Re: [DML] Newbie Owner - First Question

[mike.griese@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Automotive electrical systems can be set up two ways - positive 
earth and negative earth.  What this means is that for positive
earth cars, the common voltage reference point or ground plane 
is the positive terminal of the battery.  For negative earth systems, 
the ground plane is the negative terminal of the battery.  Most cars
in the US since the '20s use negative earth systems, and all 
cars made worldwide today use negative earth.  Britain seemd
to hold on to positive earth systems for some of their smaller
manufacturers, so they always put a sticker in a prominent
location indicating which way the car was wired.  So, hook 
up your battery tender just like you would on any other car.
I like to use the terminals in the engine compartment for 
quick charges (the positive stud on the right side and the 
lift ring on the engine block for ground).  For longer 
charges, I take the battery out of the car.

--
Mike


-------------- Original message from "o0shoryuken0o" <dmc06976@xxxxxxxx>: -------------- 


> Hello everyone. 
> 
> I've been lurking here for quite some time as I've had an interest in 
> buying a DMC - finally bought one this month! 
> 
> There is so much that I have to learn but my first question is: 
> 
> What the heck is "Negative Earth"? What about this vehicle's 
> electrical system gives it that classification? One thing that the 
> owner made me aware of is that over time, the battery will lose its 
> charge. After about two weeks I am starting to notice that. It still 
> starts, but gradually it is losing it. 
> 
> I bought a charger, the "trickle" kind that will automatically shut 
> off when the battery is charged, but I don't want to F up my DMC by 
> doing something stupid. 
> 
> What is the proper method for charging a battery on a DMC? Also, are 
> there any good walkthroughs or sites of interest that have to do with 
> the electrical system that would be good for a newbie like myself? I 
> really want to learn more about the car and start checking stuff out 
> for myself. 
> 
> Thanks! 
> 
> Bill 
> 06976 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





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