Piranha Dual Battery Systems

What are you wanting to protect the electronics from?

Hi GazzaS

My understanding of the DBS system is that it has a "smart" control box inside the cab with LED's to show battery voltage for each battery and simply operates an ordinary solenoid, unlike the Piranha DBE isolator which is a fully electronic isolator. I do not know if the DBS has spike protection (the DBE does). I haven't used either of these systems as I have found the redarc to be a more cost effective solution.

The redarc is a solenoid but has a "smart" controller that isolates at ~12.6V and joins at ~13.6V. It is fully spike protected and at ~$100 trade price, is far better value for $ IMHO. I have mine wired up such that a LED in the cab lights up when the batteries are isolated. This has the added benefit that if the LED comes on in normal operation, you know there is a problem with one of your batteries before its too late.

Also, I have a manual switch to join both batteries together in the event the main battery is flat (or using the winch and want both batteries in curcuit). I believe the DBS system also has this feature, but not the DBE.

Cheers

Captain

I take it you mean protection from spikes when switching? Is that correct? If you want the full kit then maybe go for a Piranha or TJM system. ARB have one also and can supply the kit including a deep cycle battery, the batterys actually reasonably priced. The Redarc will protect from switching spikes and is a good unit, I have fitted one to our Patrol. If you're handy (I don't mean just around the corner) then going the Redarc and doing the work yourself will probably be a cheaper option. I found that the ARB battery tray at around $80 was $50 cheaper than the TJM and another brand that escapes me at the moment and just as serviceable. Made up the cables myself and crimped the ends etc, a bit of heat shrink to make it look professional and it works great and definitely the most cost effective way to go.

G'Day GazzaS, I think the post you were talking about was one I put up. I did install the DBS system in and have had no problems with it 4 months down the track.

I also did the installation myself and did not have any major dramas other than hooking the main battery end up first instead of the isolator first. Few sparks but no harm done.

I've been running a 32L Engel fridge off the battery almost non-stop now for about 3 days and the whole system seems to work ok

Cheers,
Ray

Gazza,

All I know about Pirahna is that they are bloody expensive. They quoted me over $900 for a small (about 55 amp wet cell DC) installation which was near useless for my needs. Would be lucky to give me an effective 20 amps per day. There's not a lot of room under the bonnet of a Jerry Can for a second Batt without major relocation; equals major dollars.

Chris at Battery World Wantirna installed a 100 amp Lifeline AGM Batt cabled to the back of the car, smart solenoid and Anderson plugs which makes it a portable power supply into the bargain. Cost a lot less than Pirahna for a lot more power and versatility.

Worth some thought.

Cheers,

Jim.

thanks all for the replies

have decided now on the Redarc with an Ariel DC battery - 100 Amp hour for $143. Can get a reasonable price on the redarc form local Auto Elec and maybe even fitted, for less than the piranha cost from TJM supply only.

Cheers

GazzaS