Votronic Battery-to-Battery Charger VCC 1212-30 CI | 3360 | Charging Booster

VCC 1212-30 CI battery-to-battery charger – optimal battery charging whilst driving

12V to 12V | 30A | Gel, AGM, LiFePO4 | EURO 6, 6+ vehicles | CI-Bus | 4 charging programmes | compact design

The new VCC 1212-30 CI is the successor to the tried-and-tested VCC 1212-30 and features a key enhancement: the integration of the CI-Bus interface.

As a fully automatic battery charging converter (booster), the VCC 1212-30 CI has been specially developed for mobile use in motorhomes, boats and special-purpose vehicles. It reliably charges the service battery whilst driving, drawing power from the alternator via the starter battery.

Unlike a conventional isolating relay, this battery-to-battery charger specifically adjusts the charging voltage in line with the selected charging programme – both upwards and downwards. This makes it particularly suitable for vehicles compliant with EURO standards 6 and 6+, where alternator voltage fluctuates significantly.

Four selectable charging programmes cover various battery technologies – from classic gel and AGM batteries right through to modern lithium LiFePO4 batteries. They ensure a monitoring-free, rapid and gentle full charge from any state of charge, followed by automatic full maintenance and battery care.

Even on short journeys, the battery is supplied with full charging current. Connected 12V loads are automatically supplied as well – even when the vehicle’s electrical system is under heavy load. The integrated automatic power control ensures the necessary safety and the vehicle’s ability to start at all times.

General design considerations: To avoid overloading the alternator, it should ideally have twice the rated output of the charge booster. For a 30A charge booster, an alternator with a minimum output of 60A is therefore recommended.

What benefits does the CI-BUS offer with the VCC 1212-30 CI?

In an increasing number of caravans and motorhomes, modern CI-BUS on-board management systems are taking over the central control of a wide range of devices and functions within the on-board network – a trend that reflects the ongoing rise of digitalisation in the recreational vehicle sector. As a result, innovative solutions such as the wireless control of heating, air conditioning and other on-board devices via laptop, tablet or smartphone are increasingly becoming part of everyday life whilst travelling – delivering both greater comfort and improved energy efficiency.

With its integrated CI-BUS, the VCC 1212-30 CI integrates seamlessly into modern on-board management systems and is therefore ideally equipped for the connected on-board technology of today and tomorrow. Connection to a CI-BUS on-board management system for displaying all relevant data on a central vehicle display is made via the 5-pin plug-in terminal block and must be integrated into the CI-BUS on-board management system!

The CI-BUS was launched in 2011 under the leadership of the Caravaning Industry Association (CIVD) as a common industry standard for the caravanning sector. It stands for forward-looking technology and flexible solutions and has been continuously developed ever since – thus forming the basis for a connected and convenient next-generation vehicle electrical system.

Further features of the VCC 1212-30 CI:

• The charging voltage is free from spikes and regulated in such a way that overcharging of the batteries is prevented.
• Fully automatic operation: The unit is constantly connected to the batteries and is automatically activated by the vehicle’s running alternator. When the engine is switched off, the starter battery is not discharged by the booster .
• Charging assistance for deeply discharged lead-acid or deactivated LiFePO4 batteries: Gentle pre-charging of the (gel, AGM) battery or automatic reactivation of the Li battery if any loads are still switched on.
• Parallel and buffer operation: When power is being drawn simultaneously, the battery continues to be charged or is fully maintained. The unit automatically calculates and monitors the adjustment of charging times.
• Monitoring-free charging: Multiple protection against overload, overheating, overvoltage, short circuits, malfunctions and battery reverse discharge, achieved through electronic regulation up to and including disconnection of the unit from the battery.
• Built-in on-board power supply filter: Trouble-free parallel operation with other charging sources (EBL, chargers, engine and fuel generators, solar systems) connected to a single battery.
• Charging cable compensation: Voltage drops across the charging cables are automatically compensated for.
• Connection for battery temperature sensor (included): For lead-acid batteries (gel, AGM), the charging voltage is automatically adjusted to the battery temperature; in cold conditions, this ensures a better full charge for weaker batteries, whilst in summer temperatures it prevents unnecessary battery gassing.
  LiFePO4 batteries: Battery protection at high temperatures and, in particular, adapted charging at low temperatures below 0°C.
• Connections for an LED remote control or an LCD monitor are pre-wired and easy to set up.

What charging modes does the VCC 1212-30 CI have?

Further settings and functions of the VCC 1212-30 CI

Trickle-charge circuit for 12 V starter battery: The unit contains a charging circuit designed to provide trickle charging and maintain the charge of the 12 V starter battery during long periods of inactivity. It activates automatically when the ON-BOARD battery is sufficiently charged, e.g. by a mains charger (see Technical Data ‘Back-charge circuit’). A small portion of the charger current (approx. 0 … 1.8 A) is diverted from the on-board battery to the starter battery. The charging voltage and current are reduced, thereby preventing overcharging of the starter battery. The back-charge branch can only be activated when the charge converter is in ‘D+’ control mode; it cannot be activated in ‘voltage control’ mode.

Option: Multiple batteries at the charging output: Parallel charging of two or more batteries of the same voltage (12 V) is permitted. To do this, the batteries are connected ‘in parallel’, and their capacities (Ah) are added together. The total capacity (sum of Ah) should not exceed the specified maximum battery capacity (depending on the application).

Option: Parallel connection of two charging converters: To increase the charging power for large battery banks or high loads (e.g. air conditioning operation with lower-powered units), two identical units can also be connected in parallel. Care must be taken to ensure that both units are connected as symmetrically as possible, with the same cable lengths and cross-sections, to ensure equal power delivery, and that the charge boosters should not load the alternator to more than 50–60% of its capacity.

Operating modes for automatic ON/OFF control of the unit – establish control connections on a 5-pin terminal block, including:

• Connect to terminal ‘D+’: Activation of the charge converter via the D+ control signal from the vehicle; particularly recommended for Euro 6 and 6+
• Leave unconnected: automatic unit control via operating voltage – voltage-controlled by the increased starter battery voltage whilst the engine is running (not suitable for Euro 6 vehicles!)

Optional accessories for the VCC 1212-30 CI

LED remote control S | 2076 | for current VCC 1212 series charge converters or LCD Charge Control S | 1248 | compatible with Votronic VCC charge converters
If the unit is installed in a hard-to-reach location, the control and operating unit enables convenient remote monitoring and operation. The connection is pre-wired and easy to install.

Contents:

• 1x Votronic battery-to-battery charger VCC 1212-30 CI | 3360 | charge booster
• 1x Temperature sensor 825
• 1x Installation and operating instructions
• Of course, you can also download a user manual in German from our download section.

Manufacturer’s warranty

• 5-year warranty

You can find further helpful tips on our FAQ page via the link below : FAQ.

VCC 1212-30 CI

* ‘Power Limit’ or ‘Limit’ function, temporary reduction in charging current, available when a remote control ( No. 2076 or No. 1248) is connected.