CTEK says its DC/DC onboard charging system gives peace of mind

With the touring season coming to a close, many will begin to prepare their 4WDs for the season ahead. This presents a real opportunity for workshops as a vital part of every build is a robust electrical system.
DC/DC chargers, also sometimes referred to as onboard chargers, are a great way to charge leisure batteries safely and efficiently from the power of a vehicle’s alternator or solar panel, or a combination of both.
The benefit of a DC/DC charger is that it converts the output from the primary battery or solar panel and charges the secondary battery using optimal charging. Having solar power means that as long as you have daylight, you will still be charging, even when the engine is switched off.
CTEK says a reason to encourage customers to invest in a DC/DC charger instead of a traditional relay charger is that generally their vehicle battery is a lead acid battery, so the alternator will be designed to charge a lead acid battery.
The charging profile to charge the leisure battery is different. The DC/DC charger can be programmed to whatever type of leisure battery the 4WD may have, flooded, AGM or lithium, and to what the charging requirements are.
CTEK says it can also maximise charging to 100 percent and condition the battery to increase its lifespan – an important attribute if the customer is planning to travel remotely.
Peace of mind, whether for work, rest or play
CTEK says its DC/DC onboard charging system quickly charges your service battery and distributes power safely and reliably. It takes power from the vehicle alternator as well as solar power whilst on the move.
These are two different units, both of which can work independently or together as part of a powerful system.
The CTEK set up utilises both a CTEK D250SE and a CTEK Smartpass 120S unit to give strong charge to the onboard battery while isolating the C starter battery from accessories current draw.
The D250SE is a 20amp DC-DC charger, but by partnering it with the Smartpass, the charging output is boosted up to 140A as required. This provides all the 12-volt power needed for remote off-road adventures, says CTEK.
The D250SE also features a starter battery maintenance function, which charges the starter battery via the solar panel when the engine is switched off.
Ideal for use in campervans, particularly if they have smart alternators, the D250SE can be used standalone or with the CTEK Smartpass. The D250SE is also easy to fit with just four cables requiring installation.
On top of that, CTEK says everything is built in so there’s no need for separate components such as diodes, VSR relays, solar regulators or battery watches, making it quick and easy to install.
The Smartpass 120S is also lithium compatible. Smartpass 120S is a power management solution which distributes, controls and maximises up to 120A of power from the vehicle alternator and can also ensure that the charging of critical equipment takes priority.
Both units can maintain a stable output to vehicles fitted with Smart ECU controlled alternators.
CTEK says you can combine these two products together for a powerful and smart 140A charging and power management system.

For more information, visit www.ctek.com