Help with running both a DC and AC system on Dual Sport

[OaklandF4i]

If I understand it all (and I probably don't) I would use one of the 100W AC circuits (wired directly not grounded to the frame) to power the aftermarket headlights and use the other 100W AC circuit to power everything else bike related as it was designed.

I would use the Baja Designs AC regulator on one circuit to the headlights assuming these will draw a significant amount of the 100W available. And use the 85W OEM AC regulator [See Note Below] on the other power leg and use that to power the misc. loads like tail lights, brake lights, & etc. grounded to the frame as designed. Since the headlights would be on the other circuit it won't draw more than the 85W rating of the OEM regulator (but do the math to be sure).

Most electronics like your GPS can accept a range of DC volts on the input. You'll need that info plus its typical current draw when in use. These should be available in the specs. Find a small battery, maybe for a portable drill or RC model car or a drone that has an acceptable operating voltage that the GPS can use and an Amp-Hour rating that will insure the GPS will operate for much longer than any trip or run you might make (with extra margin). Wire the battery separately to the GPS plug and mount it somewhere so it is easy to remove or charge it on the bike (using normal AC powered transformer from the house). These batteries are deep draw, don't weigh a lot and can probably power the GPS for days with a full charge. You'll need to do more math.

NOTE: After thinking about it, you might actually need a 100W regulator, instead of the 85W OEM even though the loads are lower, if it is a shunt type regulator it has to be able to dissipate most of the power generated.

I appreciate the time you took to think about and type out a response.

But as already mentioned, my AC is headlight is already wired wired separately on one of the AC lighting coils. And it has an appropriate AC regulator grounded to frame to handle the 100W. The other 100W lighting coil is wired with an appropriate sized reg/rect for the DC load of the GPS and all other items wired to it. Your solution would require buying another AC regulator AND a battery, when I could just buy a small battery and float the DC ground for a solution (simpler). If I convert it all to DC, I would again have to buy a different reg/rect to handle 200w.

My question for the forum is really about solutions for floating the ground on one or the other systems powered by the two separate lighting coils.

Is it possible to float the AC side (I suspect it isnt, but dont know>). Are there any other solutions for floating grounds or isolating them (AC from DC). If I add a battery, I may as well just add the small Baja Designs unit to float the whole DC side. I suspect a capacitor would work as well and ones are sold for the purpose.

 

[1962siia]

Hey Cj have you tried calling Baja Designs to ask them for a solution? Their tech support is pretty friendly and helpful.

 

[OaklandF4i]

To bring to conclusion.... Baja Designs suggested easiest solution would be to float DC side of system ground with a battery. As it was cheaper and no bigger than a capacitor, thats the route I went. So the entire DC side is grounded solely to the battery and seems to function properly. AC side of system ground to frame.

Still not aware if possible to float AC ground side of the system and how it would be done (theoretically and for learning purposes as my application is solved.)