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Duel Battery Setup

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:32 am
by wild_horse
I've just got my hands on some 2nd hand IPF Spot Lights and was wondering how I can get them onto my Brumby.

Will I need a duel Battery Set up. If so What do I need and where's a good spot for the second battery other than in the tray?

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 6:35 pm
by BaronVonChickenPants
You don't need dual battery just for running some spotlights, unless you plan to use them everytime you drive the car.

The best way the do it is via a negatively switch relay that is only powered when high beam is on, also have an overide switch on the dash.

Then run a fused line direct from the battery to the relay, then to the lights.

Fuses to suit:
2 x 100W = 15A fuse
2 x 150W = 25A fuse
2 x 200W = 35A fuse

In my opinion anything more than this is just crazy, even 2x200W is borderline.

There used to be a picture floating around for this, any one still have it?

If you're planning on doing a lot of night driving with them then you might consider a 2nd or upgraded alternator, no matter how many batteries you have if you're using more than the alternator can supply you'll flatten them eventually.

Jordan.

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 10:39 am
by Wilbur
You don't need dual batterys for running spot/driving lights. If you can read a wiring diagram the plastic relays you buy has one on the top, or you could splash out and get a harness (they go for about $50).

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:45 pm
by wild_horse
Cheers guys, I'm thinking a bigger / newer alternator will be the go.

In my last post I forgot to mention that I already have spotties mounted on the bull bar. The new IPF will be going on the roll bar. I also have a CD player and amp installed.

If any one can give me an idea of what altinator to get (a bigger one or newer one) that would be great.

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 4:26 pm
by Gannon
The XT6 had a 90A alternator (but i doubt you will find one of those, they were never sold in Aust)

Read this, it may help. But its american
http://www.ultimatesubaru.net/forum/sho ... hp?t=48583

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 9:40 am
by Wilbur
I ran 4 spotties on my RX with no ill effects. I am now running 6 on my hilux and a fridge and nothing has happened yet. Just can't turn everything on unless I'm moving (have the revs up).

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 10:50 am
by fredsub
I remember a thread on USMB about fitting bigger GM alternators on 100Amp+
wonder if anyone here tried ?

dunno about the RX, but at least the L has a 60amp alt, many many cars
have just 35amp alts :cry:

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 1:48 pm
by BRUMBERTY

Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2005 1:09 am
by rsrlegacy
Get an alternator off some of the late 90s Nissans. Will fit on the same brackets and the same wiring. The last 1 I fitted was 95 amps from a 4wd.

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 7:08 pm
by stinky
Can you run two sets of smallish spotties off the same relay? Or is that pushing it a bit? Would you wire them in parallel or serial ?

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 10:43 am
by BaronVonChickenPants
Running both off 1 relay is fine as long as you using the right relay, I run both my spotties 100W off a 15amp relay, put them in parrallel, if you put them in series and 1 blows then they both go out.

Jordan.

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:40 am
by stinky
Nooo two sets as in two pairs :)

I'm guessing the answer is yes as long as the relay is big enough.

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:45 am
by BaronVonChickenPants
Oh sorry, yeah, same answer still applies just use a bigger relay, you could use two smaller relays wired in parralel to the switch to give some sort of redundancy if you wnated to, thats what I would do.

Jordan.

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:51 am
by Wilbur
Just to confuse you. The 6 lights I have are run from 2 switches and 3 relays. Geez I'm smart :roll: Very simple. Just run the switching wires over from the first relay to the second and then you only need one switch and all the lights are happy.