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MoNGooSE
Cruise Moderator
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 Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:46 pm Post subject: Using battery isolator on main power line... |
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My problem is this...
SOMETHING in my vast stereo/video system is draining 0.5A and running my battery flat over a couple of days. I know what's draining it but it's not something that I can switch off when the car turns off. At the moment I've just got a manual isolator on my main line which I switch off whenever I turn the car off.
My question is this...
Could I use a battery isolator on my main stereo/video line in order to isolate that line from the battery whenever the car is turned off?
If not, what can I use? |
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brandoando
Fordmods Parts Gopher
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| Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:14 pm Post subject: |
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If it's just your stereo draining the power i'd suggest you cut into the supply (12v all the time) and put a switch on it. That sounds like what you have already done.
As far as automatic isolators or solinoids I'm sure there must be something out there that's rated around 10-20 Amps. It'd work on the same principle as dual battery setups.
Alternatively you may just want to get a higher output battery. If you're currently flattening it after not driving the car for a few days then the lifespan of the battery is significantly reduced and you'll be up for a new battery before you know it. So it might be cheaper to just buy a higher rated battery now. |
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joolz
Fordmods - Getting Side Ways
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| Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:03 pm Post subject: |
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| The only thing that should be draining power from your battery in your vast stereo/video system should be the memory to keep the stations on your head unit. Anything else like amps and screens should be powered up off the remote from the head unit only when its turned on. You say its draining 0.5 amps or 500ma which isnt all that much. either your readings are wrong or its a battery on its way out. |
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MoNGooSE
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Location: Adelaide SA, Australia
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| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:00 am Post subject: |
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I love it when people shoot you down and don't even answer your question.
I'm pretty sure I know how to read a multimeter.
My question is not what is draining the 0.5A, I know exactly what is draining it! My question is simply, will a battery isolator work? |
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fiend
Fordmods - Getting Side Ways
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| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:23 am Post subject: |
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| MoNGooSE wrote: | I love it when people shoot you down and don't even answer your question.
I'm pretty sure I know how to read a multimeter.
My question is not what is draining the 0.5A, I know exactly what is draining it! My question is simply, will a battery isolator work? |
Ahem, if I can be so bold as to offer a brief, entertaining and somewhat confused look into the world of Fiends fabulous Futura....
http://www.fordmods.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=66234
Not guaranteed to help you at all, but there you go.
I am going to go get a multimeter and see what mine is doing tomorrow. I get flat way too quick for my liking and am only running smart lock and two "head unit memories"... The DVD screen has a wee memory, as does the DVD player...
I guess my battery is past its best tho... A big project is my old car. |
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MoNGooSE
Cruise Moderator
Posts: 2486
Joined: 24 Jan 2005
Location: Adelaide SA, Australia
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| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 5:54 am Post subject: |
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| Looks good... Only problem is that I was wanting to run my main stereo lead off this isolator... That means a big current draw. There are heavy duty diodes on ebay that are meant to handle 90A... I wonder if they'd do the same thing... |
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fiend
Fordmods - Getting Side Ways
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Location: Wellington New Zealand
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| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 8:07 am Post subject: |
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| Personally, I am leaning towards trying another small battery that will only ever be used for stereo and alarm backup. Not convinced about diode or switching unit yet. Willing to try cheaper option first tho!! |
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MoNGooSE
Cruise Moderator
Posts: 2486
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Location: Adelaide SA, Australia
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| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 4:47 pm Post subject: |
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My thoughts exactly. I was just gonna' buy a nice little $50 Supercheap Auto battery.
I should really get a dry cell sealed battery for legalities sake but I think they're quite pricey..... |
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Rick's EF Fairmont Wagon
Fordmods - Getting Side Ways
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Location: Brookfield VIC, Australia
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| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 8:38 pm Post subject: |
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You can now get SLA batteries from Kmart.
The answer is very simple really.
A good old fashioned relay. Just set it up off the accessories power line. |
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