When designing a reliable dual battery system, the battery charger is at its heart. Without a charger, you can’t keep your secondary battery charged and put your start battery at risk. REDARC has a range of DC to DC chargers to suit different installation locations, needs and applications.
So, how do you decide which one is right for you?
BCDC CORE & CLASSIC
Starting with the BCDC Core & Classic, these are our tried and true DC to DC chargers. The Core and Classic are functionally the same, offering features like an in-built MPPT solar regulator, simultaneous DC and solar charging, Green Power Priority™ and lithium battery compatibility.
The BCDC Core and Classic come in a variety of charge rates, starting at 25A and going all the way up to 50A.
So what’s the difference between them?
It all comes down to where you want to install the charger. The BCDC Classic is potted to protect the internal electronics. Making it tough enough to withstand the heat, vibration and water exposure that comes along with under-bonnet setups.
The BCDC Core, on the other hand, is a more cost-effective option that is perfect for installations inside a canopy or cabin where waterproofing isn’t required.
BCDC ALPHA & ALPHA R
A step up from the BCDC Classic and Core is our BCDC Alpha range. These chargers build upon our trusted charging technology and feature a unique form-factor and expanded capabilities.
Both the BCDC Alpha and Alpha R include two advanced features: Start Battery Recovery and Start Battery Charging.
If you get stuck with a flat start battery, Start Battery Recovery gets you back on the road in just 15 minutes by safely recharging it from your secondary battery. Similarly, Start Battery Charging sends any excess solar power back to you start battery once your secondary battery is charged, so no power is going to waste.
With a push-button interface and screw terminals, the BCDC Alpha range is quick to install. Both the BCDC Alpha and BCDC Alpha R feature input current limiting, making them a great choice for systems with lower alternator output, including hybrid and electric vehicles.
Though they share features, there are a few differences between the two models.
BCDC ALPHA
The BCDC Alpha is our toughest charger yet, with an IP67/69K rating it’s capable of handling extreme conditions under the bonnet from heat to moisture and vibrations.
BCDC ALPHA R
The BCDC Alpha R swaps the IP rating out for advanced battery management and monitoring capabilities. So, while it’s limited to in cabin or canopy setups, it offers real-time battery monitoring including State of Charge percentage, time remaining and charger performance. All of this information is conveniently displayed on your mobile device.
The BCDC Alpha R is also the only charger in the range to offer intelligent charging, adjusting its charge in real-time to meet your battery’s needs. This ensures maximum efficiency and extends your battery’s lifespan. It functions more like one of our flagship Battery Managers than a BCDC and is able to integrate seamlessly with RedVision systems such as the TVMS Rogue.
In terms of options, the BCDC Alpha is available in 25A and 50A variants, while the Alpha R comes in 50A and 100A models.
So, which charger should you choose? If your installation requires under-bonnet durability, the BCDC Alpha is the way to go. But if you’re looking for battery monitoring, maximum efficiency and high-charge rates, the BCDC Alpha R is your best option.
To determine the right charger, we always recommend checking your battery’s maximum charge or maximum continuous charge current. Larger batteries typically support higher charge rates and lithium batteries are also capable of handling higher rates than AGM or lead acid types, but it pays to double check.
To delve deeper into our BCDC dual battery chargers check out the full range. If you’re still not sure where a BCDC fits into your off-grid power setup, learn about how your car makes off-grid power and how to use it.
