Landrover 3rd Battery Installation

by William | Mar 9, 2021 | Auto Electrics, Blog, Dual Battery Systems

Fitting a 3rd battery to a Landrover

The is an ex-army Landrover we are talking about which comes fitted with two 12 volt batteries fitted in parallel as standard. Landrovers can have many auxiliary devices such as a VHF radio to power up hence the two batteries for extra power output. The second battery also adds some redundancy to the system. However, there are times when even two batteries are not enough. On the right-hand side of the vehicle is a compartment big enough to house a third battery.

Two Primary Battery Housing

When the vehicle is off-road there may be a need to power for example a small fridge and you do not want to place extra demands on your two main batteries which you are relying on to start your engine miles from anywhere. This is where fitting a third battery comes in handy and can provide that extra power requirement without placing extra demand on your main battery power source.

In this case, we do not want to rely on the main alternator to charge the third battery as this is a very inefficient method of charging the battery and will reduce the lifetime of the battery. The alternator is now being asked to power another battery, a task it was not designed to do in an efficient manner. We solve this by fitting an in-vehicle battery charger in the form of a REDARC Multi-stage auxiliary DC-DC battery charger, 12 volts, 25 amp and this is fitted discreetly behind the driver’s seat.

Checkout the video

The third battery we provide is a Full River DC105-12

The Full River DC105-12 is one of the best 105Ah (Amp-hour) AGM Deep Cycle batteries and one of the most popular batteries in Australia due to its reliability and an incredible lifetime of up to 7 years or more.

As the battery is completely sealed and dry, it is not possible to spill acid or to give off gasses while charging. Places you can fit these batteries are under seats in Caravans or Motorhomes. They can be used onboard boats as the house battery. Like all AGM and GEL batteries, we do not recommend under-bonnet installations.

Deep Cycle AGM battery

Details:

Width: 169mm

Length: 307mm

Height: 215mm inc terminals (211 without)

Weight: 30.2Kg Approx

Voltage: 12 Volts

Capacity 105Ah at a 20hour rate (C20)

Screw down M6 terminals.

The positive (+) terminal is on the left (= red terminal in the picture).

36 Month Pro-Rata Warranty (includes 12 Month Manufacturers Replacement Warranty).

Full River DC Series Product Brochure

With the new Full River DC105-12 and REDARC Multi-stage auxiliary DC-DC battery charger, the Landrover is now fully capable of powering the camping fringe without any worry of over-taxing the two primary batteries and alternator. You can now sleep easy miles from anywhere knowing your beers will still be chill in the morning 🙂

Smartstart Interlock alcohol devices

by William | Jan 27, 2021 | Blog

Alcohol ignition interlocks
What is an alcohol ignition interlock?
This is a device attached to the ignition of a car which prevents a car being started unless the driver has passed a brealiser test for alcohol. If the test shoe an alcohol reading above the legel limit, the driver will not be able to start the vehicle.

Breath tests must also be passed during a journey and maybe randomly timed. The interlock also includes a camera and takes a photograph of the person providing the breath sample to reduce the risk of a driver circumventing the program.

These interlock breath test devices are usually demanded by the court after a drink and drive conviction.

Here at Moneltham Auto Electric, we are an accredited interlock service provider and we support and install such a device called Smart Start Interlock. We are also probably the least expensive device and service on the market

Overview of the Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program

Use of the alcohol interlock device is mandatory when driving to complete the Alcohol Interlock Program. As part of using the Smart Start interlock, you bring your vehicle to monthly scheduled services.

Alcohol Interlock Installation Certificate
You will need to provide an Alcohol Interlock Installation Certificate when you apply for the return of your licence.

When a Smart Start Interlock is installed, we will provide an alcohol interlock installation certificate which will include your client number and is found on your Behaviour Change Program certificate of completion including correspondence received from VicRoads.
You can download the Alcohol Interlock Installation Certificate or pick one up from your nearest VicRoads Customer Service Centre. You can have one emailed or mailed to you by contacting Driver Relicensing Services on 1300 723 790 or email alcoholinterlocks@roads.vic.gov.au.

Briefly you complete the program by following the following:

When you use your vehicle the Smartstart Interlock device will record when you blow into the interlock, when you start the engine and when you turn off the engine.

All this data saved by the Smartstart interlock device will be downloaded at your regular Smartstart interlock services which is then sent on to VicRoads.
This information is required for you to complete the program.

