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  • Dual Battery Confusion - some advice please.

    Hi All, sorry for bringing up a topic that has been done to death! But Im slightly confused and would appreciate some clear advice.

    Im looking to install a Dual Battery myself, Ive spoken to different people and read as much of pradopoint as I can, but I just can't get clarity. Im trying to do it on a budget unfortunately, so looking for best outcome vs expense.

    I was going to use a Redarc SBI12, but was told by some people that there is no use, it won't work. I need to use a Redarc BCDC-1220 - which considerably more expensive. I couldn't get clarification as to wether the SBI12 would work or not, just that they wanted to sell me a more expensive product. Im ok with this providing its the only way, but hate spending money I don't have to.

    I intend to power a fridge and lighting when camping, charging associated gadgets, that's about it. I would drive the car every second day at the outside (if not every day), or in the future invest in a quality foldable solar panel.

    Could someone please help with the above mentioned issue regarding the SBI12 vs BCDC-1220?

    Thank you in advance for your help.

  • #2
    Under the bonnet I have the dual battery with the SBI12. The only additional thing you require is a voltage boosting diode.

    Hopefully Leigh will come along and give you an understanding of what it technically does (and correct me if I am wrong) but from my limited knowledge the charging system in the Prado (alternator) doesn't put out a high enough voltage to keep the second battery charged. The diode basically increases the alternators output to fix this issue.

    I have been running the Diode for three plus years and haven't had any issues with it and its about $35ish from Leigh.

    Our dual battery system does everything you mentioned and we occasionlly throw the solar blanket (which has its own regulator) on the battery to charge it when camping and it has lasted so far.

    I can't comment on whether the SBI12 plus diode is better than the BCDCD-1220, but i can say the SBI12 and the diode have worked perfectly for me and I would need some really good reasons not to go same path again.

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    • #3
      Thank you so much for the feedback! I just wanted to hear from someone who has this product installed. How would one purchase one of these diode's?

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      • #4
        Which engine? There is no option to fit the alternator voltage booster diode on the new 1GD. However, OK on the 1KD.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by antd View Post
          Thank you so much for the feedback! I just wanted to hear from someone who has this product installed. How would one purchase one of these diode's?
          Sorry mate, should have checked, my experience was in regards to the 3L Prado, so if you have the 2.8 I am not sure what your options are.

          You can buy the diode from here: http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/hkbelect/...p2047675.l2562

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          • #6
            I think it is the 1KD, its a 2013 GXL Diesel. I probably should know the answer to that... I knew it originally, but I've owned so many cars over the years that all the numbers are just blending into one now.

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            • #7
              Thanks mate, Ill take a look at that. I've left this all a bit late, heading away next week and only have this weekend to get the install done...

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              • #8
                Send Leigh a PM (http://www.pradopoint.com.au/member.php?14343-LeighWand he may be able to help you get it by the weekend. Once you have it, it takes less than a minute to install.

                He is normally pretty active on here.

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                • #9
                  Thank you, I have done that. Hopefully I hear back from him today. Cheers for all your help... now to find the time to get this done, plus run the wires down the back of the vehicle!

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                  • #10
                    Both units will allow charging of the second battery but there are some major differences (that account for the price difference).

                    The SBI12 is an isolator that makes sure the main battery gets priority. Before starting, if the main battery is below 12.7v, the isolator will be open isolating the second battery from the main battery. Once the vehicle is started and assuming the alternator is providing more than 13.2v, the isolator closes and the charging is shared by the two batteries. If the main battery voltage subsequently drops below 12.7v (most likely after the engine has been shut down), the circuit opens to ensure the main battery is not drained by the second battery and any loads running off the second battery.

                    The BCDC 1220 is a charger with the isolator built in. It uses the same voltage parameters as the SBI12. The additional functionality the charger provides is that when installing the BCDC unit, you nominate what type of construction your second battery is - lead acid, calcium, AGM, or Gel - and the charger uses the correct charging profile to ensure the second battery is fully charged.

                    One benefit of the SBI12 that I don't think is available with the BCDC charger is the provision of an over-ride switch that allows the charge from the second battery to flow back to the main circuit should the main battery fail.

                    Personally, I have the SBI12 with the voltage boosting alternator fuse to charge my second battery (an Optima D34) and have no problems with this in the 6 years it has been fitted - and I have had to use the over-ride switch when the main battery failed on 2 occasions.

                    Hope this helps

                    Harry

                    Edited thanks to Andrew's clarification.
                    voyager
                    Junior Member
                    Last edited by voyager; 01-04-2017, 02:44 PM.
                    [i][b]Voyager[/b][/i]

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by voyager View Post
                      The SBI12 is an isolator that makes sure the main battery is getting all the charging capacity of the alternator if the main battery voltage is below 13.2v at the start. Once 13.2v is achieved, the circuit closes and the second battery will start to get charged. If the main battery voltage subsequently drops below 12.7v, the circuit opens to ensure the main battery gets all the charge until it reaches 13.2v and so on.
                      The SBI12 closes as soon as it detects 13.2V at its terminal. This means that as soon as the engine starts, the SBI12 closes and therefore charge will go to the aux battery.

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                      • #12
                        Thank you everyone for your help - I have chosen to go the path of the SBI12 - appreciate all the help and feedback.

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                        • #13
                          I have the sbi12 and it works great. I haven't bothered with any alternative/solar options in the car as my setup is pretty light. The van has a more complicated battery setup so it has more tech in it.

                          I can check the isolator is working properly by watching the multimeter on the back anderson plug, which comes off the isolator. If the lights in the car are on, the charge slowly drops and then cuts off at the 12.7v mark. Obviously I disconnect the second battery so the charge drops relatively quickly.

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