Trickle Charge - Is it this easy?

[Mike23864]

So I have a Sterling DC to DC B2B charger and have bought an AMT 12-2 to keep the starter battery topped up (Leisure Battery topped up by separate solar).
Is it as simple as connecting the AMT 12-2 to the connectors in the Sterling unit labelled 5, 4 and 3 or am I a clueless



AMT

 

[BoroBoy]

Yes.

 

[Mike23864]

Thanks. Yes it’s that easy or Yes I’m clueless?

 

[BoroBoy]

It's easy.

 

[Mike23864]

Sadly all’s not gone to plan. Wired it up and all seemed to be good.
Went to start it next morning and it cranked but wouldn’t start as there was insufficient power. I had to use my boost charger.
I’ve put on some pictures of my setup. The Victron solar connects directly to the leisure battery.
Appreciate any help

 

[BoroBoy]

Something doesn't sound right. I just followed the instructions that came with the AMT and everything worked fine for me, and I'm no expert.
Before I connected the unit up, I contacted Ablemail and spoke to one of the engineers who were able reassure me, regarding my quetlries on wiring procedure. It may be worthwhile talking to them.

 

[Mike23864]

Good thinking. I might also be able to call in on them as they are fairly local @Ablemail camper power

 

[Mike23864]

And before any ‘wise guys’ step in the unit was connected when I tried it

 

[Dellmassive]

what was the LED display?

what mode is the AMT set too?

what LB have you got?

 

[Dellmassive]

 

[Dellmassive]

 

[Salty Spuds]

The AMT will only charge the van battery under certain conditions. It all depends on what mode it’s set to. Basically, it won’t start charging the starter battery until the LB is just about fully charged AND if the starter battery is in a certain voltage range. IF the starter battery is below around 11V I.e. flat, the AMT won’t attempt to charge it. IF the starter is circa 12.3V I.e charged, the AMT will shut off.
Also, the output from the AMT is very low, so won’t keep up with any high parasitic drain from the starter.
You need to watch the LED on the AMT to see what’s going on.
Have you got the Sterling set up correctly to shut down when the engine is not running?
I have my AMT set to Mode7, lithium/stop-start/high current.

 

[Mike23864]

what was the LED display?

what mode is the AMT set too?

what LB have you got?

LED on AMT flashes Amber every 10 secs or so
AMT set to default setting 4
LB is a 110ah AGM

 

[Salty Spuds]

LED on AMT flashes Amber every 10 secs or so
AMT set to default setting 4
LB is a 110ah AGM

It’s not charging, it’s in standby which would indicate that the starter battery is charged.

 

[Mike23864]

I wonder now whether there’s an issue with the starter battery even though it’s only 3 months old

 

[Drive Wayne]

@Swamper_Jez Read this thread mate!

 

[Swamper_Jez]

@Swamper_Jez Read this thread mate!

Made for interesting reading, including being jealous of the clear/easy access to the electrics.

 

[Drive Wayne]

At least you haven't got to remove the front seat! Yours is easy!

 

[Swamper_Jez]

At least you haven't got to remove the front seat! Yours is easy!

I'll remind of that phrase at Bala...thanks again for your help mate!!