Power system update
Where to mount that onboard battery charger
“Where do I mount my BCDC?” Is a question faced by the Redarc Technical Support Team every day. While there is not technically a right answer, there are multiple things that need to be considered when not only choosing where to install your BCDC, but also which BCDC model is the right one.
As a starting point, Redarc recommends looking at where the auxiliary battery is going to be located.
For the best charging performance, the BCDC should be installed as close as possible to the auxiliary battery. Less than a metre between the BCDC and battery is best practice. Keeping the BCDC and battery close together means voltage drop between the battery and charger is minimised, but often this is not the most practical solution.
Once the location of BCDC and auxiliary battery are finalised, it is necessary to choose between the BCDC Core and BCDC Classic models. This choice often also depends on where the BCDC will be mounted.
For under bonnet mounting, or anywhere that is going to be exposed to extreme heat, dirt, dust and water, the BCDC Classic is the way to go. Being fully sealed, there’s no need to worry about the electronics inside being exposed to anything that could damage them. They can also withstand the engine bay heat and will operate at full capacity up to 80° Celsius.
If the auxiliary battery and BCDC are going to be a bit more protected, the BCDC Core is a great option. Perfect for installations that are protected from water, heat, and dust, the BCDC Core is designed to be mounted in cabins, canopies or boots - or stowed behind interior panels or seats. With no exposed fans or noise, it’s a great option for staying charged without ruining the look of the vehicle. The BCDC Core is also a more wallet-friendly option.
To make installation easier, Redarc has a range of BCDC mounting brackets and wiring kits. With a mounting bracket to suit many major vehicle makes and models, they allow for easy installation of the BCDC Classic in the engine bay. Redarc’s range of BCDC wiring kits include all the parts needed for installing your charger, with different configurations depending on the charger installation and battery locations.
All chargers in Redarc’s BCDC range are lithium ready and feature an in-built MPPT solar regulator. With Green Power Priority as standard, Redarc’s BCDCs will take power from solar as a priority before using supplementary power from the vehicle’s alternator when available.
Built to be compact, quiet, and reliable, the BCDC range is designed, tested, and manufactured in Australia and, like Redarc’s whole product range, are backed by market leading technical support and the REDNetwork certified installer network.
Learn more about the BCDC Core at redarcelectronics.co.nz/core
Anyone who has ever looked under their 4WD, SUV or even car and found something amiss with suspension, steering, bushes or bearings, has probably heard of – if not been in touch with – Mount Shop.
And if the name doesn’t jog the memory, these are the under-vehicle specialists with a national network of large yellow buildings!
Mount Shop is a specialist under-vehicle component supplier, carrying an extensive range of suspension parts, steering rack components, bump stops, engine, body and subframe mounts, hoses, pulleys and idlers and hanger mounts.
This is a big enough catalogue, but the fact that all of these under-vehicle components are carried for most makes and models found in New Zealand is mind bending.
Mount Shop’s director Hemi Toia, is pleased to announce the addition of the KYB product range to Mount Shop’s extensive product offering.
“KYB is a world leader in the development and application of hydraulics technology and as a brand, is sold in more than 100 countries,” explains Hemi. “With that in mind, it makes logical sense for Mount Shop to distribute such a wellrecognised product range.”
Mount Shop’s product range is comprehensive, but the automotive industry is one of constant change and improvement. This goes some way to explaining why KYB products have been added to Mount Shop’s inventory.
“KYB is at the forefront of undercar system development and has excellent products well suited to our diverse needs here in New Zealand,” says Hemi.
“The product range is well supported with a high level of technical back up and proven knowledge which is what our customers have come to expect of Mount Shop: top quality product and the expert knowledge which comes with it. It’s what we’ve always supplied, and we’ll continue to deliver.”
To view the entire Mount Shop product range, head to their website
www.mountshop.co.nz or call your nearest branch on 0508 86 66 86.