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Dual Voltage Starting Switch...

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by drgnwgn289, May 4, 2005.

  1. drgnwgn289
    Joined: Apr 13, 2002
    Posts: 557

    drgnwgn289
    Member

    Does anyone know of a source for these things at a reasonable price? I found one in J.C. Whitney, but it was $160.
    thanks
    Jake
     
  2. Flat Ernie
    Joined: Jun 5, 2002
    Posts: 8,406

    Flat Ernie
    Tech Editor

    I'm a bit confused - why do you need a dual-voltage starting switch? What exactly are you trying to do?
     
  3. willowbilly3
    Joined: Jun 18, 2004
    Posts: 4,356

    willowbilly3
    Member Emeritus
    from Sturgis

    Are you talking a series/parelell switch so you can run 2-6 volt batterys and get 12 volts to crank, 6 to everything else and a 6 volt generator will charge both batterys? These systems are a bit complicated and confusing for the average person and all the ones I was ever around seemed finnicky. I did install a few back in the 70s for old farm trucks. It seems the biggest problem we had was keeping both batterys charged up. I prefered the 8 volt battery. It would get the cranking power with out changing anything else ( except for tweaking the regulator)
     
  4. Petejoe
    Joined: Nov 27, 2002
    Posts: 12,633

    Petejoe
    Member
    from Zoar, Ohio

    Yes,
    a normal starting switch is usually built well enough to handle a wide variety of voltages. Why do you need it??
     
  5. drgnwgn289
    Joined: Apr 13, 2002
    Posts: 557

    drgnwgn289
    Member

    i need it for the reason stated by willowbilly. its a series/parallel switch that changes to batteries from series to parallel when you turn the key to start the motor. My friend is trying to finish his truck for paso and this is the route he has decided to go. he had an 8v battery on it, but didn't like it for some reason. do modern diesel pickups use these switches? I know most of the diesel pickups I've seen have two batteries, but I've never looked close enough to see how they were hooked up.
     
  6. Dirty2
    Joined: Jun 13, 2004
    Posts: 8,902

    Dirty2
    Member

    The diesels are for 12 to 24 volt . I will check today and see if I can get one that is 6 to 12 !!
     
  7. Dirty2
    Joined: Jun 13, 2004
    Posts: 8,902

    Dirty2
    Member

    I have them in stock that are 12 to 24
     
  8. drgnwgn289
    Joined: Apr 13, 2002
    Posts: 557

    drgnwgn289
    Member

    I think I've got an idea, but I'm not sure...how's this sound:

    you can use a 12 to 24 switch for 6 to 12 if you run your ignition switch on 12 volts so that the coils inside the switch will still work...right?
     
  9. willowbilly3
    Joined: Jun 18, 2004
    Posts: 4,356

    willowbilly3
    Member Emeritus
    from Sturgis

    If it is just a switch then it shouldn't matter if its 6/12 or 12/24. The 12/24 switch should work.
     
  10. drgnwgn289
    Joined: Apr 13, 2002
    Posts: 557

    drgnwgn289
    Member

    its an electromagnetic switch that automatically switches two batteries from series to parallel when the ignition switch is in the start position, then automatically swithes the batteries back to series configuration once the car is started. thats why the voltage matters
     
  11. willowbilly3
    Joined: Jun 18, 2004
    Posts: 4,356

    willowbilly3
    Member Emeritus
    from Sturgis

    I see. I never actually knew what was in there. I wonder if you could make something work with several starter relays like those reversing motors on electric hoists.
     
  12. Bluto
    Joined: Feb 15, 2005
    Posts: 5,113

    Bluto
    Member Emeritus

    BOATS!!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

    Didn't you guys ever have a boat?? Bat #1,Bat#2 and BOTH one simple turn it to each switch!!!!!

    Go to the boat supply.....or get the NAPA MASTER catalog.....yes MASTER
    it's got all that **** and more!!!

    Good luck ...should be $25.00
     
  13. leadsled53
    Joined: Dec 23, 2004
    Posts: 50

    leadsled53
    Member

    hows about a duel voltage battery 12v goes to starter 6v goes to rest I've seen em before just not sure where
     
  14. Scott
    Joined: Dec 23, 2004
    Posts: 2,773

    Scott
    Member

    Im just a little confused here. Do you need 12 volts to start and 6 volts to run?
    If so then you would series the batteries to start and parallel them to run and charge. Series increases voltage and parallel increases amperage.:eek:
     
  15. Deuce Rails
    Joined: Feb 1, 2002
    Posts: 2,016

    Deuce Rails
    Member

    I'm confused as to why anyone use an 8-volt battery in the first place. It's a good way to blow out 6-volt light bulbs without enough juice to do anything else.

    How about simply using a 12-volt battery and charging system, and a Runtz for everything 6-volt?
     
  16. drgnwgn289
    Joined: Apr 13, 2002
    Posts: 557

    drgnwgn289
    Member

    yes scott, thanks...I had my electrical terms mixed up.
    bluto, thanks for the tip, I'll tell my friend to look into it.
     

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