Dual battery - How to switch?

[Lafia]

Hi All

Just wondering if anyone can shed any light on the dual battery setup in my 97 130. Last night the rear door didn't close properly so the interior light stayed on.....so no go this morning. For the life of me I can't remember the correct connections to switch over to the reserve battery, despite asking this very question of my auto sparkie just 3 months ago - it was so simple I thought it not worth writing down! I should have remembered I have a rotten memory!

Anyway in the attached photo of the battery compartment there is a female connector (marked Override) coming off the changeover switch (I think) which is partly obscured by the battery, to which I connect the male and then connect the alligator clip to...?? (The small section of wire with the male and the alligator clip is not in shot). It then clicks as the switch changes over.

Having never flattened the battery before I've never confirmed that the system works like it is intended too, but the previous owner showed me how and confirmed that it was working then (18 mths ago).

Anyway, if anyone sees the correct connection for me that would be much appreciated.
Cheers

[Yorkshire_Jon]

You appear to be missing the second battery:)

Sent using Forum Runner

[Lafia]

Well spotted! It's in the tub.(Runs a work light there)
I think I've worked it out now. I was told (as I recall) that the "Override" wire needs to be connected to the post furthest from the battery on the switch but connection needs to be maintained to hold the switch over to the secondary battery, rather than just a single touch. I should have worked this out myself really.
Is this usual in dual battery setups?
My old man has a '92 LandCruiser Troopy with an auto switch setup to do this, although a mate who moves in such circles advises this is well out of date now on the more current models.

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Sorry I can't help or offer any real advice.

Rather than guess the solution though I'd give your sparky a quick call. If you get it wrong you could have serious problems and risk fire.

I can tell you with my IBS split charge system I just have to press the 'Link' button and after a certain time it de-links the batteries so I can't flatten both.

Sent using Forum Runner

[Lafia]

The IBS sounds quite good - a little more sophisticated than the system I have now. A visit to the sparky sounds in order as I seem to have another charging problem as well. Cheers

[alien]

Your set up looks like my Redarc which has an over ride wire.
The wire is connected to the positive terminal of the second battery to "join" them.
It is important that the wires used are heavy enough to carry the current if starting this way, including the earth.

Have a look at this PDF and see if it looks like yours...
http://www.redarc.com.au/images/uploads/images/SBI_Instruction_Manual.pdf
I've got the LED wired up on mine and mounted in the dash.

[Lafia]

Thanks very much for that - appears to be exactly what I have and having the manual is a great help. The LED indicator on the dash is a good idea.
Cheers