Another B2B Question

[nar53]

Hi Everybody

So during the lockdown I decided to upgrade the electrics on our now 25yr old Ducato based Chausson camper. Amongst other things I've installed a 30amp Votronic B2B charger, model No VCC 1212-30. Now as the manual that came with it is in German & my German being zero I did a bit of head scratching.

Anyway I got it installed OK using 16mm2 cables with soldered lugs, but not understanding the manual I wasn't sure what to do with the D+ so I found a convenient live which goes through the ignition & connected it to that. On start up all seems to work well & the Fridge started up on 12v much easier so I was happy.

But on one trial run I noticed that the charge voltage had risen to 15v which I reckon is not good.

After doing a bit of Googling I found an English version of the manual which shows the D+ going to the alternator. Does it really need to do this?

I watched a not very good German YouTube video of a guy installing the same model on a modern camper & he did go all the way to the alternator but I imagine his van has an intelligent alternator whereas my van doesn't.

I've checked & re-checked the dip switches for my battery types, which are 2 x Hankook 100ah Lead Acid, I did check the battery type with Hankook just to be sure.

So do I need to crawl back underneath & extend the D+ cable to the Alternator or should it be OK as it is.

Oh & I have connected up the temp sensor to the neg- on one of the leisure batteries.

If I hadn't seen that 15v I wouldn't be worried.

Hopefully someone can put my mind at rest

Cheers

Nigel

 

[autorouter]

Because you are using the temperature sensor, the software takes advantage of this. Without the sensor, it has to stick to a constant 14.4V (U1) to be safe. Knowing the temperature, it can increase the voltage at lower temperatures. Exactly how it does this is shown in the graph from the manual.

So at 20 deg C it will charge at 14.4V, but at 0 deg C it's about 14.8V. It limits at 14.9V for temperatures lower than about -5 deg C.

I can't see why it should read 15V, but maybe the panel display is off by 0.2V. That's a bit more believable than 0.6V

 

[nar53]

Hi Autorouter

Thanks for your reply. I hadn't thought about the accuracy of the display but on reflection the test meter I was using is a very cheap one which I keep in the camper. Maybe I should disconnect the temp sensor & then observe what happens.

Cheers ?

 

[Wagoneer]

I've got the same B2B, recently fitted, with temperature sensor. Last tested in the colder weather and it charged at 14.8 volts. Leisure batteries are sealed lead acid.

I haven't bothered with the D+ connection and it seems to work ok......obviously triggers into action when it senses a rise in voltage from the starter battery/alternator.