Holden Frontera

[Dave]

I think all these remote units share a range of codes matched to the receiver unit. So if you lose the remote, you need to replace the receiver unit.

On the plus side, the range of these remotes is only around 15 meters. But I too was worried about someone using a remote with the same transmitter ID, so the isolator switch also cuts power to the receiver.

I took the cheap option if the winch isolator switch, i.e. the +12v wire to power the heavy current solenoid pack was re-router to a switch inside the cabin. This +12v line also powers the remote receiver. So when the switch is in the "off" state, the solenoid pack cannot operate, and the remote receiver is not powered.
Technically it is still possible to operate the winch by shorting out the right pins on the winch, but 99.999% of people would not know how to do this (and I've already forgotten which ones to connect to earth, and which to +12V).

But the remote unit is so handy, I've never used the supplied cable plug-in controller that came with the winch. They are brilliant for pulling in the cable/rope to the point just before there is tension on the rope while you are still outside the vehicle, and sometimes 10m in front of the vehicle. Very handy to see of the rope will rub across rocks or something else.

[BenJancz]

Its been 4 or 5 months now since i installed my dual battery system. I had no idea when i bought it that an AGM battery would cost more that the system. A super top bloke member of the club had a spare (starter) battery lying around that i had accepted before he finished his sentence offering it to me. My Rotronics dual battery system needed an additional Rotronics part to allow the use of a winch. The part cost more than a basic dual charging system so i have put the Rotronics back in its box and will save it for use at a later date. I got a Projecta 100 Amp VSR kit and it was super easy to install.

I did not follow instructions completely... The overide switch is suposed to be connect somewhere under the dash. I have run a wire back to my Auxiliary battery because the overide needs at least 10 volts to work, I think that the only time i will need the overide is when the lights have been on all night and the battery has 0 Volts.

I also did not install any fusible links as I believe they would just burn out when i tried to start the car off the auxiliary.

[Dave]

Hi Ben,

Using the override switch put the batteries in a parallel circuit is also handy for when using the winch. This way two batteries are helping to feed up to 600 amps into the winch.

[BenJancz]

I have a new addiction

At least it keeps me off the streets.
From Right to left
Auxiliary Battery
UHF Radio - as it is wired to the battery
Winch Remote - because i worry that there are not enough codes and my winch will wind in by itself.
Winch In and Out
Winch Isolator - hooked up to a solenoid under the bonnet.

I used one of the new reversible winch solenoids except I have it wired to only go one way.
I have space for two more switches....just need to decide what to put in, Its a big decision so i don't want to rush it. Ejector seat, Rocket launcher, Supercharger decisions decisions.

[Capella_Ben]

I vote for a supercharger switch, like on Mad Max!

[Dave]

Hi Ben,

My kids are trying to get me to put in a "boost" switch. It's from one of their favourite games, i.e. it's for a rocket booster.

Dave.

[BenJancz]

Has to be a Carling switch so looks like boost is on the list.

[Dalmatian]

i think you should get a push button ignition. fairly simply to install.

[BenJancz]

I got underneath the Fronty today to check what is grinding when I press the clutch. Turns out it is the clutch fork push rod touching the clutch pressure plate.

I ground down the slave cylinder push rod as much as i could and put it all back together, unfortunately there was still some noise coming from the clutch. It was actually louder now because it was the clutch fork coming into contact with the pressure plate and not the slave push rod. Next job was to take some more travel out at the pedal end. brilliant design meant that i had to remove the clutch pedal to adjust it, I did this 3 times before I had it at a point where the pedal feels exactly as it did before without the fork touching the pressure plate. So the Fronty is back up and running hopefully for another 6 months (until rego expires).

[Dave]

Incredible effort Ben. Good to hear it paid off in the end.