tcody: A tranformer is an AC device and does not work with DC. There are DC
C converters to change DC voltages which are principaly used in electronic applications were current requirements seldom exceed 25 amps. The current levels and surge requirements for jump starting applications make a DC
C converter impractical, try and find one in the 200-400 amp capacity with additional surge ability.
The most common mistake made by trying to fulfill the dual 12 and 24 volt voltage requirements is that the 12 volts is usually taken from only one battery, usually the one that has its's neg. connected to the chassie ground, this of course assumes that a person is dealing with a normal 24 volt system with series connected 12 volt batteries. This is problematic when charging takes place from a 24 volt charger as the different states of discharge of the two series connected 12 volt batteries affect the charging voltage developed accross each battery which becomes very unequal. Not certian what the CUCV voltage set up is but if it has dual 12 volt batteries wired in parallel for normal operation then get wired in series for 24 volt operation there has to be a parallel/series change over relay involved somewhere. What's the alternator output, 12 or 24 VDC?
If a person is trying to operate large current 12 volt devices or provide jump start capability at 12 volts, then both batteries should be drawn upon for the application which would necesitate putting both batteries in parallel. For smaller 12 volt load applications from the 24 volt source a 24:12 voltage equalizer can be used. Somebody have a link to the CUCV TM covering the batteries and charging system?
FELLAS! OPERATING 12 EQUIPMENT FROM ONLY ONE BATTERY IN A 24 VOLT SYSTEM WITH 24 VOLT CHARGING IS A NO-NO!!!
warthog: Iam home for the weekend, when I get back to work Monday I'll get the pics and diagram.
Regards, Ken