[C320-list] Simplified Starting Battery Schematic needed

Tue Jan 24 19:56:27 PST 2006

Thanks Jeff,  that all makes perfect sense.

  John(Sojourn645)

Jeff Hare <hare at cadence.com> wrote:
  Hi John,

I only listed the Bare Bones ~minimum work I could think of for
wiring a starting battery. 

The directions below didn't specifically list moving one of the shore
power charging cables over to the starting battery.
So, when on shore power, the charger would have one charge wire going to
each 4d and none going to the starting battery. If you wanted it to
charge all three batteries from shore power regardless of switch
position, you'd have to either:

1) Put the 1-2-Both in "BOTH" position 

- or -

2) Move one of the shore power charge wires from a 4D over to the
starting battery (Super simple, assuming the ring terminals fit.)

- or - 

3) Buy and install a combiner/echo charge, or the Blue Sea ACR which
keeps your starting battery topped off whenever there is a charging
source running to the main batteries. (Much preferred)

Cheers!
-Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of John Van Vessem
Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2006 9:30 AM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Simplified Starting Battery Schematic needed

Jeff,

I like your solution to a simple starting battery installation. It's
something I have wanted to do also. However, I'm questioning your
instructions on the use of this set up. You say that you must have the
switch in the BOTH position while charging either from the charger or
from the alternator. I don't get that because presently the switch
position doesn't matter. I can have the switch in position 1 or 2 and
both 4d batteries will charge. Does your wiring plan change that?

John (Sojourn645)

Jeff Hare wrote:
Hi Chris,

Orlando's advise is wise here. You should invest in the 12v bible or
something simple like it. Aside from that, the job is not complicated.
For any cables you need, use only 1/0 or 2/0 pre-tinned boat cable.

Re: this wiring
diagram:
http://www.catalina320.com/gallery/album31/MinimalStartingBattery

This is one of the simplest functional arrangements you'll probably
find.

First step: Parallel the 4Ds
====================
The negative terminals of both 4Ds are already connected together with
heavy black cable and they form the common DC ground. That part is all
set.

To put the two 4Ds in parallel without adding any new wire, you can
simply move the battery cable connected to the #1 (or A) terminal of the
1-2-both, over to the #2 (or B) terminal of that switch. I strongly
recommend cleaning the connectors lightly with steel wool before
reattaching them, especially if they're not pre-tinned connectors.

Step two: Install a starting battery
=========================
Put it as close to the 1-2-Both switch as practical and relatively close
to one of the two 4Ds.
I'm guessing that you're battery 1-2-both switch is on the electrical
panel.

Using heavy black cable, connect the Negative starting battery terminal
to the Negative post on the nearest 4D.

Using a heavy Red Cable, connect the Positive starting battery terminal
to the #1 (or A) terminal of the 1-2-both switch.

That's it... Now, how do you use it?
==============================

Generally speaking, you leave the battery switch on both whenever
motoring, or at the dock plugged-in to shore power. On the hook, using
battery power, ALWAYS switch over to position #2 to disconnect the
starting battery.

The engine will start in position #1 using the Starting battery or
position #2 using the house batteries, or all batteries in the Both
position.

You don't need to do anything with the alternator wiring.

The shore power will only recharge the starting battery when the
1-2-both is in BOTH position.

Cheers!
-JeffH

At 01:05 PM 1/8/2006, you wrote:
>Although there is much information on the site and archives for 
>installing a starting battery, I was hoping to get some help on a 
>simpler design.
>
>I have hull #139 with a 4D battery under each settee, one on STBD and 
>one on PORT.
>
>I've purchased a separate on/off switch from Blue Sea, a negative 
>distribution bus, and I intend to buy a group 24 battery and the 
>necessary extra cables and wires.
>
>I do not intend to install a monitor.
>
>I only motor in and out of the slip (15mins) and I plug in every night 
>all night.
>
>I leave the fridge running all the time if stocked with beer, etc.
>
>I use the boat (race and cruise) all year long, and visit the boat at 
>least 2X per week (10mins from house).
>
>Can someone draw out the simplified wiring diagram? Alternatively, if 
>someone can talk in terms of "take the wire that was here and move it 
>here and add a wire here....etc" that would be appreciated.
>
>Using Jeff's diagram as a guide, where do the wires from the alternator

>tie into?
>
>Do I need a fuse, solenoid, combiner, isolator for this simple design? 
>What are the risks of not having any of these?
>
>Thanks in advance, and I will be happy to post a follow up story with 
>pictures upon completion of the project.
>
>Chris
>Amore #139
>
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John Van Vessem
Sojourn 645
Vallejo Yacht Club
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John Van Vessem
Sojourn 645
Vallejo Yacht Club