Re: Trip Planning

Posted by sgtslag on Nov 05, 2012; 2:51am
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Trip-Planning-tp4031593p4031689.html

I explained it poorly.  The accessory outlet should be connected directly to the battery, through a Relay, to allow it to be disconnected from the battery, when the bike is off.  This prevents a phone charger from draining the battery, when the bike is off.  Chargers will continue to drain current, even after the phone is fully charged.

I recommended using a Running Light, to supply switched power to the Relay, because the Relay draws little voltage, and current; the Running Light circuit won't be affected by the Relay's draw.  This allows the Relay, and its circuits, to be safely controlled/turned off, with the bike's key.  The easiest method is to use a vampire connector, or you can splice into it.

The reason I specified only 5 Amps, is that most chargers (phone, GPS, etc.) draw less than 2 Amps (charging these devices typically requires upwards of two hours to restore a near-dead battery).  Bikes have small alternators, typically, with limited amps to spare for accessories.  If you install a sub-fuse block, be sure to keep careful notes on how many amps you have to spare, and make sure you don't allow too many (most devices/circuits will not function simultaneously, so you can pad the block with more capacity than you have to spare, as long as they don't all function at the same time!).  Again, if you install a sub-fuse block, a voltmeter connected directly to the battery is critical, to monitor your electrical system's health.

Electric heated clothes are beyond my experience.   They can draw far more than 2 Amps.  These devices require more care, and detective work, to ensure you don't kill you battery on the road.  I would recommend pushing your charging system to only 80% of its max. capacity, to be safe.  A margin for error, is a good thing.

There are some battery-operated clothes available, but I don't know much about them.  Search the Internet for them, if interested.  Cheers!