Battery charger.

[Rapidair65]

We finally sorted the battery drain issue on our V6. The radio/satnav is drawing current even when turned off. The ICE fitter says that the only option is to wire a switch in the unit memory line. This will stop the drain but erase the unit memory every time it is turned off. It looks like my best option is to fit an on board battery charger which operates when on a hook up is connected. Our Bongo has a split charge relay installed so how would I wire in the charger? Would it connect directly to the starter battery and charge the leisure battery when the starter is fully charged? Any help would be appreciated.

[g8dhe]

Depends on the type of SCR, if its a voltage Sensitive type then yes you could connect a charger to the SB and if the charger is adequate it will operate the relay and charge the LB at the same time. However not all chargers are always adequate lower current maintenance charger types (5 Amp or less rating) might not always get the voltage high enough.

What make and model of radio & Satnav is it that it has such a high drain ?

[Rapidair65]

The unit is marketed by Falcon Security as a specific unit for motor homes and caravans. We bought it at the NEC show in February and it has worked fine since installation. Our ICE fitter says he has seen quite a few of this unit that draw this amount when on standby.

[g8dhe]

Did he say how much it was drawing ?
You might be better off getting a Solar panel fitted, I put one on last summer and the fridge and two cameras have been running24/7 since!

[Rapidair65]

Geoff,
My SCR is non voltage sensing. It has feed from the alternator to energise the relay. Can I still use a battery charger on this system? I was thinking of a Sargent 151 unit.
The satnav was drawing 180mA. Disconnected, the battery drain was 24mA.

[g8dhe]

No, the relay is operated from the ignition switch in that case. You could only wire it into the LB directly to charge that alone.

Humm yes 180mA is a bit excessive, could be worse but yes it will drain the LB.

Yup, the Sargent 151 will be fine for charging.

[g8dhe]

Humm, no Manuals available for the Falcon DIN units which have the Radio & Satnav either

Think it might be worth having a word with Falcon about the units perhaps ?

[Dodgey]

Solar really is the answer

Regarding installing a charger fro hookup use... Just plug its live and earth to your LB live and earth, and you can do this anywhere in the cabling ... I.e behind a fridge, zig, etc. As long as its a permanent live connection.

If you buy a decent charger it will power your 12v devices as well as intelligently charging the battery.

I have one of these:
http://www.amperorassociates.co.uk/c-ba ... 3_18A.html

[novocaine]

sorry but it sounds like the unit hasn't been installed correctly to be drawing that sort of current when not in use. to be drawing that sort of current suggests there is an amplifier (quit likely with something designed for a motorhome) which isn't being switched off.

fix the problem, don't find a solution to let the problem be ignored.

I can't find anything about falcon stereos (not had a proper look to be honest), could you give a bit more detail?

[Dodgey]

Is it on this page?

http://www.falcon-security.co.uk/shop/m ... 64_58.html

[Rapidair65]

That's the page. The unit is fixed double DIN with a tilt front for inserting CD and DVD. I had look yesterday with our ICE fitter and when we disconnected the wire which powers the unit memory the battery drain fell to an acceptable level. Installation looks OK with an adaptor from the original Mazda wiring. It's all plug n play except for the fused power cables. I will try Falcon's tech support for a resolution.

[g8dhe]

There would normally be two power connections - One is switched and carries the power for operation and a second which is a permanent supply for backup which is normally very low current just a few milliamps.
Does it have a manual with it ? There is nothing relevant on the web site download area for Falcon.