I want to run my system on a seperate power source form the cars but I still need to utilize the alt. to keep it charged. How would I isolate the system from one another, so as not to rob/drain the power form the primary.
Thanks,
Chazz
Replies (5)
jamesp on 04/20/2007 12:05:18
You can a battery post mounted knife switch on the secondary battery so that the alternator will only be charging the additional battery when the switch is closed.
Marine stores have Pemko brand switches with 3 possible setups and a dial for choosing connection A, B or C.....A could be your normal primary battery to alternator then another setting will send a charge to both batts. They are about 20 bucks.
MrBrownstone on 04/20/2007 17:02:26
why are you looking to use a separate source? all the power is coming from the same alternator?
Having 2 batteries will allow you to have more listening time when the vehicle is OFF...or, if you want to assure when the vehicle is off that you don't kill the battery that starts the car.
This will affect performance as the 2nd battery will be discharged without being recharged--unless you use a dual battery isolator...which I'm not certain is all that advantageous to the audio system.
30Hertz on 04/20/2007 17:33:52
You could also run a bank of batteries in the back and use a power cell recharger from Kinetik Batteries. Its like an alternathr that runs off your 12v system and charges your batteries that arent connected to the alternator. Their rather expensive tho....
swez on 04/20/2007 17:34:25
I think James is suggesting the same plan.. a battery isolator kit that can charge 2 or even three batteries at a given time.
As we all know, the main car battery is designed to start the engine or used as an AUX 12 volt supply for a limited time. Once the engine is started, the ALT will recharge the primary BAT and feed all other devices as needed.
When running low to moderate power amps, we can run off the main BAT and be OK. Most electrical systems can accomodate about 30-40% extra juice then the car needs with every whistle and bell running. If we need more current, adding a 2nd BAT is a good option. One can just run it in parallel with the present battery, (Fair results) or use a battery Isolator circuit. (Better idea)
The battery isolators will first charge the primary battery and power all electricals in the vehicle. Once the isolator senses the primary BAT is at full charge, it can selectively switch to charge an AUX BAT for audio or other gear. (RV's, trailers and marine type systems all work like this)
If you need more info, just ask.
Swez
cplkittle on 04/20/2007 22:48:21
I have read alot of articles on how to run a second isolated charging system and battery, and read alot of people describing how they are going to do this. I have never seen it done. I have never heard or read of anyone doing it either.
If two different batteries are connected in parallel they will eventually drain each other if left connected, so adding batteries is not as simple as throwing one in the trunk and hooking it up. The suggested way of doing this usually consists of a HO alternator (generally 160-240 amps), a seperate battery or bank of IDENTICAL batteries and a high amp relay.
The way I have always done it is to use a relay such as this one:
http://www.oznium.com/relay200
The starter or main battery and the additional battery or batteries use the same ground and the relay connects the positive of the additional battery when the vehicle is running (by using the accessory wire to trigger the relay to complete the circuit). Since the alternator charges at a voltage higher than the battery stores, the secondary battery will not pull from the primary. When the engine is turned off, the batteries are isolated.
If you want to put a switch on the radio so that it will play with the engine off, you MUST power the radio from the secondary battery. If the radio is connected to the primary battery and the amplifiers to the secondary battery, the batteries will try to equalize any difference in charge through the stereo system since they are isolated otherwise.
Thanks,
Chazz
Replies (5)
jamesp on 04/20/2007 12:05:18
You can a battery post mounted knife switch on the secondary battery so that the alternator will only be charging the additional battery when the switch is closed.
Marine stores have Pemko brand switches with 3 possible setups and a dial for choosing connection A, B or C.....A could be your normal primary battery to alternator then another setting will send a charge to both batts. They are about 20 bucks.
MrBrownstone on 04/20/2007 17:02:26
why are you looking to use a separate source? all the power is coming from the same alternator?
Having 2 batteries will allow you to have more listening time when the vehicle is OFF...or, if you want to assure when the vehicle is off that you don't kill the battery that starts the car.
This will affect performance as the 2nd battery will be discharged without being recharged--unless you use a dual battery isolator...which I'm not certain is all that advantageous to the audio system.
30Hertz on 04/20/2007 17:33:52
You could also run a bank of batteries in the back and use a power cell recharger from Kinetik Batteries. Its like an alternathr that runs off your 12v system and charges your batteries that arent connected to the alternator. Their rather expensive tho....
swez on 04/20/2007 17:34:25
I think James is suggesting the same plan.. a battery isolator kit that can charge 2 or even three batteries at a given time.
As we all know, the main car battery is designed to start the engine or used as an AUX 12 volt supply for a limited time. Once the engine is started, the ALT will recharge the primary BAT and feed all other devices as needed.
When running low to moderate power amps, we can run off the main BAT and be OK. Most electrical systems can accomodate about 30-40% extra juice then the car needs with every whistle and bell running. If we need more current, adding a 2nd BAT is a good option. One can just run it in parallel with the present battery, (Fair results) or use a battery Isolator circuit. (Better idea)
The battery isolators will first charge the primary battery and power all electricals in the vehicle. Once the isolator senses the primary BAT is at full charge, it can selectively switch to charge an AUX BAT for audio or other gear. (RV's, trailers and marine type systems all work like this)
If you need more info, just ask.
Swez
cplkittle on 04/20/2007 22:48:21
I have read alot of articles on how to run a second isolated charging system and battery, and read alot of people describing how they are going to do this. I have never seen it done. I have never heard or read of anyone doing it either.
If two different batteries are connected in parallel they will eventually drain each other if left connected, so adding batteries is not as simple as throwing one in the trunk and hooking it up. The suggested way of doing this usually consists of a HO alternator (generally 160-240 amps), a seperate battery or bank of IDENTICAL batteries and a high amp relay.
The way I have always done it is to use a relay such as this one:
http://www.oznium.com/relay200
The starter or main battery and the additional battery or batteries use the same ground and the relay connects the positive of the additional battery when the vehicle is running (by using the accessory wire to trigger the relay to complete the circuit). Since the alternator charges at a voltage higher than the battery stores, the secondary battery will not pull from the primary. When the engine is turned off, the batteries are isolated.
If you want to put a switch on the radio so that it will play with the engine off, you MUST power the radio from the secondary battery. If the radio is connected to the primary battery and the amplifiers to the secondary battery, the batteries will try to equalize any difference in charge through the stereo system since they are isolated otherwise.
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