dual battery setup ideas

[IBallEngineer]

Here is the diagram. I did it quickly so if there is an issue with it feel free to call me on it. Also apologize to any electricians or EE's out there for using resistors to show the batteries, the editor i was using didn't have proper battery symbol.

Your diagram is confusing me, are you showing a common ground then the auxiliary battery is ALWAYS connected to the vehicle and the main battery is activated by a switch or ignition power? A switch appears to be on the positive side of the aux battery, what is that for? And if you switch the relay using the main battery, how does that work if it's disconnected until the relay is activated?

On a side note, I have used some basic drawing programs, but I'd love a good program tailored to 12V systems that has artwork I can actually use. Know of any?

 

[MTD]

You didn't quote him but I assume you are referring to the solid state isolator that J-Money used. If so, I agree with you 100%, I despise those things, I've been replacing those with solenoids since 1984.

But you don't "always" get what you pay for. Sometime you pay too much. Now let me tell you, I love Blue Sea products, I've purchased at least 10 Fuse blocks, and 4 or 5 Maxi fuse holders. But the name Blue Sea is fitting, cuz you need DEEP POCKETS to buy their stuff. Ha ha!

I spent some time in the RV world so I lean towards the products that work for them. This example is a solenoid that acts like what you are calling an ACR. I actually like that ACRonym, because it accurately describes what it can do. I grew up calling them Continuous Duty Solenoids, but who cares. ACR is fine. Here is what I use.

Intellitec Battery Disconnect Relay-Prevents Dead Batteries-pplmotorhomes.com

You can also use a delay so if you get the battery pretty low you don't overwhelm the alternator and main battery when you start your rig. One like this.

Products - DC Power Management - Intelligent battery charging - Isolator relay delay

Anyway, just my two nickels and a dime!

:snacker:

I agree it is expensive lol that just means you need to get creative. Like I said before I sourced all my stuff from places that were at least half of retail. I will get ya a list up here tomorrow hopefully. I think I paid like $64 for my ACR, CDS or what ever we want to call it :cheers: I just had to search and search and search some more lol. And it has start isolation built in which I really liked, plus low voltage isolation for either side. It is pretty neat lol.

 

[MTD]

Your diagram is confusing me, are you showing a common ground then the auxiliary battery is ALWAYS connected to the vehicle and the main battery is activated by a switch or ignition power? A switch appears to be on the positive side of the aux battery, what is that for? And if you switch the relay using the main battery, how does that work if it's disconnected until the relay is activated?

On a side note, I have used some basic drawing programs, but I'd love a good program tailored to 12V systems that has artwork I can actually use. Know of any?

Now that I look at this diagram again it sucks.... lol like I said I did it in less than 2 minutes over lunch :redbrick: I will give it another shot tomorrow haha yeah what you described was not at all what I was going for or how it is :shocked:

I did this on digi key's web site. They have this neat online app for it.