How much current draw from the old analog clock? | FerrariChat
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How much current draw from the old analog clock?

Discussion in '308/328' started by flyngti, Jul 19, 2011.

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  1. flyngti

    flyngti Formula 3

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    #1 flyngti, Jul 19, 2011
    I'm chasing down ignition-off power draws in my car. I found and disconnected the fan timer relay (black box under passenger footwell) as it was drawing >100mA and not needed anymore since a PO removed the fan and other emissions stuff. I'm down to my stereo memory (1.5mA), 8mA from an aftermarket keyless entry syste, and 16mA from the analog clock. To anyone who has measured, is 16mA typical for the clock?

    Yes BigTex, the clock with the blue hands:)
     
  2. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

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    #2 Paul_308, Jul 19, 2011
    The early Veglia clocks have a spring motor with escapement and when the spring winds down, contacts energize a solenoid to snap wind the spring. Meaning no power until 'snap' time rolls around. I don't know what year they changed to a quartz movement. Does your clock keep good time?
     
  3. ClydeM

    ClydeM F1 World Champ
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    #3 ClydeM, Jul 19, 2011
    I'm able to let my car sit for 3-4 weeks before the battery shows any sign of drain. That's with the clock & stereo memory.
     
  4. flyngti

    flyngti Formula 3

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    #4 flyngti, Jul 20, 2011
    I don't know what year they switched, but my clock is quartz movement. It keeps very accurate time. Is a 16mA draw reasonable for this clock?
     
  5. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 Steve Magnusson, Jul 20, 2011
    Don't know the value for that specific clock, but 16 mA doesn't sound bad. What is your total "off" current draw? If it's something like 75~100mA, or less, you shouldn't be having much trouble.
     
  6. flyngti

    flyngti Formula 3

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    #6 flyngti, Jul 20, 2011
    Total ignition-off draw is about 25mA (clock, stereo memory and keyless entry/power locks). I just needed a gut-check because I don't know what's an "acceptable" value. With a freshly rebuilt alternator and new battery, hopefully I won't need to worry about having the car sit for a few weeks at a time.
     
  7. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

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    #7 mike996, Jul 20, 2011
    Why not just pull the master ground connection if it's going to sit for an extended period? That way there's nothing at all to be concerned about re battery draining. I have left my 328 that way for up to seven months and the car started instantly after re connecting the ground and turning the key to "start."

    Admittedly, depending on what sort of current electronics you have in the car, you might have to reset several things.
     
  8. flyngti

    flyngti Formula 3

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    #8 flyngti, Jul 20, 2011
    A PO changed out the original negative battery cable and I don't have the original disconnect. I do have an aftermarket disconnect knob at the negative post, but I need to remove the spare and remove the battery cover to use it. I'm thinking of installing a disconnect switch in a more accessible spot.
     
  9. st@ven

    st@ven F1 Rookie

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    #9 st@ven, Jul 20, 2011
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2011
    he has one, finally:):)
     
  10. jimangle

    jimangle F1 Rookie

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    #10 jimangle, Jul 20, 2011
    You shouldnt have to worry about your car sitting for a few weeks. I've let my car sit for two months during the winter (had no choice) and my car started right up. I have a 79 GTS, and had the alternator replaced 8 yrs ago.

    Jim
     
  11. Hans

    Hans F1 Veteran

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    #11 Hans, Jul 20, 2011
    3-4 months in mine...
     
  12. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #12 BigTex, Jul 20, 2011
    I have enough now (two) and missed one on eBay last week, for FIFTY ONE DOLLARS!

    The &^*$^^%!

    I'm not going to actually CONNECT them!!!
     
  13. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #13 BigTex, Jul 20, 2011
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2011
    The 'World Famous Search for the Clock with Blue Hands'......LOL!

    Next, I am lighting a lantern and going in search of an honest man.....:D :D

    It would have been nice, to snipe that one for $55. :D
    It ended on the weekend, and I wasn't on line...
     
  14. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #14 BigTex, Jul 20, 2011
    I think I'll move the mismatched voltmeter to the trunk, or engine compartment....LOL!
     
  15. ClydeM

    ClydeM F1 World Champ
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    #15 ClydeM, Jul 23, 2011
    Ummmm, I ended up with it. :$ I bought it do have some glass lenses made. I wish I had seen this post first. In fact I just popped the lens off tonight. The set knob was kinda bent, and I did straighten it a bit. The clock runs fine & keeps accurate time despite what the ebay ad said. (15.7ma draw measured alone on a 12V battery btw)
    If you'd rather the blue hands, I'd be happy to swap with you. PM me if your interested.
     
  16. f1nxlife

    f1nxlife Formula Junior
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    #16 f1nxlife, Jul 23, 2011
    over an extended period of time,, my clock would eventually drain down the battery.,,thats why i use a battery tender,,,it works great,,,it prolongs the battery life ., and keeps it fully charged,,my car starts with the first turn of the key,,and the first turn of the starter...for the first few years,,,i couldnt figure out,,what was draining the battery when my car sat for any extended period,,,i forgot about the analog clock..once i began using a battery tender..it never happened again,,,
     
  17. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #17 BigTex, Jul 25, 2011
    I've been looking forever, but hopefully have two good units (but paid more than $51!!!)

    I thought the drilled lenses were plastic??

    You using glass?

    It's my voltmeters that are mismatched (VDO on one and orange Veglia on the other)..

    Finish your project and I'll take the leftover bits...
     
  18. Art M.

    Art M. Rookie

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    #18 Art M., Sep 1, 2018
    You may already be aware of this program but auctionstealer.com provides unattended sniping for free. Since I am not sure of the protocols on this forum for posting a link, here is my CYA disclaimer: I am in no way associated with that software company; I apologize in advance if I have offended anyone; and the only reason for my post is to perhaps assist another user.

    That said, I envy the hell out of you guys; all I can afford to collect is old Cadillacs :)
     

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