PriorityStart Automatic Battery Protection

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PriorityStart! Intelligent, Automatic Battery Isolation

Frequently Asked Questions

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What does it do?

PriorityStart! passively monitors vehicle or boat battery voltage and detects any drain (lights left on, door ajar, shorts, radio, GPS, computer, accessories etc..) If a drain is detected, PriorityStart! disconnects the battery - preventing deep discharge, saving starting power - i.e. minimising the dangers associated with a dead battery - like getting stranded. PriorityStart! saves down time (Man hours, service calls, upset customers etc.) and prevents damage to computer, and electrical system (Jump starting can do major damage to electrical system). It maximises battery life (by not allowing the battery to go dead you get the maximum life out of the battery).

PriorityStart! operates only when needed to prevent a dead battery!

How does it work?

PriorityStart! monitors voltage. If voltage gets below 11.9 volts for a full minute (or 23.5 volts on a 24 volt battery), PriorityStart! automatically disconnects the battery. The unit then automatically reconnects the battery - simply operate a light switch, push on the brake pedal or turn key! No buttons or switches, just START!

NO DEAD BATTERY!

What is it?

PriorityStart! is a small, computer chip driven, electro mechanical device with a bi-directional motor and 10 gear system that delivers 243 to 1 gear drive ratio and closes with 35 kg of linear force. It will handle up to 1000 starting amps and uses proven technology. Its housing is polypropylene - the same material as a battery case. PriorityStart! is light weight, approx. 0.5kg. PriorityStart! has four issued US patents and multiple issued International patents.

How is it installed?

PriorityStart! attaches as easy as 1, 2, 3... 1. Attach positive vehicle cable to top of unit. 2. Attach cable from PriorityStart! to positive post on battery. 3. Attach ground wire to negative battery post.

NO HARD WIRING!

Universal, fits both top or side post

It's transferable - so when you have to replace the battery from normal life use, simply remove the PriorityStart! and attach to new battery.

Why do I need battery protection?

Every vehicle, or piece of equipment, new or old, requires a functioning battery to supply power - or it won't start! The fact is, when you get in your vehicle you rely on it to start. PriorityStart! assures that battery power will be available when you need it (dead batteries is the number one cause of all road service calls).

If you experience a dead battery, you have lost not only time and money, but could be stranded in a potentially dangerous situation. Jump-starting can be dangerous to not only the vehicle but also the individual. Also, by preventing deep discharge, you maximise the life of the battery. One deep discharge can costs half the life of the battery.

Using battery starters, dangerous jumper leads, or questionable cigarette lighter devices means you have already had a "dead battery", and done irreparable damage to the battery.

How does PriorityStart! protect my battery?

PriorityStart! prevents the battery from deep discharging by disconnecting the battery at a factory preset level. Enough power is left to start the engine. Simply turn the ignition key, and the battery is automatically reconnected.

Can't I just buy a new battery?

Yes, but usually a new battery is not immediately available and a new battery will not provide the safety, convenience or starting power of the PriorityStart! Furthermore, the new battery could well discharge once again for the same reason as before!

How does PriorityStart! provide vehicle security or lift gate protection?

The PriorityStart! not only protects the owner, their time and safety, but it also protects the security system on the vehicle. If you experience a dead battery, the security system or gate lift is inactive. With PriorityStart! if the battery drains slightly below 12 volts it then disconnects the battery, but when the owner or would-be thief opens the door or attempts to start the vehicle, the battery system would be automatically reconnected, thus reconnecting the security system or gate lift.

Does PriorityStart! switch on and off every time I start the engine?

No PriorityStart! does not disconnect and reconnect each time the vehicle is started, only when a load has been left on when the key is turned off.

Doesn't the introduction of PriorityStart! in battery circuit decrease reliability?

No. PriorityStart! incorporates a patented heavy duty contact and gear drive system that disconnects and reconnects the battery only when required. The contact resistance is less than 2 milliohm (two thousandth of an ohm), and, in the closed position, exerts a clamping force greater than 35 linear kilograms. The net effect of these features is an electrical connection superior to even a normal battery post/cable clamp connection.

Can I use PriorityStart! on any 12-volt or 24-volt battery application?

PriorityStart! is suitable for any vehicle or engine-driven device which uses a standard 12-volt or 24-volt battery (handles 1000 starting amps) Some examples:

Cars, Light trucks, Recreational vehicles
Fleet vehicles, Van conversions, Motor homes
Construction vehicles, Forklifts, Off-road vehicles
Industrial vehicles, Farm vehicles, Delivery vehicles
Fishing vessels, pleasure craft, cruisers

How large is PriorityStart!?

Size of unit: 130mm X 76mm X 30mm - - Retail packaging dimensions: 21.6mm X 14mm X 7.6mm. The complete unit, including cable, and packaging weighs approximately 0.5kg.

Does PriorityStart! disconnect the battery while the engine is running?

No. PriorityStart! is designed to provide battery protection when the engine is NOT running (ignition switch in the off position). It will not disconnect the battery when the engine is running, even though the battery voltage level drops below the factory-set safe threshold. Circuits within this product recognize an "engine running" condition by sensing electrical "noise" (30 millivolts) created by fuel injectors, fuel pump, fan motors, etc., and will not disconnect the vehicle battery. If a vehicle alternator or alternator belt fails, the "engine running" circuitry recognizes the condition and prevents disconnection at the 11.9-volt threshold, allowing the vehicle to continue on the reserve capacity of the battery. In such a situation you are entirely dependent on the reserve capacity of the battery. Installed correctly PriorityStart! will not disconnect the battery while the engine is running.

Will PriorityStart! fit the battery in my vehicle?

PriorityStart! fits the majority of standard vehicle batteries. Installation is simple - only three (3) connections.

Once PriorityStart! is installed is there anything I need to do to make it operate?

No, PriorityStart! is totally automatic.

Can I transfer my PriorityStart! to another vehicle?

Yes, it can be easily transferred.

Does PriorityStart! prevent all dead batteries?

No, a battery can go dead from abuse or aging, but PriorityStart! maximizes the life of your battery. Remember, one deep discharge (which PriorityStart! prevents) reduces a battery's life by 30-40%.

What about memory devices in my vehicle?

Vehicle computer systems have memory that resets itself. Clock and radio may need resetting. Remember, PriorityStart! has protected your battery starting power. Without it you would still have to reset memory devices.

Can I jump-start vehicle with PriorityStart! installed?

Do NOT jump-start through the PriorityStart!. Improper jump-starting can damage the onboard computer and electrical system, and damage the PriorityStart!.

Additional notes:

Suggested Test Procedure for 12-volt - - (Handles up to 1000 starting amps)

Attach PriorityStart! in accordance with the owners manual. Leave your headlights on to drain voltage of battery (do not use any accessory i.e. engine fans, power supply, light bar or any other accessory to "quickly" discharge the battery - this can cause damage). When the battery reaches a pre-determined level, it will shut off (the voltage setting is approximately 11.9 on a 12 volt battery). Measure the battery voltage with a voltmeter if possible. You must then wait at least one full minute before you can reconnect the unit. After the one minute time span, you can either open your car door, put your foot on the brake pedal, turn the ignition key, any of these create a change in the circuitry, and the unit then reconnects the battery. PriorityStart! is an electro-mechanical device, thus when it operates you may hear the gears engage, this is normal.