Ctek battery charger

Re: Ctek battery charger

Postby UltraLuxe on Wed, 18 Mar 2015 6:24 +0000

According to the information I've found, they recommend it because smart alternators only output 12.2 volts once the main battery is charged. The c-tek unit needs 12.7 V to kick in charging the second battery. The relay is connected to the solar input for the dual unit, which makes use of the MPPT regulator and allows it to draw charge at the lower voltage. If you had no solar I couldn't see an issue with hooking your alternator feed directly to the solar panel input on the d250s but if you run both you need the relay to be able to charge from either.

Cheers

Ultra
Edit:

Scratch what I said about not running one at all. According to there info you run the risk of flattening your battery because the solar input won't be looking for a low voltage to cut out on. I.e. Your relay acts as an isolator in that setup.
Last edited by UltraLuxe on Wed, 18 Mar 2015 7:54 +0000, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Ctek battery charger

Postby UltraLuxe on Wed, 18 Mar 2015 6:39 +0000

Another interesting thing I've just noticed with that setup, normally the solar input goes to your start battery first and then to your second battery from these units but with that setup, there is no way to put in solar power to your start battery. Not that its a huge issue just food for thought.

Cheers

Ultra
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Re: Ctek battery charger

Postby ktm300 on Wed, 18 Mar 2015 7:40 +0000

Jersey4x4 wrote:Why do you need a relay anyway?


I have one and run solar and alt and I havent got a relay fitted been in for 2 years now and no problems
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Re: Ctek battery charger

Postby UltraLuxe on Wed, 18 Mar 2015 7:59 +0000

Righto gents and ladies, I see where the confusion is, we don't have variable voltage alternators! We have temperature compensating alternators! The difference is that ours drop to 13.6 when hot, variable voltage alernators drop to 12.2. At 13.6 the c-tek unit will kick in and charge no worries, no relay needed. I repeat no relay needed. Well thats a learning experience haha, just standard install.

Cheers

Ultra
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Re: Ctek battery charger

Postby DeadlyBeast on Wed, 18 Mar 2015 5:28 +0000

Yeah - the alternator thing throws some important light on the matter.
Have a read here: http://www.newhilux.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=4102&start=320
TCA V output can drop into the low 13's
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Re: Ctek battery charger

Postby Jersey4x4 on Wed, 18 Mar 2015 5:59 +0000

I was going to say... I have never seen my charge voltage from the alternator drop below 13.3 which is still quite low though... my CTEK has never had a problem cutting out

Sometimes it takes a while to kick in but that just because I only do short journeys and the starter always needs a charge before the ctek decides it's got enough charge and kicks In...

This reminds me... I need to buy a new starter battery...
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Re: Ctek battery charger

Postby Billybass on Fri, 01 May 2015 2:51 +0000

Hi, very confusing with the ctek system, some say yes, need a relay, others say no, don't need one,I have a 2014 model,can someone tell me for sure, do I need a relay?.While I am here, has anyone got a chip fitted to their Hilux that can be recommended.I would love to hear from you.
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Re: Ctek battery charger

Postby scratcher on Fri, 01 May 2015 4:51 +0000

you don't need a relay.

If you had a ranger you would need a relay because they have a "smart" alternator. Hilux has a regular old alternator so it's fine.

I installed my ctek in a 2014 with no relay and it's working fine.
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Re: Ctek battery charger

Postby UltraLuxe on Sat, 02 May 2015 5:40 +0000

No relay required for any current hilux, using c-tek charger unit.

Cheers

Ultra
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Re: Ctek battery charger

Postby Neally1987 on Sat, 30 May 2020 6:36 +0000

Jersey4x4 wrote:Image

No relay :) 2007 hilux invincable


I know I'm digging up an old thread here but how did you mount the ctek there? It's exactly where i am thinking of putting mine, but how did you fix it in that position? Cable ties?
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Re: Ctek battery charger

Postby martynvella on Sun, 31 May 2020 6:14 +0000

Stick on velcrow so it can be removed to get the fuse cover off.
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Re: Ctek battery charger

Postby GCP310 on Thu, 25 Jun 2020 11:03 +0000

I have my ctek on the fusebox, with the temp sensor forward of the main battery.

i used these to hold the ctek to the lid of the fusebox.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/scotch-extr ... k_p3950368

once the wire is in place, it doesnt move.
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