Dual battery setup options

[kiwicraig]

Hi All,

I've been thinking that my next project for the boat would be to add a dual battery setup. I've been reading up on this, including the other posts on the subject here. But I am still a bit confused.

I've looked at an array of battery switches and VSRs.

I read a previous thread here that was basically asking if you have the switch do you need the VSR as well. I've also come across a few kits online that include botha switch and a VSR. My question is a slightly different twist.

If you have the VSR - why do you need the switch at all? Isn't the VSR just doing automatically what the switch allows you to do manually anyway? Or am I missing something.

Thanks in advance.

Craig

[Ric001]

Hi Craig. I think the switch is there to completely isolate all the batteries in the event of transport, storage or a major issue with the electrics. Consider it the manual override kill switch. Ric.

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[kiwicraig]

Actually I think I have found a wiring diagram that makes it a bit clearer.

http://s87.photobucket.com/user/pvbpics/media/wiring2_zpscdb768cd.jpg.html

Basically this shows the battery switch broken down into three switches which clarifies it a bit.

If I read this correctly it will need to be in Engine or Both to actually start and run the motor and when it the house position you will be able to run things wired off the distribution panel but won't be able to start. The VSR only comes into play if you are running the engine and the switch is in the Both position.

Is that correct?​

[batfishing]

If you want to jump start from your second battery then you need a switch to connect them, unless you use a vsr that has an override solenoid.

By the way we can supply everything, including wiring diagram, and custom made cables

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[antonywardle]

on my boat I have a 1 2 both off switch

when on 1 engine starts from battery 1 and charges battery 1

when on 2 engine starts from battery 2 and charges battery 2

when on both engine starts from both battery's and charges both

and when off nothing happens.

I also have a vsr. Its connected between battery 1 and 2.

The theory is that I start on 1, and when it is charges, the VSR then

lets current through to charge battery 2

You can also change the switch while you are running between 1 2 and both

but there is a warning not to turn it to off.

Roadrunner sold me a radio and I was very impressed with the helpfulness

and speedy delivery. I can pop around sometime if that helps