still fuzzy on isolator vs combiner

[bryantjb3]

I have a 2 battery system. The ac charger will charge each battery seperately no matter what the battery switch position is, Off: Bat1: Both: or Bat2. If I understand it correctly, when running the alternator will charge only the battery selected by the Bat. switch. Can I install either the isolator or combiner and charge both banks without having to turn my Bat. switch to Both?

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: still fuzzy on isolator vs combiner

yes.<br /><br />Read this. It will help<br /><br /> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...sor/10001/-1/10001/creatingabatterysystem.htm <br /><br />If you have any questions after, just ask here.

 

[NBE]

Re: still fuzzy on isolator vs combiner

I got rid of my battery switch and went strictly with a battery combiner. I have one battery that is used as a starting battery only and the other is a deep cycle used for the trolling motor plus accessories. Both are wired separate but are joined together by the combiner. As you probably have read, the combiner lets either or both charge from the engine depending on their needs. Even after a long day (sometimes two) of fishing and running the trolling motor constantly, I usually only have to "top" off the two batteries with my regular charger once I get back home. The combiner does a great job of maintaining the charge of the two batteries while out on the water. I know this is dependent on the charging system on your motor but on my 80's 50HP Merc it works fine. I guess one drawback to this setup is if the starting battery does crap out for some reason, but then that is why I always carry jumper cables (besides being able to give someone in need a boost). I can always jump my motor off with the trolling motor battery. I would highly recommend a combiner to anyone who is considering getting one.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: still fuzzy on isolator vs combiner

Brad,<br /><br />You can add a switch to manually parallel the batteries in that case. Some combiners also have a connection to allow you to manually combine the batteries, through the combiner. Read this:<br /><br /> http://www.yandina.com/acrobats/C150Data.pdf

 

[NBE]

Re: still fuzzy on isolator vs combiner

Thanks Ralph! I just chose not to as I had a bad experience with one in the past. Besides that, mounting area is kind of limited in the back of the boat (It's a small 15' fishing boat) so I just decided to throw out the switch I had and mount the combiner in its place. It's probably a good idea to use a switch in this setup though. I may install one in my next boat. Thanks for the input!