Following on from previous conversations about bike lighting I did two things:
(1) Got some more Lidl LED lights (which will take rechargeables) to go with my Lidl charger which came with one of the light sets.
(2) Ordered a new lead acid battery for my venerable Smart lights (looking back, I think I have had them since about '95 with the original battery).
So - how did I diagnose a failed battery? I tried the lights - no light. Put the battery on charge - still no light. Checked the charger - power. Tried the trickle charger from the shed which is supposed to maintain 6V batteries (including motorcycle ones) on the bare battery - wouldn't charge. [Yes - getting the excuses in!]
Today I fitted the new battery into the casing, having first checked it was charged. No light. Poked around with the multi-meter and thought I saw some voltage but couldn't replicate the test. It is an analogue multi-meter and the needle sometimes swings of you tip it on its side. Anyway, notice a fuse carrier in the top casing! Checked the fuse - blown. :-( Replaced the fuse with the one thoughtfully included in the lid. Tested the light - working!
O.K. - connect the charger for a bit, then re-check. Light still working. Refit the old battery and connect the charger for a bit. Check the old battery with the multi-meter - it now has at least a surface charge. Pending a full charge then a discharge test with the lights, it looks as though I've spent nearly £14 on a battery instead of a few pence on a 6V
5A glass barrel fuse.
Well impressed with the original battery, though - 20 years of intermittent use and still seems to be working. The replacement is the same brand and model. I have no idea if it is the same quality.
Is there a special chocolate Easter Bunny of fail which might dull the pain a bit?
Oh, well.
Dave R