With the foibles of the P38 BeCM, some
might argue that the last thing one should do is isolate the electrical supply
of the vehicle when its running – however, with the car’s ability to
occasionally have electrical fires, and with certain organisations mandating
isolators for vehicles to take part (either as marshal/support vehicles or
competing vehicles) I decided to try and come up with a solution.
As such, currently in the “under
development” phase, we have a cable operated mechanical battery isolator, with
the user interface designed to fit to the bonnet independently, or as part of my
OIS bonnet net.
I’ve plumped for a mechanical rather than
electronic isolator, mostly as electronic ones are quite expensive, but also I
was concerned about even more battery drain issues (something to avoid on a ’38!)
I’m also very conscious of the BeCM and
its foibles, so have tried to make the isolator with a removable handle,
thereby avoiding little toerags turning it off for a "laugh" and causing no end of
damage in the process. The handle will lock into the receiver on the bonnet for
off road use, so it’s always there when needed, but spends most of it’s time in
the cab so I can use it if needed....
The isolator itself is mounted to the
drivers side shock absorber turret under the bonnet. I’m struggling finding a
switch of decent enough quality, and so far the system isn’t active until this
problem is sorted - more news will follow as sourcing and testing progresses!