on your part.

Following these relatively simple steps, you can get the maximum service life from your batteries and more trouble-free time on the water. 

As always, should you have any battery related needs or questions feel free to call or stop in to any of the five Complete Battery Source locations in Brighton, Detroit, Okemos, Ypsilanti, or Houghton Lake/ Prudenville.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

PowerSports Battery Pricing Going Up!

Environmental concerns in China have caused a halt in battery production for several Chinese manufacturers. High levels of lead have been found in more than 300 residents in one county, forcing the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection to issue warnings to the battery factories. Labor and raw materials costs are also increasing.
As a result, the cost of PowerSports batteries will be increasing. Before the increase hits, however, we still have some batteries in our warehouse available at our current cost. We are encouraging you to stock up on your PowerSports batteries now, as they may be in short supply for a while as the Chinese manufacturers meet the environmental standards of their government.

Look for these PowerSports batteries on-line at CompleteBatterySource.com"Yep...Got That!"