New Dual Battery System

[drivesafe]

Hi everybody, I own a Land Rover, my 3rd and I manufacture Dual Battery Systems for 4WDs caravan/camper trailer and motorhomes.
( I am not trying to sell anything )!
I designed our existing line about 15 years ago and have been upgrading it periodically.
About 12 months back I decided to start developing a Microprocessor base system that will have far more features and be able carry out more functions but will still be moderatly priced.
Now to why I am here?
I was hoping some of you have already used different systems and have some ideas as to how to improve the system or have some ideas of what you would like a dual battery system to do.
I'm opened to ANY and ALL ideas.
PS if I can help anyone with info on there existing systems, please ask.

[BlackAdder]

G'Day there drivesafe,

I have never had a dual battery system in my private car, but did one for my Unimog in the Army once, it was a bog simple Slug Relay.

My idea of what a Dual Battery system should be able to do is pretty much in line with what I believe most already have. But I will give my feedback anyway:

1. Capable of sustaining two different type batteries (high draw & deep cycle) at the same time.
2. Automatic isolation of the batteries even when charging. It would be nice to have a manual override for this to give all remaining power to the starter.
3. Some form of battery monitor to indicate each batteries health and charge level. This could be modularised so that the starter battery monitor resided in the cab and the auxilliary battery monitor could be remotely located in the back of the vehicle.
4. Above all, I think there needs to be a MANUAL override facility that is a switch, not electronically controlled. Electronic items seem to have a dislike of water and that is where our vehicles sometimes go. I am a succer for the KISS principle, that way, I have a small chance of being able to fix it.

For what it's worth!

[shaunp]

I normally just use a solenoid that switches in after engine is running to charge and just run all extra stuff off 2nd bat.

[tracker]

opps ,working now.
drive safe,
Hi,I have a a.r.b. smart system. This is the 3rd 4b its been on and has not let me down a(yet). Its a fit and forget unit and seems to do what they claim.Main batt clagged out and rear cut in and got us home.It's in the disco2 now and only prob was I had a normal(?) deep cycle batt as 2nd batt and cooked it. Boys at blueribbon had seen same prob with disco2,easy fix is to fit same type batt as main. No more problems.(just try and get rid of buggered batt smell f.n.i.)
I have just fit a same type but diff brand to new mazdah work ute and is a simple bolt on. No connection to start circuit,all auto. Only been on 2weeks but seems ok.
where u at??.
cheers Tr

[drivesafe]

Hi folks, thanks for the input so far.
Our present 40amp and 80amp systems are
simple 2 wire + earth, fit and forget
installations.
Our motorhome systems are more complex.
Our new system is planed to have User
Programmable Option and will have an
optional Remote Cab Display and Control.
It will also have Under voltage, Over voltage
and Over current protection up to 160amps.
The Over voltage protection is so that the
unit can be used in conjunction with solar
panels ( up to an additional total of 30amps
for solar panel use ) and the units will have
up to 3 separate circuits with individual
programmable operating votlages.
There is a lot more to them so far and too
much to put here.
One quick point, the use of solenoids can
lead to a major problem.
As a solenoid can be operated from voltages
as low as 8 volt, you can have a stuffed main
battery but the solenoid still operates and
you are starting your vehecle off the back up
battery and you only find out that the main
battery is stuffed when the back up battery
fails.
Regards and thanks, please keep the ideas
coming.* 8)

[landrovermick]

Hey drive safe whats the damage (pm me if you like )

mick

[Baggy]

Originally posted by landrovermick
Hey drive safe whats the damage (pm me if you like )

mick

Drivesafe,

Would like some details as well (Both existing and New system)
Have 96 V8i Disco.

Baggy