External backup power source question

Martin Cohen · Post by **Martin Cohen** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 10:00 pm

Regarding the wiring to the two 12 volt batteries (run in series for 24v):

1. how would it be best to configure the wiring so that in an emergency could plug in an external backup power source? Would it be best to use a switch, or a relay for example? If so can one recommend the parts to do this?

2. could the Tiger for example operate from an external 12 volt battery (without damaging any component of course), just to drive the tank up a ramp and into storage?

I understand it might be simpler to just have two small 12 volt batteries on standby, attaching them if needed. But this is part mental exercise, part tinkering.

Martin

Allan Richards · Post by **Allan Richards** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 9:12 am

Martin,

I know the problem and there is nothing more difficult than when these tanks loose power. They are very heavy and awkward to move. One approach is to make an easy removable track pin and take the tracks off. It is then quite easy to push the tank along and even up a ramp into the car.

On the electrical side I think it would first be necessary to check whether the speed controllers and motors will work on 12v. My Sherman 4QDs did for initial testing of the system, but I'm not sure how much power the motors have on 12v and whether they will move the tank. If they do I would simply bring off two leads from the 24v switch in such a way that you could switch off the 24v but the leads still go to the 4QDs. These leads could be stored in the rear of the tank and pulled out when needed. You can then then clip on a 12v battery, and I would suggest one of these emergency car starting units as the battery gives very high current.

Post by **Armortek** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 10:14 am

Martin

All Armortek models are supplied with the new PCB based control box. This unit is provided with voltage monitoring and it will simply power down at 14Volts. If you connect one single 12v battery to the system you get nothing. Most earlier models were fitted with power relays to overcome main switch failures. These relays also require 24volts to operate.

The main power cable is provided with a plug and socket, you could simply connect a small pair of 12volt standby batteries to this socket. A pair of 7aH batteries will give you about 20minutes in the tiger tank, and will fit in the spare space in the hull.

Mark

Martin Cohen · Post by **Martin Cohen** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 2:41 pm

Thanks for the replies Allan and Mark. I was guessing that a pair of backup 12 volt batteries in series might be the best way to go. That's what I'll do.

I plan to keep this external battery pack handy - to be plugged in only was needed.

regards