The NorthStar AGM Battery + Voltage Booster Upgrade

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/vf-tuner-for-the-3-5l-tacoma.662948/page-27

Post #526 and #541.

 

All you guys with AGM, what charger are u guys using on your monthly top ups?

 

Sweet. Thanks!

 

I use the optima charger, works pretty well but a little pricey.

 

Thank you!

 

you're welcome. I like it because it will also charge regular batteries and it has a little side aux charger that I use to keep my motorcycle battery topped of without having to remove the side plastic

 

Super proud of them, ain't they haha.

 

$124 CTEK 4.3 TEST & CHARGE, 12 Volt Fully Automatic Charger with Unique Battery and Alternator Testing, Ideal for Long Term Storage

CTEK 56-959

 

Thanks for the beta everyone! I actually just went with the ctek 7002

 

that's for sure!

 

Hopefully we’ll get some voltage boost for the 3rd gen! Following this now as I’ll be picking up my 27F x2 from Batteries Plus this week then deciding on my solar set up to power an ARB 60L fridge!

 

Is the display for voltage on a scangauge good enough to test for the baseline peak voltage before dialing in your voltage boost? I’m stock and my reading peaks at 14.0v and almost never goes any higher. Or do you need one of those Bluetooth battery monitors?

Sorry if this has been covered already. I searched the thread but didn’t find the answer. Thanks.

 

I’ve found that the voltage on those is around 0.1 volts below actual battery voltage, so there is a small offset. Keep that in mind.

 

As above...my Scangauge usually fluctuates from 0.1v to the same as my dual voltmeters.

 

Does anyone have an extra HKB Voltage booster they would be looking to sell?

 

Also had another question. I just inherited a 150w Solar panel and wanted to know if that injunction with a solar charge controller feeding to my aux battery and my current MCLR, would that eliminate the need for the HKB voltage booster?

 

No, two separate topics. The HKB voltage booster is to bump up the final 'charge to' voltage for an AGM battery in the start battery position. What you are describing is a solar panel via an described solar charger charging your auxiliary battery. You would want to know if your solar charger can be set for different battery types, to match to your auxilary battery type. I believe the MCLR disconnects your starting battery from your auxilary battery with the key off, so you would not be charging your start battery from solar. Ideally your aux battery type and start battery type should match (ie both AGM or not) so that your vehicle charge system can charge them properly.

 

Thanks for the feedback Rob. Both batteries are identical, Group 35 Odysseys. I think you might be right about the MCLR shutting off, I think it's around (2) minutes..once car is turned off.. That being said, if the correct solar charger is used for these types of batteries, wouldn't the AUX battery still get topped off (Sun permitting) while vehicle is off and then when turned back on and MCLR is on AUTO shouldn't the extra charge from the AUX top off the starter battery..? Sorry if I am way off base here as this is all very new to me. Still enjoy putting in the time to make sure it's done correctly.

 

Correct.