COMMAND can-bus warning

[psmart]

I retrofitted a COMMAND unit into my ML back in Feb/March this year, having obtained an A208 model. I purchased a can-bus adapter to enable it to work correctly. The installation has been flawless and works brilliantly, including the UHI phone kit.

Unfortunately, a warning I got from MBenzNL has proven correct, can-bus adapters drain your batteries.

My ML has been sat for 4 weeks (due to the current airport stupidity) and on my 1st weekend back, the battery was flat! I regularly leave the car for long extended periods, but this was the first long period since fitting the COMMAND. I have even installed a Carbon Fibre 110A/h battery, which is better suited to long periods of slow current drainage than normal lead acid batteries.

So, if your going to retrofit a COMMAND to an ML, get an A163 model rather than a A208 model with can-bus adapter.

Now that I know the problem, Ill modify the electronics (a simple PIC microcontroller circuit), but this isnt something most people will want to do.

 

[television]

I retrofitted a COMMAND unit into my ML back in Feb/March this year, having obtained an A208 model. I purchased a can-bus adapter to enable it to work correctly. The installation has been flawless and works brilliantly, including the UHI phone kit.

Unfortunately, a warning I got from MBenzNL has proven correct, can-bus adapters drain your batteries.

My ML has been sat for 4 weeks (due to the current airport stupidity) and on my 1st weekend back, the battery was flat! I regularly leave the car for long extended periods, but this was the first long period since fitting the COMMAND. I have even installed a Carbon Fibre 110A/h battery, which is better suited to long periods of slow current drainage than normal lead acid batteries.

So, if your going to retrofit a COMMAND to an ML, get an A163 model rather than a A208 model with can-bus adapter.

Now that I know the problem, Ill modify the electronics (a simple PIC microcontroller circuit), but this isnt something most people will want to do.

What is the drain when parked, no room for an additional battery.

malcolm

 

[psmart]

Hi Malcolm,

Didnt get a chance to measure it this weekend, will measure next weekend, with the COMMAND connected and without.

 

[Alfie]

I retrofitted a COMMAND unit into my ML back in Feb/March this year, having obtained an A208 model. I purchased a can-bus adapter to enable it to work correctly. The installation has been flawless and works brilliantly, including the UHI phone kit.

Unfortunately, a warning I got from MBenzNL has proven correct, can-bus adapters drain your batteries.

My ML has been sat for 4 weeks (due to the current airport stupidity) and on my 1st weekend back, the battery was flat! I regularly leave the car for long extended periods, but this was the first long period since fitting the COMMAND. I have even installed a Carbon Fibre 110A/h battery, which is better suited to long periods of slow current drainage than normal lead acid batteries.

So, if your going to retrofit a COMMAND to an ML, get an A163 model rather than a A208 model with can-bus adapter.

Now that I know the problem, Ill modify the electronics (a simple PIC microcontroller circuit), but this isnt something most people will want to do.

Wise words.