Redarc 1250D Issue, 2 hour Charge Limit.

[@SlackingSince1969]

2hr limit only upgradable to 3 1/2hrs?!?!?! I never would expect that from Redarc. The details of this goes over my head most of the time. It makes sense to me when you explain it. Thx for sharing Phil.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Yeah it's a bit crazy

[@fyiaustralia9686]

Phil your analysis of this problem is what I needed to hear. I'm in the market for a DCDC charger and inverter system, and still deciding on the brand to buy. Thanks for going into so much detail on issues.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Thanks. The redarc dcdc 1250D. If you purchase that one. Make sure you check the serial number before purchase with redarc to confirm if it has the latest firmware. If it does. Purchase it.

[@ilove2explore]

Hey Phil, It was Stefan Fischer from All offroad adventures that mentioned the 2hr limit

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

That's the one. I couldn't remember where I watched it. It was a while back.

[@beachhouse1967]

Hey Phil. Just found your channel. Was just about to buy this Redarc. Thanks for the info.Subscribed now

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Awesome, thank you!

[@frankcastellano9890]

glad i saw your channel i was going to but a redark . thanks !

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

It’s only an issue with the older 1250D. The latest ones charge longer before they cut out.

[@TheOldFellasTravels]

Great video Phil. I recently removed my Redarc DC-DC and replaced all with Vitron gear. Setup with the Ergon DC hub and performs perfectly as expected. One thing I hated about the Redarc was no direct monitoring. Makes it difficult to diagnose.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Yeah. There's no features. Nothing with redarc. I'm considering a new renogy that's just released.

[@Sawadventures67]

I could not believe this when you mentioned it mate, I thought redac would not make a product that would do something like this. Thanks for sharing hopefully it helps a few people out. Cheers the renorgy is a great DC-DC/ mptt good luck with your project 👍

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Yes. I heard it mentioned, but I had to experience it to be convinced. Two hours right on the dot. and it would not start charging again.

[@ermanakbay]

I'm a bit surprised at a few comments that are talking about buying Renogy instead of Redarc. Renogy is junk and shouldn't even be compared to a high end product like Redarc. They're in completely different categories. Renogy will break on you at the most inconvenient time & place after a few uses. It's a ticking time bomb. Amazon even has a warning message displayed for Renogy DC-DC saying "frequently returned product".

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

I know a few people with Renogy and have no Issues. Agree. Redarc is better quality. But some people don't have the budget for redarc.

[@richardgrant6360]

Hey, dont come in here with facts to ruin what is en entirely misleading video. It should be taken down as his unit is clearly faulty. So many comments stating that it resets after 20 minutes. He has not though, because he likes the cash from the video.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Well, in practice, this essentially breaks on you every 2hrs😂

[@veganpotterthevegan]

​​@@richardgrant6360 I absolutely wouldn't want something that stops working every 2hrs for a 20min reset. Why does only redarc have this? *A year later, this video has 5000 views. Probably gave him enough to buy part of a tank of gas

[@terratree1]

Great Info Phil, thanks. I just emailed Redarc re. if the 1250D had any limitations with low ouput alternators (eg Hilux 80A). The response was - The unit can take up to 58 amps dependant on the voltage that the system is seeing. Will be looking at the 60A Renegy now, or 2 x 12/12 -30 Victrons. What did you end up with ?

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

I'm still using my old Redarc 1250D. Have not purchased another DCDC thus far. I'm considering the enerdrive 40a dcdc

[@nordic5490]

I fitted a 80mm fan to the 1250D and in 21 to 23°C ambient, it ran @ 50A continuously for 5hrs 15mins, putting 260AH charge back in to my dead flat 2x 120AH Kings LFP batteries. @ this point, the batt voltage was 14.1V according to Vitron, and the 1250D continued to charge for another 10mins, with the current falling away to about 10A before the battery finally cut off at 14.36v. After 2mins, the 1250D dropped its voltage to 13.7v. All of this is a comletely normal, and correct charge cycle. Before the fan was fitted, the 1250D would run @ 50A for about 10mins, b4 dropping to 43A. I used a 21cfm 12v 18dBa fan. This is the quietest 80mm fan on the market, but also the lowest airflow, and the 1250D still produced 50A @ 22°C for 5hrs. Any regular cheap 80mm fan will produce 30cfm and 28dBa - you should not hear 28dBa when the car is driving. 30cfm is 50% more than the fan I used, thus any 80mm fan should be ok. I used some 12.7mm Adhesive PCB Standoffs from Jaycar, plus a 80mm fan guard, amd sone zip ties. Mount the fan to the ribbed face, 1/3 from the led end - this end is hotter. I tested the fan with the 1250D both horizontal laying on a solid surface and vertical - makes no difference - both are still 50A after an hr 1250D fixed.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Interesting. I wonder if a ambient temp of 30c if that fan would make a difference. Do you have any photos? If so if you could email them to me at. [e-mail]

