jasavo
New Member
The positive leads from the domestic and engine switches are seen port and starboard and the output at the bottom. What is this item?
Thanks
Thanks
What is this electrical item?
- Thread starter jasavo
- Start date
CSFenwick
Well-Known Member
Looks like a split charging diode.
Plomong
Well-Known Member
Could it be a Multi Battery Isolator, also called diode splitter??
Input from alternator or charger on bottom, port and starboard out to batteries.
Looks just like the one I have in my hand right now!!!
Input from alternator or charger on bottom, port and starboard out to batteries.
Looks just like the one I have in my hand right now!!!
ningcompoop
Well-Known Member
Is this an alternative to 'Where is this?' /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
starboard
Well-Known Member
Would say a Split charge diode a bit like this
http://www.yachtbits.fsnet.co.uk/chargers/splitter-diodes.htm
http://www.yachtbits.fsnet.co.uk/chargers/splitter-diodes.htm
john_morris_uk
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Looks like a split charging diode.
[/ QUOTE ]I agree Definitely split charge diodes - You can also tell from the wiring - assuming that's a 1-2-off-both switch...
Looks like a split charging diode.
[/ QUOTE ]I agree Definitely split charge diodes - You can also tell from the wiring - assuming that's a 1-2-off-both switch...
William_H
Well-Known Member
Having identified this item as a pair of diodes designed to permit charging to 2 batteries while retaining isolation for discharge you will want to confirm that the charging system is able to cope with the usual .7 volt drop across each diode.
You will need a digital multimeter set to 20 volt range.
Test the voltage of each battery across the terminals. (some electronic gear actually has a voltage readout built in which can be used. Start the engine and observe the voltage at each battery after it has been running for some time. If they come near 14 volts under charge then that is good. If the volltage never exceeds much more than 13 volts then the system is not fully charging your batteries because the diodes lose .7 volt or there abouts in conducting charge to the bateries. do this test with the battery switch in position 1 then pos 2 then both. Let the batteries settle for a time before checkingh voltage after each change.
The fix can be to rewire if possible the alternator regulator so it senses the battery voltage (not the out put of the alternator) this is usually done with a smart charger regulator.
Or you can replace the diode block with split charge relay which doesn't have a voltage drop. Or you may find that your 1,2,both switch in the both position will bypass the diodes and provide full charge.
I suspect you may be confused if you didn't know what the device is . yes it is a bit complicated but juust keep asking questions cos it is worth understanding your battery charging to get it right. good luck olewill
You will need a digital multimeter set to 20 volt range.
Test the voltage of each battery across the terminals. (some electronic gear actually has a voltage readout built in which can be used. Start the engine and observe the voltage at each battery after it has been running for some time. If they come near 14 volts under charge then that is good. If the volltage never exceeds much more than 13 volts then the system is not fully charging your batteries because the diodes lose .7 volt or there abouts in conducting charge to the bateries. do this test with the battery switch in position 1 then pos 2 then both. Let the batteries settle for a time before checkingh voltage after each change.
The fix can be to rewire if possible the alternator regulator so it senses the battery voltage (not the out put of the alternator) this is usually done with a smart charger regulator.
Or you can replace the diode block with split charge relay which doesn't have a voltage drop. Or you may find that your 1,2,both switch in the both position will bypass the diodes and provide full charge.
I suspect you may be confused if you didn't know what the device is . yes it is a bit complicated but juust keep asking questions cos it is worth understanding your battery charging to get it right. good luck olewill
VicS
Well-Known Member
Will,
It is difficult to know which battery to connect the alternator sensing to when there are two supplied via split charge diode system but it probably most advantageous to connect it to the one likely to be the most discharged.
However looking closely at the photo there appears to be fourth and smaller terminal that is not in use. That could be the connection for the alternator sensing coming from the output via another diode that will then compensate for the volts drop you mention.
It is difficult to know which battery to connect the alternator sensing to when there are two supplied via split charge diode system but it probably most advantageous to connect it to the one likely to be the most discharged.
However looking closely at the photo there appears to be fourth and smaller terminal that is not in use. That could be the connection for the alternator sensing coming from the output via another diode that will then compensate for the volts drop you mention.
William_H
Well-Known Member
High Vic yes you are probably right. What I was trying to say was try with a voltmeter to confirm or ensure batteries are getting full volts.
The whole area is complicated by different ideas and products. in various arrangements. I don't think I could try to tell him what to do. just suggest he start researching. olewill
The whole area is complicated by different ideas and products. in various arrangements. I don't think I could try to tell him what to do. just suggest he start researching. olewill
sheeplove
Active Member
It's a guntmuzzle monsieur. Mostly useless unless it's left handed. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
