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In order to operate, the StartGuard must "see" +12 VDC at one of the two "STARTER"
terminals whenever the starter is engaged. Attach the sense wire to the StartGuard, as
above, then route the sense wiring either directly to the ignition switch or to the starter
solenoid, as shown in the diagram. Each lead must be attached to a terminal which receives
+12 VDC only when the starter is engaged. The second sense terminal is provided only for
vessels or vehicles with dual engines and may be ignored in single engine applications.
Sense Wiring
- Use any gauge from #12 AWG (4mm) to # 18 AWG (2mm)
III) OPERATION
Operation of the StartGuard is automatic. Whenever 12 VDC is sensed on either of the
"STARTER" terminals, the internal relay will close and bring the internal battery on-line to
provide supplemental voltage to the sensitive electronic device.
When the starter is disengaged and there is no longer 12 VDC present on either terminal,
the relay will open, disengaging the battery.
The Start-Guard battery relies on your main battery system voltage for recharging. There-
fore, there should always be 12 VDC (nominal) present on the +/- input terminals. Charging
the StartGuard battery requires an input voltage of 13.8 - 14.8 VDC for about 3-4 hours
minimum per month. (These voltages are produced by any typical 12 volt alternator.)
Maintenance voltages above 13.4 VDC will prevent any self-discharge.
Important: Batteries can be permanently damaged if left in a discharged state for an
extended period of time. If the StartGuard is to be put into storage, the internal battery must
be charged first. Leaving it hooked up to your main battery system for at least 48 hours
before storing it should be sufficient.
IV) BATTERY REPLACEMENT
T
o guarantee proper operation, the StartGuard battery should be replaced at least every 5
years, or as soon as it will no longer hold a charge.
To determine the age of the battery in your StartGuard, check the quality control sticker on
the end of the unit. The first four digits of the serial number (designated "S/N") refer to the
year and month of manufacture. For instance, a unit with a serial number starting "0135"
was manufactured the 35th week of 2001. Be sure to mark the date of replacement on this
sticker for future reference.
Caution: Take care to ensure that you do not short the battery terminals during installation.
The resulting high current can melt wires and cause other damage to the unit.
1) Turn off power to the input wiring and disconnect all input and output connections to the
Start-Guard. Remove the unit from the mounting surface.
2) Using a phillips screwdriver, remove the four corner screw/lockwasher sets from the top of
the unit and remove the top cover.
3) Disconnect the red and black power leads from the battery terminals.
4) Remove and dispose of the battery properly and according to local codes. Although the
battery is sealed, it is a lead-acid type and there may be restrictions on its disposal.
5) Set the new battery in place in the unit. Note that the terminals are are color coded and
marked "+" (red) and "-" (black). Reattach the power leads, red to "+" and black to "-".
6) Replace the top cover and reinstall on the mounting surface.
V) "EXERCISING" NEW BATTERIES
New batteries may need to be "exercised" once before they will be capable of delivering their
full rated capacity. Take the following steps if you wish to exercise the new battery prior to
putting the StartGuard back in service.
Requirement: 12 volt power source, 2-3 amp 12 volt load
1) Ensure that all input wires, including the starter sense leads are disconnected.
2) Connect the load to the (+) and (-) OUTPUT terminals.
3) Apply 12 volts to either the STARTER #1 or #2 terminal and the INPUT ( ) terminal to
activate the internal relay and bring the battery on-line with the load.
4) Let the load draw current from the battery for about 15 minutes.
5) Disconnect the load, reconnect all input wiring and charge the StartGuard for 3-4 hours at
13.8-14.8 VDC.
VI) FUSE REPLACEMENT
The StartGuard is equipped with an internal fuse to protect wiring from overloads and short
circuits. Should the fuse need replacement it must be with another of the same type and
value: ATC blade type, 20 amps. A spare fuse has been provided with the unit. If you cannot
locate this fuse and cannot find one locally, spare fuses may also be obtained from the
factory.
To replace the internal fuse:
1) Turn off power to the StartGuard input and disconnect the input, output and starter
connections . Remove the unit from the mounting surface.
2) Using a phillips screwdriver, remove the four corner screw/lockwasher sets from the top of
the unit and remove the top cover.
3) The fuse is located in the center of the printed circuit board (marked "20"). Use a pair
of needle-nose pliers to remove it and to install the new fuse.
4) Replace the top cover and reinstall on the mounting surface.
VII) TEST AND TROUBLESHOOTING
I
f you suspect that the StartGuard is not operating properly, you may use the following
procedure to verify whether or not there is a problem.
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