Thread: Sitec's 101..

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

You're not centre tapping for a 12v supply, are you?

I hope not too - that is a definite no no

Sounds like it...

What you need is a good 24V-12V DC-DC convertor or a 24V-12V battery charger for a 3rd 12v only battery.

Heading up tomorrow arvo - if you need anything brought up - let me know.
Ian.

Well. We're back!! All in all a very good trip!!! Great to get 5 101's together!! Next year we have to beat the record of 11 together... If we start working on it now we have a chance!! As for center tapping... Yup, I know that now.. Have the options of what I have to do, but to be honest I think going totally 24v is the way for me. Will do a bit more thinkin tho!

Originally Posted by Sitec

Have the options of what I have to do, but to be honest I think going totally 24v is the way for me. Will do a bit more thinkin tho!

You really have one of 5 options:

1. Go all 24v and use small 24v to 12v converters for some 12v gear. 24v 101s did this for some of their OEM 12v stuff like the fuel pump.

2. Convert to 12v - can you get a 12v starter etc for your engine.

3. Sling a second 12v alternator onto the engine - I have a $50 65amp Bosch on my 101 to just charge the 12v aux deep cycle battery.

4. Use a 24v to 12v DC to DC smart battery charger to charge a 12v aux battery - I have a 60amp on ready to go into my truck to replace the 12v alt.

5. Use hi amp battery equalizer between your two 12v batteries in your 24v starter pack. This will allow you to tap off one battery without wrecking them. These are expensive though.

Something to think about.

Garry

You could also use two batteries and some switching gear to change from two batteries in series for your starter but otherwise the batteries are in parallel for charging and to support your 12 volt loads. The 12 v loads can be maintained on one battery all the time. You need the switching gear to handle the starting current, for a 24 volt starter should draw less current than a 12 volt one.

Unnecessary complexity? Academic exercise? Lowest cost option? A flexible system? Your choice!

Originally Posted by slug_burner

You could also use two batteries and some switching gear to change from two batteries in series for your starter but otherwise the batteries are in parallel for charging and to support your 12 volt loads. The 12 v loads can be maintained on one battery all the time. You need the switching gear to handle the starting current, for a 24 volt starter should draw less current than a 12 volt one.

Unnecessary complexity? Academic exercise? Lowest cost option? A flexible system? Your choice!

Yeah, this was the option I was going to take if I don't stay 24v.. There's a 'magic box' badged Monarch Diesel that allows a vehicle to be 12v with two batteries, but when the key is turned gives 24v to the starter. I would have to loose the 24v alternator tho, and the 24v headlights which are awesome!!! Still thinkin!!

Keep it 24V. What loads have you got that are 12V?

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

Keep it 24V. What loads have you got that are 12V?

Wipers, sidelights, fuel gauge, heater motor, flasher relay....