isolator

Topic: isolator (Read 1259 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: isolator

Reply #25 – April 22, 2023, 10:40:07 am

Check the number of pins on the relay before you order new ones. Just pull the wiring connector off and count the pins. "Bosch style" relays come in 4-pin and 5-pin versions.

The link I provided above for the relays is the 5-pin version, and they are not genuine Bosch brand. However, they have worked fine on our coach for many years.

I bought the 10 pack because I also use those type relays in other projects.

Re: isolator

Reply #26 – May 28, 2023, 07:01:17 pm

So I guess the question is have you done any of this or just ready to remove the alternator?
New isolator?
Cleaned and verified starter cables?
Replaced circuit breakers?
Replaced wire ring lugs on CB?
Verified voltage on sense wire?
Ohmed out all your cables and grounds?
This would be the foundation to a good repair before removing alternator for repair for me

Re: isolator

Reply #27 – August 07, 2023, 05:51:11 pm

Alternator has been tested good, I'm about to replace my isolator with a Victron Argofet along with cleaning connections and replacing the solenoids, breakers and relays. While at FOT IN '21 @ the GV reunion, they replaced my alternator and also installed a BEP DVSR to my isolator, do I need to attach that to the new Victron isolator? Thanks again for all the great help here!

Re: isolator

Reply #28 – August 07, 2023, 09:39:43 pm

I am not sure how that is supposed to work, but from what I see, doesn't that take the place of the isolator. If it charges the battery through a relay I would think that it would be keeping the batteries isolated. Like I said, not familiar with that system.

Re: isolator

Reply #29 – August 07, 2023, 09:43:44 pm

Ron,
That's what I was thinking, I thought it would be redundant to have it. They might have installed it because I was having charging issues.

Re: isolator

Reply #30 – August 07, 2023, 09:47:21 pm

NO, it takes the place of the old-style diode-based isolator.

Re: isolator

Reply #31 – August 07, 2023, 09:52:11 pm

So with that, he shouldn't need an isolator. Maybe that is what has been causing the no charging issue.

Re: isolator

Reply #32 – August 07, 2023, 09:53:19 pm

Wire the Victron Argofet properly and remove the old-generation battery isolator.

Re: isolator

Reply #33 – August 08, 2023, 11:00:36 am

Mike said "they replaced my alternator and also installed a BEP DVSR to my isolator".

Not being familiar with a BEP DSVR, would it be tossed along with the old isolator?

Re: isolator

Reply #34 – August 08, 2023, 11:24:36 am

Quote from: Phranko – August 08, 2023, 11:00:36 am

Not being familiar with a BEP DSVR...

Digital Voltage Sensing Relay (DVSR) 12/24V

IMO, either use the ArgoFET isolator, OR, use the BEP DVSR. One or the other - not both.

Re: isolator

Reply #35 – August 08, 2023, 11:27:43 am

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – August 08, 2023, 11:24:36 am

Digital Voltage Sensing Relay (DVSR) 12/24V

Thanks Chuck!
Does it go "BEP"?

JUST KIDDING

Re: isolator

Reply #36 – August 08, 2023, 11:31:06 am

Quote from: Phranko – August 08, 2023, 11:27:43 am

Does it go "BEP"?

Only if you pay for the optional "ANNUNCIATOR" feature.

Re: isolator

Reply #37 – August 08, 2023, 12:11:59 pm

If you go with the Victron Argofet isolator, you may need to turn the voltage output down in the alternator. At the alternator mine is 15.1 one the out put side of the diode isolator it's 14.3-14.4 volts

Re: isolator

Reply #38 – August 08, 2023, 12:16:56 pm

Quote from: bbeane – August 08, 2023, 12:11:59 pm

If you go with the Victron Argofet isolator, you may need to turn the voltage output down in the alternator. At the alternator mine is 15.1 one the out put side of the diode isolator it's 14.3-14.4 volts

I am surprised that the sense wire doesn't take care of the automatically, since its job it to provide the correct voltage at the chassis battery bank.

Said another way, if the system does not experience the .7 VDC drop across a diode-based isolator, it should merely communicate the 14.3 VDC to the alternator.

Re: isolator

Reply #39 – August 08, 2023, 12:26:44 pm

It may, that's the way it's SUPPOSED to work.

Re: isolator

Reply #40 – August 08, 2023, 12:46:15 pm

Quote from: bbeane – August 08, 2023, 12:26:44 pm

It may, that's the way it's SUPPOSED to work.

Yes, if it doesn't, a good idea to verify that the sense wire connections are clean and tight. A little resistance can cause the alternator end of the sense wire to read lower than actual and lead to high voltage output.

Re: isolator

Reply #41 – September 21, 2023, 12:15:30 am

just wanted to follow up with the replacement of isolator and alternator issues. Long story short, replaced isolator with the Victron Argofet, replaced old boost and starter solenoids, replaced old, worn resettable breakers and relay. Finally found the problem wire for the alternator- ignition sense wire was hooked to the wrong wire, once that was identified, everything is working. I deeply appreciate all who gave me advice and help. It was a great feeling to get my batteries charging again. Special shoutout to Red Tractor who took many frustrated phone calls from me.

Re: isolator

Reply #42 – September 21, 2023, 08:11:37 am

Quote from: mikerox – September 21, 2023, 12:15:30 am

Finally found the problem wire for the alternator- ignition sense wire was hooked to the wrong wire, once that was identified, everything is working.

FYI the SENSE terminal is connected directly to the chassis battery side of the battery isolator.

The IGN terminal is connected to some "only hot when ignition on" source.

They provide two very different but necessary functions.

Re: isolator

Reply #43 – September 21, 2023, 04:08:13 pm

Quote from: mikerox – August 07, 2023, 05:51:11 pm

While at FOT IN '21 @ the GV reunion, they replaced my alternator and also installed a BEP DVSR to my isolator, do I need to attach that to the new Victron isolator?

I seem to remember reading that FOT installs a BEP DVSR to function as a Trik-L-Start to charge the chassis battery while on shore power.

Re: isolator

Reply #44 – September 21, 2023, 04:16:56 pm

Quote from: prfleming – September 21, 2023, 04:08:13 pm

I seem to remember reading that FOT installs a BEP DVSR to function as a Trik-L-Start to charge the chassis battery while on shore power.

The BEP DVSR, like the Xantrex Echo Charger is one of the "smart thief" type devices to charge the chassis battery from the house battery bank when the house bank is being charged (voltage of 13.2 VDC or higher).

It is a reasonable alternative to a stand alone low amp smart charger.

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