12V panel, in car charging

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Due to the parasitic draw I have, (flat battery after 4 days)
I am going to run a (removable) 10W solar panel (with small reg) on the dash,,
can I just plug that into the cig lighter?

[harro]

Pedro the cig lighter is usually through the accessories position on the ignition switch so you will have to leave your ignition on for that to work.

Paul

[Tombie]

Flat in 4 days isn't parasitic...
What is drawing that hard?

As for the 10w - no regulator required and just put an Andersen plug on the bullbar etc

[DiscoMick]

Yeah as others said you need a plug connected to the battery when ignition is off.
10A should be fine but if you're worried fit a 10A regulator between the plug and the battery. They cost about $20. Is there a Jaycar nearby?

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[1950landy]

This photo is in my MGBGT behind drivers seat the wire with the orange & black plug is connected directly to the battery . When I came home from a run I would plug a solar panel charger in to keep battery fully charged. It also extended the life of the batteries . Before fitting I was only getting just over a year out of the 2 X 6V batteries :mad: & when I sold the car the batteries were 3 years old.:D
I am now looking for one with the same type of plug to fit to my 1984 BMW.
I keep my 80" on a solar panel the last battery lasted 13 years, it only has alligator clips to connect to the battery. The wire can be seen at the front hanging down from roof of the garage.

[Blknight.aus]

with that much drain you wont need a regualtor on a 10w panel

I would fit a blocking diode if the panel doesnt have one.

the cig socket wont work as it powers off when the ignition and aux is off but the rear power outlets should be good

[Pedro_The_Swift]

no cig lighter, check.
blocking diode, check.
jaycar nearby, check.
the rear power supply is always on??

[DiscoMick]

Not sure about your vehicle but the rear plug in my Defender is always on. I use it to power a LED light for camping.

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[Fluids]

Pedro I think the rear aux power socket is also key switch. When I purchased my D2 someone had run a supply from the aux battery into the rear of the in cab fuse box drivers side which makes the rear aux socket permanently powered.

[1950landy]

Just found these on Ebay, will find some were at front probably under bump bar where it can not be seen on BMW & may find some were hidden on Landy when I put her back together. :D

[turps]

I don't know about discos. But I had a portable battery pack charging in a tarago a couple of years ago. With it plugged in. The car wouldn't lock. And did some other funny things.

[1950landy]

I found a place up behind the front bump bar to hide the socket for the solar charger . Now I need to buy some suitable wire to extend the wire from the charger so I can mount the charger on the garage roof.

[DiscoMick]

If you go to somewhere like Jaycar you should be able to buy a solar maintenance charger already made up and ready to go.
I have a 15 watt panel I've had for ages and I just plug it into a live cigarette plug in the rear of the Defender and that's the job done.
I think it's true having a small charge exciting the battery while parked does keep batteries healthier.

[1950landy]

Yes my intention is to go to Jaycar to get the wire . There are 2 all about the same distance from me , about 1/2 to 3/4 hr drive depending on traffic . There is no hurry as the charger will charge just sitting on bonnet of the BMW, it will also charge by turning the fluro lights on in the garage at night. WI will pick up some next time I am going near one of the Jaycar's.