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Engagement
  • Author Author: mcb1
  • Date Created: 22 Mar 2018 3:00 AM Date Created
  • Views 2139 views
  • Likes 13 likes
  • Comments 10 comments
  • current consumption
  • battery
  • jumper cable
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Electronic Diet

mcb1
mcb1
22 Mar 2018

Okay so the title is a bit misleading.image

I'm not planning on consumming electronics, or removing electronics from my diet (no I don't eat parts) image

image

source https://favim.com/image/474959/

 

 

I have a spare car that has an older model alarm system fitted just to provide remote lock/unlock.

The car has central locking and uses a transponder key, so it's not that easy to steal, but the flashing LED right next to the ignition barrel does suggest it might make noises if you break in.

 

The unit was fitted when we first got it, and it allowed my wife to open the doors from the footpath and get the kids into the rear in safety.

I've seen too many children out on the road getting into and out of cars .... not sure what the parents are thinking (or more likely not thinking).

 

Anyway now that it is a spare car used in winter and for towing, it sits around and the battery gets drained by the alarm system.

I've made a couple of blogs

Jumper Cables

and when I last repaired the immobiliser

Vehicle Immobiliser Repair

 

The other day I had the same problem, get into it to shift it and the battery was way down.

"Jump Start?"

source https://www.cartoonstock.com/cartoonview.asp?catref=dwtn172

 

So I have a plan.

 

1. Check the current consumption of the unit.

2. Check to see if it can easily be reduced, and by how much.

3. Either fix it or replace it.

 

Each of these steps requires a bit of work

Step 1 is easy enough as I have a spare unit

Step 2 is only easy if you have the circuit diagram, and luckily I do (somewhere) since I use to fix them for the importer.

Step 3 replacement .... is relatively easy but will require checking the current consumption of a replacement.

I do have one that I purchased for another vehicle, and I should be able to interface it to this vehicle.

 

 

So in the next article I will find all the bits and do some checking

https://www.element14.com/community/people/mcb1/blog/2018/03/23/electronic-diet-part-2

Part 3 here Electronic Diet - Engineering a Solution

 

 

 

Mark

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Top Comments

  • koudelad
    koudelad over 7 years ago +3
    Hello, Just a few ideas to think about: is the car battery in a good condition? do you plan to build a circuit to estimate the capacity of the battery? is the car parked somewhere near a power outlet,…
  • mcb1
    mcb1 over 7 years ago in reply to koudelad +3
    koudelad Worthwhile questions .... Just a few ideas to think about: is the car battery in a good condition? Yes it's a new normal Lead acid battery and is a large one since it's a diesel 4WD. The problem…
  • mcb1
    mcb1 over 7 years ago in reply to three-phase +2
    I have a second car stored away ... if there is a battery monitor module I'm sure there is, and it could be very low power consumption as well. In the second part it will become very obvious. Thanks M…
  • mcb1
    mcb1 over 7 years ago in reply to three-phase

    Not sure this fits the full bill.

    Matson Bluetooth Wireless Battery Monitor - Supercheap Auto

    image

    Note it is very helpful and indicates that it only draws 1mA.

     

    Not sure what functions the App gives, and since it's bluetooth is likely to only be when in range.

     

    edit

    I did some more digging and added these to the final blog post.

    https://www.drivelife.co.nz/2017/11/product-review-matson-bluetooth-battery-monitor/

     

    I might just have to pick one up and test it out.

    A friend has a small solar installation and we were there on the weekend discussing his problem with one battery that could be dead.

    The history feature may just help him see the information.

     

     

    Mark

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  • mcb1
    mcb1 over 7 years ago

    So part 2 is here https://www.element14.com/community/people/mcb1/blog/2018/03/23/electronic-diet-part-2

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  • mcb1
    mcb1 over 7 years ago in reply to three-phase

    I have a second car stored away   ... if there is a battery monitor module

    I'm sure there is, and it could be very low power consumption as well.

     

     

    In the second part it will become very obvious.

     

     

    Thanks

    Mark

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  • three-phase
    three-phase over 7 years ago

    Look forward to following the project and seeing what your solution will be.

     

    I have a second car stored away that suffers from the same issue and have wondered if there is a battery monitor module that would send a text message out when the voltage dropped below a preset level.

     

    Kind regards

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  • DAB
    DAB over 7 years ago

    Great idea Mark.

     

    You need to understand the problem before you run off an make a lot of changes.

     

    I look forward to seeing what you find.

     

    DAB

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