Advice needed on using Zig CF9 Electrical Panel

[jamesmack1975]

Hi Guys

New to Bongo ownership (1 week) and whilst i am delighted with my van, unfortunately for me, the previous owner was not too knowledgeable on how to use the electrical panel located inside the van. It is a 1998 2 litre petrol conversion with a Zig CF9 Charging System - can be seen here 2nd in the list http://www.jacksons-camping.co.uk/carav ... me/zig.htm

As stated, the previous owner admitted himself that he never really used any electrical equipment unless the van was hooked up to a power source on site and therefore didn't fully understand how the electrics worked. Obviously, I find this a bit restrictive and plan on doing more wild camping than the previous owner so was hoping someone would be able to give me an idea of how to properly use the Electrical panel - or if anyone has any experience with his model.

I am assuming that i leave the 12v switches (left had side) in the off position most of the time but when i am parked up and needing power i switch on the first 12v switch and then with the second one i select caravan battery to use the leisure battery (I can't really think of a situation where i would want it to run off the car battery). So far so good - I assume.

When on a campsite though and hooked up to an electrical source what switches should i press???? In the charger section on the right hand side what should be pressed here and if i am hooked up to a power source should i switch both 12v switches to off? Additionally, what purpose does the orange switch in the middle serve?

Apologies for the complete lack of knowledge on these things - any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Also - i noticed on the website i linked to above it had the note "Please Note: It is strongly recommended that the refrigerator is wired to operate only while the engine is running." Does anyone know what this is all about? Is it a safety issue? Is it liable to drain the battery?

I was hoping to leave some beers chilling in the fridge whilst away hiking so leaving the engine running isn't an option.

[g8dhe]

Have a read of the Manual http://www.g8dhe.net/bongo_images/zig/Z ... Manual.pdf

To be honest the unit is complete overkill for a Bongo, but if its not clear from the manual shout and we will advise!

[jamesmack1975]

Have a read of the Manual http://www.g8dhe.net/bongo_images/zig/Z ... Manual.pdf

To be honest the unit is complete overkill for a Bongo, but if its not clear from the manual shout and we will advise!

Brilliant - thanks for the link.

[nobro]

Hi,
OK this will sound daft but here goes:

When I switch the 12 volt power switch the red.light comes.on. If the adjacent switch is in the same position is that sourcing power from the leisure battery or car.battery?
Essentially I don't understand which way the switch goes for.each.battery

I've had the van for 7 years and.just realised I don't know what I'm doing.

[g8dhe]

Have you read the Manual ? Links above.
The Source switch is either;
CAR (Starter battery under bonnet of car)
or
CARAVAN (Leisure battery where ever it is fitted)
but be aware if the TOWING switch is operated then charging from EHU doesn't happen when towing you can't have EHU cable running down the Motorway!!!