Redarc BCDC1250D vs Enerdrive EN3DC40+ | DCDC Charger Comparison [2021]

[@TheVeganTravelShow]

I love our Redarc BCDC 1250D Charge Controller. I made the mistake of buying a solar panel with a PV output greater than the allowed PV input of the Redarc charge controller. Swapping it for a pair of 175W Victron Energy panels with PV output within the allowable PV input of the charge controller fixed the issue we were having. I also have a third 200W Powertech fold out solar panel on an Anderson plug wired in parallel to the two fixed on the roof that I use intermittently after prolonged cloudy weather usually, or in places like Tasmania where sun exposure is limited. The Redarc handles it great even with the unit installed inside the van. Thanks for this comparison! I’m looking into what system components would best suit our next off grid van build & using lithium batteries for the first time. We full time travellers have it good with all this new renewables technology. Being digital nomads on the road would be a lot harder without it!

[@philg2468]

Used 4 different brands of DC-DC over the past 10 years years and the Enerdrive DC2DC is my favourite because it is programmable - can put the exact settings into it that suits the type, brand and quantity of batteries I'm using.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes that definitely is one of the big plus points of the Enerdrive

[@andrewford80]

I really like that you can adjust the output current on the enerdrive.

[@allandeans3904]

I have had both Redarc and the Enerdrive units and for my application the Enerdrive is much more configerable. The old BCDC units I had were not able to handle two inputs and you had to use external relay systems to switch the power inputs. Looks like they have fixed that in these newer ones. The thing about Lithium profiles is that I like to drop the charge voltage a bit to make is easier for the lithium batteries - 90% charge is better for lithium than 100% all the time. My Redarc experience was that the charging profile was wire selected and form there not configurable. The Enerdrive unit allows you to change the max charge voltage in 0.1V increments (I use 14.2V). For my 90 Amp-hr aux lithium battery in my ute I have set the max charge current to 15 Amps - I can change this at any time but as i haven't needed to charge any quicker I figure that this is easier on the alternator particularly if I am pushing another 40 Amps to the Caravan. I agree with all the other comments - not dust proof or water proof but mine is inside our sealed canopy so not a problem. Overall a great review

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes the adjustable charge current and charge profile is a big plus, personally 15a charging for Lithium is ridiculous low (I can charge my two 100ah DCS with 100a each continous) but yes the ability to lower voltage (personally would go to around 13.9v or 14v is great) I just don't like max temp ratings and the fan in Enerdrive unit.

[@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.

[@freefunlovin1]

Nice work. Don’t suppose you still run it? Would love to see some pics of it!

[@terryoleary5424]

Nice Stefan , nice run down mate. I know an auto electrician who has had customer s come in with their enerdrive dc dc terminals over heating. In 20 years he’s never had a redarc dc over heat . So it’s red arc for me

[@AlloffroadAu]

same here Terry

[@robostrikeyou4365]

Redarc might not have overheating terminals, but do randomly fail had one personally fail on me. I've have not seen a Enerdrive DCDC fail yet, also seen a Victron fail but customer reversed the polarity on the battery input.

[@AlloffroadAu]

@@robostrikeyou4365 yea in nine years and probably 6 Redarc units trough my different cars never had one fail.

[@terryoleary5424]

@@robostrikeyou4365 all I can do is go off the word of an extremely experienced auto electrician who has a lot of pride in his work. And I’m happy to pay extra for Australian made

[@johncunningham4820]

............and we all know what happened with DCS............... Good comparison on the Units Stefan .

[@disturbunce2335]

Stefan, my enerdrive has bluetooth. Battery protection mode issue can be easily managed using Program mode. Great Review.

[@AlloffroadAu]

your DCDC charger has Bluetooth? That's new to me. Yes if you have Enerdrive batteries you can wake from protection mode but that does not work for any other battery.

[@kevincox1816]

Can you tell us the setup for Program mode to wake up BMS?

[@craigbartlett1380]

As a Subscriber I can't wait for a "JK Product Review; Pros n Cons" please!!!

