DIY powertank question

[edjrgibbs]

Hi all

Due to the impending mass spend on a CCD and filter wheel I'm also planning a DIY power tank build to power it all including my mount. Based on a number of threads on here about the same subject I've come up with the schematic below (apologies for the rather amateurish nature). Can anyone see any major issues with this? It'll be made up of a plastic toolbox housing an 88ah marine battery.

In terms of charging the powertank, I have one of these http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/nikkai-portable-jumpstarter-3-in-1-400a-a81jw. Can this be used to charge or do I need a separate charger?

Thanks in advance. 
Ed

[AstroJOE]

Looks pretty similar to how I did mine (pics available I'm my gallery if you want a nose).

I purchased a mains charger with a float charge option to keep it topped up when not in use. Wasn't cheap but was worth spending the extra I think.

James

[Alien 13]

Hi it all looks basically sound but i have a few suggestions.

I would replace the main switch with a 2 way device so that it can be set to either "power to skts" or "charging" that way you cant accidently leave your kit connected when charging (this will be at a higher voltage than the battery) 

I would add some indicator leds on the power out side so that you can easily detect if a fuse has blown.

Lastly i would try to isolate each output section using a ferrite ring wound in a few turns of wire to stop any RFI from 1 output being transmited to the others.

Alan

[edjrgibbs]

Thanks both for the feedback.

James, if I could ask, what charger did you buy?

Alan, thanks for the ferrite ring suggestion, didn't realise that such things existed. Led's are a good idea, I planned to use switches with LED's on them (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GWGMC4S/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=10V0RCIVU4UV&coliid=I3TJZQZUEBALV9) assume these would do the job. I plan to use different colours for the high and low amp sockets. 

Forgive me being dim but not sure what you mean by a "2 way device". Can you point me in the right direction?

Thanks
Ed

[Alien 13]

The 2 way device is just a switch ive added it on your diagram.

The charging circuit puts the main fuse into circuit too offering some protection against reversed connection.

Alan

[edjrgibbs]

Cheers Alan makes sense. Next question... Any idea where I can get a charging circuit and input from?

Thanks for all the help.

[Alien 13]

The charging circuit would be a std battery charger idealy something that switches over to trickle charge once the battery reaches its nominal voltage, the input connectors could be automotive types that can handle the maximum charging current and shrouded.

Alan

[Skipper Billy]

These take some beating - I have one hooked up to my classic car all winter - the battery is 10 years old now and sill performs flawlessly.

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/ctek/mxs-5-0-12v-battery-charger-and-conditioner.aspx?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=MerchantCentre&variant=6641&gclid=CPzakJr6g8ACFamWtAodM2AA8w

[AstroJOE]

Thanks both for the feedback.

James, if I could ask, what charger did you buy?

Alan, thanks for the ferrite ring suggestion, didn't realise that such things existed. Led's are a good idea, I planned to use switches with LED's on them (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GWGMC4S/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=10V0RCIVU4UV&coliid=I3TJZQZUEBALV9) assume these would do the job. I plan to use different colours for the high and low amp sockets. 

Forgive me being dim but not sure what you mean by a "2 way device". Can you point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Ed

This one Ed...

http://www.tayna.co.uk/Numax-Leisure-Battery-Charger-10A-P6128.html