Alternator charge not what it seems!!

Filed under: Alternators — Online Auto Electrics @ 4:50 am

The little alternator that could!!

Often I see so many people testing their alternator charge at the battery, certainly this will give you a quick indication of what charge is being delivered at the battery but what it doesn’t tell you is what the alternator is producing.

By testing not only the positive charge at the alternator, but also the earth/ground at the alternator you will find what the alternator is really delivering.

To many times the cables both positive and earth/ground build up a high resistance reducing the charge rate delivered at the battery. In some cases I have seen as much as a 1.5volt drop in cables which can be enough to reduce your charge from 14.4v to 12.9volts which is not sufficient to maintain charge in the battery.

Both the positive and earth/grounds can be tested with a multimeter, any good auto electrician should be able to check this for you. We recommend all auto electrical work be carried out by a qualified auto electrician.

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Why Aussies love the most trusted battery

Filed under: Accessories — Tags: battery, Great, Redarc, review — Online Auto Electrics @ 12:28 pm

What Aussies love…

Us Aussies love our fishing and outdoors. Most of us have our favorite spots where we go to get away from it all and relax and unwind, but when you get stuck out there with a flat battery… !@#!

Australia’s most trusted battery

Redarc SmartStart® dual battery isolator is Australia’s most trusted battery and is used by 4WD clubs throughout Australia. If you want a hassle free camping, road, fishing or 4WD trip, you’re gonna need a Redarc SmartStart® dual battery isolator.

What you need for heavy duty operations.

The Redarc SmartStart® is a microprocessor-controlled battery isolator designed for use in multi-battery applications as a solenoid priority system, protecting the start battery from excessive discharge, whilst allowing the auxiliary battery to supply_non-essential loads.

The Redarc SmartStart® is designed primarily for use in 4WD and commercial vehicles and is available in four models; 12V DC or 24V DC incorporating 100A or 200A continuous ratings.

The 200A models are designed for extremely heavy-duty operations such as the 4WD weekend, fishing trip or rough terrain driving.

Primary benefits
•   Compact in size and easy to install
•   Cost-effective protection against a fl at battery
•   Smarter than a continuous duty solenoid
•   Silver contacts for longer life
•   Power saving technology
•   Cooler operating temperature
•   Only draws approximately
•   0.15A when engaged
•   Fault indication
•   LED lights when the
•   solenoid is activated
•   Fully surge-protected
•   Two year warranty

SmartStart® frequently asked questions

Does the unit have surge or spike protection?
Yes. The unit incorporates components which prevent the solenoid from generating high voltage transients.

Are the voltage limits and time delay settings customisable?
Yes. Call Redarc for further information on what customisation is possible.

Is the Redarc SmartStart® suitable for use on modern vehicles fitted with the latest alternators using smart electronics?
Yes. Many users owning current model 4WDs have bought and used the SmartStart® with the product
working exactly as designed.

Can an override switch be fi tted to the dash to allow the auxiliary battery to be joined to the start battery to assist with starting?
Yes. The Redarc SmartStart® has an additional input (blue wire) which can be used to override the voltage
sensing feature for emergency starting. This input may be temporarily connected to +12V (+24V) from the
auxiliary battery to turn the solenoid on.

Can I leave the SmartStart® connected if a trailer or caravan is not hooked up to the towing vehicle?
Yes. The SmartStart® will not be affected by not having an auxiliary battery connected.

Can I use the SmartStart® to control a load (e.g., fridge) without using an auxiliary battery?
Yes. You can use the SmartStart® to switch an auxiliary load (e.g. fridge). The SmartStart® will power the fridge until the voltage falls below 12.7V (25.4V), isolating the start battery. The SmartStart® will then power up the fridge when the voltage in the start battery rises above 13.2V (26.4V).

Does the internal LED illuminate when I use the external override switch?
Yes. The internal LED is turned on by the microprocessor inside the control box, whether by voltage or over-ride.

Can a remote indicator on the dash show when the solenoid is activated?
Yes. You can wire up an LED.

Can an external battery charger or solar panel be connected to the auxiliary battery?
Yes, but if the battery charger or solar panel is connected whilst the SmartStart® is still engaged, the
SmartStart® will stay engaged and both batteries will receive charge.

Can I use my SmartStart® to winch off both batteries?
Yes. The SmartStart® can be wired to connect both batteries when the winch is turned on.

When the solenoid closes to provide charge to a discharged auxiliary battery, will the contacts chatter and not provide effective charge to the auxiliary battery?
No. There is a time delay between turnon and turn-off built in to prevent that occurring.

Will the contacts tarnish due to moisture when the SmartStart® is used in tropical climates?
No. If the SmartStart® is sprayed with a good grade silicon sealant the contacts will not be exposed to moisture.

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June 24, 2009