Optimate...aux socket

[Rod2240]

Another innocent to the line of fire .... ( just joined the BMW fraternity, so be gentle etc etc)

Having just bought an 08 GSA I got very worried about this Canbus system and what I can/can't do with it. According to BMW you can hardwire an Optimate III directly to the battery because it is a very clever charger and won't overload the system. Optimate I + II and are not so refined and can bugger it up.

Anyway I think I shall join the "dress" to LHS.

Rod.

 

[karnevil]

Pictures of my socket!

This is what I did to a)Fit an extra socket powered direct from the battery and b)Plug in my optimate.

 

[Tartan Terror]

Oh No!! Karnevil, have you now got a power socket on both sides?

Or is your bike a LHD by any chance?

 

[karnevil]

Oh No!! Karnevil, have you now got a power socket on both sides?

Or is your bike a LHD by any chance?

I have a power socket on both sides.But it is a dual control bike,it becomes left hand drive in the UK and right hand drive in Europe.I have it like that so I have an excuse for riding on the wrong side of the road

 

[frank1200]

maybe this is the worlds stupidest question but whats wrong with taking off the seat and hooking the croc clips direct to the battery

seems handy enough and always works for me

 

[karnevil]

maybe this is the worlds stupidest question but whats wrong with taking off the seat and hooking the croc clips direct to the battery

seems handy enough and always works for me

Nothing is wrong with doing that.Its a bit of a faff esp if one is in a rush in a morning,i use my bike every day,plus i wanted a aux socket not controlled by the bikes computer and this seemed like a nice neat way to do it.
Also I have had optimates on nearly all my bikes and everyone at some point has broken its wires on the flying lead.

 

[GSband]

And now, a warning for CANbus bikers: if your battery's dead, some chargers send high voltage through the wires to revive the battery. If your battery is connected to the on board electronics, there's a real risk of damage to the electronics.

So first find out if your battery is still ok. How ? Turn on your ignition. If the display shows anything, then you can charge the battery while it's connected to the bike.

 

[conncarr]

Battery charging "on bike"

Battery chargers such as the optimate or the BMW thingy are limited current trickle chargers, but people need to be aware that "normal" battery chargers can supply up to 10 Amps (depending on the model), and this WILL do damage. Regardless of where you connect the charger, if it isn't a special trickle charger the battery should always be disconnected from the bike.

I know this is probably known by all but if it saves one person from an expensive mistake it's worth saying!

 

[conncarr]

And now, a warning for CANbus bikers: if your battery's dead, some chargers send high voltage through the wires to revive the battery. If your battery is connected to the on board electronics, there's a real risk of damage to the electronics.

So first find out if your battery is still ok. How ? Turn on your ignition. If the display shows anything, then you can charge the battery while it's connected to the bike.

Sorry, I just repeated what you said.

Duh

 

[Tartan Terror]

Saw a small wind turbine that attaches to the screen that could be used to charge the battery on the move!