[@andrewmorgan4306]

I have run a Ctek d250sa with Ctek smartpass 120 for 6 years now and never had a problem , together they can put in 100 amps in to a AGM battery ,i have a 415 a/h AGM battery and it has put in 85 amps into the battery many times when required and it has a soft start too and ramps down as the battery charges,also has a inbuilt 25 amp solar mppt as well this unit works great and never have had a flat battery highly recommended..

[@AlloffroadAu]

yea fine for a AGM charging LiFePO4 with 25a is a wast in my book.

[@andrewmorgan4306]

@@AlloffroadAu my ckek unit isn,t designed for LiFePO4 batterys the new Ctek unit is and it can charge a LiFePO4 battery at 150 amps alot better than redark or enerdrive.

[@rollyb5061]

very good review Stephan , Redarc is the product for me

[@777Scottman]

Considering that Redarc provided the demo unit for your review, I hope they're paying attention to the request for Bluetooth functionality with all the info and configuration ability an end user might require. I recently purchased a BCDC1240D, and being rather new to this game, I relied on Redarc's outstanding quality reputation which preceded my knowledge regarding Lithium batteries. Had I known then how crucial it could be to make adjustments to output, etc., the absence of this functionality on the Redarc unit may well have been a deal-breaker for me. Don't get me wrong - I think Redarc is amongst the best kit available, but I'm real nervous about taking proper care of my expensive Lithium setup so as to prolong their lifespan considering there may soon come a time where we won't be able to source replacements anymore. Thanks for the review!

[@AlloffroadAu]

If you have a reasonable quality LiFePo4, the Redarc will be fine, and no need to adjust output, still would be nice to have, though.

[@777Scottman]

@@AlloffroadAu Not all LiFEPO4 batteries and/or their BMS's are created equal. Fine-tuning the parameters of the various devices can make a huge difference to the lifespan of all kinds of batteries, and can even affect battery manufacturer warranty stipulations. Yes, by-and-large, stock settings will work, but where locality dictates price and availabiltiy, as is the case with me, l need to be able to do all I can to derive maximum life-expectancy. Thank heavens for you and others who make these instructional videos for us. Without you... I'd be powerless. And bankrupt.

[@billroach2393]

I've got one of each of those 2 gadgets. The Enerdrive is in the caravan and the Redarc (only a 1225d) is in the canopy of the Chevy. Both are great units, but the Redarc has the advantage of being "smart"...it takes solar as a priority and adds alternator power if needed. The Enerdrive, on the other hand, can only take power from either/or..not both at once. So, if you're driving along on a cloudy day and the solar can only supply 10 amps, then 10 amps is all you're going to be getting. For this reason my Bushtracker still has its Morningstar 60 amp solar MPPT unit and the 40+ from Enerdrive is only for alternator input.

[@AlloffroadAu]

thanks for sharing the Redarc after December 2019 has a few more undocumented features which are quite interesting for LiFePo4 owners so stay tuned for the video...

[@billroach2393]

@@AlloffroadAu all my batteries are now LiFePO4... Even the twin starter batteries in the Chevy Silverado 6.6 litre Duramax are now 4.2kg units from Lithiumax ; Race9 models. Much better than the heavy N70ZZs that used to be in there. I have a Amptron 100ah in the Chev's canopy for fridge etc and 300ah of EV Power in the Bushtracker. The BCDC1225D EASILY copes with the 100ah Amptron.

[@AlloffroadAu]

sounds like a good set up, personally I think 25a is very little for a LiFePo4 as it takes a while to charge.

[@jarrod1687]

Thanks for sharing, you swayed me to go redarc

[@aussieaustrian8704]

If you’re driving along on any sort of day, full sun or full cloud, your Enerdrive will only be putting in alternator power. It will shut off the MPPG all together. So you’ll get 40-50A an hour from the alternator.

[@rowannancarrow6919]

Good comparison I use and like both systems. Also I like the Victron unit.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thanks for watching! I like Victron a lot as well unfortunately the DCDC de-rate at only 40°c and 30a is just to little output for LiFePO4.

