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FCC DECLARATION

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not 

cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause 

undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the 

FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. 

This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the 

instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not 

occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be 

determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the 

following measures:
•  Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•  Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•  Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•  Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Q

The BCDC turns ON at 12.9 V (12 V) and OFF at 12.7 V (11.9 V), but you say it operates down to 9 V, explain?

 

A

The BCDC will turn OFF for a split second every 100 seconds to measure the unloaded voltage at the battery. When the 
BCDC turns off it is not drawing any load from the start battery, no load means that there is no voltage drop over the cable 
run. This allows the BCDC to measure the actual battery voltage, or the voltage at the battery. If this actual battery voltage 
is below 12.7 V (11.9 V), the BCDC will turn OFF. At any other time during the charging process, if the voltage at the BCDC 
drops below 9 V the BCDC will turn OFF.

 

Q

How does the BCDC charge an Auxiliary battery at 14 V when it only gets 9 V in?

 

A

The BCDC can act as both a reducer and a booster, so it can operate from a voltage of above, equal to or below the desired 
output voltage. The unit is also microprocessor controlled allowing it to output a REDARC proprietary charging algorithm 
independent of the input. This allows the unit to charge specific to the battery type even if the input voltage is low due to 
voltage drop.

 

Q

Where should I mount the BCDC Unit?

 

A

The BCDC should be mounted as close as possible to the battery being charged (generally called the Auxiliary or House 
battery). If the Auxiliary battery is located under the bonnet, pick a location for the BCDC that is close to the battery 
and away from any direct engine heat. If the BCDC is to be mounted into a Caravan or Camper, near or in the battery 
compartment is generally the best position. It is also a good idea to mount the BCDC to a metal surface if possible, to 
ensure optimal heat dissipation, though this is not crucial.

 

Q

What does the charger do if the temperature around it rises above its operating temperature?

 

A

As the temperature of the BCDC rises above a certain level the current capacity of the output is decreased gradually in 
order to protect both the battery and the BCDC unit.

 

Q

If I use the BCDC to charge my auxiliary battery do I still need to install a battery isolator?

 

A

The BCDC incorporates the functionality of a battery isolator, it will turn ON and start charging when it senses that the 
vehicle has started and similarly it will turn OFF when the vehicle is turned OFF.

 

Q

I’ve heard that you shouldn’t charge 2 batteries of different chemistries from the same source, will I have any problems 
charging my AGM or Gel auxiliary battery from my Lead Acid start battery?

 

A

The BCDC does not ‘link’ the batteries together like a battery isolator does, it is a DC-DC battery charger. The output 
from the unit is tailored specifically to the selected output battery type, and therefore allows the optimal charging of the 
auxiliary battery, no matter what chemistry your start battery is.

 

Q

My BCDC is setup for 12 V Alternator input but will not start when the vehicle is turned On, I’ve followed the trouble shooting 
guide and the setup is fine, what’s the problem?

 

A

The most likely cause of this issue is that the BCDC is somehow ‘stuck’ in 24 V mode. Try removing the ‘Vehicle’ (RED) wire 
and reconnecting it. If the problem still exists please contact REDARC Corporation.

Summary of Contents for BCDC1212T

Page 1: ...Multi stage 12 V Input Current Limited In vehicle Battery Charger BCDC1212T ...

Page 2: ...er s data for your battery and ensure that the Continuous Current Rating of the charger does not exceed the manufacturer s recommended maximum charging current 6 When using the Battery Charger to charge a Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePO4 battery only batteries that feature an inbuilt battery management system featuring inbuilt under and over voltage protection and cell balancing are suitable 7 The B...

Page 3: ...10 5 V 32 F to 176 F 0 C to 80 C LiFePO4 Batteries 32 F to 176 F 0 C to 80 C Weight 30 oz 850 g Dimensions 6 5 4 7 1 5 165 120 37 mm Warranty 2 years EMC Compliance RCM FCC ICES Voltages Specified are 100 mV CONTENTS THE BCDC1212T 2 WARNING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 2 SPECIFICATIONS 3 1 PRODUCT FUNCTION 4 1 1 Display Panel 4 1 2 Charge Profile LEDs 4 1 3 Charge Status LEDs 5 1 3 1 Vehicle LED 5 1 3 ...

Page 4: ... 20 A when connected to a 24 V alternator the peak boost current however also depends on alternator voltage and input cable voltage drop The BCDC1212T isolates the start battery from the auxiliary battery to avoid over discharging the start battery 1 1 Display Panel The front panel features 7 LEDs to display the charge profile and charge status Figure 1 1 1 The BCDC1212T Front Panel 1 2 Charge Pro...

