Baterryr combiner/isolator

[Pendana]

The batteries for my Vetus bow thruster have given up the ghost and am about replace them with new ones.
I decided to try and reconcile the charging system, but I can’t identify the battery combiner/isolator.
The batteries are connected to the domestic batteries (and thus the engine alternator and shore power battery charger) via a battery combiner/isolator of unknown make.
I’m struggling to find wiring diagram/installation instructions for it on the web. Web search has so far revealed nothing.
Pictures show the combiner insitu and also on the bench.
The LT connection is coming form the Starboard and Port command wires (via diodes) so I assume this disconnects the domestic batteries on operation of the bow thruster.
Can anyone help and identify it for me?


Eddie

 

[pvb]

It's a fairly common solenoid, often used on vehicle winch installations. From your photos, it does look as if the solenoid will disconnect the circuit when the thruster is operated.

 

[halcyon]

It's a fairly common solenoid, often used on vehicle winch installations. From your photos, it does look as if the solenoid will disconnect the circuit when the thruster is operated.

Looks like a single pole change-over relay, joining the lower or upper contacts, so if the lower terminals are normally closed, then it is breaking the feed.

Check what is normally closed, and what terminals are normally open.

Brian

 

[Pendana]

Ah thanks to you both. I think the penny's dropped. I thought at first it was one of those voltage sensitve combiners but guess the way it's wired it's a straight forward solenoid, normally closed and opens on activating the thruster.
I'll get the multimeter on it and test its function. Thanks again.

Eddie

 

[halcyon]

Ah thanks to you both. I think the penny's dropped. I thought at first it was one of those voltage sensitve combiners but guess the way it's wired it's a straight forward solenoid, normally closed and opens on activating the thruster.
I'll get the multimeter on it and test its function. Thanks again.

Eddie

There should be a splitter, but may be the bow battery is linked to service battery, relying on what ever charges it to charge the bow battery, isolating when thruster is used via the relay, or it could have a charge splitter from the engine battery / alternator, check to make sure you don't have voltage drop if diodes are used.


Brian

 

[Pendana]

I'm pretty sure there isn't a charge splitter, but will check that. Thanks again.

Eddie