What did you do to your kombi today ?

[Melissa]

I forgot all about the plastic! I have done it before with previous bays but this time I totally forgot and just did the clear lacquer - I suppose if there had been plastic there when I took the old ones off, it would have reminded me. Oh well - too late now - I really dont want to take them off if I dont have to.

[Chris Taylor]

Fitted new 6db cb antenna

[Ninga]

Fitted new 6db cb antenna

Got a copy Chris? 

[Chris Taylor]

Got a copy Chris? 

Hi Crissy. Doing a bit of up grading    

[Ninga]

Hi Crissy. Doing a bit of up grading

10 - 4… I was just checking if your CB was working. 

You’ll be able to hear even more nonsense on it now you’ve upgraded!

[Chris Taylor]

10 - 4… I was just checking if your CB was working. 

You’ll be able to hear even more nonsense on it now you’ve upgraded!

Your right   chrissy, there is a lot b/sh that comes over ,some funny some damm disgusting. 
Local truck drivers seem to be worst. Language leaves a lot to be desired.

[Mordred]

Replaced the 100 amp hour AGM leisure battery in the cupboard.  Was a second hand one from a dear friend I managed to resurrect many years ago and get it out to 9 years old (Very light occasional loads and more than the average restoring charge cycles).  

Managed to pick up another second hand battery (Gel) from a remote site battery bank (one of the 4 batteries had died so they need to be replaced as a set) and it still has good capacity.  It is a considerably different shape and wont fit in the engine bay, so I have fitted it in the location of the original, and am now working out how to make a sealed battery container to fit with the latest regulations. I am replacing like for like apart from the shape so am in the rules for the short term.

AS3001 part 2 includes substantial changes and special considerations for an internal installation in the habitable area for all batteries, including lead acid (all types Gel, AGM and flooded) and Lithium, which now require a sealed container, vented top and bottom to the outside air (top and bottom is only for Lead Acid, but top only for Lithium) and an spill container that can hold 20% of the electrolyte volume.  Access has to be with a tool so no loose fitting lids or covers.

Been a fun little project with more to come.

Adrian

[LizC]

I bought a lithium battery charger that can awaken an excessively discharged battery! and have succeeded in recharging the flat lithium battery in my 74 Kombi. 

[Oldman]

Any details on that charger Liz?
I’m sure it would help a few people out….

[LizC]

Yes, thanks for asking Mark, as I was not sure about advertising a brand etc.. but of course, this might help others.

I have heard that this problem is common, and the auto electrician I went to at AVWPC told me of others with the same issues but no real solution. So I did a search... and found this explanation about the problem on this UK site:

https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/news/lith...actor.html


That is a really good explanation and goes to a link for the Victron IP22 30A charger which they explained, can awaken the BMS system on lithium batteries that have been discharged too much.  (Mine was at zero after a power outage in March when camping). It was not possible to use the inverter-charge that we have because the battery was so flat.

So then I searched for an Australian supplier and found there is an Australian site.  Rang them - they were in Pakenham, and after explaining the issue, they suggested the Victron Energy Blue Smart IP65 charger because it does not need to be installed (the IP22 needed to be fitted, whereas the IP65 has two alligator clips as well as the other clips if you did want to instal it).  The Victron people in Pakenham (Victoria)  were very helpful.  The IP65 is slower as is only 15A rather than 30A but that is fine.

Victron sent it out Express Post with a discount too, on a Friday and I received it Monday.  Cost was just over $200. It can stay on like a trickle charger keeping the battery in condition.

So I have since managed to charge it fully.  Hoping this has solved the problem for now and that it may help others. Now I am wondering if I need a battery monitor too and if so, which type?


Excuse the long message but someone may be interested.  I will let you know of any issues but so far so good!
Liz