Redarc versus C Tek DC Charger

You are looking at the Ctek D250s Dual aren't you. Not the D250s. Seems to be some confusion around the forums about which one you need to get the solar regulator.

Peter,

In my current build, I have used a Redarc BCDC charger and the BMS Battery Management System. I have used the BCDC for provision of a hybrid 100 A/H battery under the bonnet and the BMS to maintain and manage two 140 A/H Power Sonic AGM’s in the back pod of the ute. The BCDC is purely a DCDC charger and as such it will provide the necessary charge staged charge rates to provide optimum recharge and maintenance on my aux battery. The BMS is a total system in that it is a staged DCDC charger, a 240 volt charger, an MPPT solar controller as well as providing a greater degree of functionality in respect to battery management and regulation than most other units through it’s graphic interface. It will automatically select the most suitable power source of those available. It will also allow selection of various modes such as travel and storage for appropriate battery maintenance. Then interface will provide everything from Battery temps, voltage, amps in, amps out, charge source, power remaining (days/hours) at current draw rate, time to full charge, charge mode etc etc that it makes a whole stack of gauges you would normally use, surplus to needs. The one drawer back was it’s cost but when you add up just what you would normally put in a vehicle including purchase cost and installation etc, it’s actually a much cheaper solution. It performed faultlessly in this first 6 months including 14,000 outback kilometres and some bloody harsh conditions. The MPPT controller is particularly good.

Looked at the CTek and the Ranox DCDC. Good products no doubt but I’m stoked with my choice.

79 Series Ute Build

Cheers Mick

Hello Peter, I have been contemplating the Ctek D250S Dual and am working out how to use it in my current system which may change if I go ahead and change the set up of my tray. I see on e bay they are around $358. Haven't checked out the Redarc as the price put me off, I have a Redarc isolator and have not had any problems but have a solar panel now and looking at options.
As an aside what does the "kwk" mean in your name?
Cheers
Rob Mac

G`day Peter,
Not the question you asked but have you looked at the Stirling DC-DC chargers ?
I have the Stirling DC-DC 1250, a multi stage charger that delivers up to 50 amps @ up to 14.8 V. from the starting battery. ( only one that I know of that has this output)
All very important functions regarding charge times etc.

Yell out if you want more info.

Regards,

Scrubby

Hey mate

Went through all of the same and ended uo buying the 40 amp pro charger from ABR Sidewinder, which seems like a good thing.



Regards

There is another Aussie brand of DCtoDC chargers www.gsl.com.au.
I bought one before our last trip and it has worked perfectly. no affiliation etc etc

technology wise and for best battery maintainence the Ctek D250S or Dual are more sophisticated technology. Majority of the DC to DC charger units are cheap switch mode and expensive for low tech outdated technology.

major feature of D250S Dual if you have solar panel attached and parked up at location and aux battery is fully charged the D250S Dual will then charge and maintain your main vehicle start battery.
you can get a great amp and volt meter from Sure Electronics for $35
for the D250S
With D250S or Dual you don't need a battery isolator. other advantage the D250S or Dual kick in at 12.8v so don't drain your battery like Redarc or other battery isolators down to 12.5v which is not good.
Ctek is fully temperature controlled which is essential for proper battery charging and maintainence. Insufficient attention is paid by most to temperature of battery when charging.

Redarc BMS1215 seriously over priced and poorly designed for intended market.

flog the Plasmatronics for what you can get as it is antique outdated. cannot understand why people waste money on gear like that. MPPT will give you up to 25% more from your panels. Ctek will give you greater battery life compared to Plasmatronics suitable for antique flooded cells. Another major issue is the Plasmatronics has negative regulation which has a heap of problems with modern equipment. find somebody who knows nothing about solar and batteries to flog your Plasmatronics to.

It's hard to compare the two as they are quite different units - however having said that, as many have already stated, CTEK as a brand produce very high quality chargers and for the price you will be very happy should you go the CTEK way.

MH

Peter,

why not just replace the battery cabling you have now with 2B&S (32mm?) battery cable and see the difference it will make to the battery charging when at a distance from the alternator.

Maîneÿ . . .