Inviroman

iTrader: (2)

Probably been asked before, has any come across a solar battery charger that can be permanently fixed in the car (switchable on/off) to trickle charge the battery if car not used for week or so?

RB5 Boyo

Yeah i have a small one i got in Maplin for a tenner, does the job grand Plenty on ebay also.

Kevin

Inviroman

iTrader: (2)

Cheers just seen the one at Maplins, off in the morning to pick one up

Hawkeye D

Is that the L58BF?

Inviroman

iTrader: (2)

Yep.

Hawkeye D

How would I connect it up?

Battery clips on, and also plug into the 12v socket in the car at the same time?

Inviroman

iTrader: (2)

Same question I was just about to ask, need to know if the cig lighter socket is isolated when the ignition is off?
A permanent wired with switch/relay may be the next step and leave it on the rear shelf?

Inviroman

iTrader: (2)

Just read it properly this time, only one connection is needed.

Hawkeye D

Then I think I'd go with the unit on the rear shelf and plugged into 12v socket.

FAQ's says depends on the car for using the 12v socket with ignition off?

Littleted

what a great idea im sold,

My batt goes flat if left for 2 weeks due to tracker

Great stuff

Inviroman

iTrader: (2)

It will be simple, a relay to switch on to allow the charger to charge with ign off and off when ignition is switched on, modify one of the cables to allow it to be wired in to the relay permanently from rear to front, job done!
This is one for tomorrow and will post up some pics, if I get time will draw a wiring diagram of how I do mine.

ironbridge

iTrader: (3)

Can you post a link to the solar panel please (too lazy to search for it!!)

Thanks

RB5 Boyo

Here's one same as mine only from ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-Solar-...item3f1ded06a7

I use it on the RB5 that sits and does very little for months at a time and it works perfect.....

Actually gonna order one of these other ones also for the blobeye. I drive it a fair bit, but as with most Subarus, if it sits for a week or more the tracker drains the battery and its a real pain to have to jump start it or charge the battery every week, so i'm planning on using this little mains trickle charger to keep it topped up:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12-VOLT-TR...item460572ad4e

Looks really simple to use and for £5.29 you couldn't go wrong i think lol....just ordered one there now so will keep you lot posted

Kevin

BAD BOY V

iTrader: (1)

http://mobile.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=98358

This one I've had in the car, for the last 2 years in the blobeye I got and works well, you can leave the car for 7-10 days without start, it will struggle to start but will fire up, however without the solar panel, you would have to jump start it, which is annoying!

Inviroman

iTrader: (2)

Just picked mine up from Maplins and tested on the car, found that the 12v socket in the car only works when the ignition is switched to the first position so the hard wire with relay will be the option for me.
Product seems to be ok but not tested yet.

If you have a amp in the boot then a direct connection to the battery and switched ingnition feed will be available for the relay and making install on the rear shelf easy.

Inviroman

iTrader: (2)

While I was there picked this up as plan B, just in case !
Only £40.