duel battery set up

[trublumk1]

Hi all,
wanting to set a basic duel battery system, the second battery will be only running cab lights and anchor lights. can i use a battery switch to set this up or do i need to buy a solonoid. any info or diagrams on setting up the system would be much appreciated.
thanks in advance.

[Zooter]

Mate i got a Sidewinder VSR for mine, fully automatic and only cost around $90 delivered, Automatically isolates Crank from Aux when i stop!

http://www.sidewinder.com.au/page79.html

Will send a PM of my setup!

Zooter

[ThePinkPanther]

There are also "smart charger" units available that automatically divert the output from the alternator to the battery most in need of being topped up!

When you simply wire up two batteries direct to the output alternator, the first battery in line usually gets most of the charge....... or so I've been told!

I guess for new batteries, this would not be critical but as they age and performance deteriorates, the smart charger will look after sharing the output.

As you have "fighting" batteries Duel (Get it? Duel Vs Dual) you should be OK.

Sorry mate, just had to say it, not picking on your spelling!

[Spaniard_King]

Mate i got a Sidewinder VSR for mine, fully automatic and only cost around $90 delivered, Automatically isolates Crank from Aux when i stop!

http://www.sidewinder.com.au/page79.html

Will send a PM of my setup!

Zooter

Zooter Looks Like the sidewinder unit has a steel case, would you not be better off with a fully sealed plastic VSR like the BEP model that B L A supplies.

Sure a little dearer but would last a while longer IMO

Details and diagrams here http://www.bla.com.au/index.php?fn=p...41cfda18f785ab

[Zooter]

Zooter Looks Like the sidewinder unit has a steel case, would you not be better off with a fully sealed plastic VSR like the BEP model that B L A supplies.

Sure a little dearer but would last a while longer IMO

Details and diagrams here http://www.bla.com.au/index.php?fn=p...41cfda18f785ab

Each to there own i guess mate

I like the fact that it has the L.E.D charge light on it, I just give mine a hit with sum inox every now and then, 18 months and no sign of any rust! Touch wood.lol , Its not like it getting dipped into salt water all the time!

If they had a plastic unit with a L.E.D on it would be perfect

[Spaniard_King]

Zooter, the BEP one does have the LED indicating light on the front to let you know when it is in dual charging mode.

[Zooter]

Oh well for sure go the Plastic one

Dam were these things around 18months ago, looks like little old me didnt do my research very well , haha, Oh well

[finga]

If you are wanting to use one battery solely for the purpose of house batteries and the other battery solely for engine starting you do not need a dual battery switch.
You can just use the VSR as described above.
But if you want to be able to start the motor from either battery then a dual battery switch needs to be used or wire as per diagram supplied by Gary.