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Date:         Tue, 19 Apr 94 17:25:43 -0400
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Ted Zateslo <zateslo@geomag.gly.fsu.edu>
Subject:      Re: Dual Battery Isolators

derekdrew@aol.com writes: > > It is not advisable to use a dual battery isolator with you VW van. This is > because isolators typically reduce the voltage by about 1 volt. > > [...] > The solution is to use relays. There are 200/500 amp relays that you can buy > and connect up to disconnect your batteries automatically for various > scenerios.

Derek is correct -- our Vanagon alternator puts out a little less than 14V _at the alternator_ . Because of this, not only is the forward voltage drop of the diodes in an isolator a problem, but voltage drop across relay contacts and throughout the system is a problem -- so use the best, lowest-resistance relays you can find, and use big beefy cable.

Ted Zateslo zateslo@geomag.gly.fsu.edu


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