Jaycar/Electronics Australia Dual Battery Controller

[Darwiniandude]

I just found this. Built it years ago, but didn't wire the main leads to the PCBs or put the two IC's in the sockets for some reason, so haven't tried it.

Are these any good? Or not worth bothering with?

[nj swb]

I just found this. Built it years ago, but didn't wire the main leads to the PCBs or put the two IC's in the sockets for some reason, so haven't tried it.

Are these any good? Or not worth bothering with?

That's what I've had under my bonnet for about 8 years.

Two issues that I have:

1. if it gets too hot it shuts down and stops charging the second battery
2. the FETs work as a diode in the opposite direction, so when the +ve terminal of the starting battery contacts the chassis / ground, the aux battery discharges through the controller and blows the FETs. I've had to replace them twice.

Concept wise, I think it's a good design. But I wouldn't recommend it to anybody.

[psproule]

Given that it has the EA logo on it I'd suggest the design is approaching 15+ years as Electronics Australia magazine when out of business back then.

Pat