Some electrical draw measurements..

[lloydy]

Had a few hours spare this morning, and after noticing my leisure's (new) didn't seem to be holding as good as charge as they used too (in hindsight after fitting a new stereo). I thought id check for a parasitic draw.. So here goes.....

Leisure batteries, stereo and all courtesy lights are wired to run through these
everything turned off; 0.2a. Quite high

after stereo front removed; 0.02a pretty good

so it shows how much a stereo can draw in sleep mode, then just out of interest..

with stereo on; 0.68a

with LED courtesy light on; 0.09a. Very low draw from that.

As i was in there i checked the draw through the starter battery; 0.03a. Again pretty good, and that is with me have a tdi with ecu, electronic dash ect

[300CE]

Interesting Lloydy - I've just removed my main battery to put on charge as it was flat as a witches tit. My thinking is that the stereo has been draining it slowly. It's on a permanent live and has a little stand by light, so next thing on the list is to connect the stereo to the ignition and then link it to the leisure battery.

[lloydy]

Its surprising what new stereos draw. Within 2-3 days my leisures were down to 12.4v, normally with no use they hardly lost anything. 0.2a is going to cost you about 5AH a day if my maths is right?... In hindsight i will knock 0.05a off that 0.2 figure, as i forgot to let the electrical stuff go back to 'sleep' as i did with lower figures.

[300CE]

Certainly is surprising - As she doesn't normally get used a lot through the week, I normally start the van up as well just to keep her ticking over - this probably hasn't done the battery any favours at all so I think an investment in a trickle charger is now due as well.

[kevtherev]

My solar array negates stereo draw during the day.
And the lunar array at night.

Even parking it under a street lamp adds half an amp!

[300CE]

What solar set up have you got Kev?

[lloydy]

you could get yourself a genuine vw dealer lot charger
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VW-12V-Solar-Pa ... 13&vxp=mtr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[300CE]

Do you think something like that would be good enough Lloydy (just thinking of our grey skies and manky day's)?!

[lloydy]

I've no idea to be honest, would say its more of a maintainer than a charger.. So might keep on top of a healthy system.
You should check what sort of parasitic draw you have 1st, as it might be something you can remedy

[nicq]

Not according to your figures,
170ma max charge and your radio on standby 200ma draw.
If you had 24 hours of sun it still wouldn't charge.

[lloydy]

i wouldn't get one anyway, would want the sucker marks on the windscreen!

[300CE]

i wouldn't get one anyway, would want the sucker marks on the windscreen!

Yep, will deffo complete the changes listed first & will probably invest in a ctek or the like!

Cheers all chaps

[Timwhy]

This was happening to my radio/battery as well. I added a key in ignition relay to the radio and the draw went away. Once the key is removed that little bit of power stopped going to the radio. Presets and clock are unaffected.

[kevtherev]

What solar set up have you got Kev?

100 watt Baird panel
Photonic universe dual batt controller.
Remote meter.

I use mine to heat the shower water.
Gives me 8.2 amps.

[scottbott]

I have decided to keep my van on hookup when it is home so it is charging up all the time