K6UK
02-10-2007, 07:07 PM
Currently I have my master accessory power line running through a solenoid which is tied to the vehicle ignition (cigarette lighter fuse tap) to turn everything on and off. But my plan is to install a nice rocker switch which will allow me to chose between:
1. Switch on/off with the ignition
2. All accessories off (for valet parking etc).
3. All accessories on independent of ignition, but with a some sort of timeout to preserve the vehicle battery.
This put me on a quest to find the right product which would save my battery should I leave all my accessories running accidentally. Here's what I found.
First, and most well known is the Chargeguard:
http://www.chargeguard.com/chargephoto2.gif
PDF (http://www.chargeguard.com/cg_mp_spec_sheet.pdf)
www.chargeguard.com
This is about $65 and is a delayed shutdown timer... it is standard issue for a lot of emergency vehicles, and will handle up to 30 Amps. The nice feature of this unit is that it also senses battery voltage... so when you hit 11v it will auto shutdown. It features a pre-warning output for shutting down computers, and an emergency override switch so you can get on the 2-way and call for help even at 11 volts.
It's main competition comes from AC/DC Industries, they make similar solutions.
But they make both timers (with voltage sensing), and straight voltage sensing solutions.
The nice thing about AC/DC is that they make units that handle up to 90Amps, and feature there own fused outputs
www.acdcind.com
http://www.acdcind.com/images/products/mzl90_l.jpg
http://www.acdcind.com/images/diagrams/mzl90.gif
The next solution is called Priority Start (www.noflatbatteries.com), and is a device that goes between the batteries and ALL loads that it handles. The advantage of this device is that it will protect you if you leave a dome light on or any other electrical load.
http://gtautoperformance.com/porsche914shop/images/GT6877.jpg
Its also around 65 dollars - the downside is that its an all or nothing solution... it saves your battery, but the timer would have saved it before it became critical. Also, I have heard some reports of this device tripping off during vehicle operation (with significant current draw) - this could be a bit of a problem if it's true.
A higher end solution, is the 100amp or 200 amp Batteryguard2000 by Intellitec which like the priority start disconnects all loads when battery voltage begins to drop. But unlike PriorityStart this solution has a dash mounted reset switch, and will never activate when the engine is running.
http://www.intellitec.com/jpgs/~BG2K.JPG
PDF (http://www.intellitec.com/pdfs/BATTERY_web/5300660.200.pdf)
www.intellitec.com
Intellitec also has some nice 100 & 200 amp latching relays, fuse blocks, isolators etc.
The final solution & budget solution is a hobby timer I found
http://www.circuithut.com/var/plain/storage/images/electronic_kits/timers/multi_mode_timer/1095-4-eng-GB/multi_mode_timer_large.jpg
available at www.circuithut.com the nice part is that it's only $22.95. It will perform a lot of different timing functions, but definitely can provide the same countdown as the Chargeguard (limited to 15 amps). But it does no voltage sensing and requires assembly, unless you pay an additional 7 bucks to have them build it. It's limited current handling could be a problem, but I would be using it only to control the solenoid I already have in place.
I should also mention that there are a variety of car-pc power controllers and dedicated power supplies.
These controllers have specific features that make them suitable to pc control - for example they can put the computer on standby for a period of time... and then shut them down at a later time. Lots of features and available at mp3car.com or carpc.keyferez.com
1. Switch on/off with the ignition
2. All accessories off (for valet parking etc).
3. All accessories on independent of ignition, but with a some sort of timeout to preserve the vehicle battery.
This put me on a quest to find the right product which would save my battery should I leave all my accessories running accidentally. Here's what I found.
First, and most well known is the Chargeguard:
http://www.chargeguard.com/chargephoto2.gif
PDF (http://www.chargeguard.com/cg_mp_spec_sheet.pdf)
www.chargeguard.com
This is about $65 and is a delayed shutdown timer... it is standard issue for a lot of emergency vehicles, and will handle up to 30 Amps. The nice feature of this unit is that it also senses battery voltage... so when you hit 11v it will auto shutdown. It features a pre-warning output for shutting down computers, and an emergency override switch so you can get on the 2-way and call for help even at 11 volts.
It's main competition comes from AC/DC Industries, they make similar solutions.
But they make both timers (with voltage sensing), and straight voltage sensing solutions.
The nice thing about AC/DC is that they make units that handle up to 90Amps, and feature there own fused outputs
www.acdcind.com
http://www.acdcind.com/images/products/mzl90_l.jpg
http://www.acdcind.com/images/diagrams/mzl90.gif
The next solution is called Priority Start (www.noflatbatteries.com), and is a device that goes between the batteries and ALL loads that it handles. The advantage of this device is that it will protect you if you leave a dome light on or any other electrical load.
http://gtautoperformance.com/porsche914shop/images/GT6877.jpg
Its also around 65 dollars - the downside is that its an all or nothing solution... it saves your battery, but the timer would have saved it before it became critical. Also, I have heard some reports of this device tripping off during vehicle operation (with significant current draw) - this could be a bit of a problem if it's true.
A higher end solution, is the 100amp or 200 amp Batteryguard2000 by Intellitec which like the priority start disconnects all loads when battery voltage begins to drop. But unlike PriorityStart this solution has a dash mounted reset switch, and will never activate when the engine is running.
http://www.intellitec.com/jpgs/~BG2K.JPG
PDF (http://www.intellitec.com/pdfs/BATTERY_web/5300660.200.pdf)
www.intellitec.com
Intellitec also has some nice 100 & 200 amp latching relays, fuse blocks, isolators etc.
The final solution & budget solution is a hobby timer I found
http://www.circuithut.com/var/plain/storage/images/electronic_kits/timers/multi_mode_timer/1095-4-eng-GB/multi_mode_timer_large.jpg
available at www.circuithut.com the nice part is that it's only $22.95. It will perform a lot of different timing functions, but definitely can provide the same countdown as the Chargeguard (limited to 15 amps). But it does no voltage sensing and requires assembly, unless you pay an additional 7 bucks to have them build it. It's limited current handling could be a problem, but I would be using it only to control the solenoid I already have in place.
I should also mention that there are a variety of car-pc power controllers and dedicated power supplies.
These controllers have specific features that make them suitable to pc control - for example they can put the computer on standby for a period of time... and then shut them down at a later time. Lots of features and available at mp3car.com or carpc.keyferez.com