The new CTEK D250S Smart Charger is a new DC to DC charger that has been designed specifically for boaties to use while at sea. It is also capable of recharging batteries either directly from the alternator or from another DC power source, such as a solar panel array.
AndySamways from New Zealand CTEK distributor Lusty and Blundell says many charging systems are simply not designed to cope with either the loads required or the environment in which they have to operate.
"With so many electrical products now installed on board, it is vital to have a charging system that works while the boat is at sea," he says.
"The trouble is, until now, most 'on the go' charging systems for auxiliary batteries were not very effective.
"They were unable to maximise the capacity of an auxiliary battery or condition it, resulting in the battery underperforming or becoming unrecoverable."
He says the new D250S charger uses patented technology to provide a safe and effective charging tool for auxiliary batteries. It does this by using a six-stage charging process to condition, charge and maintain the auxiliary battery, increasing performance, extending the battery's life span and saving users from unnecessary battery replacement.
"In contrast," he says, "most other chargers use only a three-stage charging process."
Samways says the D250S also deals with one of the major causes of battery failure: sulphation.
"Around 80 per cent of all battery failures are by sulphation. However, the D250S's patented desulphation mode removes lead-sulphate from the plates, before delivering up to 20 amps of controlled charging power.
"The D250S also constantly communicates with both the alternator and the auxiliary battery: recognising when the alternator is powered, switching itself on, reading the condition of the battery and starting the charging cycle.
"Similarly, the unit switches itself off once the engine is stopped and the alternator shuts down."
