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4th June 2021, 09:38 AM
#1
Engine Running Sense Wire???
I've picked up a DC-DC charger that uses a sense wire to tell it when the motor is running, so it will kick in and start charging.
I'm hoping someone can tell me where I could connect this sense wire? I don't want to hook it up to any accessory wires as I don't want the charger to start up when I'm parked and listening to the radio for example, so it needs to be only when the engine is running.
The charger and the battery it charges are both inside the vehicle, so if there's somewhere inside that'd be great.
Thanks.
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4th June 2021 09:38 AM
# ADS
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4th June 2021, 10:16 AM
#2
Moderator
Hmmmm, @nissannewby i reckon this one is yours bud.. With the 24v system in my GQ i added an excite circuit using a halogen globe at teh dash. The globe lights when the ignition is on and when the engine starts excites the 24v alternator and the globe goes out.
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4th June 2021, 10:25 AM
#3
Was thinking.
In case this is easier, I've run a chunky 12v cable from the crank battery inside to the DC-DC charger.
I could use a relay to activate that chunky cable, this way I could hook up a sense wire under the bonnet to the relay.
But again, where from?
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4th June 2021, 10:54 AM
#4
Patrol Freak
Most DC/DC chargers have their own inbuilt VSR (voltage sensitive relay) and only start charging around 13.3 then stop when feed drops to around 12.7.
John
2001 GUII TI 4500 - Now converted to TD42T auto with Nomad valve body
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5th June 2021, 08:34 AM
#5
Patrol God
What is this sense wire? Which DCDC unit is it?
Most use ignition and/or voltage threshold of some kind , as John said to activate them selves...
Ignition is easy to find depending on where you mount the unit.
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5th June 2021, 10:36 AM
#6
It's a Renogy DC-DC charger. The doco says it won't turn on until is gets a signal on its' sense wire, they just skimped on the circuitry other brands use I guess.
I've been over the schematics and have found that I can get the signal from the wiper fuse as they have power when the ign key is in the 'On' spot. It's a hassle having to do this, but I guess that's why the charger was cheaper than alot of others.
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5th June 2021, 12:45 PM
#7
Patrol Freak
I just read a review on the Renogy that says it has an inbuilt VSR for vehicles that don’t have a smart alternator.
John
2001 GUII TI 4500 - Now converted to TD42T auto with Nomad valve body
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5th June 2021, 01:02 PM
#8
Patrol Freak
Originally Posted by
10G
It's a Renogy DC-DC charger. The doco says it won't turn on until is gets a signal on its' sense wire, they just skimped on the circuitry other brands use I guess.
I've been over the schematics and have found that I can get the signal from the wiper fuse as they have power when the ign key is in the 'On' spot. It's a hassle having to do this, but I guess that's why the charger was cheaper than alot of others.
If it really needs a signal on that sense wire, you can simply connect it to the cable on the charger that comes from your main battery. That will be the same as sensing 12v from ignition.
John
2001 GUII TI 4500 - Now converted to TD42T auto with Nomad valve body
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6th June 2021, 10:21 AM
#9
Patrol Guru
Originally Posted by
jff45
If it really needs a signal on that sense wire, you can simply connect it to the cable on the charger that comes from your main battery. That will be the same as sensing 12v from ignition.
It will charge full time/even if the engine is stopped if you do that. My ctek has the same wire, apparently the smart alternators don't always reach the "on voltage" required to activate the charger so you need to connect that wire to a 12v ignition source. You can try it without it, my (Gu) alternator looks close to standard(non smart) voltages. I've never seen mine drop below 12.7 when running and usually hits 14.1 when first started.
2003 GU TD42 with a few extra ponies
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6th June 2021, 10:30 AM
#10
Thanks everyone for the help.
You're correct 0-TJ-0, that would charge all the time. I'm going to choose a place from within the fuse panel, the fuses are even marked (IGN) just to make a little easier.
Thanks everyone for the help.
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