Baloo

Thanks, I'll return it then, I think with the travel power as well as the other two alts I have plenty of power available, when the engine is running. The issue is splitting the solar charge. I shall try one of these. http://www.midlandchandlers.co.uk/Catalogue/ProductList/relay?catalogueLevelItemID=95666104-74fe-473f-98fb-00a2cb68d355

Thanks Bottle. I know a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. I suppose my thinking has been along the lines of 4 batts to use, and 2 to abuse! Maybe I haven't given you enough background on my charging routine though. For example in the winter, every 2nd morning Mrs Baloo puts the engine on for 15min to use hair dryer. Then knocks it off again so she can walk the dog ! Hardly ideal but up until now use of hair dryers without engine running has been prohibited, as has leaving a running engine unattended.I know a little genny is an obvious solution to that instance but I really don't to have one to store, or petrol on the boat.

This doesn't make sense to me, or are you talking about my engine start battery....Just by fitting the diode to the 40amp alternator so that that alt is shared between the engine start and domestic bank(s)? I'll still have the 150 amp alt connected directly to whichever (or both) of the domestic banks is selected by the switch.

Chuffed with the speedy responses fellas. To clarify I have one start batt and 40amp alt which I am leaving as is. The domestic bank of six I am splitting into two banks is currently charged by 150 amp alt + travel power through victron combi. ..... Why? We'll I'd like to give it a try. I can always revert back just by selecting 'both' if it proves detrimental. I think that having a more versatile system of wiring for batteries has advantages which I'd like to experiment with. I like the idea of taking two batts out of service and 'giving them a break in the sun' as it were, perhaps using each bank on alternate days, probably more likely to achieve somewhere near a 100% SOC that way. Alternatively I like the idea of keeping four in good nick for general use, (fridge freezer, lights, TV Etc), and switching over to the other two (expendables) for less frequent but more demanding usage, ie microwave, Washing machine (with engine running and travel power I think that there is still quite a draw from the batts when the immersion heater kicks in.) Replacing only four rather than six when time comes certainly sounds good, then maybe the best two might find their way over onto the pair. Maybe in future I can try having two traction batts and four wet lead acid. Anyway a relay rather than a diode you say? I haven't heard of them before, I shall have a look into those, can anyone recommend one? I didn't see them in midland chandlers today, not to say they weren't there. It's an hours drive each way to Braunston so I might fit my new diode to the engine start alternator and save the diesel money rather than return it for £35.

Hi All. I am about to split my battery bank of six 110ah batts into a bank of two and four. I'm going to be using a '1, 2, Both' selector switch and intend to select 'both' only whist running engine. I have 240w of solar on the roof of the boat being controlled by a 20A Juta mppt. I have a further 160w and wind gennie being controlled by a marlec controller. I was planning to take the feed from the Juta and Marlec controllers to a split charge diode and then on to the two separate banks. I have just bought a sterling 70 amp split charge diode, but reading the instructions and wiring diagram that came with it I think I have realised that if I connect it up as I was planning then the controllers will 'think' that they are not connected to any batteries. Do I need a different piece of kit, or is what I'm attempting not possible? Any help gratefully received.

Finesse tape, try "the_running_duck" on eBay

Thanks for the posts, I have replaced with iskra 150 amp from beta marine. Job done hooray! ! Much less charging times again! Is the old one of any value for anyone? Recondition as a spare or is it worthless?

I have a quote from beta for a replacement, around £250 + Vat, or can you recommend an alternative?

3 alternators in total, 1 for start battery The suspect 150amp domestic and then the travel power. I dont think its bad connection, I have the same voltage at the alt as on the domestic bank, 14.2V whilst travel power and combo are doing their thing and 13.2 V immediately after switching off charger

Hi all, I think I have a problem with my domestic alternator, we have a beta 43 with travel power. domestic alternator is 150 amp. Our charge warning light is permanently lit whilst the engine is running, The warning buzzer sounds until the travel power & combi charger kicks in a few moments after starting up. Thanks to the travel power & combo we are not scuppered for charging but tis taking considerably longer to charge. Ususally we can go from 50% on the smart gauge to 100% in 2 hours. Is there anyone around the wolverhampton area might be able to take a look?

Very Good! I was just looking at those ladders thinking along same lines. Sounds like you went to town on yours.

Where did you get the plank from?

Ok thanks for your advise all, I have made my changes to wiring yesterday as follows Used 50mm and wired up as three pairs. Negatives all gathered together on a bolt connected buy a short link to engine stud. Three positives go to one side of isolator switch, along with solar positive and smartguage positive alternator and megafuse the other side of switch inverter and 12V supply the other side of mega fuse. Next i want to take batteries out one pair at a time and top up, measure the specific gravity. If there are any suspect batts i may then leave them disconnected and reduce the bank to two pairs but we will see. It would be nice if they could last one more winter!

ok. the isolator you recomend is £36 once vat and postage is added. what is so 'orrible about the ebay ones? it says they exceed 400A which has got to be heavy duty enough for each battery. Plus i could get all six for the same price near enough. Im liking the sound of this method as I may only require an additional 4 cables to achieve it. Most of the short links will be reused also. The cable seems to be about 10mm diameter so i reckon it probably is 35mm2 I'll try and post some photos later

yes i was thinking that myself, i do want to minimise the use of fuses for that purpose. but i suppose that the comprimise on efficiency comes with added safety. eg if say a belt went on the engine and knocked out my tupperware box protected busbar thingy then fuses in the battery cables might prevent a big short circuit situation. Pretty remote though! touch wood