| The
Start of the Battery Bank |
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the space |
 We
are upgrading the battery bank from the standard 3 group 27 batteries, to
5 group 31 AGM batteries. These extra 2 batteries will be added under
the quarter berth footwell. This space will allow for 2 group 31 batteries
as well as the Next Step regulator. The new batteries will be right next
to the existing batteries so cable runs should be easy. The front of this
space will be closed off with a teak board. A new top
will be made to close the footwell and allow for the mattress to be one
piece. The 6th battery will be the engine start battery. It will be
positioned in the locker behind the footwell. |
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3/2/02 We are using group 31 AGM
(Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries), 69lbs each and 105 Amp hrs each. |
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3/2/02 We bought these
batteries direct from the DEKA battery plant in East Penn, PA. This is
where most AGM batteries are made and then labeled for Lifeline, West
Marine, and Boat US.
345 lbs of batteries! This will be the
house bank.
See the Resource page for
East Penn phone numbers |
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3/9/02 Loading the batteries
onto the boat. |
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3/9/02 The beginning of the
new house bank. 525 amp hours!
3 batteries will fit into the original box and 2
will fit in the footwell. The footwell will be closed off and the bed will
be a one piece mattress. |
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3/9/02 The original battery
switch was located under the companion way. We moved this to allow for a
storage box to be built into that space.
This switch will be re-located in the quarter berth on
the back of this wall and above the battery box. |
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3/16/02 The 5
Group 31s in the existing battery box WILL FIT. To make them fit, we
needed to cut the opening larger so we could drop the last battery
straight down. This is a very tight fit, but it is great. |
| Fitting
5 Batteries into the space |
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3/16/02 Custom SS
hold down system was designed by Rob Glebe. This photo also shows the
cutout to allow for the 3 rd battery to be dropped in then slid towards
the stern. Blocks of wood have been added between and around the batteries
to prevent any sliding of the batteries. |
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3/16/02 Adding 2
batteries to the footwell has worked out very well. This space was
wasted and never used. The hold downs are being built. The Next Step
digital regulator, shunt, and distribution posts will be added in the
extra space. |
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3/16/03 Closing
off the footwell with teak plywood, Rob scribed the board to the curve
of the sole. This board goes all the way under the seat to the right of
this photo. |
| Wiring
the Bank |
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3/23/02 The wiring
of the house bank was done with 1.0 gauge wire. This photo is in
middle of the process. You can see the ND, and PD (negative & positive
distribution posts). This photo also shows the new battery switch box in
the upper left. |
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3/23/02 The location
of the Next Step Regulator. Again this is in the middle of the job,
so excuse the mess. |
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3/23/02 A view from
the quarter berth looking forward showing the location of the new
battery switch, windlass switch, engine hr., and extra battery switch box. |
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3/23/02 The ND
(Negative Distribution) and the fuse block plus the Emon II shunt.
This is located in the locker with the starter battery right behind the
house bank. |
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3/28/02 The ND
with Labels to explain the wiring connections. |
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3/28/02 The EMON
II and Next Step regulator wiring located in the battery box. In
Progress...needs to be labeled. |
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3/28/02 The New
Battery Switch Box located in the quarter berth behind the engine
room. This allowed us to work in the windlass switch and the third switch
to isolate the starter battery. A light will be added for reading in the
bunk. |
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3/28/02 The Battery
Hold Down system is made of SS and wood blocks. The SS bar is through
bolted into the box. |
| Finishing
off the House Bank |
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3/30/02 A custom
lid was made with almond Formica to close the top of the battery box. |
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3/30/02 The lid
covers the original battery box as well as the footwell where the
additional 2 batteries are located. |
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3/30/02 A look
back.....The original footwell.....Battery Bank is now complete.
One interesting note: We have designed this system to allow for expansion
if needed. The starter battery can be replaced with one more group 31 AGM,
giving us 6 for the house bank. A new starter battery could be added in
the same space.
House Bank Is Complete!
|
| The
Starter Battery. Battery #6 |
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3/16/02 Battery #
6 the starter battery will be secured in the locker right behind the
footwell. Here is another piece of Rob's outstanding SS work. Did I
mention Rob Glebe is a craftsman?
The location of the starter battery. |
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3/23/02 The starter
battery hold down is large enough for another group 31. We have
installed one of our left over group 27, so the wood blocks take up the
extra space. |
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... |
...more photos to
follow..... |
