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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: cdm on March 31, 2018, 12:50:53 pm

Title: Charging all batteries- AMP-L-START vs Digital Voltage relay-2 pics
Post by: cdm on March 31, 2018, 12:50:53 pm
I am still learning my way around this coach. I ordered an AMP-L-START to connect to Isolator without first lifting engine cover. Once I had engine access open, I found a Digital Voltage Sensor relay already installed. See 2 attached pictures.
My question's are:
1- should I leave this installation as is? Red light is on indicating charging
2- should I remove relay and install AMP-L-START?
3- should I leave the relay and connect the AMP-L-START?

All advice is greatly apreciated
Title: Re: Charging all batteries- AMP-L-START vs Digital Voltage relay-2 pics
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on March 31, 2018, 12:56:19 pm
Seems like either would accomplish the same function.  Stick with what is already installed?  Wiser (than me) members will comment, I'm sure.

Digital Voltage Sensing Relay (DVSR) 12/24V | BEP (http://www.bepmarine.com/en/710-140a)

Amazon.com: BEP Digital Voltage Sensing Relay (DVSR) 12/24V: BEP Marine:... (https://www.amazon.com/BEP-Digital-Voltage-Sensing-Relay/dp/B0108LNWT6)
Title: Re: Charging all batteries- AMP-L-START vs Digital Voltage relay-2 pics
Post by: Tim Fiedler on March 31, 2018, 01:36:13 pm
I see no issue with redundancy on the charging system for the chassis batteries

since my VIctron can only charge one bank (in my case house) and I don't want a failed diode based charger to kill my chassis battery I have redundant trickle starts (and of course my battery minder 1500 is active when on generator or shore power

belt, suspenders and another belt. I know - overkill, but I had the battery minder 1500 and wanted a diode based device for when not connected. Since some have had reliability issues with trick l start and there are relatively cheap - I opted for dual trim l starts.

Someone like Wyatt might have other ideas, but the guys at AM Solar sold me the trim l starts and they were on board with the idea, so I assume it will "do no harm"

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start (http://www.gen-pro.biz) - home of SureStart soft starters TCER Direct (http://www.tcerdirect.com) - home of Generac Approved Aluminum and Copper TCER Composite cable generator-gas-prod (http://www.generatorgasproducts.com) - home of X-Riser Gas Risers for PE installation Call me at 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro
Title: Re: Charging all batteries- AMP-L-START vs Digital Voltage relay-2 pics
Post by: Caflashbob on March 31, 2018, 07:32:44 pm
Looks like the BEP device is an early auto connect.  140 amp capacity would put it near lmit from alternator and /or charger output.  Consumes some power to engage second battery charging it seems
Title: Re: Charging all batteries- AMP-L-START vs Digital Voltage relay-2 pics
Post by: Green99 on April 10, 2018, 02:37:11 pm
My coach stays plugged in.  With that said I have used the voltage sensing relay for several years with good success.  More may be better, but I chose the rally path.
Title: Re: Charging all batteries- AMP-L-START vs Digital Voltage relay-2 pics
Post by: Green99 on April 10, 2018, 02:38:12 pm
Relay path.