I figured out my "engine running" signal for the Isolator circuit... I didn't want to tap into anything ECU related, so I'm adding a 10 psi oil pressure switch to the auxiliary oil port on the engine, which will only allow aux solenoid excitation when the engine is actually running. As long as I'm buying the metric adapter for the port, I might as well install an oil pressure gauge in the truck as well.
Finally got a cap for my Colorado!
- Thread starter anickode
- Start date
underdrive
jackwagon
Good thinking on the remote for the lights, may I ask what remote you are using? The better half has determined (and I agree with her assessment) that it would be very useful if we could operate our big truck's 100,000 watts of stadium lighting from inside our bedroom (cabover bed in slide-in camper), however I'm not really looking forward to running yet another harness between the two units and waiting on her to get it done instead may prove quite a bit like waiting on pigs to take into flight 
A remote would make the task much easier...
Also, regarding your "confirmed engine running" solution via oil pressure switch, that is how we've done it in the past as well, in the exact same application too. Works very well. Keep in mind most pressure switches are used in a circuit where they close to ground when they see pressure, so if your current isolator is grounded via its body you may need to look for another one that has an external ground. Or just use the switch to close the trigger circuit on a small relay, you feed said relay key-on power and it only sends it to your existing isolator when the switch sees actual oil pressure. Either way works and gives you double redundancy - the system is only armed when ignition is on, and only activated when engine is running.
A remote would make the task much easier...Also, regarding your "confirmed engine running" solution via oil pressure switch, that is how we've done it in the past as well, in the exact same application too. Works very well. Keep in mind most pressure switches are used in a circuit where they close to ground when they see pressure, so if your current isolator is grounded via its body you may need to look for another one that has an external ground. Or just use the switch to close the trigger circuit on a small relay, you feed said relay key-on power and it only sends it to your existing isolator when the switch sees actual oil pressure. Either way works and gives you double redundancy - the system is only armed when ignition is on, and only activated when engine is running.
The remote I used actually came from Tractor supply. Its labeled use is for turning on and off an electric sprayer pump on an ATV/small tractor/pickup truck. It's just like any other 12v remote setup though, housed in a ~1"x1.5"x2" plastic housing with an LED to indicate it's receiving power. Internal relay is rated for 20 amps. Cost 30 bucks, and was kind of a spur of the moment buy. I'm sure there are cheaper ones available online.