[@franksteenhuisen7223]

I run the enerdrive because of the higher solar voltage input for my house solar panel. The redarc unit can’t keep up in that regard

[@AlloffroadAu]

no issue for me as I have no house panels but yes definitely one of the shortcomings of the Redarc only supporting 32v,

[@brentthompson6223]

Great review Stephan, Always like your videos, I needed this bout 6months ago when I was trying to decide wat to go for, ended up with redarc 👍

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad I could help!

[@nordic5490]

The 1250D needs airflow. I have been testing it inside the house@ 17°C ambient. The 1250D runs at 50A for about 10mins, then overheats, and reduces the current to about 42A. Add a gentle floor standing fan breeze, and after another 10mins, the current is restored to 50A. This is an issue for me, the 1250D will be installed in the cabin. I will fit a small 80mm fan to it soon, and will my comment then.

[@AlloffroadAu]

it does not overheat but throttles we found on a 25c day a fan will also not help much however that seems to be the same with all chargers from what I have heard the Enerdrive with a fan does the same. So I recon most chargers really are 40A continuous

[@ermanakbay]

Thanks for the info, this is what I was concerned about with Redarc. No fan is actually a disadvantage for me since I'll install it inside my van. I don't need it to be waterproof, I need it to not overheat..

[@AlloffroadAu]

The problem is that even with a fan (another part to fail) the Enerdrive has a lower operating temp... You can always run a small computer fan over the Redarc

[@chrisolson3372]

Hello, do you know what the max AMPS for solar input on the BCDC1240D charger is? I cant find that info anywhere. THANKS

[@JamesJeanneret]

Thanks Stephan. Your videos are always informative and thorough.

[@AlloffroadAu]

thank you mate

[@4wdglampingaustralia102]

Very good comparison. Seems pretty obvious redarc all the way. Thats what I have

[@AlloffroadAu]

while not perfect either Redarc ticks the most boxes for me...

[@AndrewSheldon]

Do you need to connect a DC-DC charger with MPPT to mains-alternator for it to work charging auxiliary lithium battery (actually a jumpstarter battery with DC input).

[@pauldavies4650]

The "D" in 1250D as with all Redarc units is Dual Input, ie it has solar input as well.

[@AlloffroadAu]

good point but it also seems only the D versions have LiFePo4 profile.

[@henrya1051]

As always a great and informative video. I was also searching for a good auto electrician so an unexpected thank you for the recommendation. I will certainly give Joe a call soon.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnmiller6548]

Hi Impressed by your comparison, however I am interested as to whether you have compared Redarc to Victron? I am torn as I have Redarc BCDC1225D in my Prado. I have just built a camper Pod and was intending to rely on solar. I had to replace a faulty MPPT (less said about it the better) and bought a Victron 15A MPPT very cheap to replace it. However I found out quickly that I needed additional power source so was considering whether to add a Victron DCDC charger (no solar input) OR sell the Victron MPPT and buy another Redarc BDC1225D for my camper pod. I would appreciate your thoughts.

[@AlloffroadAu]

I like Victron and have quite a few Victron products but they have a very low operating temp range and also quite a low charge amperage. My Victron Battery Protect left me stranded due to high outside temps so I would not use Victron DCDC chargers. I now run a Redarc 1250D and a 1225D in my Landcruiser to provide a consistent +50a input

[@alishabab3]

I'd love to see a compare of victron smart dcdc also. Also the bcdc 50 amp costs $800 but the enderrive 40+ amp costs around $460-$500

[@AlloffroadAu]

I like Victron but they have the lowest heat tolerance and 30a not enough for Lithium in my book

[@andrewford80]

Good comparison. Did you consider the Victron offerings?

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes have a few Victron products but DCDC chargers have a low charge rate and fairly low operating temps

[@andrewford80]

@@AlloffroadAu Yeah, I'm not too fussed with the lower charge rate. 30A is still heaps and should tax your alternator less than 50A. Thanks for the videos, really good content. Cheers

[@stevecam724]

Great, love your Redarc product endorsement 😂😂😂

[@AlloffroadAu]

it’s what I used for past 10 years and worked for me so yes I do recommend it

[@lloydmanor8235]

very informative - so many options for my new system

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gordonhooker378]

Awesome review Stephan. Just wondering if you have done a review of the Victron ORION Smart DCDC 30. I currently run a Redarc DCDC1225D and hate not having a remote system (such as the Victron bluetooth app) to monitor what is going on; as well as being able to adjust the settings from my smartphone. I would love your advice.