[@nordic5490]

@@PhilsCampingReviews ok. I will test at higher ambient soon - I will use my travel oven. It didnt occur to me that the 1250D would not be mounted in the cabin, ie, in 20-25°C ac comfort. Yes, many mount the 1250D in their camper trailer. I will send pics soon. Fyi, I am testing a Kings40A DCDC today - with and without a fan. I hace a 2000usew inverter, induction cooking, and 240v kettle and toaster. And, also use the kettle to provide hotwater for the Lion powered camp shower. 50A charging is not enough for me. I am adding the 40A kings in parallel. 90A total charging is about the right max load for my 130A altenator.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

How did the test go? I'm considering trying another Redarc 1250D with a newer firmware. I like the idea of attaching a cooling fan on the top.

[@benhobbs9449]

Stefan Fischer mentioned in his video (redarc bcdc boost charge limit test) the prototype he was testing will start bulk charging again following the first 3 stage cycle if it senses the battery isn't full. Maybe worth calling redarc to clarify.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Mine will not restart. I tried all afternoon.

[@MH-ls1xi]

The renogy is the go I like how it backcharges your start battery as far as I'm aware only the renogy and the ctek have that feature

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

There is a new Renogy DCDC just released, it's 60ah charge rate.

[@MH-ls1xi]

@@PhilsCampingReviews I've seen it it's the one with the big button on the front for changing battery chemistry. The only thing you might need watch out for Phil is how the renogy handles the heat and de regulates the output. The redarc units I believe are ahead of all the other dcdc units in that regard 80c internal temp every one else 50-60c internal temp before they dial back the amps. I'll be curious to see your results on an extended 3-4 hour charge cycle.

[@MH-ls1xi]

How big is your alternator phil

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

@M H I been trying to find that out. I believe it's a 100 to 110a alternator.

[@MH-ls1xi]

@@PhilsCampingReviews so you never want to run your alternator more than 80% of its max output otherwise you'll greatly shorten its life. So for your set up your looking at 80-88 amps what you need to do is get a clamp meter and put it around the cable coming from your alternator to your battery and simulate a night drive with the vehicle running with your spot lights, ac and stereo on then you can add the 50a to the base number that you get and see if you fall in that range. If your under your good to go, if your over well you may need an alternator upgrade or a switch to turn your dcdc off under high load conditions hope that helps

[@brendomow1001]

I have 2 50 amp renogy dcdc. One in work it and one in van. Both are great and prefer them to the enerdrive or Redarc and yes I’ve owned all of them

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

That's encouraging to hear. I see renogy released a new 60ah dcdc charger with 5 year warranty. I am considering.

[@craigtomkinson2837]

Lovely Ep Phill, great tip,.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Thanks Craig.

[@craigtomkinson2837]

@@PhilsCampingReviews Hey Phill, Alloffroad Adventures did the first review I seen on this troubles with the 50 amp Redarc, dcdc chargers, Iam not a fan of Redarc seen to many fail up the cape over many years, Merry Chrissy,

[@BillNicholsTV]

I just ordered one of these. What I am seeing from their site is that they have the boost charge time limit set to 3hr40min with a 20 min rest, then it resumes. This is under the new firmware. Does anyone know if this is true?

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Yes it's true. I was not able to confirm how long the charge time is with new firmware. I've not tried one with latest firmware. Make sure it does have the latest firmware before purchase.

[@richardgrant6360]

@@PhilsCampingReviews you already know that your unit is faulty, as many have been commenting for about a year now, stating that with the old firmware, the charging reset after 20 minutes. Yours did not, therefore its faulty. So the conclusions in this video are that you have a faulty unit. Really you should add a pinned post, or add in the description this fact.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

@@richardgrant6360 it was not a faulty unit.

[@richardgrant6360]

​@@PhilsCampingReviews yes it is, if it was not faulty, it would start charging again after a 20 minute break. Thats what ALL working Redarcs do, your unit is faulty. This has been discussed, and you already know this.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

​@@richardgrant6360 old firmware doesn't mean it's not faulty and the new update is pretty inexcusable too. I get them shutting off for heat but they shouldn't shut off at a set time unless an owner chooses to have it shut off after a set time

[@TheChrisco1969]

When you mentioned the $100 for the firmware.. time to give them the flick!

