Redarc BCDC1220 performance on trip - feedback

Good to hear Pete,

Probably comes as a surprise to no-one but I’m a fan of the Redarc systems myself. I recently upgraded the 12/20 to the 12/40 with solar input. Even more impressed. We had a bit of a gathering on the Darling recently where a good friend (and EO member) was having some issues with his power needs due to running both fridge and freezer for prolonged trips. The ever ready GDEC crew soon realised that he was pretty much in a no win situation with a normal solenoid charging system. Down to Adelaide he went and had the 12/40 and some other bits and bobs put in (by our old mate Richard at Vehicool). While only a relatively short trip home, he seemed impressed and we will be very keen to see how it performs on another extended trip. He is also supplementing that with a couple of solar panels for those static periods. He automatically benefits though from getting the batteries up to a much higher State of Charge through the DCDC charging system. His will be another great case study for us to see what improvements have been gained (apart from him turning into a DC demon now lol).

Still really happy with both my BCDC and the BMS (and the Powersonic AGMS). They’ve been to hell and back over three rugged outback trips in the past 18 months and haven’t missed a beat. I’m just about to pull the BMS out and send it back as Redarc will update it with all the latest software and algorithms FOC. A very good Australian company in my books. Thanks for giving the the feedback to the forum.

Safe travels, Mick

Ute build product review - Redarc

Redarc are a very good product with whatever they make but I went down the Projecta DC20 path. I've fitted two of these to my setup 1 to manage the 2x105AH aux batteries I have in the ute and the other in my campertrailer. I have to say that they too have performed faultlessly. Like Sandman says these 3 stage 12V chargers make a huge difference to the length of time you get out of the battery without having to start up the donk. I only went for Projecta because I was able (mates rate) to get 2 of them for less than the price of one Redarc.
Normal retail they are about the same price but I have noticed that Battries Direct has a special on them at the moment.
Projecta DC20

Batteries Direct

I have installed a Redarc BCDC 1240 in my van and it works great, both the solar MPPT controller and the dcdc charge side when driving.

But be aware that as it can charge at a true 40A into the van battery at ~14V, its drawing over 55A down the line from the vehicle (incoming voltage was down to 10.7v after that distance). I had to upgrade some of my componets (relays) to handle the high power draw, the cable size in the van (8mm2) is almost on the limit for 55A. But boy it charges the van AGM's quickly :)

Cheers

Captain

The Projecta DC20 needs an ignition feed to switch the unit on/off which is crappy.
Redarc BCDC1220 has crude outdated 3 stage charging profile. Ctek D250S or D250S Dual DC/DC charger is the pick. Issue with Ctek D250S Dual you need 120W min solar panel capacity.

Just did 3 weeks on the cape with a BCDC1220 and it did a brilliant job.

After using Redarc products for a number of years now their backup, service, support and advice is A class and can't recommend the company and products highly enough.

I won't fit any other brand anymore.

Darren

If only they could make a decent electric brake controller that was as good as their other products.
OJ

I have read this thread 3 times and have one question which will show just how much knowledge I lack in this area.

Almost everyone mentions how the redarc enabled them to get more charge in the battery and hence more use.

What I don't understand is where does the power come from to charge the battery if you are not connected to 240v or does the redarc draw more power from the alternator and 'pump' it into the 2nd battery.

Pete

Thanks for that. I just had a look at redarc BCDC 1220 on utube.

It doesn't give me what I want, but from what you are saying and from what I thought it seems that the power simply comes from the alternator,,,, somehow.