[@AlloffroadAu]

i like the victron stuff and have a few devices but no DCDC as 30a is to little for me and I’m concerned about the 40c de-rating.

[@marquisfabian1373]

Renogy dc-dc? Victron dc-dc?

[@AlloffroadAu]

Victron I do like a lot but only 30a to little for LiFePO4, Renogy is a class below Redarc and Enerdrive

[@robostrikeyou4365]

You do realise victron also make buck boost 50 and 100 amp DC DC

[@AlloffroadAu]

@@robostrikeyou4365 yes learned about that a few days ago, looking in to it and it could be quite interesting for a set up down the line.

[@alishabab3]

@@robostrikeyou4365 The buck booster is only good for cars with smart alternators which say for my car its a 1999 prado vx and I'd love to go with victron to charge my camper trailer which has over 300ah lithium but I wouldn't have a smart alternator and using the 30ah dcdc is a bit to small

[@robostrikeyou4365]

@@alishabab3 They can be used on any type of Alternator I've installed one a month ago in a F250 with a 240a Alternator set at 90a charge rate, for the time being for testing purposes. Like all of Victron smart DCDC they have a alot of different setting available for alot of different applications.

[@lahmyaj]

Rookie question - If I wanna add another DC form of charging (say the 12V feed from a generator or just 12V from a 240V AC plug pack adapter), could I just plug these into the solar charging input? If not, how do I go about this?

[@AlloffroadAu]

that would be a question for auto electrician mate, the solar input is regulated so I dont think that would work.

[@ozjado]

If I want to charge only on solar through say 2x 250w panels what charger would you recommend im not too interested in charging from a vehicle just solar while camping for extended periods

[@AlloffroadAu]

Victron MPPT

[@noah7625]

What are your thoughts on safiery's victron offering ? How do they compare to redarc and enerdrive?

[@AlloffroadAu]

can't speak from experience but from research quite overpriced and overcomplicated for what they are IMO

[@SomervilleMetalWorks]

I personally have the same redarc unit and dcs 200ah lithium and so far it's been great would I like features of other units? Sure, Do I need them? No, I use my dcs app to check it's charging and it's always working.. I find 50amp more than adequate as I tend to only stay in one spot for a few days and do alot of tracks an dits more than enough time to charge battery back up to full. I'm going to give the renogy a go just for their integrated system and see what it's like

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes the Renorgy look good on paper, may also have to give them a try at some stage

[@JeepTJay6]

Hi, I have a very small 56Ah AGM auxiliary battery bank which is made up of (x2) 28Ah batteries in parallel for the refrigerator in my Jeep. Id love to run a DCDC charger between my starter battery and my battery bank but the smallest DCDC I’ve found is 20A which puts out too much power for my 56Ah setup. Are there any DCDC options for a bank as small as mine? I should add that my Jeep has a 160A alternator which is NOT a smart alternator.

[@AlloffroadAu]

I would think 20a is minimum and don't know of any smaller DCDC charger

[@kevinhood9781]

I think redarc has a 12 amp bcdc charger

[@JeepTJay6]

@@kevinhood9781 Yup. Found that one recently. Unfortunately shipping here to Taiwan is almost as much as the shelf price. Have to wait for it to show up on Amazon.

[@kevinhood9781]

@@JeepTJay6 ouch! Hopefully amazon has it soon. Good luck man

[@TheJanope13]

Biggest selling point of an enerdrive is its programability. When a new battery tech comes along in few years time, you can plug in your own custom charge parameters. even turn down 'float' voltage to minimise stress on your batteries etc. 50 Amps is ALOT to draw on a stock alternator. If you're out bush and your high output alternator dies, you better hope that shop you pick up an alternator from can handle a 50a dcdc charger. With enerdrive, just turn it down. It also capable of running 45VOC house panels, those can be found for free on marketplace from people replacing their solar setup. I personally wouldn't put lithium or agm under bonnet (dcs included, though i could never justify the price) so really it has to be in cabin/canopy anyway and making ip67 rating redundant. Enerdrive have 2+3 year warranty vs 2 years for redarc. I do like the Redarcs size though, if building a battery box setup you remove from car then the waterproof and smaller form factor would be unbeatable. They also have a solid foothold in time in the industry and are australian made too for those that care.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes the customisability is definitely a big draw card of the Enerdrive and something I wish Redarc had.

