For optimal performance and safety when using 12-volt batteries with trolling motors, electronics, or any application requiring regular charging, follow these guidelines:
- Charging Recommendations: Utilize an Epoch charger or a similar quality charger. During the charging process, you may receive a "High Voltage" or "Fully Charged" alert through the app. This indicates that the battery is fully charged and is not a cause for alarm.
- Maximum Charge Voltage: Although the maximum charge voltage is specified as 14.6 volts, the actual voltage at which the battery is considered fully charged may be lower. The Battery Management System (BMS) determines the fully charged state based on several parameters, with voltage being just one of them. Once fully charged, the charge MOSFETs will disengage to prevent overcharging, as commanded by the BMS. Alternatively, the charger may stop the charge if it detects that the battery is full, and no BMS warning will be displayed. In either scenario, the battery is ready for use.
- Maximum Charge Voltage: Set a lower maximum charge voltage of 13.8 or 13.9 volts to ensure stable operation and to prevent nuisance codes on the Cerbo GX and unintentional disconnections of charge MOSFETs. Disconnections during direct alternator charging may cause voltage spikes harmful to sensitive electronics in your DC system.
- System Considerations: It's crucial for the user or installer to thoroughly evaluate the operational aspects, system configuration, and programming of the electrical installation to avoid damage. Epoch is not liable for damages resulting from incorrect system design or installation.
- Float Voltage: Adjust the float voltage to 13.4 or 13.5 volts. In systems with constant loads (e.g., lighting, fans), the charger in float mode should supply most, if not all, of the current needed for these loads while maintaining the battery voltage at the set float level. The effectiveness of this operation is influenced by the charger's capacity, float mode voltage setting, and the total load.
- Solar Charging Considerations: The ability of the charger to maintain the batteries during solar charging will vary throughout the day with the available sunlight.
- Initial Alarms: Early cell overvoltage or "High Volt/Batt Full" alarms during the first few charge cycles are normal and should not be a cause for concern. These alarms usually resolve after a few charge/discharge cycles.
- Initial Charging Recommendation: To aid in the balancing of the cells, it is recommended to initially charge the battery at a 0.05C rate (5 amps per 100 Ah of battery capacity). Perform this initial charge in a warm environment to avoid activating the battery's heating system.
- The charge MOSFETs will disconnect if the voltage exceeds 14 volts, the charge current drops below 3.6 amps, and these conditions persist for more than 10 seconds.
- Cell balancing starts when the battery voltage reaches 13.35 volts with a cell deviation of 0.050 volts.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure safe and efficient operation of your 12-volt battery systems in various applications.
