CTEK-compatible magnetic charging connector
Discussion
thanks for the info @Seakingsam, Sherman is a very friendly helpful fellow..
Has anyone installed the magsafe connector at the rear of their car? I am looking at installing this in my DB9, but I have to reverse into my garage so need to install it at the rear.
Has anyone installed the magsafe connector at the rear of their car? I am looking at installing this in my DB9, but I have to reverse into my garage so need to install it at the rear.
Edited by mrpseudonym on Sunday 13th June 23:26
Great!
I'd think about placing it on the mesh oil cooler cover with cabling back up to connect to the OEM charging point behind the cover on the right of the trunk, which will give continuous battery access.
That said, my concern would be any cutting and drilling required, which would mar the car. The reason I used the front mount on the number plate plinth was no drilling or cutting required, which was an important aesthetic for me.
I understand Bentley mount this exact same magnetic connector exposed by the rear number plate, and later AM models use the AM version on the underside of the rear diffuser.
I'd think about placing it on the mesh oil cooler cover with cabling back up to connect to the OEM charging point behind the cover on the right of the trunk, which will give continuous battery access.
That said, my concern would be any cutting and drilling required, which would mar the car. The reason I used the front mount on the number plate plinth was no drilling or cutting required, which was an important aesthetic for me.
I understand Bentley mount this exact same magnetic connector exposed by the rear number plate, and later AM models use the AM version on the underside of the rear diffuser.
Seakingsam said:
Great!
I'd think about placing it on the mesh oil cooler cover with cabling back up to connect to the OEM charging point behind the cover on the right of the trunk, which will give continuous battery access.
That said, my concern would be any cutting and drilling required, which would mar the car. The reason I used the front mount on the number plate plinth was no drilling or cutting required, which was an important aesthetic for me.
I understand Bentley mount this exact same magnetic connector exposed by the rear number plate, and later AM models use the AM version on the underside of the rear diffuser.
Yes I agree, it has to be a discreet install, and yes, will probably wire in to the cigarette lighter in the boot as the best/closest always on power source. I spent some time today poking around in advance of the bits arriving. There seems to be an option near the boot release/number plate lights, as well as down near the rear mesh. I like the position near the number plate lights. Will keep looking and report back.I'd think about placing it on the mesh oil cooler cover with cabling back up to connect to the OEM charging point behind the cover on the right of the trunk, which will give continuous battery access.
That said, my concern would be any cutting and drilling required, which would mar the car. The reason I used the front mount on the number plate plinth was no drilling or cutting required, which was an important aesthetic for me.
I understand Bentley mount this exact same magnetic connector exposed by the rear number plate, and later AM models use the AM version on the underside of the rear diffuser.
Seakingsam said:
Great!
I understand Bentley mount this exact same magnetic connector exposed by the rear number plate,
Correct, on the GTC it's on the underside of the bootlid near the number plate light. Overall it's a good place for aesthetics but it it's hard to fit by touch alone and can be loosened/pulled off by the weight of the cable.I understand Bentley mount this exact same magnetic connector exposed by the rear number plate,
A couple of things you might consider, mrpseudonym.
Power access has to be live at all times to allow charger access to battery. I suspect that’s only at three points on the car (other direct connection to battery) - the under bonnet charging point, the 12V access point in the cabin and the 12V access point in the trunk. I might be wrong, and hopefully someone will correct any misunderstanding.
Secondly, the charger is especially helpful when car is in long term stand down. For me, this means also using the car cover. Having the charger access point as low as possible means not having to faff about.
That said, might be over-thinking it, as is my wont ….😁
Power access has to be live at all times to allow charger access to battery. I suspect that’s only at three points on the car (other direct connection to battery) - the under bonnet charging point, the 12V access point in the cabin and the 12V access point in the trunk. I might be wrong, and hopefully someone will correct any misunderstanding.
Secondly, the charger is especially helpful when car is in long term stand down. For me, this means also using the car cover. Having the charger access point as low as possible means not having to faff about.
That said, might be over-thinking it, as is my wont ….😁
thanks for those points @seakingsam, and @looneytunes you make a good point also re the cable weight. Will check how strong the magnet is when the connector arrives.
Car is in a carport so always under a car cover. The biggest issue is not where to access constant power (can do that from any fuse box if necessary) but more how to get wiring from inside to outside of car effectively and without any damage or unsightly work. It is easy at the front from engine bay but the rear is a bit problematic.
SeakingSam - am I correct in assuming that the HethelSport kit comes with the matching CTEK ‘tail’ connector, or do I need to go buy one of those?
Car is in a carport so always under a car cover. The biggest issue is not where to access constant power (can do that from any fuse box if necessary) but more how to get wiring from inside to outside of car effectively and without any damage or unsightly work. It is easy at the front from engine bay but the rear is a bit problematic.
SeakingSam - am I correct in assuming that the HethelSport kit comes with the matching CTEK ‘tail’ connector, or do I need to go buy one of those?
mrpseudonym said:
. Will check how strong the magnet is when the connector arrives.
Seakingsam said:
Mine came from Hethel with the correct CTEK connector attached to the magnetic connector (see photo)
That’s a really short lead! The weight of the connector from the ctek to the tail is going to be the biggest issue if you mount so that gravity is working against it (on the Bentley it pulls the cable side of the connector down). The cable is quite different on the smaller vs larger ctek units (much heavier on the bigger ones). I’d either make a new cable by putting a mag code in the end of a cut down ctek extension lead (so that you have the correct connector at the other end) or find a way to elevate the charger so that the only weight is that of the tail. Don’t get me wrong, I think magcode are really useful connectors and I’m going to be adding them to a couple of my other vehicles that live on chargers but I won’t be fitting any of them Bentley style.
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