Traxide isolator earth wire on/off switch

[LRD414]

I have one of the older SC80 isolators from before a switching module was available. Sometimes the D4 sits unused for 3-4 days and can get a low voltage warning as a result.
I do charge the batteries every month or so but would rather turn off the isolator when it's not needed and I'd like to add a switch to make it simple.
As I understand things, just adding an inline switch to the yellow/green earth wire will do it. Has anyone else done this? I am considering something like this switch from Jaycar.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4864/31635347747_c60fda68fc_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QcvqJ8)

https://www.jaycar.com.au/medias/sys_master/images/9165915029534/SK0998-inline-low-voltage-switch-2-1mm-dc-plug-and-socketImageMain-515.jpg

Regards,
Scott

[l00kin4]

Hi Scott,

This was discussed a bit in this thread: https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/265313-battery-failure-2-grrr-5.html#post2849108

I haven't quite gotten around to this yet but I was thinking of just adding one of these connectors inline: 1sets of 1 Pin Way Car Sealed Waterproof Electrical Wire Auto Connector Plug Kit | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1sets-of-1-Pin-Way-Car-Sealed-Waterproof-Electrical-Wire-Auto-Connector-Plug-Kit/132613771034?hash=item1ee0658f1a:g:SQUAAOSwax5Yv6k o:rk:5:pf:0)

I do like the idea of a switch too but hadn't worked out the best way to mount it so it isn't bouncing around...

David

[drivesafe]

Hi Scott and David, you can use any type of switch and it does not have to be waterproof.

Your switch will be haddling less than 250ma.

A micro toggle switch would be ideal and because they are so light, they do not have to be mounted, just fit one in-line and make sure the switch terminals are covered.

[Eevo]

ive done it in the d2

[LRD414]

Any photos?

[l00kin4]

I quite like the look of these - nice and small and will work nicely inline. Depends on the quality and how well they 'latch' whether it's a good option. Could possibly just glue to the side of the isolator case too.
10Pcs 12*8MM DC 1A Black On Off Mini Push Button Switches For Electric TorchWG | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10Pcs-12-8MM-DC-1A-Black-On-Off-Mini-Push-Button-Switches-For-Electric-TorchWG/254003534532?hash=item3b23ca5ac4:m:m-r-oPB1R1tBh6PxH2Qt9Kg)

Just bought some so I can check them out. I'll report back.

David

[IvanR]

A small toggle switch and attach it to where ever it suits with silicon.

Ivan

[LRD414]

I haven't quite gotten around to this yet but I was thinking of just adding one of these connectors inline: 1sets of 1 Pin Way Car Sealed Waterproof Electrical Wire Auto Connector Plug Kit | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1sets-of-1-Pin-Way-Car-Sealed-Waterproof-Electrical-Wire-Auto-Connector-Plug-Kit/132613771034?hash=item1ee0658f1a:g:SQUAAOSwax5Yv6k o:rk:5:pf:0)
David, I like your idea maybe even more than a switch. Can buy with wire tails so even easier to install.
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/im4AAOSwqDha0Jyu/s-l1600.jpg

[scarry]

I have a normal light switch mech,taped up sitting next to the battery.

Its been there for over 5 yrs,with no issues.

[loanrangie]

What is the benefit of adding a switch, i would have it better to have both batteries linked so they can balance ?
Wouldn't adding a small solar panel or trickle charger be a better solution.

[LRD414]

The isolator itself has enough of a power draw to hasten the low voltage situation. A switch is a lot easier than solar or trickle charging, although those options would be preferred if the vehicle was being left unused for a week or more.

[scarry]

What is the benefit of adding a switch, i would have it better to have both batteries linked so they can balance ?
Wouldn't adding a small solar panel or trickle charger be a better solution.

Turns off relay so reduces power draw if vehicle is idle for a period of time.

So can charge batteries separately,if needed,i do this with C Teck charger,seems to work better than charging both together.

And any other reason the batteries may need to be isolated,its an easy way to do it instead of disconnecting cables,etc.

[loanrangie]

I get the idea but i wouldn't expect 3-4 days to be an issue unless you have a weak battery/ies.

[scarry]

I get the idea but i wouldn't expect 3-4 days to be an issue unless you have a weak battery/ies.

If only doing short runs,it doesn’t take long for th battery to get low in a D3/4.

That’s one reason I charge mine with C tech vry two week or so,battery is now almost 5 yrs old,which is amazing for a D4.

When we do long runs I don’t worry about it.

[LRD414]

Same for me. Short runs only and then a few days off. Hasn’t been on the ctek in a couple of months because I forgot. Both batteries new in June.

[l00kin4]

Just got around to fitting this switch. The action of the switch feels pretty good. I was originally thinking to fit it inline on the cable but decided to solder it directly to the terminal as per below. It's very light so I don't expect any fatigue issues...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4908/33013679298_38f82835b5.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SiiJFd)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4869/33013678678_5a72a7d1f2.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SiiJuw)

David


I quite like the look of these - nice and small and will work nicely inline. Depends on the quality and how well they 'latch' whether it's a good option. Could possibly just glue to the side of the isolator case too.
10Pcs 12*8MM DC 1A Black On Off Mini Push Button Switches For Electric TorchWG | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10Pcs-12-8MM-DC-1A-Black-On-Off-Mini-Push-Button-Switches-For-Electric-TorchWG/254003534532?hash=item3b23ca5ac4:m:m-r-oPB1R1tBh6PxH2Qt9Kg)

Just bought some so I can check them out. I'll report back.

David

[LRD414]

I went with the in-line connector idea. When the two halves are separate (to turn the isolator off) I protect the more exposed male half with a spare female half.
The other connector in the photos is the ctek one for charging the cranking battery.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7800/33088350348_6f65d90e81_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SpUrM7)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7875/33088350298_059e310935_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SpUrLf)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4814/33088349758_29566eeb86_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SpUrAW)

Cheers,
Scott

[drivesafe]

What is the benefit of adding a switch, i would have it better to have both batteries linked so they can balance ?
Wouldn't adding a small solar panel or trickle charger be a better solution.
I have suggested the use of small solar panels for many years, but the vehicle must be used in a way that it spends parking time in the sun.

Solar keeps the batteries charged in some cases, while the switch fixes it for other.

[dirvine]

On an aside, (and not wanting to hijack the thread) but I wonder how much LLAMS helps drain the battery. I have mine on the lowest setting and there is a green light on all the time. Also I have the 80 Traxide system and I cannot see any lights near the unit. What am i missing?

[LRD414]

There is an led on my SC80 isolator (see photos) but that’s not the only active component to the unit, as mentioned earlier in this thread. The Llams led can be switched off and Llams doesn’t need to be on an active setting anyway.

Scott

[dirvine]

There is an led on my SC80 isolator (see photos) but that’s not the only active component to the unit, as mentioned earlier in this thread. The Llams led can be switched off and Llams doesn’t need to be on an active setting anyway.

Scott

Not sure what you mean Scott about LLAMS not being switched on. I leave my car in the lower setting all the time so a green light is always on. I dont want to keep switching LLAMS to normal height(ie no light on) everytime I switch the car off...or is that what you suggest I do? Then I would have to remember to switch it BEFORE I turn the car on or else the compressor will start working and I am told this is not good for longetivity.