Re: Twelve Volt Conversions

Posted by HH56 On 2019/6/3 8:52:47

40 amps is more than enough for an OD. With the excess you could set up a secondary distribution terminal and run separate wiring to each of the other items that need 6v. Some things I am still curious about on that unit and it might be good to clarify before you order is can it work on both pos and neg ground and is the case or heatsink isolated from input or output voltages so it can be mounted directly to the sheetmetal. If it can then current requirements of things you might consider supplying are:

OD is fused for 30 amps and does pull a substantial amount of that 30 for a few seconds when the solenoid is first energized and sits waiting for the internal mechanical parts to align so it can slide the pawl into position. Once the pawl is fully inserted the heavy coil is turned off leaving only a small coil energized. Current needed for the solenoid and relays then drops to a minimal amount of maybe 5 amps or so. The large changes in current requirements is what makes using an inexpensive resistor problematic.

If you have an original radio, that is fused for 14 amps and probably draws a constant 10 or so. Electric windshield wipers are on a breaker around 15 amps and probably draw an average of 10 amps with more needed under a heavy load. Heaters are also fused fairly high - usually around 20 amps depending on type but generally pull half to two thirds the amount at full load. Fuel gauge probably needs around 2-3 max. Clock only has the momentary surge draw.