There is an online portal called The Alcohol Interlock Management System (AIMS). Here you can log in and monitor and track your progress. This Alcohol Interlock Management System is found online (https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/demerit-points-and-offences/drink-and-drug-driving-offences/alcohol-interlock-management-system)
We are a register Smartstart Interlock service provider and for all your questions please go to their FAQ page here: https://www.smartstartinterlocks.com.au/frequently-asked-questions/faq-vic

Products:

Smartstart SS1 2020 SSI-20/20™

The Smart Start 20/20 is well designed and easy to use.
The Smart Start 20/20 is also reliable and safe to use. It is also the most widely used device of its kind, in Australia. Features include large keypad, an excellent grip, and options which include remote unlocking.

Easy breath testing
Unlock remotely
The Smart Start Camera integrates with the device allowing identification
It has a backlit screen making it easy to read
Large keypad
Fuel cell technology prevents false positives

………………………..

SSI-20-30 Smartstart Breathaliser SSI-20/30™

The Smart Start 20/30 is well designed and easy to use.
The Smart Start 20/30 is also reliable and safe to use. It is also the most widely used device of its kind, in Australia. Features include a large keypad, an excellent grip, and options which include remote unlocking. It is small and discrete which means it does not draw attention to itself.

Discrete and compact design
Colour display for easy readability
Keypad for easy use
Compatible with Smart Start camera providing positive identification
No false positives with fuel cell technology
Remote unlocking options

………………………

SSI-20-30 camera
SSI-20/30™ Camera

The camera is not mandatory in all states, but linking a camera with your alcohol interlock device allows for identification of the provider of a breath test. Customers have found this fail-safe method of identification very useful. Smartstart cameras are compatible with both the SSI-20/20 and the SSI-20/30 devices.

The Camewraes are easy to mount
Fast download and Positive identification
Eliminate violations from other people operating the device improperly

Deep Cycle AGM Batteries

by William | Dec 4, 2020 | Blog, Dual Battery Systems, Uncategorized

Lithium car batteries

Lithium is the lightest of the solid elements and is the most popular types of rechargeable batteries. The very first lithium batteries were not rechargeable.

It has one of the best energy/weight ratios. The self-discharge rate is also low so when it is not in use it does not lose its charge very quickly.

In fact, lithium batteries were initially unstable and unsafe and around charging times they were particularly unsafe making them unsuitable for the market. This is when they discovered that lithium-ion was the way to go.

Being twice the energy density of standard nickel-cadmium batteries they make an excellent car battery. Lithium-ion batteries do not require much maintenance and on top of this advantage, they do not require memory or scheduling cycling.

Traditionally Lithium Batteries have been used only for Hybrids but they can be used in normal petrol engine cars and especially in 4WD where a second battery is used to power camping utilities such as camping fridges and power inverters. In this case, a normal lead-acid battery is used for the first battery and the Lithium Battery is used for the camping or alternate use requirement. Where you are travelling for long periods you need a second battery so as not to rely on your main car battery essential for starting the engine.

So to be clear the advantages of a Lithium Battery is their weight, they are much lighter than lead-acid batteries. They also cope with the charge and discharge cycles a lot better than the traditional lead-acid batteries. However, there are a few disadvantages which should be mentioned. Compared with a lead-acid battery a Lithium Battery’ output will drop a lot faster when the temperature decreases. They do require proper charging and can have cell failure if not charged as manufacturers recommendations. They are also quite expensive in comparison. A well-designed Lithium Batteries however do not cause these problems such as the EnerDrive Lithium Batteries.

Deep Cycle AGM battery

An alternative to the Lithium Battery is a Deep Cycle AGM battery which is a lead-acid battery but with several differences. AGM is short for Absorbent Glass Material.
So the battery has 6 cells of around 2 volts each making 12 in total. The positive and negative lead oxide plates react with the sulfuric acid electrolyte producing electrons and this electrolyte is suspended by the sponge-like glass fibre maintaining an even distribution with the lead oxide plates.

Although the AGM battery is sensitive to over or undercharging it is basically sealed and needs no maintenance so you can not spill any of the contents. They are mostly shockproof and do not corrode. They also are more efficient at discharging and recharging. It is claimed they have higher starting power. In general, they do cost more.

Another advantage is they typically last sometimes more than twice the regular lead-acid battery. When supplying a twin battery for a camper or 4WD we usually provide and install the DC105-12 Deep Cycle AGM Battery as the second utility battery.

