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[GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200409] Sat, 02 March 2013 22:23 Go to next message
fitzmorrispr is currently offline  fitzmorrispr   United States
Messages: 137
Registered: February 2013
Location: Los Angeles
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Senior Member
So, my coach still has the original buzz box, which seems to charge
the batteries quite well, but... they die after about a week sitting,
even though all lights and appliances are off. I suppose the batteries
could have some internal fault, but i'm wondering if the buzz box is
known to sometimes act as a slow drain?
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The Greatfruit: 1973, 26', Canyon Lands or Painted Desert, in Pineapple Yellow
Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200411 is a reply to message #200409] Sat, 02 March 2013 22:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gbarrow2 is currently offline  gbarrow2   United States
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
Senior Member
Unless plugged in to shore power or your generator the buzz box is about as active as an anvil.
Don't see how it could cause the drain.
If you're sure there is no other drain- then the batteries are probably defective. Walmart, Orielly's or Auto Zone will check them for you- No Charge- pun intended.


Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200412 is a reply to message #200411] Sat, 02 March 2013 23:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
fitzmorrispr is currently offline  fitzmorrispr   United States
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Registered: February 2013
Location: Los Angeles
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okay, i'll have to do that.

By the way, isn't the engine's generator supposed to charge them
whenever you drive? because it doesn't seem to. (does it maybe refuse
to charge them if their voltages are too low as some kind of
safety/overload prevention feature?)

On Sat, Mar 2, 2013 at 8:38 PM, gene barrow <barrowgene@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Unless plugged in to shore power or your generator the buzz box is about as active as an anvil.
> Don't see how it could cause the drain.
> If you're sure there is no other drain- then the batteries are probably defective. Walmart, Orielly's or Auto Zone will check them for you- No Charge- pun intended.
> --
> Gene Barrow
> Lake Almanor, Ca.
> 1976 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
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The Greatfruit: 1973, 26', Canyon Lands or Painted Desert, in Pineapple Yellow
Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200414 is a reply to message #200412] Sat, 02 March 2013 23:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
Senior Member
No, the engine alternator should be charging the house batteries, and faster than your "buz box". I would put a voltmeter on the batteries when you think they are fully charged by the "buzz box". Should read 12.7 volts. Dont let them get below about 12.3 or 4 before charging them back up. If the engine is not charging them you have a problem with the isolator. Might just be a connection.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200415 is a reply to message #200409] Sat, 02 March 2013 23:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Craig Lechowicz is currently offline  Craig Lechowicz   United States
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
Karma: 0
Senior Member
If your coach has the original factory wiring, there is a blue metal box on the firewall inside the passenger side front access panel called an isolator that allows both the chassis (starting) and house batteries to charge when the engine is running. It then "isolates" them when the engine is not running, so the house power loads won't run the chassis battery down.

They can fail in a way that keeps either or both batteries from charging. More rarely they can also fail shorted, that will cause a battery to run down. A fair number of owners have replaced isolators which are diode based, with combiners, which are relay based. There are pro's and con's of each, with more opinions on which is better than there are GMC owners.


Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200416 is a reply to message #200409] Sat, 02 March 2013 23:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mickeysss is currently offline  mickeysss   United States
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
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Senior Member
disconet the battery cables if you let it set. positive or negative. Best positive.

My batteries never go down if i run the engine every week or two for a while.

That pissed me off when i was at a shop and they new it would be there more than a week and did not

disconnect the cables. Any mech. should know this. why drain the batteries when you do not have too.

I had to buy new batteries. I disconnect them right after running them and they stay way up there till i come back

and do it again. They last a long time this way. Keep them disconnected from the boost posts is what i do until i can

put in the west marine switches i have to put in. best regards:

mickey :-)

77 palm beach

anaheim ca.



On Mar 2, 2013, at 8:23 PM, Patrick Fitzmorris wrote:

> So, my coach still has the original buzz box, which seems to charge
> the batteries quite well, but... they die after about a week sitting,
> even though all lights and appliances are off. I suppose the batteries
> could have some internal fault, but i'm wondering if the buzz box is
> known to sometimes act as a slow drain?
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200417 is a reply to message #200409] Sun, 03 March 2013 00:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Cadillackeeper is currently offline  Cadillackeeper   United States
Messages: 464
Registered: October 2012
Location: Fort Lauderdale
Karma: 1
Senior Member
My engine battery is dead right now,I feel cause I had the fridge on.The wildest thing on mine is...I finally opened up the cover to see the house battery.Remember I got
the coach in October.Well the newest receipt I can find from the PO is from 1989!!!
There has not been in water/acid in it in decades.And 3/4's of the plastic case is actually totally gone.The plates are and have been exposed to atmosphere,also seems for decades.I am amazed that it holds any charge at all.

