LI power on at engine start?

[duhtroll]

Hi -

I saw a discussion on this somewhere earlier but I cannot find it now.

Just finished the install of my LI last week and have a question about power up.

Is it OK to leave the LI switch "on" all the time and have it power up with the vehicle? I sometimes forget to shut the unit off and I hear "welcome!" upon turning the key the next time I go anywhere.

I have also done this with RDs for years with no adverse affects. Can I assume the LI is OK with this?

I have hidden my switch in the center console (pics of install to follow after I test things this week) so it would be nice to not have to switch it on and off all the time, but I will if it is better for the unit.

[PMoth]

My switch stays on permanently. Some will say it's ok, others will say it's not because of possible power spikes/surges.

[Laser-InterceptorUSA]

You may choose either. If your battery is strong enough and you don't leave your car idle for weeks, you will be fine. The LI only draws 400 ma which the average car battery can handle with no adverse charge affect for a long period of time. Of course, if you have a weak battery, you will find out in short order!

I hope this answers helps?

Cliff - C55

[nomad]

Eh...having just received my LI (10 minutes ago), let me get this right.

It runs directly off the battery and you have to switch it off to kill it or....
are you trying to say you connect it to power up when you start the engine, but the issue is whether that'll cause a spike in the LI if you haven't switched it off?

Sorry to be thick but....etc

[duhtroll]

You mean when running, right?

People aren't actually hooking these things up directly to the battery? And even then, when the switch is off it draws NO power, right?

Sorry if the question seems ludicrous but I would think at idle the alternator would more than make up for the LI draw. So...??

My car does sit during bad weather and in the winter for the most part (unless the roads are clear and it's nice out). But I will also hook up a trickle charger for those down times.

You may choose either. If your battery is strong enough and you don't leave your car idle for weeks, you will be fine. The LI only draws 400 ma which the average car battery can handle with no adverse charge affect for a long period of time. Of course, if you have a weak battery, you will find out in short order!

I hope this answers helps?

Cliff - C55

[Laser-InterceptorUSA]

Hi Nomad,

No problem. your are asking a good question!
Either way is fine. Be sure whatever 12V source you do use to power your LI is independent of any other electronics like a RD and such to prevent any transients from interfering with the LI's CPU.

Cliff - C55

[duhtroll]

Mine is not on unless the power is on - I did not wire the control box but I'm pretty sure that's how it is.

Eh...having just received my LI (10 minutes ago), let me get this right.

It runs directly off the battery and you have to switch it off to kill it or....
are you trying to say you connect it to power up when you start the engine, but the issue is whether that'll cause a spike in the LI if you haven't switched it off?

Sorry to be thick but....etc

[ELVATO]

Wait, do you have it connected to a switched connection, or direct to battery? I know that with a switched connected, it will turn on when you turn the key, shut off as you start the car, then turn on again once the key goes back to the on position. Is this the situation you were describing?

[Governator]

Hi Nomad,

No problem. your are asking a good question!
Either way is fine. Be sure whatever 12V source you do use to power your LI is independent of any other electronics like a RD and such to prevent any transients from interfering with the LI's CPU.

Cliff - C55

Mine is hooked up via a "mini" fuse to a switchable fuse slot by itself with no other devices in that slot. It turns on when I turn the key to the on position, and vice versa. I usually switch the LI to the off position when nearing my residence.

[duhtroll]

Yes.

Wait, do you have it connected to a switched connection, or direct to battery? I know that with a switched connected, it will turn on when you turn the key, shut off as you start the car, then turn on again once the key goes back to the on position. Is this the situation you were describing?