What is the Deep Cycle part of the name mean? Traditional car batteries were not designed for continuous draining and recharge as they are used to start the engine and are then used for small power uses while the engine is running and the battery is continually being recharged. However, if you are using the second battery system as a power supply for your camping fridge you will not have the car running at the time and there will be a constant drain on the battery. A deep cycle battery will have thicker plates which help it cope with constant charging and recharging. The thicker the plates the longer it will last.

Deep Cycle batteries are designed to provide a steady amount of current over a long period of time. Deep-cycle batteries can be repeatedly discharged and recharged without causing damage or shortening their life.

An Inverter and Battery system for Tradies

by William | Sep 1, 2020 | Blog, Dual Battery Systems, Inverter Systems

ePOWER 2000W True Sine Wave Inverter

As a tradie you may be interested to know that we are installing 2000w true sine wave inverters into builders and electricians work vehicles and yutes. This allows the use of electrical power on-site when there is no other electrical power available.

Features

The ePOWER’s contemporary is easy to use offers reliable power service both AC power and 5V USB power for your tradies work vehicle or caravan and other 4WD or commercial vehicle. A multitude of AC powered appliances can be run via this inverter and the 5V USB power can charge many devices simultaneously.

For operating motor loads, and to reduce stress on surge protection circuitry, true sine wave output power is perfect and also ensures longer equipment life. There are audio alarm warnings and error codes informing the user.

The automatic shutdown protects overload, over temperature and low/high battery conditions and there is a high surge capacity for products that require more power to start (2 x constant)

Provide are mounting brackets for a fixed installation including heavy-duty DC battery stud connectors and 5V USB port.

Included a 6 Meter Remote On-Off Switch

200Ah Lithium Battery ePOWER B-TEC 12V

We can also install a dual battery system which allows you to utilise your inverter without a drain on your car battery. We are using the 200Ah Lithium Battery ePOWER B-TEC 12V which has a list of impressive features.

This Lithium Battery is available in the range

12v 100Ah,125Ah, 200Ah and 300Ah

The battery is also available in the ranges:

24v & 36v 100Ah,

It is designed and meant for deep cycle uses.

This battery has a management system which provides the following information: Battery Voltage, Current (Amps), State of Charge (SOC), Health (SOH) and Status.

This management system will also show Individual Cell Voltage, Battery Temperature, Cycles, Alarms and other Battery Event Information.

There is also a monitor to optimise individual Prismatic cells inside the battery while the battery is in use which prevents over charge and over discharge, over temperature including short circuit prevention.

In short this battery management system keeps the battery safe and ensures precise and accurate use of the battery system.

These are the size and weight savings, Lithium v AGM scope;

100Ah Lithium = 160Ah AGM

125Ah Lithium = 200Ah AGM

200Ah Lithium = 320Ah AGM

(The figures are based on average discharge depth for both Lithium @80% and AGM @50%

Providing 60% more power than a lead battery of equal rates it is also almost 50% lighter in weight and has a 30% smaller footprint. No contest!

This battery is great for installing into a tradies work auto in combination with the inverter mentioned above. Come to that it is also perfect camper trailers or four-wheel drive AUX battery. Caravans would benefit as would communication sites.

Installation that need single deep cycle battery meeting the amp hour capacity would do well to choose this ePOWER B-TEC 12V 200Ah Lithium Battery

Enerdrive is regarded as the leader in the field of lithium batteries and energy systems for Mobile, Marine and Remote applications.

It is also worth noting that the B-TEC battery is capable to be paralleled to a second B-TEC battery of the same size.

It is also suggested that no more than 2 batteries should be connected and loads when paralleled should not exceed the current limits of a single batteries BMS.

This 200Ah battery can only be used with an inverter with a maximum of 2000W capacity.

There are larger than ePOWER B-TEC battery so look at the Enerdrive Pro Series Power Pack Systems. These Pro series can offer multiple parallel and series connections with Active Cell Balancing Protection across the entire pack

For the full range check out their website and remember we can install any of their products cheaper than you can buy from them:

Enerdrive Range

LED Auto Electric Accessories

by William | Jul 15, 2020 | Auto Electrics, Blog

LED Autolamps

We provide quality automotive aftermarket lighting

Our TIR optics range which stands for “Total internal reflection” has great optical design and the injection-moulded plastic polymers is shaped into a refractive lens inside a reflector.

