We have a 20 year old Optima XM, which works fine, except it does not charge the battery.

I presume it needs a new main board to correct this.

I wondered if permanantly connecting an external trickle charger to the battery would fix this, without causing any problems?

I would welcome any advice on this.

 

Thanks

If it doesn't charge the battery I would consider the panel as not operational, it's one of the main functions that would be checked on a annual service.

The panel has done it's job, proping it up with another supply will only create more issues down the line.

 

Have the controls replaced and a full system check while your at it.

SLA standby batteries last around 4 years and the external sounder battery may likely be shot if not replaced since installation.

2 hours ago, Joggerman said:

We have a 20 year old Optima XM, which works fine, except it does not charge the battery.

I presume it needs a new main board to correct this.

I wondered if permanantly connecting an external trickle charger to the battery would fix this, without causing any problems?

I would welcome any advice on this.

 

Thanks

Strange , scrap it be serious get new upto date system fitted

The charging circuit gets knackered when you dont replace the battery when its due. I would not recommend trying to add another charger, not unless you have a good sprinkler system for when it all catch's fire. If you really really want to stick with an old panel they do sometimes come up on ebay for two or three times what theyre worth.