Thread: Battery Woes

For an electronic option, try the Dick Smith Auxiliary Battery Manager kit.
It's on special at the moment for $29.97, save $20.

It disengages the main battery when the engine is stopped.
Ideal for running stuff from Aux Battery.
Charges the Aux battery only when the main battery is charged.
Has two stage Aux Battery charge rate. Below 10.5V it low amp charges and above this it high amp charges.

It's a simple kit to build for electronics people, however if you blob solder, then get someone else to build it.
(Beers are normally a good form of payment).

Looks like there is a filter present!
D i c k S m i t h is where to go at the moment.

Drivesafe who is one of the members here has a lot to do with duel battery systems.
He is sure to be along soon enough with an in depth answer to your problem.


And yes their is a filter program running

If both batteries are crook there could be something wrong with the charging system. Crook earth or regulator. Not much you can do in the newer cars for regulator voltage, preset system and some are even controlled by the engine ECU. Solenoid systems aren't bad, just no protection if something decides to go short cct. Electronic ones tend to have overload protection. Ebay would be the place to go if you want one as off road shops usually want a bit for them.

With the regs though, too high charge rate tends to destroy the plates, not going into depth but eventually by fast charging all the time (which alternators do) bits become brittle and break off falling to the bottom of the casing. Eventually theres enough on the bottom to cause a short between the plates and basically drop a cell. I put a manual reg on mine, pretty much so I have control over system and much simpler if something breaks.

I found G-Force batteries tolerate a bit of deep cycling. Can normally get 4~5 yrs from a new one. Manufacturer usually offers two years and if you add the INOX conditioner you get an extra 12 months..... 3 yrs under warranty aint bad. Best many of the other batteries only offer 12 mths and 2yrs if you add the INOX.

Hey bigbugga I can’t help it if I waffle on a BIT!
But seriously, LandyAndy, vehicles with solenoids fitted to them are the best thing that ever happened to my business.

THEY DON’T WORK

They will charge a second battery for a while but if either battery starts to have problems, you don’t know till the other battery has also been stuffed. As you unfortunately have found out a couple of times and as for auto electricians who recommend them. They are either still in the dark ages or have fitted some of the better known brands of electronic systems and have been burnt.

For more than 15 years I have designed and manufactured Dual Battery Charge Control Systems and back them with a 2 year warranty that not only covers the device but we will repair or replace one of our units even if it is damaged by you say, accidentally slipping with a screw driver and end up punching a hole through the guts of it. All you would be up for is the return post.

LandyAndy I have posted a short message to a previous subject on dual batteries, so that it’s a the top of the list.
Read through it and If your interested in more info on my gear, send me a pm and I’ll send you my web address.
I’ll give you a discounted price if the devices interest you.
Regards

Originally posted by drivesafe
Hey bigbugga I can’t help it if I waffle on a BIT!

I dont see it as waffeling more as a good in-depth answer that covers all angles.

[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]

bigbugga, wish my wife was as appreciative of my waffling!
Regards [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img]

Originally posted by drivesafe
bigbugga, wish my wife was as appreciative of my waffling!
Regards [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img]

I think that will all come down to what you might be waffeling onto her about :?