12V Battery isolator/charging dual battery setup
Hi All,
our boat has dual battery setup. Most times when using it, I set the manual switch to 'both' ie power comes from both batteries, and charge from outboards (in theory) should go to both.
Out of curiousity on my last run, I switched switch to battery 2 (after starting). and when I went to trim motor, all power dropped (radio went off, motor cut out) - as if battery 2 was totally dead !
I haven't gone back to check batteries with a voltmeter, but it has revealed a lesson, that you can't just assume that both batteries are getting charged. I'm planning on upgrading system to a redarc style management system that charges primary (cranking) battery first, then switches charge to auxillary. as well as a LED readout that shows both individual batterys charge. It's the same sort of setup that you have for you car when running dual batteries for a fridge or other auxillaries
Has anyone installed this type of setup ? - and more importantly - anyone know a good (preferably mobile) marine/auto electrician that I could get to help with install ?
cheers
Dan
fishy fingers
Posts: 1719
Date Joined: 28/04/07
you just need a vsr
you cant charge two batteries from one outboard install bep vsr (voltage sensing relay) it will do what your redarc system will do but a lot cheaper and simpler to install
Rob H
Posts: 5798
Date Joined: 18/01/12
out of curiousity
out of curiousity Fishy, why do you say "you cant charge 2 batteries from one outboard"?
I'd certainly agree that you "shouldnt" charge 2 separate banks at the same time, but not sure why you couldnt?
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
fishy fingers
Posts: 1719
Date Joined: 28/04/07
the charging system
is not realy capable of charging 2 at a time so you wont get full charge on any battery
Dan
Posts: 168
Date Joined: 23/02/06
thanks Fishy....though I have
thanks Fishy
....though I have twin outboards ;)
where do you suggest getting a VSR ? - Dick Smith seem to have ditched all the electronics type stuff they used to be renowned for....
sea-kem
Posts: 14983
Date Joined: 30/11/09
I was in Dick Smiths the
I was in Dick Smiths the other day looking for some American electrical plugs to fit in my notebook transformer plug but they don't sell anything like that any more due to the law being changed. The manager said something about items like that being spare parts so they can't sell them. What about the 4x4 shops or ebay?
Love the West!
fishy fingers
Posts: 1719
Date Joined: 28/04/07
BIAS boating
they have them for 2 3 or 4 batteries
Dan
Posts: 168
Date Joined: 23/02/06
thanks fishy - will check it
thanks fishy - will check it out.
put the volt meter on the batteries on the weekend and they both read 12.4V - bit on the low side....
Pete D
Posts: 1681
Date Joined: 07/06/07
BEP
I've installed BEP with VSR - very good. I charge crank and 2 off deep cycle house batteries.
http://www.bepmarine.com/home-mainmenu-8/productcategory-205/clusters-manual
I emailed BEP direct and they were very helpful, sending PDF manuals etc. Oonce I knew what I needed, ordered through BIAS as they are a distributor.
Cheers Pete