[@TheJanope13]

@@AlloffroadAu yep for sure mate, I’m an electrical engineer that done my thesis in the field of power electronics so understand how this stuff works a fair bit more than the next bloke. Tbh pouring a bunch of resin over a pcb doesn’t impress me, it just means that it’s practically unrepairable. Most common failures in electronics in general is always power supply, usually a closed shut mosfet or just degraded capacitors because these are the muscles of the system handling large amounts of currents. Control IC rarely fail and neither does memory. It seems the Australian manufacturing industry rely heavily on reputation (for good reason, we make high quality stuff) but are a little slow to innovate. Adding a new charge profile onto an old charger is a dead simple ROM flash, could even be done if they just added bluetooth functionality like gme Xrs units that allow its firmware to be updated.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Yea fair point, but I do use Redarc for a decade and never had a failure with any of their gear for me it's still Redarc BCDC1250 over Enerdrive but I completely agree Redarc sits on their reputation not much innovation nowadays.

[@itlldoo6128]

thanks Stephan, so just for the cruiser what was the total spend mate ?

[@AlloffroadAu]

A lot mate, I don't keep exact track to preserve my sanity

[@dumfriesgalloway7499]

Great video. Why did you not mention that Redarc has limited VOC of 36 volts. This restricts one to exspensive PV panels

[@AlloffroadAu]

it is mentioned mated, it's actually 32v not 36v

[@scentybeast9531]

Hi Stefan great review... Redarc vs Enerdrive vs Renogy… you mentioned Renogy isn’t as good in the comments, why so? The heatsync on Redarc does look impressive. Victron Mppt seems to run hot, maybe their DCDC does too so it seems like this is a 3 horse race

[@TheJanope13]

the 25A+25A setup on them are a little annoying. if receving any solar you are limited to 25amp from alternator+X amps from solar. You can get around this by disconnecting solar all together while driving but its an exta hassle. It's low voltage cutout is rather high so need reallly thick gauge cable to charger

[@rjl110919581]

there few work on 24v system in trucks on the market which take 24v input with 12v output as both units showing here

[@SomervilleMetalWorks]

Redarc are rated 8-32v input show they should 2ork on a 24v system and output 12v

[@lahmyaj]

Nice video mate. Subscribed 👍🏻 I love that both REDARC and Enerdrive are Australian companies. I definitely would like to see though full-blown Bluetooth/WiFi on all 12V gear possible going forward, but that’s me, I love my gadgets etc. At the very least, it’d be nice if REDARC offered some sort of extension port for us tech-mad people to add wireless modules etc.

[@AlloffroadAu]

thank you very much and welcome

[@stephenbloomer567]

If someone does not have the cash for the Redarc, have a look at the Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A Non-isolated DC-DC charger. Not for under bonnet installs. I have my second battery in the back so that is not an issue for me. Great charging options and works well while no costing a fortune.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Victron is great gear just keep in mind it starts de-rating at 40°c and that's way too low where I travel.

[@HammerRocks]

Thanks for the review, very thorough. I'm in the market for a DC-to-DC charger and have decided on the Redarc. If buying online how can I determine if the BDCD1250D being advertised is a post Jan 2020 model? Apart from the ad description (w/c hopefully is accurate), is there any external differences on the unit itself (ie. branding/code numbers etc)? Does the post Jan 2020 model have a different SKU (Part number) to the pre-Jan 2020 model?

[@AlloffroadAu]

good question I'm not sure about I would think any bigger store would unlikely have old stock at the moment but just as the seller for manufacturing date.

[@HammerRocks]

@@AlloffroadAu Where in the unit will the manufacturing date stamped? And will it also be in the box?

[@pjetenere1]

Enerdrive DC2DC all the way for me

[@iVisual.sambonkowski]

Stephan, I often wonder why 4x4 and off-road drivers dont use an "all in one" system like GoalZero? no need for any fixed installations, its mobile, so you can take it off the car if your dont need it any more, you can use it at home, as an emergency system, easy to upgrade if new tech coming, its usually lighter and just plug & play and doesn't need any costly installations. your view would be appreciated.,

[@AlloffroadAu]

hm, I like to have my car ready to go, would be harder for me to fit a GoalZero somewhere and I like a fixed install as I don't like to shift stuff around. Testing a little GoalZero Sherpa 1000PD at the moment and i do like it would not replace my build in systems though.

[@kevinhood9781]

You can build a wayyyyyyyyyy better system for half or 3rd of the price of one of those. And the batteries are lithium ion about 500-800 cycles not to mention a long charge time. Also its easier to steal if its not in the trunk of your car or bolted down. There goes $1000-2000. Did alot of research and was gonna buy a lifepo4 power station 2000-2500 charge cycles, but changed routes. At almost $1000 for only 500 watt goal zero 500 with lithium ion is a waste of money. There are handy in a pinch if the power is out and you need to plug your fridge in for a few hours but id want atleast a minium of 1000 wh which the goal zero is close to $ 2000 bucks!! Lol. No thanks. Lifepo4 power stations are better and usually charge faster, are safer, and most cost about .80-$1 per watt hours. If your handy or not and just take your time to learn you can build a lifepo4 battery box for cheap

[@sinistra328]

Totally agree about the Redarc, need an app so you can see what it is actually doing. I would like to see where the Victron units sit between Redarc and Enerdrive.

[@AlloffroadAu]

i have a spec comparison sheet on Patreon that does include Victron.

[@sinistra328]

@@AlloffroadAu thank you. I saw your chart on Facebook.

[@robdotcom71]

Great review Stephan.....

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thank you kindly

[@oxdudepoege]

Can somebody please explain what the difference between a bcdc and a dcdc charger is? DC/DC should mean direct current i guess, but what does BC mean?

[@AlloffroadAu]

same, same Redarc calls their DCDC - BCDC

[@Australianzwayne]

Redarc are proven and great BUT Enerdrive is equally as good, cheaper and the service support is unbelievable. I bought a 40@ lithium compatible unit and have not regretted. Can’t go wrong with either brand

[@AlloffroadAu]

yea if I look inside I know which one I'm choosing but I agree Enerdrive is not a bad unit either.

[@airselectricalcontractors842]

have you sussed out kickass gear

[@AlloffroadAu]

yea not really not to interested in the bottom end

[@Artie6937]

I would of like to see solar charging on the starting battery

[@AlloffroadAu]

need a seperate MPPT and hook it up to starter battery

[@rjl110919581]

thank you share detail video

[@AlloffroadAu]

You are welcome

[@JimsCS2]

The sound transitions are annoying, apart from that great review

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes I agree bit close together for them, next time.

[@craigbartlett1380]

You selling the JK??

[@AlloffroadAu]

already sold

[@jarrod1687]

Great information

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juanmonsalve4316]

Ordered the 1255D, if it has the low temp disconnect do you know if i can turn it off?

[@AlloffroadAu]

don't think you can but why would you want to when using LifePo4

[@magicalvortex]

You cant have both 8 watt power consumption and blue tooth, as blue tooth consumes quite a bit of power. Your probably better off having a push button display that only comes on when invoked to save power. Just my 2 bobs worth.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes fair point though BLE uses very little power inc comparison to regular BT.

[@chris-tq5ly]

The enerdrive battery has the built in Bluetooth monitoring so no need on the dcdc I think?

[@Frank-bh3cm]

BCDC chargers tend to overheat and are expensive. Definitely useful to charge a secondary battery in a trailer as voltage drop over distance becomes an issue. To charge another battery in the car, I can't see the benefits outweighing the heat & cost drawbacks. It's a marketing myth that this kind of device is necessary to safely charge a second battery. The alternator is a charger that comes free with every car, capable of charging multiple batteries. An isolator disconnects primary and secondary battery while the engine is off and costs a fraction of a BCDC charger. Can optionally install a booster diode in the fuse box to provide increased alternator output. My 2cents.

[@airselectricalcontractors842]

but you havent tested ??? - i wouldnt no but figured you might have some advice ??

[@AlloffroadAu]

I haven't tested or used any Kickass gear, so I could not give any advice in that regard, unfortunately. Maybe it's good gear, but the name alone does not do it for me.

[@PeterPaoliello]

I have the Projecta IDC25L and it has long pauses both on altinator and solar.. Recent testing had it charging only 20% of the time over 20min period at worst. Should have gone the REDARC.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Interesting, I'm just investigating further the Redarc LiFePo4 charging mode as it seems like Redarc provided me incorrect information in regards how to reset to bulk after the two hour limit. 20% of 20 minutes is bad though.

[@PeterPaoliello]

@@AlloffroadAu Projecta commented officially and it was apparently an incompatibility with the BMS in my SolarKing 120AH Lithium. To their credit they were very good with the troubleshooting and general response over the ordeal, they did request I return it to the place of purchase and the exchange was as hassle free as it could possibly be given the situation. I went for BCDC1240 which is in transit to me now. Projecta said they have a new revision on the way out tracking for end of 2021 which will tackle this issue and an overall update. Cheers.

[@AlloffroadAu]

@@PeterPaoliello thanks for the update mate

[@TheAussiebloke87]

D is for dual input not lithium. I.e alternator and solar

[@AlloffroadAu]

a ok makes sense but as I understand only D version has Lithium profile

[@damianoverlander6766]

Awesome

[@AlloffroadAu]

============= UPDATE+++++ ============= Please also see kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWW0oaKVfttkbJY In my video, I explain the boost mode time limit can be reset simply by disconnecting the load for instance restarting the car this is incorrect the boost time limit can only be reset by disconnecting from all sources (input and output) which is usually not practical to do. Here is how the boost charge time limit works: The logic of the BCDC1250D includes: • a 2 hours timeout in Bulk (also called Boost) where the unit will automatically move to Absorption / Float • a total of 4 hours (from the beginning of Boost charging) before the unit can return to Boost charging These timeouts were specifically introduced for safety reasons to avoid damage of batteries in harsh conditions (especially high-temperature environment) and to protect the charging of smaller capacity batteries and avoid them being damaged by a high charge rate being applied for too long. For example, a large 200Ah lithium battery bank requiring 4h of full charging at 50ah, would be charged 2h in Boost, 2h of Absorption/Float (which will still provide some charging), 2h in Boost, etc until the charging is complete. ===================================== Why no Victron or Renogy? Both have no MPPT Victron has only 30a way too small for LiFePo4 in my book, and also starts deregulating at 40°c (not suitable for Australia in my book) Renogy no MPPT and I would say a class below Enerdrive, Victron and Redarc (Australian support is sketchy at best from what I heard) Let me know what you think.

[@marquisfabian1373]

Personally don’t use either Victron or Renogy dcdc chargers, however I have met a few people that do in my travels. They all have different feature sets…

[@EricDraven79]

Renogy has a 50 amp DCDC with MPPT, defiantly a middle of the range device in terms of water / dust proofing, but functionality seems just as good, with their monitors and BT app

[@marquisfabian1373]

@@EricDraven79 I suggest you look at the specs, 25+25

[@AlloffroadAu]

@@EricDraven79 ok good to know, wait for my review as I show a few undocumented features the Redarc has which especially for LiFePo4 are great to have...

[@EricDraven79]

@@marquisfabian1373 is that from experience ? Or your interruption of the specs ? In my experience, it only changes to 25/25 if there are two inputs. Otherwise it’s quite capable of the full output from either the alternator or solar

[@bobpinder902]

I have had nothing but problems with RedArc BCDC systems due to temperature intolerance, once they hit 40C they start ramping down and at 45C they shut down completely. Not much use in Western Australia's hostile environments, now I only us SBI12's which have been perfectly problem free

[@AlloffroadAu]

Interesting as Redacrc has the highest operating temperature I know of the SBI is no BCDC charger though it's only an isolator so would not be affected by the heat

[@NSWMods]

Thank u Sir Just your your channel Hope that ok & Thank u For the Video Take Care

[@AlloffroadAu]

So nice of you

[@markharcourt2214]

Redarc is a fantastic marketing company

[@AlloffroadAu]

not sure what that means? They do have some good albeit expensive products

[@markharcourt2214]

@@AlloffroadAu Basically I think there are better options out there, but they market their product well

[@deanharries4154]

With so many to compare , why only 2 expensive ones... There are cheaper brands that work just as well... Can't have that now..!