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Agree 👍

[@anthonywicks5586]

Phil I would have thought the charger would only stop charging when it reached a certain temperature level. For the charger to shutdown after a time based period seems weird really. What if after 2 hours the charger is still at a safe temperature level? no good to you if it's shutdown.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

2 hours right on the dot. I monitored the drive home. Started Pajero at 9:38am. at 11:38am it stopped. and will not start, even after stopping for some 20 minutes for lunch and at home. I tried again 4 to 5 hours later and still no charge.

[@anthonywicks5586]

@@PhilsCampingReviews Phil I have the Redarc Manger 30 with the TVMS and Red Vision system in my canopy and can't fault it It runs non stop when needed and averages around 30 to a max of 35amps of charge. Not sure what they have done with this product I guess they would have a reason.

[@Browneye2566]

Switch to Victron gear mate. Their Orion device will help you.

[@timchambers5242]

I would only pick a charger that allows me to vary voltage thresholds (0.1V steps) & current limit to custom settings. Bluetooth or similar is better. I'll skip Redarc & similar that only have factory presets & not much flexibility. Redarc should provide more information about any limitations & algorithms that may reduce usability/performance. Idle for 1hr should give reasonable cooling for 30min repeat if is wasn't firmware limited. Any limit should be based on temperatures not just time. Design should have been made to atleast handle 25A all day long. Should limit time charging the battery above 13.8V (depends on battery Ah), ramp down current till 14.2V & 1A. Need calibration/offsets for cable length or inaccurate sensors.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

That would be the Victron?

[@Digbite]

Nice mate 👍

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Thanks 👍

[@jamiemartin494]

Another great video Phil I have a Victron bms to charge 2x135 amp Safirey lithium’s with alternator limit draw max at 80 amps Vw Amarok it seems to cycle through depending on battery level bulk absorption float etc no dc To dc charger at all still learning though just making a small solar generator Victron mppt 30/100 2x140 amp solar panels to charge with one of the 135amp batteries everything costs money but your videos have helped cheers have a safe and happy Christmas

[@MH-ls1xi]

Is that victron bms waterproof I've been looking into something like this for a while. I'm wanting to upgrade my start batteries in my boat with lithium without blowing up the alternator on my outboard looking to charge 2 130ah batteries at 25amp

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Sounds like an interesting setup you have.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

So it still goes to float charge and not overcharge the battery?

[@jamiemartin494]

Waterproof ❓bms 12/200 in a sealed box yes it goes into float after charging you can setup limits in the Bluetooth Victron app

[@jamiemartin494]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqDPhqWJfc6Bfq8 brought this off safiery and set up in weather proof box goes in canopy of Ute

[@andrewdurbidge1283]

Hi Phil, I just spoke to Redarc tech support (as i have 2 -1250D's ordered at the moment! ) They confirmed that all the chargers have the same charge rates...they run continuously for 2hrs and 20mins and shut down for 20mins and should start the next charge cycle. The older versions from 2018 were different. Give them a call as they are always very helpfull. Maybe yours is faulty and could be changed under warranty.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Mine would not start charging again. I kept trying all afternoon. I tried a couple days later and it started charging.

[@JLM85_]

Can confirm that my 1250D charges for 2hr's 20mins resets for 20mins and continues its boost charge if needed. Have had no issues with this setup running in the front grille for maximum airflow and see between 45-50ah consistantly. I think there is an issue with your unit Phil

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

@@JLM85_ maybe this one I have is faulty.

[@Innov8cnc]

Pretty sure my 1225d does the same and most annoying is it counts solar input in the 2 hours before going to float.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

I've never heard of this happening with the 1225D. I own a 1225D and it does not have this issue. Maybe because it's over 7 years old.

[@itroy3039]

Good point But it's also designed to run with solar panels to get the maximum output.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

I don't run any solar panels on my roof top tent. After I upgrade my roof rack bars.. will add a couple solar panels.

[@mikewho9964]

thanks for the update

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Any time!

[@extremeacc101]

This 2hr boost is on the older models Phil the current model does a 4hr boost. You can send your models back into Redarc to get reprogrammed for a $65 fee

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

I'm going to replace it with another dcdc charger. I've noticed this one will only charge at 40 amp Max after apx half hour. First half hour charges at 50ah. I don't think it my alternator. It's rated apx 100 to 110 ah. I thinks its the heat. The redarc feels very hot.

[@extremeacc101]

Where is yours located Phil?

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

@@extremeacc101 next to my egon dc hub. Which is apx a couple feet from house battery

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

@Extreme Auto Caravan and Camping. S.A. inside my pajero on a board with all the rest of my victron gear.

