Sandman614's #expoenough Build

@ThaiChillyTaco this is for my trans fluid but same idea

 

#Shopping Flexible rubber/silicone socket holders
https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/126/2919/
https://expeditionexchange.com/shop...ools-1-slash-2-drive-black-socket-holder-5302

 

Finally took my seat covers off to wash them and decided to sew up the weird side flappy bit flapping open. The seats(from eddys truck) have airbags, but my truck isn't wired for them.

 

I guess it's time for OBA maintenance.. The other weekend at URE the blue line to my rear locker popped off the diff fitting and today while checking my diff breather vent the regulator gave up..

 

#actionshots from URE this weekend, climbed poser rock.

 

Got ham?

 

Finally attempting to tackle my low alternator voltage/dual battery ACR connecting/disconnecting issue.
The ACR needs to see 13.0v(2min) or 13.6v(30sec) to combine and 12.35v(10sec) or 12.75v(30sec) to disconnect.



The factory output from my alternator is 13.6-13.8v. With voltage drop to the ACR in the bed I generally see 13.0v or less over a 4ga wire. I've ordered a voltage booster(diode/resettable fuse) from hkbelect.com in April and it's still not delivered. So I found a thread and am building my own following @scleaf lead. I ordered an assortment of diodes and went to testing. Sadly my results are practically the same across the board..

Edit:
1n4001-1n4007 = 1.1 Vf(1A)
RL201-RL207 = 1.0 Vf(2A)
1n5400-1n5408 = 1.2Vf(3A)

Testing was done with only my starting battery (Northstar 27F) connected after being fully charged a day or 2 prior. I don't think I'm comfortable with 2 diodes in series, even though when I connected my house battery(also charged fully a day or 2 prior) the max voltage seemed to stay below 14.8v.

I think I'll run just 1xRL207 for now and monitor voltages and note how often the ACR connects/disconnects.

 

Like I told aaron, diode forward voltage drop is all that matters. It’s super easy to find the specs when you look it up.

If you want to chat about it, get my # from him. I’ve built 2-3 of the boosters with parts I’ve got laying around

 

I saw different ones had different voltages and just snatched a variety pack from Amazon. Hadn't looked them up just yet for these and haven't put much thought into how the Vf correlates to the charge voltage.

1n4001-1n4007 = 1.1 Vf(1A)
RL201-RL207 = 1.0 Vf(2A)
1n5400-1n5408 = 1.2Vf(3A)

 

Stupid covid19 this power steering pump was a great price.. I was hoping they would have just kept the order until the finally got one back in stock.

 

All we hear is radio ga ga
Radio goo goo
Radio ga ga
All we hear is radio ga ga
Radio blah blah
Radio, what's new?
Radio, someone still loves you


Figuring out this serial-Bluetooth adapter for my new mobile HAM radio has been interesting. The adapter is a chinese knockoff, the ftdi serial to usb programming adapter is a Chinese knockoff that apparently windows drivers will brick, and Yaesu(ftm-400xdr) uses rs232(+/-12v) serial while the Bluetooth adapter uses TTL(3.3v) rs232 serial. Lots of little gotchas and nuances involved.

after several hours of playing with stupid Fedora live usb without persistent storage I turned around and used my wife's Mac to change the Bluetooth name...

 

Most Diodes have the same voltage drop so it is not surprising you have the same results. I started with two and I was seeing peak voltage at 15.0v so went to one diode, my BM2 seems to like 14.4 and the batteries are charged fully. I would have liked peak at 14.6 but not sure it will matter as long as I am at 14.4

 

Bringing down the walls.. #housebuild?

 

Decided to run 2diodes for a little while and see how my charge holds up on my 2nd battery. With a single one the charge is still low and doesn't stay connected with the fridge putting a load on the 2nd battery.

 

#newparts
Grabbed a new towing 130amp alternator off ebay. I put it in my watch list and the seller sent me a lower offer, so since he is so interested in selling I gave a counter offer. He accepted it, messaged me showing pictures of some damage to the back plastic piece he didn't notice before and asked if I still wanted it. I asked for a partial refund for the damage and he agreed. Original asking price $150 +15 shipping, he offered $130 plus shipping, I countered with $100 plus shipping, and ultimately he agreed on $80 + shipping...

Now I'm sceptacle as hell, but the thing looks brand new(factory refurb). Got it in, took it to Autozone to get it tested.. Their machine was down, went to another... They tried to test but their machine wasn't working, they called 2 more stores and their machines were down, a 3rd store was able to test gave me fail/replace with no other info or numbers. Autozone is garbage.. Called Pep boys and the kid that answered was beyond useless, Napa is closed til Tuesday... Called advance and their machine is working, went there, they had no issues, the alternator passed, and they could show numbers.

 

Yakety Yak! Made a quick kayak rack out of uni-strut. I still want to make a crossbar for the front, but the maiden voyage is tomorrow morning.

 

I need to do this

Nice build too

 

I got the tools and I'll be at URE this weekend. Might could pickup the bushing for you at ECGS too.

 

Yeah, if not I'll order it and next time I'm up your way or we are both in Uwharrie I may get your help if you're up for it.

Edit: oh, just saw that you live in Garner. If you go near ECGS pick it up for me for sure. I'll buy you a case of beer for your trouble