Split charge accumulator thingamy

Post by **mark206000** » 05 Mar 2006, 10:30

Have a look at this:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Mod ... doy=search

I'm not too good with such things, but could this be used for split charging without having to run wires from the alternator etc ?

Thanks

Post by **redstar** » 05 Mar 2006, 11:27

mmmm.... looks complicated for nothing mate..
as long as you pick up an ignition live, togo to the relay,
to enable it to work,you dont
need a wire from the alt. I would just use the standard
set up everyone else has, (if it aint broke, dont fix it)

Post by **excalibur** » 05 Mar 2006, 11:28

8 amp sounds a bit low.

This is how I do it

but use 35 amp fuses and 35 amp wires instead, and pick up the relay feed from the ignition instead of the warning light, as some alternaters can burn out diodes if done the way in the diagram.......and make sure you use a 40amp relay.

Post by **mark206000** » 05 Mar 2006, 14:18

Is this the chap:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Mod ... ay&doy=5m3

Post by **DiscoDave** » 05 Mar 2006, 14:36

that is a chap! similarly a 30A one from halfwits for a few quid is fine!!

Post by **HarryMann** » 06 Mar 2006, 10:46

Thanks everyone, have updated the Wiki on this to incorporate some of your comments...

Split charge system for campers

Post by **Horza** » 06 Mar 2006, 11:01

You can get, and I have one somewhere, a charging relay as used in caravan towbar fits. This black magic box takes 12v from any suitable place in the vehicle (big wires and appropriate fusing rcomended) and out puts 12v for battery charging when the engine is running without the need for it switching input from the alt or the ignition.

I don't know how it works (that would be the magic bit) but I do know it does (I tested it and everything). You might want to have a look next time your at the scrappys and you see the givaway 2 plugs next to the towbar that marks out caravan tow cars.

Post by **HarryMann** » 06 Mar 2006, 11:08

Ta!
So would that be like Mark206000' link above... ?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Mod ... doy=search

Post by **Horza** » 06 Mar 2006, 11:18

Nah because it has usefull legends for campers on the outputs like Fridge and Lesure Battery and I don't think it tries to do any fancy dandy charging load balancing tricks.

I'll see if I can find mine to read off the manufacturer, model, ampers, etc.

If I remember I looked at the price of them new and it wasn't much fun but if you can find one or pay scrappies prices it might be worth while.

Post by **HarryMann** » 06 Mar 2006, 11:22

Great. Will Wiki that for time being... sounds a good tip! Any more detail appreciated..

Post by **Horza** » 06 Mar 2006, 13:25

Ah ha.

The one I have is this -

Smartcom from towequip

It shouldn't be that hard for me to spot as it's bright orange. I think it's 30a with 2 outputs that are only live with the engine running (fridge and battery) and one always on output (it's for running your lights and stuff from the car battery while parked up, daft eh?) £10, bargain?

Or also this

Split charge relay from Western Towing

You have to scroll down and find it as no direct linking allowed

Defo a 30A unit, still auto sensing, same outputs but tasteful black. £12.87 and a bit harder to find in the rear light cluster of a crash damaged Carlton due to it's stealth looks.

3rd from bottom on right - labelled as: Split charge relay (ELSCR1) - [Harry]