Not really Locost related but definately electrics and might come into use for other people,

Right, I've got a 12V mini fridge for work in the summer and i think it uses about 2-4 amps
so i'm happy to have it running on the way to work but it'll probably need to run longer to chill without flattening the battery if i forget to turn it off.

The best way i can think of doing this would be some kind of run on timer for say 2 hrs after the ignition goes off.

Anybody know where you could get such a thing or suggest another way?

cheers Ian

Don't know about a timer but what about a second battery connected just to the fridge using a split charging relay so that it charges when engine is running and isolates when not running

Tis a good idea, thankyou but being a working van I could do without using up extra space needed for a battery .

Have a look in the RS catalogue, they do all manner of timer relays. Connect the coil feed of one to your ign controlled live and hey presto.

Had a look in the RS catalogue was upwards of £30! a tad 2 expencive.

Does anybody have any knowlege of 555 timers? it seems like it could work with the right range of components.
I just can't seem 2 get my head round it at the mo, looks simple and its probably me complicating things!

Any help would be most appreciated

Ian

the problem with using a timer is that you could still end up with a flat battery.

Try this,

http://www.safetycentral.com/batprot.html

cuts the power to your fridge or whatever when the battery voltage drops below a certain voltage.

american site, but you should be able to find a UK supplier

good old maplin, £9.99

link http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=37773&TabID=1&source=15&WorldID=&doy=12m4

[Edited on 12/4/05 by rayward]

Thanks Rayward, That looks like the safest option.

I've just had a little play with one of those 555 timers i've mentioned and it isin't 2 complex and could be a very handy piece of kit!

Thanks all,

Ian

how about a solar battery charger on dash whilst your car is standing i.ve been told quite cheap and effective from caravan supply place's if you really wan't to walk into caravan sale's place that is

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=3315&TabID=1&source=15&WorldID=&doy=17m4

thats a pretty handy timer module. You press one button to start, it clicks the relay and holds it open for an adjustable time period. You can press the second button to stop it at any time. There are variable resistors on the module to set the time delay, but you can mess with different values from those in the kit to get longer or shorter time periods.