Gazzar Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 I'm thinking of fitting heated screens to the 109, as I've mostly stripped the dash and the instrument cluster. So, the easy thing to do is fit the two screens in parallel, using the various relays and timers, defender style. But, it occurred to me that having the screens on at a low power setting might be advantageous in humid conditions, to keep the screen clear. If I powered the screens in series, not parallel, they'd be getting 6 volts each, would running them at this voltage for extended periods cause the elements an issue? Would it generate any heat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secondjeremy Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 My Citroen BX DTR Turbo had 2 electric fans and switching which connected them in series for low speed and parallel for fast. So why not switch them so you've got the choice - low - in series, high - in parallel. Since the elements are embedded in glass I can't see that running them under voltage will hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 It's what I did on my heated screen - but after the re-wire I measured the current and it's so low anyway (<10A) that I just run them on the full 12v now. BTW the Freelander dual-fan relay box has the necessary 4 relays to do series/parallel switching for engine cooling fans or heated screens, I've got one running the fans in the 109 and will be doing the same on the ambulance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted April 7, 2020 Author Share Posted April 7, 2020 That was the plan, a low and a momentary high position, linked to a timer. The elements burn out if on for more than 20 minutes, apparently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 2 hours ago, Gazzar said: The elements burn out if on for more than 20 minutes, apparently. I never found ANY info with mine (bought from Devon 4x4, made by Uroglas) no-one could say if it needed a timer, how much current it drew... mine's just on a switch & relay at the mo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted April 7, 2020 Author Share Posted April 7, 2020 Snagger has a different opinion. He thinks they burn out if abused. That price? Not taking chances. And EVERY mainstream manufacturer has a timer on their front screens, I think. Ford do, for sure. So, I'm going with really simple, for now. Momentary switch, standard defender timer, fused relay. That is: Until I can figure how to get the "engine on" part of the timer to work on the low power setting, and find a Lucas off-on-momentary toggle switch. What's best for sealing these screens into the series frame? Not Dum Dum, surely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secondjeremy Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 I'd assumed the timer on Fords front screen was simply an economy measure and to keep unnecessary loads off the electrical system. Cars in the 60's had embedded wire heated rear screens and they had no timers at all. Switch:https://www.vehiclewiringproducts.co.uk/c-59-switches/c-167-lever-switches?page=2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted April 7, 2020 Author Share Posted April 7, 2020 Thanks for the link. The switch isn't exactly what I'm after, subtle, but it's missing the half dome of the Lucas switch. Too small for the hole, too. I'll stick with simple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted April 8, 2020 Share Posted April 8, 2020 My MINI front heated screen is on a timer. The rear will stay on until the car is power cycled unless you turn it off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted April 8, 2020 Author Share Posted April 8, 2020 The ford is the same. I'm now at the "waiting for parts" stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Sparkes Posted April 9, 2020 Share Posted April 9, 2020 On 4/7/2020 at 5:18 PM, Gazzar said: ... What's best for sealing these screens into the series frame? Not Dum Dum, surely. I haven't done the job myself, but reading the S2C forum I've become almost bored with the multiple posts asking virtually the same questions - 'the best way of mounting the glass'. The two points that have stuck in my mind are: The glasses are really too small for the frames, and to ensure the glass fits centrally the base of the frame needs 'filling'. A lot of flexible filler could be used, but what gives more consistant results over time is to use small bits of plastic, cut off whatever you have to hand. I've seen similar to centralise infill uPVC panels on double glazed house doors. I've seen tapered wedges, which can obviously be cut down, used to level floor standing kitchen cupboards, and the get wall hanging cupboards to hang straight on imperfect walls. Secondly, don't overtighten the frame clamping screws, which sort of points towards a soft filler, phyisically evenly spread before the frame is tightened. Thin butyl tape off eBay may be recommended, as it is for sealing between floorplates etc, without gluing them together. Really, if you don't get clearer replies here, my best advice is to search the S2C Forum. Nowadays, as an anti-spam feature, you may have to register. It wasn't that long ago that a Group Purchase was made, so the same old questions went round again. Regards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted April 9, 2020 Author Share Posted April 9, 2020 Thanks David, I'll seek out that forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romahomepete Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 Worth going on the S2 forum Robin Sanderson on there makes the timing kit for the heated screens that are part of the group buy but he also sells them separate. Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 VWP do one for £20: https://www.vehiclewiringproducts.co.uk/p-636-heated-rear-window-timer-relay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted April 18, 2020 Author Share Posted April 18, 2020 Here's another daft idea, could I use these screens as an antenna? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secondjeremy Posted April 18, 2020 Share Posted April 18, 2020 I'd have thought so BUT my Focus which only has a VHF (not DAB) radio has an aerial as well as a heated front screen - both are factory fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted April 18, 2020 Author Share Posted April 18, 2020 Yes, I'd be terrified of putting 30 amps through the car radio aerial! I'll stick with simple, modular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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