Date:         Mon, 13 Mar 2006 16:14:59 -0800
Reply-To:     TC <trclark@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         TC <trclark@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      Re: Isolator vs Seperator (mechanical relay) was Re: Sure Power
              1315 battery separator
Comments: To: mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

> Installing the isolator in a Vanagon has too many drawbacks that the
> relay or separator don't have. Please explain exactly what you now think
> an isolator can do better than a 1315.
I dunno how much more clear i can get with my laymans knowledge:)
but here goes a couple of assumptions
A-the battery must always be recharged at the proper voltage as spec'd by
mfg
  it must be maintained at FULL charge at all times.
B-under/over charge will damage a battery
C-a batteries current demand(amps) is directly related to is discharge level

Longer device life & Longer battery life if the aux is discharged regularly
since
1) Isolator is solid state vs seperartor  mechanical relay so it should have
a longer theoretical life
     -more efficent it has no contacts that build resistance over time, so
your going to get correct volts/amps
      to both batts over the long haul (see point A)
2) Each batt gets it volts/amps directly from the alternator
    -the aux battery current demand (amps) is supplied from the alternator
not from the alternator AND the 1st battery
     in heavy discharge state the aux may not  get the required amps/volts
it needs for recharge
     (see point A/B above)  since its in competion with the 1st battery for
amps/volts
    and the sudden surge from battery to battery when the mechanical relay
is activated can
   damage the more discharged battery
__________________________________________________________
But in the vw having to modify the alternator is a real drag 1 find myself
in today:)
And with my config I believe i will never be using the aux to a low levels
since i have prostar 30m in now
ps. i just ordered a new 1315 & alternator
(the busted spade on the diode board that costs $80 and i got a re mfg alt
for us110

> >>ARE THERE THERE ANY ADVANTAGES TO AN ISOLATOR at all ?
> >>OK I just found this any comments ?
> >>http://www.smithae.com/surepower.html
> >>
> >>
> >luv this talking to myself thx for the sounding board
> >So I think the rule of thumb is
> >if your useage pattern is more towards
> >staying & using your aux batt & discharging more fully so that when the
> >charge
> >cycle starts your aux batt has a substantial recharge requirement
> >then you should consider an isolator solution.
> >if your discharge cycle
> >1) does not tend to drain the aux right down
> >OR
> >a low voltage disconnet is installed
> >OR
> >a solar charge system is charging at the same time as discharge so that
the
> >aux never realy has a full drain
> >the battery seperartor is a better solution
> >
> >hopefully this is the bottom line on isolator vs mechanical relay
> >
> >
> >
> >