Re: (ET) Elec-trak Digest, Vol 4, Issue 285

[ThompsonG DFO-MPO GC CA]

Hi
I use the same set up as Raymon with the Landis switch. However, I do it 
for
a different reason. By using  24 hr mechanical timers and a power bar I can
charge and maintain several ET on 15 amp circuit. I just plug each timer
into the power bar set the on and off time so the don't overlap and let the
Landis switch do the thinking. Currently (no pun intended) I charge and
maintain 3 ET on one CKT. This way each Battery pack is gently brought up 
to
charge then "tickled each day". 

Cheers

<>Message: 3
<>Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2006 14:39:00 -0400
<>From: "Raymon  Ellis" <raymonellis adelphia net>
<>Subject: (ET) E-14 Timer
<>To: <elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu>
<>Cc: Bobbie Ellis <bobbieellis adelphia net>
<>Message-ID: <000001c6cad1$3c034260$6401a8c0@RAY>
<>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
<>
<>This is for those who have experienced timer problems and are looking for
a
<>simpler charger setup. Michael J. Banks wrote that he fixed his timer
after
<>opening it and all the switch parts fell out in his hand. He is a 
champion
<>and I salute him. I took mine apart and found it impossible to 
reassemble.
<>Today a standard 12 hour auto shut-off mechanical timer was installed to
<>straddles the newly installed Landis controller to override the Landis
when
<>the batteries are very low. This may be the answer for anyone willing to
<>risk it. An in-line fuse and single pole switch was inserted in the red
wire
<>to the Landis to stop power while the mechanical timer is in control
<>although this may not be necessary. When the timer was first turned on
this
<>morning the power meter showed a current draw of slightly over 8 amps.
After
<>a few minutes the current reduced to 4.6 amps. All seems well now, but 
the
<>big test will come later this week when we mow the lawn and run down the
<>batteries. The ability to charge 6 or 8 hours with the mechanical timer
<>followed by the Landis method for unattended surveillance ought to be 
just
<>what the doctor ordered. The power usage record should prove the 
practical
<>advantages of the setup. Maybe.
<>
<>