Fitting Extra Batteries

[Jomo]

Hello Forum,

I only have 1 battery to do both domestic & engine start. I would like to connect another battery to make 2 for domestic, and a dedicated engine start battery, all manged in the easiest way for a complete electrical novice like me to set up.
Where can I buy a book that gives instruction in a simple step by step manner - ie screw this wire to this stud, with all the piccies, or if I was to buy a set up from say Merlin, would it come with an idiots guide.
I've read all about R=V/I, but I want the practical bit.
Or does anyone know of a course in boat electrics?

TIA

 

[Talbot]

Nigel Calder's book: Boatowner's Mechanical and Electical Manual seems to cover most of it.

IIRC Reading university used to do a good part time course (believe it is now called Thames Valley University)

 

[Jomo]

Thanks Talbot, I'll try Thames, tho I hope they do correspondence, as I'm alittle far away for night school!
I've read Nigel calders book, which I find very good, but - and perhaps it's just Sunday evening stupidity - I want veryy simple.you know .... connect this cable to the negative on the engine battery and the other end to this (insert piccy) connection on the 3 way switch. When I say idiots guide, I'm refering to myself /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[colvic987]

Do a search for 12 volt handbook on this site,

you should find what you need in basic form....

 

[KREW2]

Try this link, hope it helps. http://www.insightmarinesurveyors.co.uk/batteries.htm

 

[albineer]

It was Reading Tech not Reading Uni but as you say it's now TVU www.tvu.ac.uk. The courses are run at the weekend (2 days). Tony Brookes who runs them has a web site with notes at http://www.tb-training.co.uk/ He also trains at yacht clubs and elsewhere but I don't know any details of those. I'm enrolled for the November course at TVU and will report back.

 

[PIGLETSDREAM]

Send me an email to rs@swireassociates.co.uk, I have the 12volt handbook as a pdf, can't work out how to attach to a reply here.

Regards

Richard

 

[PeterGibbs]

With a larger battery bank you'll want to think about how to keep it frisky. Fitting a mains charger for use when alongside, and during the winter layup, is an easy job and well worth the effort.

Final comment, when you buy your batteries, don't overinvest. Gel and fancy formats are not worth it. Just don't run them down and expect them to be as good as new when re-charged 'cos they won't take it. Have some meter in the system to tell you how the voltage stands.

Shop around for a good deal - higher price does not mean better batteries, just higher margin for the distributor! I got my 130 amp service batteries when on cruise in Holland - way below UK prices! Yummy - savings for other projects...

PWG

 

[Jomo]

Thanks to all for your advice, I've followed up all pointers so far. Will obviously be interested to hear how the TVU course goes

Thanks again

Ian