You should also check that battery cable across the frame rail in front of the radiator.
My clips were ripping the insulation and shorting everything.....


77 455 Elaganza II and 67 Animal, Built 500 Powered Eldo
Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200418 is a reply to message #200417] Sun, 03 March 2013 00:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mickeysss is currently offline  mickeysss   United States
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Registered: January 2012
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This is from some guy just got out of prison i think.

http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Burton_Grounding_GMC_Motorhome.pdf

He is one of the wise guys.

I have heard?

mickey

77 palm beach

anaheim ca.

He is from star trek with pointed ears.





On Mar 2, 2013, at 10:06 PM, anthony ezzo wrote:

>
>
> My engine battery is dead right now,I feel cause I had the fridge on.The wildest thing on mine is...I finally opened up the cover to see the house battery.Remember I got
> the coach in October.Well the newest receipt I can find from the PO is from 1989!!!
> There has not been in water/acid in it in decades.And 3/4's of the plastic case is actually totally gone.The plates are and have been exposed to atmosphere,also seems for decades.I am amazed that it holds any charge at all.
>
> You should also check that battery cable across the frame rail in front of the radiator.
> My clips were ripping the insulation and shorting everything.....
> --
> 77 455 Elaganza II and 67 Animal, Built 500 Powered Eldo
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200421 is a reply to message #200418] Sun, 03 March 2013 02:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
mickeysss wrote on Sun, 03 March 2013 00:15

This is from some guy just got out of prison I think.

http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Burton_Grounding_GMC_Motorhome.pdf

He is one of the wise guys.

I have heard?

mickey

77 palm beach

anaheim ca.

He is from star trek with pointed ears.





I pick on people all the time here so I guess I have to take it when someone gets on my case.

I was in Jail (the hospital) for 2 days. I broke out of there 4 weeks ago this coming Monday.

Ken Burton


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200422 is a reply to message #200409] Sun, 03 March 2013 03:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
Although it is possible for an internal failure in the buzz box to drain the batteries, it probably is not your problem.

I would be looking at places first. You did not state how many house batteries you have. If you are using 2 batteries in parallel, one bad battery will drain the one and both will end upp dead.

Have you looked at the batteries? Are they full of electrolyte?

Is the top of the batteries and terminals clean. It is possible for a battery to self discharge across the top if they are not clean.

So on top of all of the other previous suggestions check to battery water/acid and clean the top(s)

It is easy to check the operation of the isolator with a common multimeter. With the vehicle not running read the voltage at all three isolator terminals to ground. The center one should read zero. The top and bottom ones should read around 12.7 volts if both batteries are fully charged and the buzz box is turned off. Then start the vehicle and read the voltages again. The center terminal should read alternator voltage (around 14.7 volts) and the other two terminals should read around 14.0 volts. If you are not getting these readings, come back here and we will tell you what to look at next.

BTW, You probably have one or more bad batteries.

Ken B.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200430 is a reply to message #200422] Sun, 03 March 2013 06:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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Registered: August 2005
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Senior Member
here is how to look for some of what they are talking about
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6225/How_to_check-out1.pdf

gene




> It is easy to check the operation of the isolator with a common
> multimeter. With the vehicle not running read the voltage at all three
> isolator terminals to ground. The center one should read zero. The top
> and bottom ones should read around 12.7 volts if both batteries are fully
> charged and the buzz box is turned off. Then start the vehicle and read
> the voltages again. The center terminal should read alternator voltage
> (around 14.7 volts) and the other two terminals should read around 14.0
> volts. If you are not getting these readings, come back here and we will
> tell you what to look at next.
>
> BTW, You probably have one or more bad batteries.
>
> Ken B.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200447 is a reply to message #200430] Sun, 03 March 2013 09:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tphipps is currently offline  tphipps   United States
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Buzz box should not drain battery if not receiving A/C to convert. Sounds like one or two weak or dead batteries. I highly recommend replacing the buzz box with a modern power converter. Iota and progressive dynamics are very good brands. Xantex is excellent but pricy. Check their web sites for "reconditioned bargins." A 45 amp convertor is ample for our intended usage. Keep your old buzz box to use as a bench power supply, the 12 v output is useful.
I purchase my batteries at Wal-Mart, not for their prices, but for their warranties. Just replaced one last without a hassle, 10 months old and would not hold a charge. Plus, the advantage of 4,000 stores helps. Warranties are not much good, if you have to return to the original place of purchase.
Tom, MS II


2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG
Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200454 is a reply to message #200447] Sun, 03 March 2013 10:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gbarrow2 is currently offline  gbarrow2   United States
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
Senior Member
What Tom said!!

