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Re: Rear Dual battery

Posted: 08 Feb 2017 09:27
by David M
offroadbiker wrote:Interesting, I have 2 extra batteries in the back with the Ctek 250 S. Do I need this switch thing a magiggie , or can I just use the Jumper cables from Chris if the need arises???
If you are using jumper cables no need for the switch.

The only reason I can see for the switch is extra winching power and for that you have to have thick cables front to back or it is useless.

The by product is that if you have the switch with thick cables if your front battery gives up you can flick the switch and use the back batteries to start the vehicle without having to use jumper cables.

Refer to Chris's post as to what it does for your winching capability.

My only reason for doing it is if I get stuck, am alone and I need the winch I have the extra power. As in Transkei mud on a steep incline under a tree down a ditch so there is no going downhill. Only up. 10 min instead of 2 1/2 hrs with much mud, blood and sweat.

The only other reason I can think of for thick cables is if you are not using a DC-DC charger for the auxilliary battery and charging direct from alternator with or without solenoid.

Re: Rear Dual battery

Posted: 08 Feb 2017 09:51
by biggles
I am an electro ignoramous. When you say a 10mm cable is it a 10mm2 so true diameter of3.6mm or is a 10mm diameter cable which would give you 78mm2 cable... :think:

Re: Rear Dual battery

Posted: 08 Feb 2017 10:03
by offroadbiker
When we meet again I will show you what I have and we take it from there :thumbup:

Re: Rear Dual battery

Posted: 09 Feb 2017 08:39
by Tinus lotz
biggles wrote:I am an electro ignoramous. When you say a 10mm cable is it a 10mm2 so true diameter of3.6mmor is a 10mm diameter cable which would give you 78mm2 cable... :think:
All electrical cables are measured in mm2 area ....a 16mm2 cable is close to 8mm and so on :mytwocents:

Re: Rear Dual battery

Posted: 19 Feb 2017 17:52
by David M
The idea behind the box is that I can leave it in the vehicle or remove and leave at a campsite with the fridge etc.....

If remaining in the vehicle I have a solar input plug and 12V input or output in the back bumper which can plug into the box inside.
Power Station top.jpg
Power Station top.jpg (2.72 MiB) Viewed 6798 times
Inside is fairly basic with battery cable input from C Tek and decent wiring to the outputs as well as the C Tek's temperature sensor.
Power station input.jpg
Power station input.jpg (2.46 MiB) Viewed 6798 times
The red is for solar in to the C Tek and the large grey is from the cranking battery with battery cabling.
Power station C Tek.jpg
Power station C Tek.jpg (2.86 MiB) Viewed 6798 times
The C Tek has a marine switch as a bypass for if I want power to the front battery for winching or starting if cranking battery packs up.
Power Station output.jpg
Power Station output.jpg (2.86 MiB) Viewed 6798 times
There are 2 grey inputs/outputs, a blue input/output for higher amperages (eg. inverter), double 2.1A USB, Hella and cigarette connections. As mentioned earlier one of the grey connectors connects to the back bumper if required so I can leave the car locked while for example charging the battery from 220V. Each of the inputs/outputs is separately fused and if a fuse blows a LED lights showing which one.

Re: Rear Dual battery

Posted: 20 Feb 2017 17:27
by Chris Skinner
Thanks - some nice ideas there - Im going to upgrade my with a few improvements!! :thumbup:

Re: Rear Dual battery

Posted: 08 Mar 2017 11:52
by biggles
My box from bushpower is clicking away for 30 seconds rapidly. And that happens regularly... almost as though the solenoid doesn't know if it shjould be on or not. Is that normal?

I have also contacted Jaques.

Re: Rear Dual battery

Posted: 08 Mar 2017 13:30
by offroadbiker
Please tell us what his comment is!!!

Re: Rear Dual battery

Posted: 08 Mar 2017 15:07
by biggles
biggles wrote:My box from bushpower is clicking away for 30 seconds rapidly. And that happens regularly... almost as though the solenoid doesn't know if it shjould be on or not. Is that normal?

I have also contacted Jaques.
Apparently it is normal :rolleyes:

Re: Rear Dual battery

Posted: 19 Jun 2017 14:53
by Gafas
beware that the CTEK D250S only give you 20 amp.
I had everything connected to the second battery (fog lights, aux lights, fridge, coms, battery trailer plug, etc) and it drains, evan with 100 w solar panels on the rack.

Need to install the ctek smartpass 80 amp charge. So far so good for me.

Cheers,
Pedro