The LEDs, include a clever feature which precisely focuses each LED and so provides minimal glare and stray light to the final beam, which is great for any oncoming traffic.

The eliminate scattered light loss is only half the story because the cost is also greatly reduced.

The TIR7 LED

Total Internal Reflection

7” (189mm x 175mm x 65mm)

TIR9, a larger 9” version (244mm x 228mm x 73mm),

Powerful directed lighting for greater safety and visibility. This means better value!

When you are driving in tough off-road environments you need equipment that is designed to withstand the rigours and these lamps fit the bill as they are housed in die-cast aluminium for the best strength and also boast an adjustable strong painted 4mm stainless steel mounting bracket. The bolts and fittings are also stainless steel.

Additionally included are rubber dampers which for obvious reasons prevent the worst of the vibrations. As for testing they have been tested and passed the IP68 water and dust ingress requirements They have also been thermally tested to -50°c to +75°c which means either hot or cold environments are going to be no problem!

In the TIR7 we use 32 high powered 5-watt Osram LEDs which has a total output of 160 Watts giving you 25200 Raw Lumens.

TIR9, the larger of the two has 37, 5-Watt Osram LEDs at 185 total watts giving you 27800 Raw Lumens.

Inbuilt park light function

PMMA TIR lens material
Clean white light – 6500k
Safe driving vision.
Voltage range of 9-32 Volts
The current draw of 9.2 Amps for the 7” and 12.0 Amps for the 9”.

LED Autolamps provides a harness wiring kit which is easy to fit including yellow, blue and clear polycarbonate protective covers as accessories.

Get more info by ringing us now

LED's for Autos

Smart Start Interlock Service

by William | May 27, 2020 | Blog

Smart Start Interlock

Smart Start Interlock is a company that provides services and technical devices that are installed in the car, that prevent intoxicated people from driving the vehicle. Here at Monteltham Auto Electric we install, service and look after the ignition interlock devices.

Accredited Interlock installer

Monteltham Auto Electric is an accredited Interlock installer and we have been approved by the State Government. These devices can only legally be installed, removed or monitored by approved and accredited installers. Monteltham Auto Electric is an accredited Interlock installer and we have been approved by the State Government. These devices are only legally installed, removed or monitored by approved and accredited installers.

These Interlock devices basically prevent the engine being started without going through and passing the breath test, the device will also initiate random tests from time to time requiring you to pass the test. If you fail to take the test this is recorded and will be considered a violation. Random tests can be requested any time the engine is running.

Smart Start Interlock Servicing

The program also schedules a regular service for the device installation. There is a service window of 2 weeks, a week each side of the schedule date. Missing this window will prevent you from operating your vehicle. There is also a fee for remote unlocking. Book your service early with us, we will be happy to accomodate you.

The service involves calibration and checking that the device is operating as it should. The calibration is a routine download required by the state, and a technician downloads your test results from the Ignition Interlock Device, uploading them to the report that we send to your monitoring authority.

How does a SmartStart Interlock work?

What is an interlock device? How does it work. Basically, you blow into the mouthpiece which measures the amount of alcohol in your blood and as long as it is below a certain level, you can start and drive your car. How do we know it’s accurate?

The Smart Start ignition interlock devices use ethanol-specific fuel cells to detect alcohol. This ethanol-specific fuel cell turns alcohol into an electric current, even very small amounts of alcohol will produce an electrical charge. No alcohol present, then no electrical current. If however you have recently been drinking alcohol there will be alcohol in your breath, and, the fuel cell will create a current and is stronger the more alcohol there is in your breath. So there is a direct relationship between the amount of alcohol in your body and the electrical current created in the fuel cell.

As long as the amount is under the limit which is 0.02 BAC the test is passed and the engine is enabled to start. Greater than this threshold and the vehicle will not start.

These Smart Start Interlock devices are similar to the traffic police and the devices they use to test a driver, they are state-of-the-art and accredited by both European and Australian standards.

If you want more information on the Smart Start Interlock system please get in touch. We will be happy to help you. Don’t forget we provide a full vehicle service for all rangers of vehicles including petrol, diesel and 4 wheel drive vehicles. We are expert auto electricians servicing all of Melbourne and based in Montmorency, not far from Eltham and Greensborough.

We also provide a wide range of car spares including batteries, LED’s, solar systems and other camping and off road essentials.

Smart Start Interlock Servicing Melbourne

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