That's why I buy batteries at Wal Mart and tires at Discount Tire.
They're like ants and cock roaches. You can find them anywhere when you have a warranty issue.


Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200459 is a reply to message #200409] Sun, 03 March 2013 10:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
Senior Member
In a perfect world the buzzzz box will never fully charge the house battery and then go onto a smart mode, it is a basic unit . It will ruin the house battery if left on AC for weeks. Do the tests per Ken then if the house batt charges, get a cheap 12v test light. Turn everything off in the coach, disconnect the NEG at the house batt. Put the test light between the disconnected cable and batt NEG. If it lights or glows there is a drain.. If you leave the cable off and the house battery still self drains it needs replacement. Otherwise pull fuses in the house box till no test light. Last if all fuses out and it still lights would be to disconnect the buzzzzz feed at the panel to see if your initial (rare) theory is right as to defective box. Wear safety glasses around batteries. When they explode from internal or external shorts or intermitants it's not pretty. Be sure your boost switch is not stuck on as well.

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200463 is a reply to message #200416] Sun, 03 March 2013 10:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
k2gkk is currently offline  k2gkk   United States
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
Senior Member

Here's a neat disconnect for batteries.

I have a "bolt" terminal (RV style) battery for my 30'
travel trailer and what was killing that battery was
the LPG leak detector.

You can order direct and pay by credit card.

www.gamainc.com

Go to "Online Store" then select "Automotive Accessories."

BS100 is named for "side post" use and works fine with the
RV type batteries as well as GM style side-post batteries.

BS200 is for "top post' battery use.

Pick whichever is appropriate for your usage.

Either version has a bolt with a large knob on it that bridges
between the battery and the power cable.

To disconnect, simply unscrew the bolt and store in a safe place.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
*[ ]~~~[][ ][|\
*--OO--[]---O-*





> From: mickeysss@me.com
> Date: Sat, 2 Mar 2013 21:58:47 -0800
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery?
>
> disconet the battery cables if you let it set. positive or negative. Best positive.
>
> My batteries never go down if i run the engine every week or two for a while.
>
> That pissed me off when i was at a shop and they new it would be there more than a week and did not
>
> disconnect the cables. Any mech. should know this. why drain the batteries when you do not have too.
>
> I had to buy new batteries. I disconnect them right after running them and they stay way up there till i come back
>
> and do it again. They last a long time this way. Keep them disconnected from the boost posts is what i do until i can
>
> put in the west marine switches i have to put in. best regards:
>
> mickey :-)
>
> 77 palm beach
>
> anaheim ca.
>
>
>
> On Mar 2, 2013, at 8:23 PM, Patrick Fitzmorris wrote:
>
> > So, my coach still has the original buzz box, which seems to charge
> > the batteries quite well, but... they die after about a week sitting,
> > even though all lights and appliances are off. I suppose the batteries
> > could have some internal fault, but i'm wondering if the buzz box is
> > known to sometimes act as a slow drain?
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200467 is a reply to message #200463] Sun, 03 March 2013 11:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
just do not crank through it,

it does not have 300 amp capacity

and if you keep the coach plugged in with a combiner on the isolator,
the batteries are always good


gene





On Sun, Mar 3, 2013 at 8:47 AM, D C _Mac_ Macdonald <k2gkk@hotmail.com>wrote:

