CD51P Transformer

[geonomad]

I have been exploring my electric system and have come to believe the "Transformer" is not working. But not knowing the parameters it worked at before, I am unsure of some things. Especially as some things in the manual defy "Logic".

I discharged the leisure battery to about 11.9 volts and turned on the CD51P Transformer, expecting it to start charging. Nothing. The voltage at the fuse is still 11.9 volts when switched to AUX. But if I remove the fuse, the open circuit output of the transformer can easily be measured as 40 volts, so it is not totally dead.

I expected to read between 13.5 and 14 volts when on and charging. Does anyone have a correct reading?

Now the manual has some "funny numbers". It indicates that the indicator light will glow red if the voltage drops to 11 volts or below. 11 volts is down in damaging the battery category and should never occur. Normally 11.9 volts open circuit is considered fully discharged for a car battery.

At this point, my diagnosis is that the "Transformer" has failed. Is there a circuit diagram available for it? I haven't opened it up to look inside yet.

But it seems that the function is just a "float charger", and it happens I have a spare one. So my plan (unless corrected by someone knowledgeable about this setup) is to replace the Transformer with the float charger. That should keep the battery topped at 13.5 volts when mains are available.

I do wonder what is inside the Logic Panel and if I have to take anything into consideration about it. Wouldn't want to damage something in my mucking about.

While we are on this topic, I didn't see any instructions on how to use the leisure battery to assist the vehicle battery when dead. Is there a simple way? Either the C15 didn't have a headlamp left on warning bell, or this one has stopped working. There are 3 tunnels between here and town that require headlamps on. Forgetting to turn them off is the normal course of events here. I have already done it once. Fortunately, I noticed the lights on an hour later when I went outside. Next time I may not be so lucky. I think I had better add a warning device, if there isn't one there to fix...

Peter

[ant]

Peter.
Go ahead and change the CD51P for your float charger, they were never very reliable and only ever charged at about 2 amps when they were working well! As for headlight warnings, this is a C15 you should be able to fix most things with a large rock and a bit of string, warning devices only came in with the Berlingo. If you want to fit one use the courtesy light switched earth and a feed from the headlight relay, that way if you open the door with the lights on the buzzer/warning will sound.
Ant

[geonomad]

Thanks for the prompt reply Ant. You are a great help.

Yes, I feel a bit like I have time travelled back to the 1960s in the C15. Not an altogether unpleasant feeling, but also not for everyone.

Personally, I like the feeling that I will be able to fix things with a bit of string and some cellotape.

While I have your attention, another question for you. I would like to attach some things with screws into the fibreglass similar to the panels, etc. Is there more to this than using the correct drill size and a self tapping screw? I've not had the pleasure of working on gel before.

[ant]

Hi Peter.
You're right about the correct size of drill to screw, also I always put some vaseline on the screw and be sure to push firmly on the screwdriver for the entire screwing operation so the screw does not pull on the side of the hole and flake the gel coat.

[geonomad]

ant said:

Hi Peter.
You're right about the correct size of drill to screw, also I always put some vaseline on the screw and be sure to push firmly on the screwdriver for the entire screwing operation so the screw does not pull on the side of the hole and flake the gel coat.

Worked a charm!

You're a gentleman and a scholar and an unreplaceable asset to this group. Hope to shake your hand some day.

Cheers,
Peter