CHARGING PROCESS
The ArkPak seven stage smart charger is based on an advanced software program that monitors your
battery. Smart charge will select from the following cycles to optimise your battery’s performance.
Stage 1: Testing - Checks the battery capacity when the ArkPak is first turned on and predicts the
hours left until fully charged.
Stage 2: Charge - commences recovery of battery back to peak voltage. Charges the battery up to a
set voltage at which point the battery is approximately 95% charged. Please note if you are using an
external charging source (e.g. solar panel) the screen will show “external cycle” after a few minutes of
charging since the internal smart charger is bypassed.
Stage 3: Bulk - Period just before boost when volts are constant.
Stage 4: Boost - Peak charge for maximum performance. Battery is charged for 1.5 hours at constant
voltage. At the end of boost the battery is 100% charged.
Stage 5: Resting - Allows the battery to consolidate after boost. The ArkPak ceases charging and
allows the battery to rest while allowing voltage to drop to float voltage.
Stage 6: Float - Maintains performance and prolongs battery life. Battery is continually monitored and
voltage is maintained at 13.5V (13.7V for lithium iron phosphate) by automatically adjusting charge
current for 500 hours.
Stage 7: Re-Awaken - Exercising the battery and avoiding sulphation build-up. After 500 hours of
conditioning the charger automatically returns to charge cycle.
Charging the Battery using Solar Panels (not supplied)
You can charge the battery via the external terminals using a solar panel array. To do this the isolator
switch must be in the ‘on’ position. The smart charge PCB will be bypassed with this configuration
so there will be no control over battery voltage. It is important to use an external voltage regulator
(not supplied) when using solar panels. The main data screen will show “external cycle” after a few
minutes of charging. In this case the time left figure is not displayed and the normal charging stages
are bypassed.
Charging the Battery with an External Charger using the External Terminals or Accessory Sockets
Connecting the battery via the external terminals or accessory sockets to an external charging source
can be done as long as your charging source is regulated. The reason is because this method bypasses
the internal smart charger. The main data screen will show “external cycle” after a few minutes of
charging in this case.
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Summary of Contents for AP730
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