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2 batteries

 
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chawk610
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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 7:58 am    Post subject: 2 batteries Reply with quote

I asked about this before... but now I am getting serious about it... I want a seperate battery to run my modest lil' system while chillin'. From what I have read I need another 12v deepcycle battery and a Perko switch. So I am basically going to wire both batteries into the switch... but I have to tie the radio battery into the alternator as well... that is where it gets sketchy for me. Anyone out there done this on their own? Advice?
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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 9:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have done it. Battery 1 is starter for boat. Batt 2 runs radio and speakers. They are seperated by a Perko switch but i also have a on/off switch for batt 2
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chawk610
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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 12:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lemme ask you this... would it work to aviod all the wiring and just charge a battery the night before? Would it run the radio for a while?
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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 1:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thats more hassle then its worth IMO. If i were to go that route id have to carry a battery down the 110yd dock and back up everyday along with the gas cans. It was worth the 1 hr hassle to run a couple wires and hook up 2 switches Confused
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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 1:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oh... so it is pretty easy? I was wondering if it would be a pian or not... and if the alternator could handle charging both?
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Wakebrad
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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 1:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This has been covered thoroughly on this board, but it's been a while. The best solution is to use an isolator. Your alternator is not designed for a load as large as 2 batteries, so you need an isolator so it doesn't overload your alternator. It also removes them problem of using 2 different types of batteries.



If you pair 2 different types of batteries together with a Perko switch and no isolator, when the switch is on "All," the batteries will pull on each other and drain themselves. The only way to charge both batteries would be to put the switch on "All" and run the motor. Then you'd have to switch the perko to off when the boat was off, or the other battery when you wanted to use the stereo. This problem is avoided if both batteries are the same, but you still get strain on your Alt.

Note that there are variations of this including an additional perko switch that you never set to "All." so that you don't have to rerun the wiring to the fuse box if it isn't already there.

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Nor*Cal
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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 2:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

When I had the houseboat surveyed for insurance the guy told me not to mix battery types, such as you can't have lead acid and gel even if there is a perko involved.

Anyone know the reason behind this?

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chawk610
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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 2:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

What I have now is a 12v deep cycle battery... so if I use the same... I can set to all and charge both at the same time? Pardon my ignorance on this...
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Wakebrad
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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 2:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nor*Cal, because the batteries will drain each other over time if hooked up. See my above post.

chawk610, if you got a duplicate battery to what you already have (deep cycle) you can just run a Perko switch. That's what I had in my old boat. It does put extra strain on your alternator by putting that much load on it, but I never had a problem with it. An isolator is a better solution but it's more work and more expensive.

If you do it that way, wire the grounds together and wire the positives of each battery to each side of the perko, then run the wire you had attached to the positive terminal to the middle of the perko. Then you can alternate between charging/draining 1 battery, the other, or both.


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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 2:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Awesome!!! Thanks!
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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 3:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

NP, it is definitely nice to be able to set it on one battery and not worry about the stereo leaving you stranded.
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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 4:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wakebrad wrote:
Nor*Cal, because the batteries will drain each other over time if hooked up. See my above post.


I think he said something about fire hazard...

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PostPosted: Jan 11, 2011 6:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

^^ your surrounded by water. whats the worst that will happen?

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PostPosted: Jan 12, 2011 3:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have done this one before with a car, to start with you need a good alternator, adding a second battery means you have to put out more amps to charge them, depending on the ratting for the batteries your using will depend on the amps you need...
When I did it, for much the same reason you’re doing it, music, lights and so on, but still have the power to start the car/boat when needed and not worry about having a flat battery...
The setup I did was much like I have done here with Wakebrad's diagram...

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PostPosted: Jan 12, 2011 3:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

got cut a bit there.... So all you’re doing is isolating the main battery, when ignition is off, the starter one will not be touched... then you’re running all the other stuff off the 2ed one with a fuse box, when the motor is going the 2ed battery will charge... this is where you need good alternator. Worked ok for me, could always start the car even with 2ed battery flat.
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chawk610
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PostPosted: Jan 17, 2011 4:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the help yall... I will be tackling this soon as the sundeck I am starting is done!
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PostPosted: Jan 04, 2012 8:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I hate to revive a dead thread but has anyone used a SurePower Uni-Directional Battery Combiner/Separator? Its kind of like an isolator i think. just wanted an opinion.

Earmark sells a combo kit Blue Sea Battery switch with a sure power combiner/separator.
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PostPosted: Jan 05, 2012 11:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes, I have a Sure Power 1314. Works really good to ensure the aux battery keeps a charge. It is a very hands off solution.
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PostPosted: Jan 18, 2012 11:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote



These are nice along with a isolator if your boat doesn't already have one Cool
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