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Charging socket

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:05 pm
by Derek Attree
Hi Guys
I am just wiring up the Panther and I was wondering if anyone has added a
charging socket for the main drive batteries so they can be charged without removing the deck of the tank each time.
If so do you need to have a way of isolating the other electronics.
I have the old style control box and I am using an acumate 24 v charger.

Regards

Derek

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:24 pm
by leesellars
Hello Derek

You have to isolate the mains electics. Use the plug provided.

Lee

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 5:15 pm
by Adrian Harris
I've not done this myself but I think the easiest way to achieve this would be to insert a Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT) switch into the battery leads to the main control box.

Wire the battery leads to the common terminals.
Wire the control box to one set of switched terminals.
Wire the charging socket to the other set of switched terminals.

Image

Then you can switch the batteries between the tank and the charging socket.

DPDT switches normally have two positions, such that the centre common terminals are connected to one or other of the switched terminals. If you can find a "Centre Off" switch DPDT switch, then when the switch is in the middle position, the batteries are isolated from both the charging socket and the control box.

You are unlikely to be operating the switch when there is a heavy current passing through it but I would recommend fitting the highest current rated switch that is available, simply because the higher the current rating, the larger terminals it will have and so it will be easier to connect the chunky leads associated with the power systems in these tanks.

Adrian.

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 5:37 pm
by Robin Ellis
I use the accumate waterproof connector, available for £5.87 and available from www.bykebitz.co.uk They are excellent and fit straight on to our chargers. :o

CHARGING

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 5:39 pm
by Graham Ord
If, like me, you have lead acid batteries you have to take the top deck off to remove the battery breather plugs as they blow off if left in.

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 5:46 pm
by Robin Ellis
Derek, I have just noticed that they are only £4.60 from www.accumate.co.uk

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:09 pm
by Paul Morris
Hi Fellas.
Just my two pence worth, i am with Robin on this the item he has directed you to is dead simple to fit and works a treat, i have three set up and never had any trouble.
Cheers Paul :wink:

Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:29 am
by Derek Attree
Hi Guys

Thanks for the Info I have it sorted now

Derek