Community Forums

canimkid · 08-13-2024, 05:03 PM

My bidirectional relay delay only delays for 40 seconds the specs says it should be 2 1/2 minutes is this adjustable ?

Jim_HiTek · 08-13-2024, 06:31 PM

Most of those systems have a built in adjustable time that's not settable...and that time depends on how quickly the starting battery rebounds after starting. The system measures the charge and once it gets to a certain value, it closes the solenoid. Brand new batts will rebound quickly after starting the engine with a strong alternator but older batteries will take much longer, like ~2.5 minutes. Once the starting batts are up to a reasonable charge, then the B.I.R.D. will close the solenoid. However, if the house batts are in poor shape, it may never close so as to not stress the alternator as starting the engine takes priority.

Or is this some other situation?

Note that you should get yourself a digital volt meter and measure the voltages while it's doing it's thing. Takes two people tho. One to start the RV the other to measure the voltage on the starting batts. Should start out low just after it starts and after a bit creep up to 14.xx or so. Mine closes the solenoid when it reaches ~13 V.

YC1 · 08-13-2024, 06:41 PM

That is usually a fixed time based on component selections by the mfgr.

Components can change over time. I would not be concerned.

canimkid · 08-15-2024, 09:22 AM

My starting and house batteries were both fully charged when I performed the test. I used a DVM attached to the house battery and started the Rv and timed how long it took the house battery's voltage to spike up.

Jim_HiTek · 08-15-2024, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canimkid

My starting and house batteries were both fully charged when I performed the test. I used a DVM attached to the house battery and started the Rv and timed how long it took the house battery's voltage to spike up.

So what you have is two sets of healthy batteries and a good alternator and it's working normally.

It would help with any question about your RV to mention the Year, Brand, and Model of your RV. Best if you make it part of your signature.

twinboat · 08-15-2024, 09:35 AM

The BIRD delays the solenoid for 2.5 minutes, if AFTER connecting the charging chassis battery to the house batteries, ithe chassis battery voltage drops below a certain voltage.

twinboat · 08-15-2024, 09:39 AM

Here is a detailed explanation

YC1 · 08-16-2024, 04:13 AM

This video is specific to my 2008 HR Endeavor.

The concept pertains to just about every version out there.

Your BIRD board may be an IRD board, or it may not even have one and use a diode isolator system.

Knowing your system before it fails is very helpful. Get to know yours.

https://1drv.ms/v/s!Aqrv2TUdbV6xhN4N...DbaLQ?e=qv13UC

canimkid · 08-16-2024, 10:51 AM

Watched the video on the bird it was great very well done I rebuilt the bird solenoid a few years ago but had to replace it recently that's when I timed the bird delay.
The system works OK but I was a little paranoid about the delay I dry camp on a beach in Mexico for 6 months and there are absolutely no parts or service if something fails you fix it or do without you have to line up all your ducks before you leave ! Thank you for all the great advice as always it is greatly appreciated .