Re: 12V source for lighting

[raf40@oes.amdahl.com (Richard Funnell)]

Scott,

>In a message dated 96-01-04 08:09:02 EST, you write:
>
>>
>>If you'd rather not snake a wire to the battery from your lighting
>>connections, why not connect directly to the alternator?  Voltage will be
>>slightly better than at the battery and you will save a bit of time.
>>
>>
>
>Becuz, a battery is a capacitor (voltage regulator/stabilizer), if you hook
>them up to the alternator, expect dim to brite light fluctuations (just watch
>your voltmeter if you think this is wrong), and your bulb bill will grab your
>attention regarding the negatives of this quickly........   If you have a 5k
>there is a battery terminal rf corner that can be used in the engine
>bay........    Running wire from a relay isn't rocket science and is worth
>the effort, you cut corners on this project you will pay in the long run
>anyway....
>
>
>Scott

I will admit that I haven't actually tried both methods, but I find the
argument about varying voltage difficult to accept.  There is a very heavy
gauge wire connecting the two devices; at least on the urQ it is the same
gauge as the connection to the starter.  The voltage variation you see on
the voltmeter should be the same, within a fraction of a volt, measured at
either the battery or the alternator.


Richard Funnell,
San Jose, California
'83 urQ
'87 560 SL