Page 5: ...he Vehicle LED will be ON when the input is available and in use and OFF when the input is not available or not in use 1 3 2 Stage LED The Stage LED indicates the charge profile stage With any profile selected the charger will output a 3 Stage charging profile consisting of Boost Absorption and Float Stages Figure 1 3 2 1 outlines the LED sequences which indicate these stages and figure 1 3 4 1 ex...

Page 6: ...nt until the battery voltage reaches its Absorption Voltage The current in Boost stage may vary during operation in order to maintain safe operating temperature or to limit the difference between input and output voltages The Charger will then move to Absorption stage which maintains a constant voltage level for a predetermined period of time or until the current being drawn by the output battery ...

Page 7: ...is a maximum 20 second delay before the charger will produce an output any time a source is introduced into the system this allows the unit to provide optimum input sharing and effective battery isolation 1 5 Error Codes In the event of a fault with the unit installation or either battery ALL the LEDs on the unit will flash to indicate the fault type Flashing sequences are described in the table b...

Page 8: ...eas for maximum performance Choose locations such as on the inner guard behind a headlight or behind the grille to one side of the radiator The unit will operate optimally below 130 F 55 C with good airflow At higher temperatures the unit will de rate output current up to 176 F 80 C at which point the unit will turn OFF It is important to ensure the charger is mounted as close as possible to the b...

Page 9: ... Input source positive This will set the Maximum voltage to 15 3 V To select the Li Profile connect the ORANGE wire to the GREEN wire LED output This will set the charger to Lithium mode CAUTION Check the manufacturer s data for your battery and ensure that the Maximum voltage of the profile you select does not exceed the manufacturer s recommended maximum charging voltage If the Maximum voltage i...

Page 10: ...n some applications the BCDC could deplete the start battery to 11 9 V 100 mV or 23 8 V 100 mV for 12 V and 24 V vehicles respectively 2 4 Cable sizing Below is a table outlining the required cable size for a given cable install length Please refer to this table for Vehicle Input Ground and Battery Output cable thickness requirements Always choose a wire cross sectional area equal to or greater th...

Page 11: ...e red input wire can be connected directly to the trailer plug s 12 V Auxiliary Power pin provided that towing harnesses and connectors are suitably rated see CAUTION in section 2 6 2 6 Fusing Fuses must be connected close to the start battery and the Auxiliary battery in order to protect the wiring and connectors between the batteries and the BCDC REDARC recommends using MIDI style bolt down fuse...

Page 12: ...ttings Leave unconnected 12V or 24V Start Battery Bank Fuse Ratings as per table on Page 3 12V or 24V Start Battery Bank Fuse 24V INPUT Fuse Optional LED All ground points must be connected to chassis earth Auxiliary Battery Charging Profile Select Refer to section 2 2 Red Blue Orange Black Brown Green 12V INPUT OR INPUT Standard Trigger Settings Low Voltage Trigger Settings Load Fuse Loads to Veh...

Page 13: ...iary battery is above 0 1V 4 Check all wiring to the Auxiliary battery particularly the Ground BLACK wire 5 Check fuses are intact and properly connected If the problem is still evident please see the relevant points below THE BCDC IS CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE BUT THE VEHICLE LED IS OFF This indicates that the required turn ON conditions for this source have not been met With the BLUE wire left unc...

Page 14: ...can operate from a voltage of above equal to or below the desired output voltage The unit is also microprocessor controlled allowing it to output a REDARC proprietary charging algorithm independent of the input This allows the unit to charge specific to the battery type even if the input voltage is low due to voltage drop Q Where should I mount the BCDC Unit A The BCDC should be mounted as close a...

Page 15: ...to reject any Warranty claim made by a Purchaser pursuant to this Warranty where 11 1 the Purchaser does not notify REDARC in writing of a Warranty claim within the Warranty Period 11 2 the Purchaser does not notify REDARC in writing of a Warranty claim within 1 month of becoming aware of the relevant circumstances giving rise to the claim so that any further problems with the Product are minimize...

Page 16: ... to Friday or send us an e mail INST55 5 EN Australia and other Global regions power redarc com au www redarc com au 61 8 8322 4848 New Zealand power redarcelectronics co nz www redarcelectronics co nz 64 9 222 1024 North America power redarcelectronics com www redarcelectronics com United States 1 704 247 5150 Canada 1 604 260 5512 Mexico 52 558 526 2898 UK Europe power redarcelectronics eu www r...

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