>
> Here's a neat disconnect for batteries.
>
> I have a "bolt" terminal (RV style) battery for my 30'
> travel trailer and what was killing that battery was
> the LPG leak detector.
>
> You can order direct and pay by credit card.
>
> www.gamainc.com
>
> Go to "Online Store" then select "Automotive Accessories."
>
> BS100 is named for "side post" use and works fine with the
> RV type batteries as well as GM style side-post batteries.
>
> BS200 is for "top post' battery use.
>
> Pick whichever is appropriate for your usage.
>
> Either version has a bolt with a large knob on it that bridges
> between the battery and the power cable.
>
> To disconnect, simply unscrew the bolt and store in a safe place.
>
> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> ~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
> ~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
> ~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
> ~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
> ~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
> ~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
> ~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
> ~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> ______________
> *[ ]~~~[][ ][|\
> *--OO--[]---O-*
>
>
>
>
>
> > From: mickeysss@me.com
> > Date: Sat, 2 Mar 2013 21:58:47 -0800
> > To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> > Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery?
> >
> > disconet the battery cables if you let it set. positive or negative.
> Best positive.
> >
> > My batteries never go down if i run the engine every week or two for a
> while.
> >
> > That pissed me off when i was at a shop and they new it would be there
> more than a week and did not
> >
> > disconnect the cables. Any mech. should know this. why drain the
> batteries when you do not have too.
> >
> > I had to buy new batteries. I disconnect them right after running them
> and they stay way up there till i come back
> >
> > and do it again. They last a long time this way. Keep them disconnected
> from the boost posts is what i do until i can
> >
> > put in the west marine switches i have to put in. best regards:
> >
> > mickey :-)
> >
> > 77 palm beach
> >
> > anaheim ca.
> >
> >
> >
> > On Mar 2, 2013, at 8:23 PM, Patrick Fitzmorris wrote:
> >
> > > So, my coach still has the original buzz box, which seems to charge
> > > the batteries quite well, but... they die after about a week sitting,
> > > even though all lights and appliances are off. I suppose the batteries
> > > could have some internal fault, but i'm wondering if the buzz box is
> > > known to sometimes act as a slow drain?
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200470 is a reply to message #200467] Sun, 03 March 2013 11:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
k2gkk is currently offline  k2gkk   United States
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
Senior Member

If the modification to the starter circuit
that has been described here that runs the
starting battery hot side directly to the
starter solenoid, there will be negligible
current to pass through the disconnect.

That's a good idea in any event!

* * * * * * * * * * *
* 73 - Mac, K2GKK/5 *
* (Since 30 Nov 53) *
* k2gkk@hotmail.com *
* Oklahoma City, OK *
* USAF & FAA (Ret.) *
* * * * * * * * * * *



> Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2013 09:02:41 -0800
> From: mr.erfisher@gmail.com
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery?
>
> just do not crank through it,
>
> it does not have 300 amp capacity
>
> and if you keep the coach plugged in with a combiner on the isolator,
> the batteries are always good
>
>
> gene
>
>
>
> On Sun, Mar 3, 2013 at 8:47 AM, D C _Mac_ Macdonald <k2gkk@hotmail.com>wrote:
>
> > Here's a neat disconnect for batteries.
> >
> > I have a "bolt" terminal (RV style) battery for my 30'
> > travel trailer and what was killing that battery was
> > the LPG leak detector.
> >
> > You can order direct and pay by credit card.
> >
> > www.gamainc.com
> >
> > Go to "Online Store" then select "Automotive Accessories."
> >
> > BS100 is named for "side post" use and works fine with the
> > RV type batteries as well as GM style side-post batteries.
> >
> > BS200 is for "top post' battery use.
> >
> > Pick whichever is appropriate for your usage.
> >
> > Either version has a bolt with a large knob on it that bridges
> > between the battery and the power cable.
> >
> > To disconnect, simply unscrew the bolt and store in a safe place.
> >
> > ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> > ~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
> > ~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
> > ~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
> > ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200504 is a reply to message #200463] Sun, 03 March 2013 16:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mickeysss is currently offline  mickeysss   United States
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
Senior Member

wow mac this is great, i am going after this and take my west marine back. THis is a better mouse trap.

for mickey.

77 palm beach

anaheim ca.

thanks again best regards.


On Mar 3, 2013, at 8:47 AM, D C _Mac_ Macdonald wrote:

