Correct Voltage?

[RBBailey]

OK, an update...

I have simply disconnected the aux batt and I have it set up with my isolator just like it should be. This means I sort of have a ghost battery, but everything still works. Basically, the stereo system is the only thing that was running off that battery... that I know of. So now, I can run the stereo... but only when the truck is actually running.

So, it really comes back to a complete rewire job that would take all the seats out, remove the carpet and figure out the wiring on two stereo component brains, and three different amps plus the DVD changer just so I could hook them all up to the ignition in the normal way... not going to happen.

Or, I could just go back to wiring the isolator correctly then using an aux battery. So I rewired the exciter wire and got it hooked up all right, but I get a good bit of drain on the system even when the isolator is correctly hooked up.

I don't get any drain at all right now, as long as no aux battery is set up. I can have the stereo system breaker open or closed and it won't show a drain till I put another battery in the aux position -- then the little test light shines bright.

--> I assume this means that I need to get a new isolator. Right? What amperage? Why some have 3 posts, why some have 4, when they both only operate two batteries?

--> I also assume that since I'm only running the stereo, and in the future, the winch off of the aux battery, I will probably want a deep cycle marine battery right?

ALSO! I'm doing all my testing on the main battery, the drain I get when two batteries are hooked up is coming off of the main battery.

 

[antichrist]

If you go with an isolater, get a schotkey diode one. Amperage higher than your alternator at full output. I'd say 160amp. My replacement Alt, even though stock, tested at 144 amps.
The two battery isloators with 4 posts (one of them being smaller) are for charging systems that require external excitement of the alternator. I'm pretty sure the Disco alternators are self exciting, at least the[SIZE=-1] Magneti Marelli. Which is good because the schottky diode isolators don't come with the 4th post, not that I've seen anyway. [/SIZE]

 

[RBBailey]

Mine does not work without an exciter wire attached. But then, maybe it's the type of isolator I have, I suppose another type would not require the alternator to be excited.