Hi Ken ...
that looks like the one I have used.
they're not expensive either.
I've probably installed 5 or so ..
in one case the brushes wore out fairly quickly ..in about a year. ..otherwise they've been fine.
but, if one wishes to tinker with charging voltage ..this is a fine and not expensive way to go.
I don't especially think charging two batteries at 14.5 volts is 'better' than charging them at say 14.0 volts ..
won't hurt though.
I would say that running your aux battery down pretty far ..
and a regular car battery ..or even a deep cycle battery is not really designed to be run down very far..
I forget the number that I've seen quoted.
I'd try not to go below something like 11 volts ...they are not really good at being taken down pretty far ( lead-acid batteries ) is my understanding ..
and for sure ..
a common automotive alternator does not like to be hit suddenly with a very discharged battery to charge back up. They're not made for that.
that looks like the one I have used.
they're not expensive either.
I've probably installed 5 or so ..
in one case the brushes wore out fairly quickly ..in about a year. ..otherwise they've been fine.
but, if one wishes to tinker with charging voltage ..this is a fine and not expensive way to go.
I don't especially think charging two batteries at 14.5 volts is 'better' than charging them at say 14.0 volts ..
won't hurt though.
I would say that running your aux battery down pretty far ..
and a regular car battery ..or even a deep cycle battery is not really designed to be run down very far..
I forget the number that I've seen quoted.
I'd try not to go below something like 11 volts ...they are not really good at being taken down pretty far ( lead-acid batteries ) is my understanding ..
and for sure ..
a common automotive alternator does not like to be hit suddenly with a very discharged battery to charge back up. They're not made for that.
On 10/14/2014 5:47 PM, Ken Garratt
unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:
Hi Scott,
RE: fwiw ...one can, if one wishes, buy a solid state regulator/brush package for a Bosch vw/vanagon type alternator..and adjust the charging voltage to whatever you want, within limits.
I understand our T3 (syncro vanagon) stock standard Bosch regulator is specced at 14.0v DC maximum output to suit the single battery charging scenario.
Without spending locally say AU$500 on above-mentioned solid state package for smart charging a dual battery van, perhaps an acceptable and economical solution that may suit some, for example, as found at the following website that specialises in replacement regulators. Listed are an internal or external regulator that has an increased but limited fixed output of 14.5v DC or else an adjustable regulator that is recommended to also be set at maximum 14.5v DC.
Reading the website, increasing DC regulation by 0.5v DC may offer our dual battery vans a benefit of an increased/economical/safe charging regime, whilst staying within maximum output capability limit of the alternator on the one hand and storing more juice without overcharging two batteries on the other.
Agreed it's nowhere near a smart charging solution but I'd be interested in your thoughts/comments as an alternative choice ... TIA.Cheers.Ken
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 11:53:52 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Long Life Batteries.
thanks for the chuckle.
having two batteries on board was mentioned ..
a starting/running battery and an aux or 'house' battery I assume was meant.
that is a different case than regular car alternators are designed to handle ..
though Westy Campers from VW do all right ( clever circuit they have ..
the relay that connects charging voltage to the aux battery only closes after the alternator is charging ) ...
which is what you want , and which is what I accomplish via a large manual battery switch ..closing it after engine running and alt charging. And opening the switch on shut down to keep the two batteries isolated.
an important note I think to be aware of ..
automotive alternators are not designed to charge up well discharged batteries.
They are designed to first...
restore to the battery the energy used in starting the car..
then to power all the electrical loads while the vehicle is running, plus charge the battery to a healthy level.
and yes ...modern cars have huge electrical draw while running..
and while parked too.
It's totally amazing such cars are not equipped with a simple solar panel to maintain battery power with vehicle parked ..
( some do I imagine, and one can buy a simple 'battery maintainer small solar panel to put on the dash and plug into the cig lighter ..come to think of it ..I need about 10 of those for my various sitting 'runner' vehciles, half of them vanagons .
fwiw ...one can, if one wishes, buy a solid state regulator/brush package for a Bosch vw/vanagon type alternator..
and adjust the charging voltage to whatever you want, within limits.
I knew a starter-alternator guy ...marine focused shop ...
he set every alternator he rebuilt to 14.5 volts ..
which is on the upper end of what's normal for a normal car with a normal starting battery.
the 13.8 volts that is the normal Vanagon level is 'ok, but not optimum' in my opinion.
Good for battery life though I believe.
On 10/13/2014 11:47 PM, plander@optusnet.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:
I'm sure that everyone understands that an alternator with regulator working correctly will not overcharge a battery.
Yes they will eventually.