>
> Here's a neat disconnect for batteries.
>
> I have a "bolt" terminal (RV style) battery for my 30'
> travel trailer and what was killing that battery was
> the LPG leak detector.
>
> You can order direct and pay by credit card.
>
> www.gamainc.com
>
> Go to "Online Store" then select "Automotive Accessories."
>
> BS100 is named for "side post" use and works fine with the
> RV type batteries as well as GM style side-post batteries.
>
> BS200 is for "top post' battery use.
>
> Pick whichever is appropriate for your usage.
>
> Either version has a bolt with a large knob on it that bridges
> between the battery and the power cable.
>
> To disconnect, simply unscrew the bolt and store in a safe place.
>
> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> ~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
> ~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
> ~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
> ~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
> ~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
> ~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
> ~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
> ~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> ______________
> *[ ]~~~[][ ][|\
> *--OO--[]---O-*
>
>
>
>
>
>> From: mickeysss@me.com
>> Date: Sat, 2 Mar 2013 21:58:47 -0800
>> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
>> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery?
>>
>> disconet the battery cables if you let it set. positive or negative. Best positive.
>>
>> My batteries never go down if i run the engine every week or two for a while.
>>
>> That pissed me off when i was at a shop and they new it would be there more than a week and did not
>>
>> disconnect the cables. Any mech. should know this. why drain the batteries when you do not have too.
>>
>> I had to buy new batteries. I disconnect them right after running them and they stay way up there till i come back
>>
>> and do it again. They last a long time this way. Keep them disconnected from the boost posts is what i do until i can
>>
>> put in the west marine switches i have to put in. best regards:
>>
>> mickey :-)
>>
>> 77 palm beach
>>
>> anaheim ca.
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mar 2, 2013, at 8:23 PM, Patrick Fitzmorris wrote:
>>
>>> So, my coach still has the original buzz box, which seems to charge
>>> the batteries quite well, but... they die after about a week sitting,
>>> even though all lights and appliances are off. I suppose the batteries
>>> could have some internal fault, but i'm wondering if the buzz box is
>>> known to sometimes act as a slow drain?
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>
>> _______________________________________________
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Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200505 is a reply to message #200470] Sun, 03 March 2013 16:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mickeysss is currently offline  mickeysss   United States
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I get it, the positive is not touched and the disconnect for 200 amps is on the negative side only so it should with the new switch twist.

www.gamainc.com under auto Accessories post switch. see video, great video of switch.

have the juice on starting. Is this right. I cannot keep mine plugged in to 110v at all now.

i just ordered it. one for boat, and 4 for rv or so. 39$ great price for 5.

mickey :-)
77 palm beach
anaheim ca.





On Mar 3, 2013, at 9:52 AM, D C _Mac_ Macdonald wrote:

>
> If the modification to the starter circuit
> that has been described here that runs the
> starting battery hot side directly to the
> starter solenoid, there will be negligible
> current to pass through the disconnect.
>
> That's a good idea in any event!
>
> * * * * * * * * * * *
> * 73 - Mac, K2GKK/5 *
> * (Since 30 Nov 53) *
> * k2gkk@hotmail.com *
> * Oklahoma City, OK *
> * USAF & FAA (Ret.) *
> * * * * * * * * * * *
>
>
>
>> Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2013 09:02:41 -0800
>> From: mr.erfisher@gmail.com
>> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
>> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery?
>>
>> just do not crank through it,
>>
>> it does not have 300 amp capacity
>>
>> and if you keep the coach plugged in with a combiner on the isolator,
>> the batteries are always good
>>
>>
>> gene
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Mar 3, 2013 at 8:47 AM, D C _Mac_ Macdonald <k2gkk@hotmail.com>wrote:
>>
>>> Here's a neat disconnect for batteries.
>>>
>>> I have a "bolt" terminal (RV style) battery for my 30'
>>> travel trailer and what was killing that battery was
>>> the LPG leak detector.
>>>
>>> You can order direct and pay by credit card.
>>>
>>> www.gamainc.com
>>>
>>> Go to "Online Store" then select "Automotive Accessories."
>>>
>>> BS100 is named for "side post" use and works fine with the
>>> RV type batteries as well as GM style side-post batteries.
>>>
>>> BS200 is for "top post' battery use.
>>>
>>> Pick whichever is appropriate for your usage.
>>>
>>> Either version has a bolt with a large knob on it that bridges
>>> between the battery and the power cable.
>>>
>>> To disconnect, simply unscrew the bolt and store in a safe place.
>>>
>>> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
>>> ~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
>>> ~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
>>> ~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
>>> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Buzz Box Drains Battery? [message #200507 is a reply to message #200467] Sun, 03 March 2013 17:35 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
G'day,

Gene is correct (so what else is new?)!

Here's what JimB installed for me down at the Coop:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showfull.php?photo=39553

Left is for start battery, middle is for front house battery, right is across the boost solenoid. Hmmm, I just realized I need one
more down the back for the two house batteries there!

They are available from West Marine for $29.99.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=11151&partNumber=7808835

And Amazon for $24.99:

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-m-Series-Battery/dp/B00445KFZ2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1362353402&sr=8-3&keywords=blue+sea+swi
tch

They are rated for:

Mini battery switches for outboard and small inboard systems are just 2-7/8" square but rated 300A continuous/500A
intermittent/1500A cranking at up to 48V.

Regards,
Rob M.

-----Original Message-----
From: gene Fisher

just do not crank through it,

it does not have 300 amp capacity

and if you keep the coach plugged in with a combiner on the isolator,
the batteries are always good

gene


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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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