It was inevitable that they went really. I used to use them for all my electronic hobby needs when I was young. The catalogue was a repository for everything electronic, which included detailed circuit diagrams and component specifications. The prices were sensible and the mail order system was excellent, although a little slow.
In the early 2000s they moved away from the electronic hobbyist and went into general tech instead. This was a bad move imho, as many hobbyists, me included, simply stopped using them. I loved visiting our new local Maplin superstore, but only bought stuff if I was desperate for it. Otherwise I simply looked at what I wanted, then ordered the identical item for a quarter of the price elsewhere.

I don't think brexit has much to do with it myself. I'm more inclined to blame the internet and sites like EBay. I buy loads of cheap electronic gear off there. It mostly comes from China at a fraction of the cost that Maplin could sell it for. It's expensive having large superstores and lots of staff to man then. These online warehouses have little in the way of overheads, so can sell and ship items for a fraction of the cost if a UK retainer.
Imports increased when the exchange rate moved. Happened overnight but most of that has moved back but the difference has to come out of profits if they don't put the price up. If the $ moves and thats what the sale is in then yer stuck. That and the web are to blame but all companies with shops have the they same battle. They should have moved with the times but the investors pulled the rug and they couldn't find anyone else who would invest in their business plan. Investors wanted too much in return. I was hoping it may go to online only but again they couldn't get investment for this.
 
do not for get when you start you car it takes that much out of the battery and it takes approx. 20 minuets to put that start back in but winter is just around the corner so you will need a decent battery for then, also Maplin like a few other companies had stuff on credit and did not pay until it was all sold and people got fed up with waiting for the money that is why they closed .
All companies ask for credit. Typically 30 days or end of month. Some want up to 90 days. It's how it works these days. The more they push the more it helps their cash flow.
 
Hi again, I charged the battery and it started first time. Whilst running with the lights, wipers and radio on the meter was reading 14.12 when I turned it off it dropped to 12.46 I left it alone for a couple of hours then tried again it wouldn’t start and the meter is reading 10.80 I’m guessing the battery is dead and not just being drained that quickly ?
 
Whilst running with the lights, wipers and radio on the meter was reading 14.12 when I turned it off it dropped to 12.46 I left it alone for a couple of hours then tried again it wouldn’t start and the meter is reading 10.80 I’m guessing the battery is dead and not just being drained that quickly ?

Loosing that much energy in a couple of hours suggests to me that there is a heavy drain on the battery. The alternator can cause similar issues, draining the battery though the windings of the stator. I suggest charging the battery again and measure the current being drawn while it's fitted to the vehicle. However pulling the current as it appears, you'll need more than your average milti-meter to measure it. Some more extensive testing is needed I fear.
 
Is your battery a sealed type or one that needs topping up with deionised water? If the later, check the fluid level before charging. Only fill to just above the plates and leave the cell caps off during charging. Charge in a well ventilated area.
Col
 
Loosing that much energy in a couple of hours suggests to me that there is a heavy drain on the battery. The alternator can cause similar issues, draining the battery though the windings of the stator. I suggest charging the battery again and measure the current being drawn while it's fitted to the vehicle. However pulling the current as it appears, you'll need more than your average milti-meter to measure it. Some more extensive testing is needed I fear.
Is it possible that something had been left loose, disconnected after it’s visit to the garage that could be causing it to drain ?
 
Is it possible that something had been left loose, disconnected after it’s visit to the garage that could be causing it to drain ?
I think that's a bit unlikely, anything loose or disconnected wouldn't discharge the battery and you'd notice something not working.

Col
 
Charge the battery again and measure it's voltage to check it's got a good charge. Then leave it for 2 hours while disconnected from the charger and Freelander. Yer only need to disconnect the negative black terminal from the battery. Then measure the battery voltage again when the 2 hours is up. If it drops too low (it will drop a bit after coming oft charge) then it's the battery at fault. They don't last for ever but as above it could be low ont water. If the battery voltage is 12volts or more after 2 hours then yer Freelander is drawing more current than it should, causing yer flat battery.
 
Might sound daft but is it the battery that was fitted in the car when it went into the garage

not unheard of for unscrupulous persons to swop a duff battery thats hanging round the garage or inm their own car for a customers good one
 
Just reporting in ... I tried charging the battery for almost 24 hours, the volt meter readings were more or less the same as before, the car started I left it running for 30 minutes but two hours later it was flat again ! Had to decide on more garage bills or trying a new battery. I went for a new battery so far all seems well, it’s been in a couple of days with no issues so fingers crossed. Thank you all so much for your help and advice
 
you can always tell when the alternator is going down at night have your engine running and then put everything on back/front window lights heated seats and then press your brake pedal if the ignition light glows a little then it is the alternator going
 

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