Cape Times

Intelli-Charge your offroad adventures

- MOTORING STAFF

THOSE 4x4 fundis among us, who head off into the bush for extended periods with heavily customised adventure vehicles, will know that one of the most important supplies needed for these getaways is electricit­y.

Now a new product from Charging Systems Africa ( CSAF), called the Projecta IDC25 ‘ Intelli- Charge’ 25A 9- 32V, can help manage the complex dual battery setups often used in the 4x4 and camping scenes.

This Australian- made device ( pictured above) claims to be one of the most advanced on the market, and though it’s labelled as an intelligen­t charger it’s actually much more than that.

The IDC25 acts as a middle- man between your vehicle’s alternator and batteries, and helps to limit the load on your engine while heavy draw accessorie­s such as fridges and lights continuous­ly drain power.

It’s also compatible with solar panels and can simultaneo­usly switch between energy supplied by the sun ( up to 25A) or either convention­al or ‘ smart’ alternator­s ( between 9 and 32V).

The IDC25 weighs only 800 grams, but is robust enough to withstand the rigours of harsh outdoor environmen­ts. Projecta says the device is dust, water and shock proof, and can safely operate at temperatur­es of up to 80 degrees Celsius, so it can be mounted inside a vehicle’s engine bay.

Compatible batteries include multi- chemistry types such as GEL, AGM, WET and Calcium. A user can easily select the battery type with a simple push button on the device.

The Projecta IDC25 is available at leading parts stores and 4x4 outlets with a recommende­d retail selling price of around R4 445.

more informatio­n call CSAF on 011-447-1370 or visit the

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