Zig Unit

Post by **Ernest** » 11 Jun 2008, 11:20

I have a 1990 T25 Villa 3 conversion and it is fitted with a new type Zig unit control panel. It has a rocker switch on the left-hand side which can be set in the middle or on Main Batt. or Aux. Batt. I assume that when set in the middle both batts. will charge when the engine is running. However, even after a long run, when I first switch to Aux Batt the green check light comes on but within 5 mins of puting on a light the check light goes to red.
I suspect that the batt. is worn out but I thought that I would just seek advice in case I am not chargng it properly.
Does anyone know where I might be able to obtain a booklet for this Zig unit? The one that I have is for the older control panels. The panel on my van has a water level indicator on the right-hand side which might help identification.

Also, does anyone know the contact detils of a VW mechanic (who specializes in Van) working in Tonbridge, Kent. This chap came with a potential buyer for my last van and I was really impressed with his knowlege. I think his name is Chris. but I have lost his phone number.
Thanks
Ernest

Post by **1664** » 11 Jun 2008, 12:00

The 'Wiki' at the top of the page is your friend https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ca ... _Zig_Units

Zig operation instructions in the downloadable pdf file of the Zig manual

Don't worry about the green / red LEDs. If the battery is even slightly discharged or there is any load on it the red LED will show.

Post by **Ernest** » 11 Jun 2008, 12:13

Thanks for the re-assuring advice re. the green/red light. The Zig instructions that you direct me to is for the older Zig control panel which have a 'touring' option for charging of batts when running. My unit does not have this option, just the rocker switch with 'Main Batt or 'Aux Batt and central position between the two.
Thanks again
Ernest

Post by **1664** » 11 Jun 2008, 12:38

I think the central position is 'OFF'. You switch from one to t'other but not both. Main batt would be the van, aux would be your leisure batt at a guess. I think all these units operate more or less the same way regardless of age / design.

Post by **Ernest** » 11 Jun 2008, 14:24

Thanks very much 1664 for your helpful advice - It's the charging position that I am note sure about - I was told by a auto-electrician that when runnng the engine should charge both batts. at the same time. But where where is the quivalent position to 'touring' on the old Zigs?
This is what i am not sure about.
Best Wishes
Ernest

Post by **1664** » 11 Jun 2008, 14:54

When the engine is running the alternator charges both batteries, the leisure battery via a relay which closes once the ignition is on to link the two together. When parked up and the ignition is off, the relay drops out and severs the connection with the van battery so you run your camper electrics off the leisure battery without the risk of draining the battery you use to start the engine.

The switch that has Mains and Aux positions is to select which battery is charged via the Zig if your hooked up to the mains electric on site. Mine is only connected to the leisure battery anyway as there is no point charging the van battery as it shouldn't run down due to aforementioned relay.

Remember, Zigs were originally designed for cars and caravans. Strictly speaking a camper can work perfectly well without them unless your stationary for a week or so and you flatten your leisure battery. If that happens all you need do is start the van and the alternator will recharge it unless it's so flat the charging current ruptures the fuse - which happened to me once.

Can I stop typing now; my fingers are beginning to hurt

Post by **Ernest** » 11 Jun 2008, 21:03

I have very much appreciated your help here. Thanks for bearing with me through the exchange.
Best Wishes
Ernest

Post by **gti mad man** » 11 Jun 2008, 23:07

Be carefull mine showed green but my propex wouldnt work turned the battery was flat!

Post by **1664** » 12 Jun 2008, 06:57

gti mad man wrote:Be carefull mine showed green but my propex wouldnt work turned the battery was flat!

I've never heard of that happening before

Post by **1664** » 12 Jun 2008, 06:58

Ernest wrote:I have very much appreciated your help here. Thanks for bearing with me through the exchange.
Best Wishes
Ernest

I was only joking. My fingers are fine

Post by **Ernest** » 12 Jun 2008, 18:36

This exchange has given me a 'flavour' of just what a pleasure it is to be part of the vw campervan community!!

Thanks

Ernest

Post by **Bogwoppit** » 13 Jun 2008, 13:38

I've just bought a new battery because whenever I switched anything on at all the light went red, having been green when I switch the 12V on... Did I not do the right thing? The garage tested the battery and said it was knackered... It did sound as though it was struggling though.

On that note: When I'm driving along normally I have all three switches up, is that right? So the middle one says Charging: Touring, and the 12V is OFF. That is charging the aux battery isn't it?

Post by **jaylo264** » 13 Jun 2008, 19:35

Ernest , i spoke directly with Zig about 4 years ago , must have done a net search for the tel. number , they were extremely helpful in every way .
Try them .
jaylo

Post by **Ernest** » 14 Jun 2008, 07:15

Thanks jaylo - 1664 provided me with contact details for Zig and, encouraged by your experience, I shall contact them direct.

Best Wishes

Ernest

Post by **squire** » 15 Jun 2008, 03:32

anyone any idea how much it will cost to have hook up fitted, i have the zig unit but it only powers off the leisure battery, which never lasts over 2-3 hours.