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Mallard machine
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 6:43 pm
by yankee
I have one but have always run it on the compact 12v battery. How long can I run one using a full sized trolling motor battery? Can I get several morning hunts on a charge assuming it is used intermittently?
Don't use a boat so trying to decide whether it worth the change to large battery, which has to be hauled on a cart or sled.
Re: Mallard machine
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 8:52 pm
by billyho
I've used both. Big battery is bulky, heavy, and gets in my way. Mine held a charge for 5-6 hunts then I had to haul the thing out to put on battery charger. I just switched back to the small rechargeable batteries. I take 2 in my bag. Heavy? Yes but still not as heavy as the other. Just my 2 cents
Re: Mallard machine
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2014 6:12 am
by yankee
thanks--that is exactly where I am. Either take a big deep cycle in and out every few hunts, or carry 2 of the compact batteries each hunt.
Re: Mallard machine
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2014 6:27 am
by GET-N-RITE
Batteries are heavy. We leave a generator in the blind when the batteries get low we just charge them back up.
Re: Mallard machine
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2014 7:31 am
by teul2
GET-N-RITE wrote:Batteries are heavy. We leave a generator in the blind when the batteries get low we just charge them back up.
But your blind is the size of my first house.

Re: Mallard machine
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2014 9:48 am
by GET-N-RITE
I don't know if is all true but its will hold a few people. I guess when you have a sign that says bench warming area, and you have more bench space than walmart. Its a pretty big blind.
If I had to drag all the crap that is in our blind to a public, or private place. It would take 42 pack mules, a water buffalo, and 4 boats. It would look like the Oregon trail, but with hunters.
Re: Mallard machine
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 9:17 am
by duramax
You can get a cheap solar recharge kit. You could hook up your deep cycle to it, and it will keep it charged. It would be like putting it on a trickle charge when you leave. They are cheap for what you'd want.
Something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Instapark%C2%AE-B ... ry+charger
Re: Mallard machine
Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2014 6:40 am
by yankee
duramax-do you think that would bring a deep cycle back to near full charge in 2-3 days? I read the reviews and it seems like it will in sunny weather, something we do not see much of here in yankee land in duck season. good idea, if that would charge it up, it is easier than hauling a battery...
Re: Mallard machine
Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2014 9:46 am
by billyho
That's the best idea I've heard in a long time! I'm gonna try it
Re: Mallard machine
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2014 4:03 pm
by duramax
yankee wrote:duramax-do you think that would bring a deep cycle back to near full charge in 2-3 days? I read the reviews and it seems like it will in sunny weather, something we do not see much of here in yankee land in duck season. good idea, if that would charge it up, it is easier than hauling a battery...
I think it would. I read the reviews and one guy used it to charge 3 12v batteries and it would charge them up in about a day. If it doesn't work, you can return it to Amazon. I would buy this one and experiment before taking it to the duck hole.
But if you aren't sure, get a bigger one that puts out more amps and it definitely will. I don't know your money situation. But if $150 is worth not having to lug a car battery in and out of a duck hole several times a season, then spend it.
Re: Mallard machine
Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 11:29 am
by yankee
thanks, I'm going to give it a try