split charging, ZIG, Leisure Batteries, Inverters...arrrrgh!

[MikeyC]

HELP!

Hi folks!

I'm planning a leisure battery installation into my 71 westy (dyno) and now I'm confused!

I've done a couple of searches but each time I find out somthing new and get confused!

Heres what I want...

1. I have a stereo in my van that can play DVD's and has a video out cable on the back which i plan to connect to a LCD PC monitor which i need to power - 240v.

2. To be able to run the stereo without fear of draining the battery when camping.

3. A decent light in the camper!

My first thought was a leisure battery, relay, and inverter to power the stereo and monitor (240v) but now I'm not sure?!

Whats your advice guys?

Thanks,

Michael.

 

[creationblue]

Hi

I did all the above last month, fairly straight forward. I used a Zig unit instead of the charging relay because i picked a new one up cheap. Into this i have 240v via a consumer unit with RCD, this facilitates charging the LB when hooked up to the mains. The ZIG has 3 x 12V outputs, so 1 supplies the Inverter (750W) and the other 2 supply a 12V socket and the Propex.

Basically take your Pos + from the LB to an Auxillary fuse box, then earth this to the bodywork. You now have as many outputs as you need for lights and radios ect all running off your LB.

If you get stuck just ask.

Just

 

[MikeyC]

Thanks for reply!
What's an RCD?

So I would still need an inverter with the zig unit to get a 240v supply for the monitor?

 

[creationblue]

Thanks for reply!
What's an RCD?

So I would still need an inverter with the zig unit to get a 240v supply for the monitor?

An RCD is a circuit breaker than will trip before you get a shock should something go wrong 8) very useful in a leaky van. A ZIG unit converts 230v to 12v not the other way round, so you will still need an inverter to get 230V from the 12V battery. The ZIG allows you to control your charging and 12V outlets, housing the fuses ect. and when you are pluged into the mains you dont use the LB you charge it instead.

Just

 

[creationblue]

A few pics

Back of the ZIG unit

Consumer Unit, housing RCD supplying the ZIG and a 13Amp Socket

Leisure Battery

Front panel

Just

 

[MikeyC]

8) Thanks for photos!

So am I right in thinking that if I don't intend to be using an electrical hook up when camping then the Zig unit isn't really necessary?

If thats the case then would be better off with a leisure battery, seperate fuse board and inverter?

thanks again!

Michael.

 

[creationblue]

8) Thanks for photos!

So am I right in thinking that if I don't intend to be using an electrical hook up when camping then the Zig unit isn't really necessary?

If thats the case then would be better off with a leisure battery, seperate fuse board and inverter?

thanks again!

Michael.

Its swings n roundabouts really, the zig will condition your battery ect so when ur not camping you can plug in at home and charge the LB via the ZIG, but that said its an expensive battery charger............so if your not gonna install mains then just go with the fuse box and relay method. Good luck

Here is mine

Just

 

[MikeyC]

Cool.
What size inverter are you running?
Any idea how long I could run a tv through one?
Cheers!

 

[creationblue]

Cool.
What size inverter are you running?
Any idea how long I could run a tv through one?
Cheers!

Its a 750W unit, the length of time you can watch the Tele will depend on the size of your LB.

Just

 

[lard]

Here's my build thread with piccies/wiring diagrams if it helps:
http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=17139

The same theory as a Zig setup but using separate components

Logical diagram: