Charging Battery Through Powerlet Port

Is there any reason why I can't/shouldn't/wouldn't want to do the above with a Battery Tender Junior? It works like a charm on my 1100S however I can't seem to do the same on the K1200S. Has it got something to do with the CAN-bus system?

Thanks in advance, folks.

On our 05's, had to turn key on to initiate outlet, plug in charger, then turn key off. I have the BMW cube charger and it will not initiate w/out key on
The outlet shuts down after a short period...it's why some folks aftermarket lights stay on for a few seconds if they used that as a relay trigger point. A SAE lead from battery takes that dance away on Battery Tender models.

As Steve says, SAE connector and skip the confusion
OM

I attached an SAE lead to the battery but all that extra weight is bugging me.

I tried the key on - plug in - key off thing but, as Steve points out, the port turned off after a few seconds. I guess I'll have to contend with the simple solution.

Thanks guys.

There are a couple of other options beyond the dedicated SAE connector wired directly to the battery.

1) BMW produced chargers that kept the CANBUS from shutting down. Mine is 2007 vintage but it is just a straight charger and does not have the smart charging technology of the Battery Tender. There might be newer models that are more sophisticated.
2) You can replace or add another Powerlet/BMW style connector that goes straight to the battery. Powerlet makes several kits for this. Another advantage is that you lose the amperage limit of the normal CANBUS outlet which allows you to use heated gear that exceeds the CANBUS controlled limited. Downside of course is that everything will continue to draw after the key is off.

On my GS, I put a plug on the very long Garmin cord of my GPS and snaked it down to my CANBUS plug below the seat because it is not useful for charging/heated gear to me. It stays plugged in. That way my GPS will not continue to draw and I don't have to turn it off and for quick stops the GPS remains powered for making adjustments with the key off. If you added a second plug (some bikes provide space for it and can be provisioned for dual outlets) you could use it for this purpose.

Now go riding since the fires have gone out in BC!

The Optomate 4 charger has a dual program and supports CANBus. I have one on my ‘10 RT.
Great charger. Just need the Powerlet Adapter.

OptiMate 4 DUAL PROGRAM Battery Saving Carger, Tester, and Maintainer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EBDXLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0-4Xzb59SYEX8


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schmails said:

The Optomate 4 charger has a dual program and supports CANBus.

Click to expand...

+1 - bought one a few years ago from Revzilla for my 07RT and use it through the rear powerlet just fine.

mikegalbicka said:

+1 - bought one a few years ago from Revzilla for my 07RT and use it through the rear powerlet just fine.

Click to expand...

Wasn't there some special instructions on that charger- to go from "regular" charge mode to "canbus" charge (through powerlet)? As I recall, some had some confusing instructions.
OM

Omega Man said:

Wasn't there some special instructions on that charger- to go from "regular" charge mode to "canbus" charge (through powerlet)? As I recall, some had some confusing instructions.
OM

Click to expand...

You turn it on with the wires shorted for 10 seconds. After that it changes modes.
Just switched it to charge my ‘zuki.

—ChrisD


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schmails said:

You turn it on with the wires shorted for 10 seconds. After that it changes modes.
Just switched it to charge my ‘zuki.

—ChrisD


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Click to expand...

Beyond that, the mode indication was part of the confusion.
OM

Omega Man said:

Beyond that, the mode indication was part of the confusion.
OM

Click to expand...

Like most things today a careful read of the manual can be the most confusing part of using something!

It does tell you how but not as clearly as it could.

mikegalbicka said:

Like most things today a careful read of the manual can be the most confusing part of using something!

It does tell you how but not as clearly as it could.

Click to expand...

I’ll admit. It’s confusing.
In CANBus mode, it does a weird flicker of the yellow lights every 10 seconds. Regular mode, not.
In CANbus mode, it constantly catches my attention.

Not putting those mode lights on the front saved them $0.80 per unit. SMH.



—ChrisD

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mikegalbicka said:

Like most things today a careful read of the manual can be the most confusing part of using something!

It does tell you how but not as clearly as it could.

Click to expand...

schmails said:

I’ll admit. It’s confusing.
In CANBus mode, it does a weird flicker of the yellow lights every 10 seconds. Regular mode, not.
In CANbus mode, it constantly catches my attention.

Not putting those mode lights on the front saved them $0.80 per unit. SMH.



—ChrisD

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Click to expand...

Sounds like you guys have a good understanding of the charger
Maybe the two of you could get together and post a DIY for the forum?
Gary

Omega Man said:

Sounds like you guys have a good understanding of the charger
Maybe the two of you could get together and post a DIY for the forum?
Gary

Click to expand...

I bet Chris could get it done without any help from me.