CTEK Split charging- will its charge both ways?-

[Josh Corps]

So I'm looking at the ctek250s after reading its what some of you guys use. I'm not 100% sure its going to do what I'm expecting;
I currently have a leisure setup that is completely isolated from the vehicle electrics, I have 240w panels running through a premium MPPT charge controller charging them along with a EHU battery charger. Seems to be working well without any real need for additional charge from the alternator charge (although it wouldn't hurt to have an additional input).

My issue is my vehicle battery is draining over time, my go to was to look at one of those cigarette charger solar panels that trickle charge when not in use, but then I though why am I buying a cheap poorly built solar unit when i have some perfectly fine panels on the top that would no doubt do a better job.

If I got a CTEK250s would it not only charge my leisure batteries using my alternator but charge my starter battery using my leisure batteries? Bear in mind I wouldn't be able to use the CTEK solar input as my panels are already installed using a more specific MPPT.

 

[Deaky]

In short no. CTEK will trickle charge your starter battery ONLY from it's MPPT solar input. I would guess that your solar panels will have too high VOC to connect to a CTEK.

 

[DaveyB]

I think you have to couple it with the CTEK Smartpass to do that, but as deaky says CTEK don’t like really high inputs from solar.

 

[Josh Corps]

In short no. CTEK will trickle charge your starter battery ONLY from it's MPPT solar input. I would guess that your solar panels will have too high VOC to connect to a CTEK.

Thanks. I guess I should look at a way to connect my Mppt outputs to my starter batter.

 

[Deaky]

Have a look at something like this

Votronic 12V StandBy Charger (DC-DC Trickle Charger)

The Votronic StandBy Charger trickle charges your 12V starter battery whilst your 12V leisure battery is being charged from a mains charger or solar panel.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

 

[Josh Corps]

That looks like exactly what I'm after and it takes small cables which is ideal. Many thanks

 

[Deaky]

That looks like exactly what I'm after and it takes small cables which is ideal. Many thanks

Not sure how your set up is wired but I have one of these connected to the Load output on my MPPT controller. I've configured this output to only be on when the solar panels are active so my starter is only charged when it's sunny.

 

[rod_vw]

Not sure how your set up is wired but I have one of these connected to the Load output on my MPPT controller. I've configured this output to only be on when the solar panels are active so my starter is only charged when it's sunny.

@Deaky I notice in the information leaflet for the Votronic 12V StandBy Charger that it is not suitable for Euro 6 vehicles.

My error -- I missed the fact that there were two different items on the information sheet, the 'Not suitable for Euro 6' bit refers to the 'D+ simulator' not the Votronic 12V StandBy Charger

 

[Josh Corps]

@Deaky I notice in the information leaflet for the Votronic 12V StandBy Charger that it is not suitable for Euro 6 vehicles.

Where did you see that I've just looked and can't see it. Best to double check before I order it for my euro 6 haha

 

[rod_vw]

Where did you see that I've just looked and can't see it. Best to double check before I order it for my euro 6

Sorry, -- I missed the fact that there were two different items on the information sheet, the 'Not suitable for Euro 6' bit refers to the 'D+ simulator' not the Votronic 12V StandBy Charger

My entry above is now corrected.

 

[travelvolts]

If your MPPT controller has a Load output you could connect that to the solar input on the Ctek to achieve charging of the van battery.