| Re: [GMCnet] combiner question [message #167748] |
Fri, 27 April 2012 10:09  |
Gary Casey
Messages: 448
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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I suppose I'm being simplistic, and I know I'm being cheap, but I was also worried about having the alternator output and voltage sense taps being on opposite sides of a diode. So I just threw away the diode and hard-wired the engine side together. I use the standard interconnect contactor to join the engine and coach batteries together, switched from the dash. I have a voltmeter that I can switch from the engine battery to the coach battery and I have a warning light to tell me the interconnect is on. I just turn on the interconnect after starting to charge the coach. Simple and foolproof - well, proof from all the fools except me.
Gary
Previously from Ken:
...
The point I'm trying to emphasize is that the existence of a good
alternator-to-chassis diode now has nothing to do with an hour from now --
it can fail even with the combiner in place, with no voltage applied, and
without any immediate indication until serious battery or other electrical
equipment damage has occurred.
Ken H.
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| Re: [GMCnet] combiner question [message #167757 is a reply to message #167748] |
Fri, 27 April 2012 11:22  |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| Gary Casey wrote on Fri, 27 April 2012 11:09 |
I suppose I'm being simplistic, and I know I'm being cheap, but I was also worried about having the alternator output and voltage sense taps being on opposite sides of a diode. So I just threw away the diode and hard-wired the engine side together. I use the standard interconnect contactor to join the engine and coach batteries together, switched from the dash. I have a voltmeter that I can switch from the engine battery to the coach battery and I have a warning light to tell me the interconnect is on. I just turn on the interconnect after starting to charge the coach. Simple and foolproof - well, proof from all the fools except me.
Gary
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Gary,
What you have is the same as was standard in the coaches before 75MY. I often use the boost switch to charge the engine battery from the house converter. I do this a lot when running the suspension pump.
That is just one of the things on my startup check.
I have lots of manual systems that could also be automatic. I have been an operating engineer nearly all my life, and I have no problem with this. This cause a small problem for any other operator, like my children or friends.
Just once someone will leave that switch in the wrong position.
Did anybody else ever feel the bike stumble and reach down to the fuel valve only to fine that it was still set to reserve?
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] combiner question [message #167764 is a reply to message #167748] |
Fri, 27 April 2012 12:31 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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""I suppose I'm being simplistic, and I know I'm being cheap, but I was also worried about having the alternator output and voltage sense taps being on opposite sides of a diode. So I just threw away the diode and hard-wired the engine side together. I use the standard interconnect contactor to join the engine and coach batteries together, switched from the dash. I have a voltmeter that I can switch from the engine battery to the coach battery and I have a warning light to tell me the interconnect is on. I just turn on the interconnect after starting to charge the coach. Simple and foolproof - well, proof from all the fools except me.
""
Gary, I do something similar to that. I pulled out my isolator and use a solenoid that is actuated by the run side of the ignition switch so that both circuits are connected when running and not connected when off. If anyone does this, you need to find the terminal that is not hot while cranking.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] combiner question [message #168002 is a reply to message #167757] |
Sun, 29 April 2012 20:16 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Matt Colie wrote on Fri, 27 April 2012 09:22 |
...
Just once someone will leave that switch in the wrong position.
Did anybody else ever feel the bike stumble and reach down to the fuel valve only to fine that it was still set to reserve?
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Yep,
Happened while I was out running a cop. 
Did I mention that I wasn't very smart in those days?
(Still managed not to get caught!)
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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