User Manual for Photonic Universe DC1212-30S and DC1212-45S DC-DC Battery Charger

Quick Guide from the Manual

This DC-DC battery charger is designed for vehicles and boats to charge a target battery from a source battery. Important: The charger requires a D+ signal to operate. If your system lacks an alternator D+ signal, you must wire the D+ terminal directly to the positive terminal of the source battery to turn the charger on. Always set the correct battery type using the DIP switches while the charger is off before connecting.

Overview

The Photonic Universe DC-DC charger is a fully automatic, three-stage charger suitable for lead-acid, AGM, GEL, LiFePO4, and Lithium-ion (NCM) batteries. It features high-frequency switching and buck-boost technology. It includes protection against overheating, overvoltage, short circuits, and over-currents.

Installation

Install the charger as close to the target battery as possible in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area. Leave at least 10 cm of space around the unit for airflow. Use cables with a cross-section of 1mm² for every 3A of maximum charging current. Fuses must be installed within 15cm of the battery terminals.

Connection Diagram

Ensure positive and negative poles are not reversed. Connect cables to the charger terminals first before connecting to the battery terminals to avoid working with live cables.

Green Terminals

The charger features a pluggable terminal block for specific connections:

• T T: Terminals for an optional temperature sensor. Highly recommended for lead-acid batteries to adjust charging voltage based on ambient temperature.
• D+: Terminal for the alternator signal (8V-16V). Controls the ON/OFF function.
• NC: Reserved spare terminal, no connection required.

Battery Configuration

Set the DIP switches according to your target battery type before powering on the charger:

• GEL: 1:ON, 2:OFF, 3:OFF (14.3V)
• Lead-acid: 1:OFF, 2:ON, 3:OFF (14.4V)
• AGM: 1:OFF, 2:OFF, 3:ON (14.7V)
• LiFePO4: 1:ON, 2:ON, 3:ON (14.4V)
• Lithium-ion (NCM): 1:OFF, 2:OFF, 3:OFF (12.6V)

LED Indicators

The charger uses three LEDs to indicate status:

• Source Battery (Yellow): Indicates source voltage status. OFF means no D+ signal.
• Charge (Green): Indicates charging status. Slow flashing means temperature issues.
• Battery Full (Green): Indicates charging stage. ON means battery is full.
• Target Battery (Red): Indicates target battery voltage status.

Protection Functions

The charger includes several safety features:

• Target battery overvoltage: Charging stops if voltage exceeds limits.
• Target battery low voltage: Buzzer alarm sounds.
• Overheating: Charging reduces or stops if internal temperature exceeds 80°C-85°C.
• Battery reverse polarity: Will blow the internal fuse.

Optional Accessories

The charger supports several optional add-ons:

• Remote meter (ACDC-RM): Displays real-time charging parameters.
• Bluetooth dongle (ACDC-BT): Allows monitoring via a mobile app.
• Temperature sensor (DCDC-TS): Measures external battery temperature for voltage adjustment.
• Circuit breakers (CB/CBR series): Can be used instead of fuses.