Bill,
I've seen a battery combiner once.
Basically, to me it looked like a big starter-type
solenoid/relay that connects two batteries.
If memory serves me right, the solenoid is activated
by sensing a voltage increase.
It wouldn't be that different than using a 50 amp relay
with a larger trigger wire to the Bosch alt.
It would make installation easier, if one wouldn't have
the relay trigger circuit like in the vanagon.
But you can't really compare it to an isolator.
Btw, Sure Power isolators are used in lots of marine
applications.
Have fun.
Harald
'90 westy
----------
> From: Bill Davidson <wdavidson@thegrid.net>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Becketts Tome on Dual Batt.s,Relays,Saftey,and charging
(VeryLong)
> Date: Monday, June 19, 2000 6:31 PM
>
> Anyone considering an isolator might want to look into a Battery
Combiner.
>
> They are sold by West Marine. I believe they claim no voltage drop across
> them like isolators. And my impression is that virtually everything
marine
> is superior in quality to automotive stuff.
>
> West Marine has a tech department that you can talk with. The 50A model
> 143268 is listed in their catalogue for 59.99... www.westmarine.com
> Bill
>