Dobes Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 Searched but did not find this so here goes. I have a Battery Tender float charger that plugs into the accessory port. The previous owner gave to me when I bought my R1150RS. The tender just blinks when I plug it into the port, just like it does before I plug it into the port. Is there a sequence that must be followed to charge through it? An air pump would not run from the port, so I was told that a fuse may be blown.
dirtrider Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 Afternoon Dobes On the BMW 1150RS there shouldn't be any problems with just plugging it into the accessory outlet. No sequence to use like on the 1200 hexhead series. The only problem might be is if your bike has 2 accessory outlets & one is only powered with the ignition switch turned on. If your bike has that set-up be sure to use the outlet that is powered all the time even with the key turned off.
philbytx Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 Your BT should blink green...its part of the charging. If it is blinking red, then you have an issue with the wiring to your bike. If green, leave it on overnight and you will see a solid Green in the morning. Sometimes, blink reds can be stopped by just unplugging the BT from the AC supply then plugging it back in HERE is the manual for you....
George S. Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 D.R., What is the sequence for hexheads that you mention? I can't find any definitive info in a posting archive search. I only found warnings against using a charger of higher than 14.4 volts. Since I now am the proud owner of a 1200RT I want to be sure that I can use a BatteryDoc (maintenence charger) plugged into the accessory port since it is low voltage?
mneblett Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 D.R., What is the sequence for hexheads that you mention? I can't find any definitive info in a posting archive search. I only found warnings against using a charger of higher than 14.4 volts. Since I now am the proud owner of a 1200RT I want to be sure that I can use a BatteryDoc (maintenence charger) plugged into the accessory port since it is low voltage? The issue with the hexheads is the ZFE (central computer) disconnects the accessory ports from the battery after a pre-determined time period after the ignition is turned off -- *unless* you have the $$$ BMW battery charger which sends a periodic signal to the ZFE to tell it to keep the conenction to the battery open. Many of us have wired one or more of the accessory ports directly to the battery to bypass the ZFE and use our old Battery Tender-type chargers.
Jovial Henry Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 If your battery is weak the charger might not be able to bring it all the way up. It will continue to blink and run warmer. Mine all charge to 13 volts. Might be time for a new battery?
dirtrider Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 What is the sequence for hexheads that you mention? I can't find any definitive info in a posting archive search. I only found warnings against using a charger of higher than 14.4 volts. Afternoon George If you have the BMW OFFICIAL (re expensive) charger it involves hooking the charger up before you turn the key off so the ZFE circuit stays alive to allow the charger to have a link to the battery. (full directions come with the charger) If you have ANY other charger than the CORRECT BMW charger you will need to hook up a pig tail directly to the battery then you can charge the battery as you always have. OR, just re-wire the factory BMW outlet(s) to be fused battery direct (this is what I usually do). This also takes the BMW ZFE lower current limitation off the outlet so you can use all your heated riding gear without the outlet shutting down from over-current load. And/or also allows using a small 12v air pump from the factory outlet.
George S. Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 OK Thanks for the info D.R.! And, Good Afternoon to you too sir!
George S. Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 One question, what amp fuse works for you when you re-wire the outlet(s) directly to the battery?
dirtrider Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 Afternoon George 15 amp would be about as far as you can go. The stock 1200 outlet is basically rated for 10 amps due to the very small terminal pins. When I rewire mine & others I know I actually use the older higher amp larger terminal pin outlets from the older oilhead bikes. That way I don't have to cut the original wire harness to get the connector. I also have some older outlets & terminal pins in my electrical supply in my shop here so why not use the higher amp outlets. Personally if I didn't already have the older (large terminal) outlets I would probably just buy the outlet kit from PowerLet (same socket as the older BMW large terminal). I do know of some riders that just cut the connector off the original ZFE wire harness & use that with a 15 amp inline fuse with no apparent failures but it is exceeding the stock outlet small pin amp rating. http://www.powerlet.com/products
Rain Man Posted August 14, 2012 Posted August 14, 2012 Might want to check the wires inside the charging plug (that which you insert into the powerlet). They tend to come undone over time. Unscrew plug housing to check. Happened to me and I was pulling my hair out until I figured out it was something so simple.
Dobes Posted August 20, 2012 Author Posted August 20, 2012 Your BT should blink green...its part of the charging. If it is blinking red, then you have an issue with the wiring to your bike. If green, leave it on overnight and you will see a solid Green in the morning. Sometimes, blink reds can be stopped by just unplugging the BT from the AC supply then plugging it back in HERE is the manual for you.... Thanks. Looking at the manual, fuse 3 is for the accessory port, and should be 15 amps. The fuse there had a number 3 (3 amps?) on it and was burned out. I put in a spare 10 amp temporarily to see if that worked and yes it does now. The BT is solid red and blinking green. I assume 15 amp is needed for some accessories such as heated clothing. If I never plan to use high drawing accessories, can I leave a 10 amp in there? Are these the same as auto fuses?
Boffin Posted August 21, 2012 Posted August 21, 2012 Your BT should blink green...its part of the charging. If it is blinking red, then you have an issue with the wiring to your bike. If green, leave it on overnight and you will see a solid Green in the morning. Sometimes, blink reds can be stopped by just unplugging the BT from the AC supply then plugging it back in HERE is the manual for you.... Thanks. Looking at the manual, fuse 3 is for the accessory port, and should be 15 amps. The fuse there had a number 3 (3 amps?) on it and was burned out. I put in a spare 10 amp temporarily to see if that worked and yes it does now. The BT is solid red and blinking green. I assume 15 amp is needed for some accessories such as heated clothing. If I never plan to use high drawing accessories, can I leave a 10 amp in there? Are these the same as auto fuses? They are standard mini blade fuses - get them from any auto-accessory outlet. The purpose of a fuse is to protect the bike's wiring, not the device attached. Use any fuse up to, but never above, the rating of the original. There is no reason to put a lower value fuse in except as a temporary fix. there is very little reason to move up to a 15 from a 10 if 10amps will power everything you will plug into the outlet with a little to spare. Andy
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