[Bugone]

Hi,

I got my insight a few weeks back. Fortunately I have no IMA errors, however I have had a few negative recals. I know its never been grid charged, so hopefully this will be a worthy modification.

I've used Mike's electrical diagram (thank you) that uses Meanwell power supplies in series. The only change I've made to the original plan is a slightly higher output 12v supply. I'm thinking of also trickle charging the 12v battery as well as the HV.

I've used a project box available from Maplin (UK) that is an ideal size. I decided to use a computer power supply connector for the mains input, and a 5 pin DIN cable for the HV. I originally was going to use a 4 pin, until I realised the 4 pin cables are virtually impossible to get anymore. So I have one pin unusued.

My next plan is to add an integrated voltage display.

 

[Bugone]

Also, I've found that you can lock all the doors, with the rear hatch only half closed - which allows you to put a mains cable into the car, whilst still being water tight, and locked. I just had to turn the interior lights off.

 

[jonnyvtec]

Hello,

I recognise the name

Just careful in rain like that you might end with a water path, loop the cable so it has a U in to shed water before it gets to anything.

I've never had a problem passing a cable at the back of the tailgate, just keep clear of the lock mech.

 

[Bugone]

Recognise the name? That's scary!

It was hammering it down last night, and it's all dry in the back.

 

[Suntory1980]

What are the building costs of the trickle charger?

 

[Bugone]

Project box - £12
3 x 48v supplies - £47.97
12v supply - £20
Switch + power in - £2.36
Fan £2.99
Fan cover £2.80
Piggy back connectors - £3.29
20mm fuses - £1.48
2 x 5 pin connectors - £3.48
5 pin cable - £1.85
1n4006 diode - £0.99
DC200v voltmeter 8.87 (still awaiting delivery)

So - £108

Plus other things I already had; ring terminals, wire, solderig iron, solder, wire clippers, screw terminal connectors, volt meter.

 

[Bugone]

Bit of an update to the grid charger. I wanted to add a voltmeter to show the state of charge.

I got a 200v panel from ebay. It needs a 5v input to run so I pulled a car usb charger apart, and used it to get a 5v from the 12 psu.

All works nicely, and neatly.

 

[TopFuelTim]

That looks very nice. I am in the process of building one now, also using Mike's design. Got my "project box" (an old power supply case from a piece of industrial equipment) today, and may get to start on it this weekend or sometime next week.

Tim

 

[2Slow4u]

Can you post the link to the voltmeter you found on ebay? I was having trouble finding one for my grid charger build. Ebay is so crowded now with the same item i dont want listed 500x.

 

[AClewell]

Bugone,

I did the same thing with a blue display for my charger. I just put a couple resistors in the 12v line to drop the voltage for the 5vdc display.

Your charger looks awesome!

Alan

Bit of an update to the grid charger. I wanted to add a voltmeter to show the state of charge.

I got a 200v panel from ebay. It needs a 5v input to run so I pulled a car usb charger apart, and used it to get a 5v from the 12 psu.

All works nicely, and neatly.

 

[Bugone]

Can you post the link to the voltmeter you found on ebay? I was having trouble finding one for my grid charger build. Ebay is so crowded now with the same item i dont want listed 500x.

This is the one I've used.

LED Display AC 0-200V Panel Mounting Voltage Meter Voltmeter | eBay

 

[chris22104]

I looked all over ebay for a project box like this, to no avail. It looks like just the right size for everything to fit neatly into. Anyone know where I can get this exact vented plastic box?
Thanks!

 

[chris22104]

DC meter, not ac, correct?

This is the one I've used.

LED Display AC 0-200V Panel Mounting Voltage Meter Voltmeter | eBay

 

[2Slow4u]

The one I got is for "DC" but seems to jump all around the actual voltage, I'm not sure if its an isolation issue or china sold me AC Meter with a DC sticker on it.

 

[Bugone]

I looked all over ebay for a project box like this, to no avail. It looks like just the right size for everything to fit neatly into. Anyone know where I can get this exact vented plastic box?
Thanks!

I got it from Maplin. Its one of these I think.

Instrument ABS Plastic Enclosures : Plastic Enclosures : Maplin Electronics

DC meter, not ac, correct?

Yes.

The one I got is for "DC" but seems to jump all around the actual voltage, I'm not sure if its an isolation issue or china sold me AC Meter with a DC sticker on it.

Sounds odd. Mine is very steady. Could you test it on another DC source?

 

[Bob H]

How do I find "Mike's" diagram for the charger?

In your post, you mention a wiring diagram provided by "Mike". Can you tell me where I might find that diagram? I am a new user, just registered this very minute. Thanks for your help.

 

[Darkfish]

In your post, you mention a wiring diagram provided by "Mike". Can you tell me where I might find that diagram? I am a new user, just registered this very minute. Thanks for your help.

Mike Dabrowski, A.K.A creator of MIMA and the Universal Grid charger, you will hear his name a lot around here. Look in the stickies section at the top of this Forum, you will see a thread labeled "Grid Charger" and the schematics are in there. Have to be careful around here, people will tell you to use the search box at the top of the site when you ask questions like this =).

-Steve

 

[Bob H]

Mike Dabrowski, A.K.A creator of MIMA and the Universal Grid charger, you will hear his name a lot around here. Look in the stickies section at the top of this Forum, you will see a thread labeled "Grid Charger" and the schematics are in there. Have to be careful around here, people will tell you to use the search box at the top of the site when you ask questions like this =).

-Steve

Darkfish,

Thanks for the location of the schematics, and, thanks for the guidance on "questions like this". I'll be very careful going forward.