Magnetic conditioner?

[Simpo Two]

I thought I saw someone mention that they'd managed to attach a battery conditioner to their car this way - in other words, you stick it on the outside and don't have to lead a wire into the boot. Somehow it transmits the goodness through the bodywork. It would be very handy - but did I imagine it?

[KernowShep]

There may be other threads related to your question but it was mentioned on this one.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited to add this link as well.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by KernowShep on Wednesday 14th December 00:50

[anonymous-user]

Aston Installations fitted one on my car.

It's on the bit that overhangs the rear number plate (can't think of a better way to describe it) and it's a much easier way to put the car on charge than opening the boot etc, etc.

[Simpo Two]

Thanks folks, very helpful.

I see https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MagCode-magnetic-waterp...

and https://hethelsport.com/tools/charger-connection-k... which looks the same but with extra bits.

I assumed it would be around the back of the car, but can also be fitted inside the engine bay - and a front connection would be a lot handier as that's where the garage and power is.

Looking at the photos, presumably the +ve lead is bolted to what appears to be a new stud next to the terminal (or maybe could be bolted directly to the original), but where does the -ve go? What's the black and green cable that disappears into the void and looks like a luggage elastic?

[Octavarium]

My magnetic adapter for the DB11 which is compatible with my CTEK charger was bought from my friendly AM Dealer for £30 if I recall correctly

[Simpo Two]

Octavarium said:

My magnetic adapter for the DB11 which is compatible with my CTEK charger was bought from my friendly AM Dealer for £30 if I recall correctly

They must've left a '0' off...!

Is the magnetic attachment OK for a car that lives outside and will get rained on?

[Octavarium]

Simpo Two said:

Octavarium said:

My magnetic adapter for the DB11 which is compatible with my CTEK charger was bought from my friendly AM Dealer for £30 if I recall correctly

They must've left a '0' off...!

Is the magnetic attachment OK for a car that lives outside and will get rained on?

I’ve just found the receipt. It was in fact £50

Don’t know. I’ve never charged it outdoors whilst it’s been raining.

[Calinours]

Simpo Two said:

Octavarium said:

My magnetic adapter for the DB11 which is compatible with my CTEK charger was bought from my friendly AM Dealer for £30 if I recall correctly

They must've left a '0' off...!

Is the magnetic attachment OK for a car that lives outside and will get rained on?

On the factory fit magnetic attachment point on DB11, yes, because it is behind/underneath the rear tailgate so the magnetic connection is protected from the elements. While the AM/CTek chargers itself appears water proof (but always check IP rating) you’d need to ensure the 240V plug into an extension lead was under the car to keep the rain off.

Some have mentioned that a magnetic charger would be a good way to guarantee not inflicting damage by forgetting to disconnect, but that’s not the case on DB11. Putting the body-mounted magnetic receptacle (remember it’s hard wired to the battery, always 12V on the terminals so you’d want to keep it as clean and dry as possible) in an out of the way but accessible place, as it is on DB11, means a convoluted route in for the lead, and due to the lip on the receptacle, it does not just fall off if you pull it.

Not saying it’s not possible to get the best of all worlds with a retrofit, just that careful positioning and testing would be necessary.

[Simpo Two]

Thanks very much. It doesn't have to be magnetic, a plug would do - but outside the car rather than in the boot. Preferred position is at the front, as that's where the garage and power is.

The question is then where to attach the connections inside the engine bay. Positive is easy; there's a stud sticking up. Negative - where's a good place for that...?

Still not sure what the green 'luggage elastic' in the photo is.

[Calinours]

Simpo Two said:

Thanks very much. It doesn't have to be magnetic, a plug would do - but outside the car rather than in the boot. Preferred position is at the front, as that's where the garage and power is.

The question is then where to attach the connections inside the engine bay. Positive is easy; there's a stud sticking up. Negative - where's a good place for that...?

Still not sure what the green 'luggage elastic' in the photo is.

negative is easy. Any bolt inside the engine bay (and there are many) which is screwed into the chassis.

That’s what I do with one of my other cars, CTek wire to the post and a random earth bolt, then the LED tell-tale (and attachment plug) just outside the bonnet.

[Calinours]

Simpo Two said:

Thanks very much. It doesn't have to be magnetic, a plug would do - but outside the car rather than in the boot. Preferred position is at the front, as that's where the garage and power is.

The question is then where to attach the connections inside the engine bay. Positive is easy; there's a stud sticking up. Negative - where's a good place for that...?

Still not sure what the green 'luggage elastic' in the photo is.

negative is easy. Any bolt inside the engine bay (and there are many) which is screwed into the chassis.

That’s what I do with one of my other cars, CTek wire to the post and a random earth bolt, then the LED tell-tale (and attachment ply) just outside the bonnet.

[Simpo Two]

Calinours said:

negative is easy. Any bolt inside the engine bay (and there are many) which is screwed into the chassis.

I suspected so, but not being a mechanic wanted to check.

Calinours said:

then the LED tell-tale (and attachment ply) just outside the bonnet.

Sounds interesting, I don't suppose you have a photo?

I may have to design a little waterproof box fo the wall to take the actual conditioner, to save opening and closing the garage each time.

I have learned that Astons are not best suited to what you might call 'normal use'. They certainly take far work to keep going than any other car I've had.