MEP802A Battery Modification

[vrzff]

I had a little time today to play around. My goals were to finish rodent proofing, and install battery straps to keep them from bouncing around since I'm not using giant Optimas (and also have no trays).

In the process of installing the straps, I realized that I could get both batteries sideways on the starter side with slight modification to the platform / engine cantilever bracket.

The batteries I'm using are 400CCA ES-TX30L AGM from Walmart, and come with a small plastic platform. I'm sure the TX20 would also work just fine, but they had two 30's on the shelf-- more CCA anyway.

After cutting a small notch out of the cantilever, I riveted down the pull straps with 3/16" rivets and washers. It's nice to have them both on one side, and not have to worry about the cables going across the engine compartment.

Next step is to remove the NATO receptacle, and install an SAE bulkhead plug for the solar panel.

 

[vrzff]

NATO plug removed, and replaced with weatherproof SAE jack for solar panel. I used a 4" electrical box blank cover with a 1/2" center KO for mounting the bulkhead plug, and self-taps through the original plug mounting holes in the case.

Charge controller riveted to lip in engine compartment, and all wires tied and tidy. I know the LED lights can suck a bit of power, but I'm using a 30W panel which also gets quite a bit of sun.

Tomorrow I'll be mounting the panel post to the pad instead of the generator body panels, and it will be mostly complete.