Magneto, battery, questions.....

[SpyderGirl]

So last year I found out the hard way regaring the magneto and the charging system on the Spyder (I didn't know that some vehicles don't have alternators :shocked. ANYWAY, I am working on a top secret project (not really -- it's a marine amplified speaker system) and I am concerned about the extra amperage being drawn from the battery. Are there options or add-ons for the charging / battery system that would help prevent battery run-down?

Educate me.

 

[NancysToy]

So last year I found out the hard way regaring the magneto and the charging system on the Spyder (I didn't know that some vehicles don't have alternators :shocked. ANYWAY, I am working on a top secret project (not really -- it's a marine amplified speaker system) and I am concerned about the extra amperage being drawn from the battery. Are there options or add-ons for the charging / battery system that would help prevent battery run-down?

Educate me.

There is no good way to increase your electrical output on the Spyder. Even if you could install the slightly stronger magneto from the RT, it is still marginal in output, and won't charge well at low rpm, like an alternator. I think your best bet would be to install a second battery and an isolator, available from RV suppliers. Run the sound system off the isolated battery. If it runs down, it will quit, but the regular battery will not be discharged any more than normal. This is a tall order to ask the Spyder electrical system to perform. Good luck.

 

[SpyderGirl]

There is no good way to increase your electrical output on the Spyder. Even if you could install the slightly stronger magneto from the RT, it is still marginal in output, and won't charge well at low rpm, like an alternator. I think your best bet would be to install a second battery and an isolator, available from RV suppliers. Run the sound system off the isolated battery. If it runs down, it will quit, but the regular battery will not be discharged any more than normal. This is a tall order to ask the Spyder electrical system to perform. Good luck.

I was afraid that was the case. The stereo system does not drawn that much amperage, but knowing my luck.......

I'll just have to keep the speaker system off unless I am running at higher RPMs for extended periods of time such as freeway riding. It'll have to be turned off for around town riding where the RPMs are not constant for extended periods of time because of stopping at traffic lights and such. And I'll just keep plugging her in at night to the battery tender if I am going to not be riding for a few days -- to keep the battery happy.

Thanks for the information. :doorag:

 

[Lamonster]

I want to be able to listen to my tunes on the RT when I'm parked so I plan on adding a battery with an isolator like this one.
http://www.powerstream.com/battery-isolator.htm

 

[SpyderGirl]

SWEET!! Thanks. That should work perfect.

I found this one on Amazon for under $25.... how difficult are these to install? What type of battery would work with something like this -- a small 12v marine/motorcycle battery??

 

[Diggittt]

Where do you plan to mount the extra battery? I have been thinking about installing an second battery to run my sound system but have yet to figure out where to install it.

Diggittt

 

[SpyderGirl]

Where do you plan to mount the extra battery? I have been thinking about installing an second battery to run my sound system but have yet to figure out where to install it.

Diggittt

I haven't thought about it really. Any thoughts on this Lamont??

 

[Lamonster]

 

[SpyderGirl]

You're so efficient... maybe you've got a how-to on this one? This is definitely the route I am going to go. I can't afford another dead battery.

 

[Diggittt]

my only concern is the amount of heat that the battery will be exposed to in this location. If I remember correctly Lamonster, you had an extra battery installed in this location early on how did it work out? and do you still have it?

thanks,

Diggittt

 

[SpyderGirl]

My husband also expressed concern regarding the proposed battery location. My response to him, which will be the same response I'm going to give you, is that cars typically have the battery installed inside a hot engine bay and have no issues. I do not believe the battery installed in this location would be an issue, maybe in the long run after a lot of use maybe. A small motorcycle battery isn't that expensive though and it's worth the piece of mind knowing that your primary battery is still going to help crank your motor.

So with that said, what do you recommend I pick up to become my second battery?

I already found the isolator I am going to get, just need to find the battery then get it installed.

 

[Diggittt]

im thinking kinetik.... built for sound systems...

Diggittt

 

[SpyderGirl]

im thinking kinetik.... built for sound systems...

Diggittt

Never heard of it. I'll look into it.

 

[Firefly]

You could always use some DEI heatshield to keep the heat away from the battery.

I would install a battery tender at the same time--- for both so you can keep them both on tenders at night--- that way you'll always be ready to go.

 

[SpyderGirl]

You could always use some DEI heatshield to keep the heat away from the battery.

I would install a battery tender at the same time--- for both so you can keep them both on tenders at night--- that way you'll always be ready to go.

Well I already have a battery tender for the main battery and when she sits for longer than a week, it's plugged in. And that wouldn't be a bad idea on the heat shield either.