[@donaldo1974]

I'm using the renogy 30amp and its brilliant

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

I see renogy has released a new dcdc 60ah charger. I'm considering it. Has a 5 year warranty

[@thrillhunter9897]

my 1225d keeps overheating and and throttling down to about 5 amps about every hour. this thing is junk. REDARC is paying influincers to praise the charger without telling you its only going to charge till it gets hot and call it a day.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

@@thrillhunter9897 I think that’s why the 1250D that I had was programmed to only work for 2 hours than shut down. To stop it overheating. My 1225D has failed. It will not charge anymore.

[@Tophet1]

Is that charging from the alternator or does it include the MPPT ?

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Alternator

[@jamesmcdonald9590]

Good job mate 👍

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Thanks

[@touringwithtyrone4933]

Enerdrive dcdc 40+ not an option Phil???

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

I prefer at least 50+ charge rate.

[@PaulYoungAU]

Mine has a 50A setting.

[@deceptikhon]

is this only for the 1250D? does the manager30 suffer from this issue?

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Only 1250D issue.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

No. It does not suffer from this issue

[@georgee686]

Hi Phil, Have a look at a ctek with the smart pass not cheap but a ctek with a smart pass attached you'll get 120amps. Not cheap and they are good quality, not waterproof it's worth researching.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

I will look into this. Just don't think my alternator will handle such a load.

[@touringwithtyrone4933]

Phil, I was looking at an alternator pulse charger from the USA where it would allow a % of time for a Direct charge from the alternator to the battery banks then stop for a % time period to allow the alternator internal temp to decrease, then repeats the process. I was looking at this with a set of DCS lithium batteries. Inexpensive as well. I will hunt around and see if I can locate

[@boxheadmr]

Stefan Fisher, Alloffroad would have been the one who mentioned it.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

That's the one.

[@agoogleuser3942]

Fischer is known to throw unqualified fuel into the fire. I have studied all hus videos and "advise", which following further independent research has proved his advise is not always accurate, occasionally contradictory, and on rare occasions outright incorrect. I've followed and noted all his statements closely and there are in fact, many flaws. I would strongly suggest to do your independent research and not take his words too seriously. Here is a man from overseas, barely with 9 years behind a vehicle in Australia, and he's firmed a business leading vehicles into the desert, many of whom who have no experience... I think I'll pass that

[@k1mj1]

What about the 1240D? Does it have the same limit?

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

I don't think it has the same issues.

[@richardgrant6360]

@@PhilsCampingReviews you unit is faulty. stop going on about it like its all 1250D units. Absolute joke.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

@@richardgrant6360 it's not faulty. It's the way it is.

[@richardgrant6360]

@@PhilsCampingReviews yes it is, if it was not faulty, it would start charging again after a 20 minute break. Thats what ALL working Redarcs do, your unit is faulty. This has been discussed, and you already know this.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

@richardgrant6360 either way. It's still a stupid feature to have. None of the others have this feature. Now that larger capacity batteries are more affordable. This js going to be an issue.

[@mattdenham8057]

thanks for that

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Your welcome

[@markkent1256]

Hi Phil dose the redarc dc 40 amp have the 2 hour charge limit as well Mark

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

I'm not sure Mark.

[@-Bigjordan]

i just installed a renogy battery monitor in the car cabin the most ive seen the 1250d charge while driving is 38 amps and tHAT WAS only for 2 min it averages on 23amps while driving wish i never bought it

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

Maybe your cabling is not up to par or the alternator in your vehicle. Also the 1250D could be over heating.

[@defenderzook]

Could the two hour charge limit be to protect the batteries from overheating…..? Can’t be to protect the charger…..even if it were red hot…it would cool down in less than an hour…..

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

No. Nothing to do with battery. It's all redarc.

[@davidmoore7303]

Solar panel on roof of camper for safety.

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

One day I will install a couple of flexible solar panels on my roof top tent.

[@williamfairley2502]

Hi Phil, there is an old saying rich man pays once, poor man pays twice.......go Victron

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

So true that saying. Maybe I be best to use the 1225D for now till I can afford something decent. maybe a Victron Duck Boost.

[@gregbishop610]

Lol

[@jackturtle131]

AU$309.99 Renogy DCC50S 12V 50A Dual Input DC to DC Battery Charger with MPPT

[@PhilsCampingReviews]

$339.00 with bluetooth dongle. Just not sure if I have the room for the Renogy, It's much larger than a Redarc.

[@donaldo1974]

@@PhilsCampingReviews because its got a heat sink unlike the redarc , make sure it has air flow if you go the renogy