Just bought the 80w version and awaiting delivery. I liked the look of the connections. How are you getting on with it?
[Guide] Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -
- Thread starter Dellmassive
- Start date
Then top dash 12 V socket is fed from second battery. When engine is running starter and second battery are connected through split-charge relay. When engine is not running the relay is open and thus batteries are separated.
Correct.
Actually the factory split charge relay connects the starter battery and leisure battery always when engine is running. Having just ignition on doesn't activate the relay and thus batteries are still separated.
State of charge of starter battery (or of second battery) is not a factor how/when the relay is operated.
The factory installed second battery and split charge relay is a very basic way to connect two batteries. However quite a few Forum members have replaced the relay with more refined solutions.
If your van is a later model with a smart alternator you should absolutely explore using a DC-DC charger in place of the relay system. If you have a regular alternator, the relay solution is fine.Hmmm, will look at getting better solution
My previous T5 I did, allowed me to charge the starter battery and once 13.1 volts was reached it would then open and charge the leisure battery
Thanks for the info
Sorry one last question, how do I know if I have a smart Alternator. The DC-DC charger would that be the Cetek. My van is April 2018 4 Motion T30
If your van is a EURO6 model it will have a smart alternator, not sure about EURO5 but someone else will be able to confirm. CTEK250SE is one option for DC-DC charger, yes. There are various others.
I have a CTEK which I’m very pleased with. For me one of the benefits is that it has an inbuilt MPPT solar charger so its easy to add solar to it as well as regular battery to battery charging.Yep it’s Euro 6
Will start checking threads on chargers
I’m going down solar panel route as well
, where is the voltage relay/switch and I assume there must be a battery cable the finds itself in the vicinity of the leisure battery. Sorry to ask but will be checking this all out at the weekend and you seem to be very knowledgeable from your solar panel testing
Can’t help with the location of the existing relay as my van wasn’t fitted with a second battery from the factory. It is likely in the engine bay close to the starter battery so I’d look there to start. There will be a cable running from there to your second battery so worst case you can trace it back from the battery.
With regards to the solar panel, the CTEK unit has a max VOC of 23V so before you spend your hard earned, check the panel you’re looking at has a compatible VOC. If it doesn’t you can either look at a different panel or a different DC-DC unit (Without the solar input) and a separate MPPT controller that has a higher VOC.
With regards to the solar panel, the CTEK unit has a max VOC of 23V so before you spend your hard earned, check the panel you’re looking at has a compatible VOC. If it doesn’t you can either look at a different panel or a different DC-DC unit (Without the solar input) and a separate MPPT controller that has a higher VOC.
Factory split charge relay - the relay with marking "100" in the link:
www.t6forum.com
www.t6forum.com
Electrical interface...What is it for?
What is the Electrical interface for external use (terminal block in driver´s seat)? I ask because I was hoping it could be a good place to wire my dash-cam in to.....Any ideas or wiring diagrams available. Thanks in advance.
How to fit a TravelVolts DC-DC / battery-to-battery charger kit
This guide takes you step by step through fitting @travelvolts DC-DC charging kit for leisure batteries. Why fit this kit: VW are still installing their standard split charge relay on vehicles fitted with leisure batteries, however, the latest Bluemotion technology has a few undesirable side...
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did you get your blanket?
No, and it doesn't look like it will be here in time. The site makes out the stock is in the uk but its sent from China to a UK warehouse then sent out from there. Ordered nearly 2 weeks ago, chased it on Friday and they said its not in the Uk yet.
I've told them if its not here on Tuesday then to cancel the order.
Bugger.No, and it doesn't look like it will be here in time. The site makes out the stock is in the uk but its sent from China to a UK warehouse then sent out from there. Ordered nearly 2 weeks ago, chased it on Friday and they said its not in the Uk yet.
I've told them if its not here on Tuesday then to cancel the order.
Did all my connecting cables today and used Anderson powerpole as @Dellmassive suggested. I dont have the best crimping tool and found them a t**t to use, struggled to get them to clip into the contact spring. With some practice however I can now to a couple in under an hour
