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Cord 6/12 Volt battery system

  • Josh Malks
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18 May 2006 18:23 #4835 by Josh Malks
Replied by Josh Malks on topic Cord 6/12 Volt battery system
Pat (and anyone else interested) --- I've posted some photos of the Orpin switch that I took before I sold my last one on eBay.

You can see them at [url:3ho2yjmj]http://www.betterwebsites.com/orpin.html[/url:3ho2yjmj]

Josh B. Malks
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  • Josh Malks
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18 May 2006 14:42 #4833 by Josh Malks
Replied by Josh Malks on topic Cord 6/12 Volt battery system
I used this kind of setup for some years, way back. I did not use the packaged unit that Antique Battery sells. Instead, I used two small 6-volt batteries (VW size I think) and the key component, an Orpin switch. This device wires the two batteries in parallel so you normally get 6 volts at the combined amperage. When actuated by a starter button the Orpin switch's internal solenoid rewires the circuit so both batteries are in series. Now you get the combined voltage, 12, but only to the starter. No other connections need be changed, and nothing but the starter ever sees more than 6 volts. You cannot get 12 volts anywhere else, so no cell phone charging, etc are available.

It does not need a 12 volt generator. The two 6-volt batteries are charged by the 6-volt generator. Advantages --- zippy starting. Disadvantages --- very hard to chase bugs, with all those funny connections. Type "Orpin switch" into Google and you'll get lots of hits.

Better way --- check out Chapter 12 in my book "How To Maintain and Enjoy Your Collector Car", titled "Making It On Six Volts". Yes, it's a shameless plug, but it [i:xews05wj]is[/i:xews05wj] a pretty good book. Available from Amazon, last I checked.

Josh B. Malks
810 2087A
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www.automaven.com

Check out CORD COMPLETE at www.cordcomplete.com

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  • MICHAEL S SMITH
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18 May 2006 12:57 #4832 by MICHAEL S SMITH
Replied by MICHAEL S SMITH on topic Cord 6/12 Volt battery system
Pat
I looked into these a while back, at that time you had to change your generator to 12V in order to charge battery, but the benefit other than having 12v starting power( which doesn't hurt the starter unless you crank it for an EXTENDED period) was that everthing else runs off the 6V side so there is no need to change out all bulbs etc. As you know, I'm sure, a properly set up Cord, with aux. electric fuel pump, usually starts just fine on six volts, but it sure would be nice in a touring car to be able to have a modern radio, cell phone charging etc.
Hope this helps you.

MICHAEL S SMITH ACD LIFE MEMBER #40
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  • Pat Leahy
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16 May 2006 19:23 #4816 by Pat Leahy
Cord 6/12 Volt battery system was created by Pat Leahy
Has anyone purchased and installed a 6/12 volt battery-starting system available from Antique Auto Battery? It has a special battery that has both 6 + 12 volt output, will charge with a 6 volt generator, and has a relay system to start on 12 volts?

Pat Leahy

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