Ctek 250s dual battery charger
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DiploStrat
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User Docmass has a 250s/Smart Pass combo on a Tiger.
You might ask his opinions.
Basically:
-- The D250S is a 20A, multi-stage, DC to DC charger. You mount it between your starter and your camper battery. It has the added advantage of being a MPPT solar controller as well. It can be used with battery banks of up to 300Ah.
-- Big advantage is that it will boost your charging voltage to assure a proper modern charging profile. This can compensate for low alternator output and voltage drop (if the D250S is mounted close to the camper battery.)
-- CTEK enjoys a good reputation for its charing profiles and is specifically recommended by Optima and Lifeline for their AGM batteries.
The D250S really works well when combined with the Smart Pass, which is basically an intelligent relay which can be used with alternators of up to 80A and allows the D250S to be used with battery banks of up to 800Ah.
In simplest terms, the Smart Pass closes a relay to create a direct connection between your starter and camper batteries for the bulk charge stage. Once the charging amperage drops to 20A, as it will during the absorb stage, then the D250S takes over assuring a full charge and float.
My only caveats might be:
-- Many vehicles have alternators that will produce much more than 80A. What happens if the Smart Pass is connected to a larger alternator? I regularly see charge rates of over 150A.
-- Many modern vehicles have alternators that will produce the required, higher voltages. In this case, the need for a secondary charge controller (the D250S) is much reduced. Chris Gibson, founder of Smart Gauge discusses this issue in great detail here: http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/technical1.html
User Docmass has a 250s/Smart Pass combo on a Tiger.
You might ask his opinions.
Basically:
-- The D250S is a 20A, multi-stage, DC to DC charger. You mount it between your starter and your camper battery. It has the added advantage of being a MPPT solar controller as well. It can be used with battery banks of up to 300Ah.
-- Big advantage is that it will boost your charging voltage to assure a proper modern charging profile. This can compensate for low alternator output and voltage drop (if the D250S is mounted close to the camper battery.)
-- CTEK enjoys a good reputation for its charing profiles and is specifically recommended by Optima and Lifeline for their AGM batteries.
The D250S really works well when combined with the Smart Pass, which is basically an intelligent relay which can be used with alternators of up to 80A and allows the D250S to be used with battery banks of up to 800Ah.
In simplest terms, the Smart Pass closes a relay to create a direct connection between your starter and camper batteries for the bulk charge stage. Once the charging amperage drops to 20A, as it will during the absorb stage, then the D250S takes over assuring a full charge and float.
My only caveats might be:
-- Many vehicles have alternators that will produce much more than 80A. What happens if the Smart Pass is connected to a larger alternator? I regularly see charge rates of over 150A.
-- Many modern vehicles have alternators that will produce the required, higher voltages. In this case, the need for a secondary charge controller (the D250S) is much reduced. Chris Gibson, founder of Smart Gauge discusses this issue in great detail here: http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/technical1.html