Intelligent dual battery system

[Zero]

Hey guys, just found this on the web. Seems like a decent system worth looking into.

http://www.extremeoutback.com/product/4 ... ystem.html

[bartonmd]

Sounds like what you can do with $40 in parts...

Mike

[fishsticks]

Sounds like what you can do with $40 in parts...

Mike

Expedition guys all have tons of money though, and are just dying to be rid of it.

[Zero]

Sounds like what you can do with $40 in parts...

Mike

hahaha well sir, when the time comes for me to add another battery maybe you can point me in the direction of how I can do this by getting my own parts.


B

[Trail X]

Sounds like what you can do with $40 in parts...

Mike

That's what I did, but you gotta know someone who can program micro controllers and lay out a simple electrical board.

[Zero]

hahaha yes JD, and my hope is that someone on here can do things like that to save me from buying a $400 kit

[DJones]

...program micro controllers...

I don't even think it has to be that complicated.

[Trail X]

If you can create an analog circuit that will do all that - it would certainly be much more complicated than a digital one.

[DJones]

The only thing I see what would be complicated is: (from the product description)

~ The batteries are automatically separated after 30 minutes to prevent accidental discharge. (manual override mode)
~ The IBS-DBS monitor (shown) includes LEDs that display the status of both batteries and charging voltage from the alternator (or from optional solar panels) to each battery.

Those would use a 555 timer and an LM3914 bar graph driver. The Intelligent one doesn't have a seven-segment voltmeter.

Everything else I think could be done with one relay with two control switches:

~ During normal driving, the IBS links both batteries using a 500-amp-capable/12-volt relay.
~ When the engine is off, the system isolates the batteries.
~ A manual override button links the batteries for high-draw situations such as winching when the engine stalls, running high-load inverters or operating onboard air compressors for prolonged duty cycles.
~ The IBS also allows the main battery to be jump-started from the auxiliary one. (Doesn't specify automatic or manual)

[Zero]

I love having you guys on the site. You freaking know everything!

[Trail X]

Can you easily build in a delay with an analog circuit? Mine is set to only connect the two batteries 5 minutes after the engine is started. This is to allow the front battery to regain charge before attempting to charge the rear battery.

I was looking into ways of creating an analog delay at first - that's when I decided to go micro.

[DJones]

That could be done, but with all those features, why not use a microcontroller? I could have a seven segment display displaying voltages or current draw of each battery. Inputs could include time delay adjustments and manual overrides. Microcontrollers are cheap too, but carry a learning curve for anyone unfamiliar with them. Any number of other features could be added with additional programming. Totally worth $300+ in savings though, either way.

I love having you guys on the site. You freaking know everything!

No we don't. That is why we use this site. To teach others what they don't know, and to learn from others with more experience or knowledge than ourselves.

[fishsticks]

That could be done, but with all those features, why not use a microcontroller? I could have a seven segment display displaying voltages or current draw of each battery. Inputs could include time delay adjustments and manual overrides. Microcontrollers are cheap too, but carry a learning curve for anyone unfamiliar with them. Any number of other features could be added with additional programming. Totally worth $300+ in savings though, either way.

I love having you guys on the site. You freaking know everything!

No we don't. That is why we use this site. To teach others what they don't know, and to learn from others with more experience or knowledge than ourselves.

With each of us bringing a little something different to the table... Combined I'd say we're at least well on our way to omniscience.

[Zero]

I love having you guys on the site. You freaking know everything!

No we don't. That is why we use this site. To teach others what they don't know, and to learn from others with more experience or knowledge than ourselves.

Come on bro you know I didnt mean that literally. I was just trying to express my gratitude and respect in a funny way. Just thought I would clear things up.

And yes, as a collective....this awesome group of individuals is quite capable.

[DJones]

I thought you meant it in a funny way.

[Philberto]

That could be done, but with all those features, why not use a microcontroller? I could have a seven segment display displaying voltages or current draw of each battery. Inputs could include time delay adjustments and manual overrides. Microcontrollers are cheap too, but carry a learning curve for anyone unfamiliar with them. Any number of other features could be added with additional programming. Totally worth $300+ in savings though, either way.

Sounds like you've found a market then. I figure once you get one programmed, some of us, and certainly many of the less wealthy in the expedition circle would love to buy one of those off you. Any plans for procuring, programming, and selling?

[DJones]

Sounds like you've found a market then. I figure once you get one programmed, some of us, and certainly many of the less wealthy in the expedition circle would love to buy one of those off you. Any plans for procuring, programming, and selling?

No plans, but they can always be made. I was thinking about it today, and I almost wish I made my own fan controller - probably could have saved $130.

[mikepeters1983]

Sounds like you've found a market then. I figure once you get one programmed, some of us, and certainly many of the less wealthy in the expedition circle would love to buy one of those off you. Any plans for procuring, programming, and selling?

No plans, but they can always be made. I was thinking about it today, and I almost wish I made my own fan controller - probably could have saved $130.

If you can make a duel batt system, how much do you think that it would cost? and how long would it take? I am got steady enough hands to work with small things like that. But who know you might be able to hit vendor if you start to make them for all of us.