[@AlloffroadAu]

yep, maybe do a review for the cheaper ones? I used the Redarc for nearly 9 years so that's what I can review and the Enerdrive was a unit I considered as an alternative so I looked into these two units. For the remote travel, I do I don't try cheaper questionable units, especially not for electrical stuff.

[@brennanholmes9303]

Not a good idea having the lithium battery in the engine bay mate could end very badly

[@AlloffroadAu]

why would that be? This is LiFePo4 safer that AGM

[@christurner68]

two totally different intended mounted units. one is an all weathere and adverse conditions and the other is a inside clean environment installed product I dont beleive the the Enerdrive was intended for the adverse conditionas apposed to the redarc. both products are designed for their applications. Oh, and the enerdrive is chinese manufactured.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes both do the same thing, difference is that you have more mounting options with Redarc as you pretty much can mount it where you want I also like additional features and if I look at the inside of both I sure go for the potted Redarc far less things to go wrong. Made in Australia is great as well

[@christurner68]

@@AlloffroadAu should have given eg like mounting in caravans, RV and canopies which arent exposed to the elements. And I should add all red arc products arent made in Australia unfortunately. eg the stndalone battery charger, solar panels and blankets. I know the factory who make the blankets for redarc 190W Solar Blanket SunPower® Cells and you can buy on alibaba for $220 from the same factory. I did make this information availble to redarc in person but abfortunately there is nothing they can really do about it. that is thw way of china. yes we pay more but you have a warranty here which is peace of mind, but some may say so cheap I can buy another if fails…...

[@rowanlocke9376]

Redarc is a good product but can’t fault my Enerdrive system and I find easier to wire up

[@AlloffroadAu]

both good chargers it seems

[@robertlewis7237]

WANT GET 24V SYSTEM DCTO DC

[@RustyCandyAdventures]

Redarc have been given defence money to build a conformal coating for there printed circuit board plant.

[@AlloffroadAu]

interesting, I guess that will also benefit non Defence users like us?

[@davidwright1752]

Liked video but gave up that music not necessary

[@rob45x]

Ill just wait here for 44 hours...

[@shameelali2549]

Lost me with no bluetooth monitoring,enerdrive is the go.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes agree no BT monitoring is a big drawback nowadays. Redarc is still the only unit for engine bay installation and without a fan. If BT is important I look at the new Victron 50A DCDC over Enerdrive.

[@stevedeb5960]

Is this just a Redfart commercial? 2/3rd time spent telling us how much you like the Redfart product ...... think I'll give this bias review a miss.

[@AlloffroadAu]

you seem to have a strong biase mate I used Redarc chargers for the past 10 years and definitely like them but hardly biased and I call it as I see it as you can see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWW0oaKVfttkbJY

[@juandavidescobar6964]

What is this Premier rubbish? Just upload it.

[@AlloffroadAu]

we have a saying in German " einem geschenkten gaul schaust du nicht is maul"

[@juandavidescobar6964]

@@AlloffroadAu Sure the gift is my time and the Ads' $.

[@billroach2393]

@@AlloffroadAu I barely passed English at school, so have zero chance of understanding what that German says? Please remember you are playing mainly to an Aussie audience and keeping your comments in English would be appreciated please.

[@AlloffroadAu]

@@billroach2393 lol I don't think you have seen many German comments in my thousands of replies to over 200 videos, but I don't know of a similar Aussie proverb, it means sort of that you don't question presents. There are weeks of research and work in the video which is provided for free so so if this one is a premier so be it. My Patreon Supporter already had early access to the video.

[@billroach2393]

@@AlloffroadAu thanks for that explanation....perfectly understandable. I think the Aussie equivalent would be: "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth". Cheers mate.