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Digital Duo Charge
Installation/Operation
Introduction
The Digital Duo Charge provides a safe, intelligent alternative for the care of your vessel's engine starting battery. Unlike
switches, isolators and other charge splitting devices, the Duo Charge is mounted between the vessel's house and starting
batteries rather than between the alternator and batteries. This allows the alternator and regulator to concentrate output
based on the house battery's needs. When the Duo Charge senses charging voltage at the house battery, it works like a DC-
to-DC battery charger, providing up to 30 amps of regulated charging current to support the starting battery.
In most installations, the Duo Charge requires just four wires for operation; a fused input wire, a fused output wire, a ground
wire and an ON/OFF wire. In applications where the Duo Charge is used to supply a battery bank that may require more
than 30 amps of regulated charging current, the Duo Charge may be used to manually control an external solenoid. Please
note the section in the manual relating to solenoid control.
The Duo Charge is designed specifically to enable its user to control charging voltage output -- making it possible to
safely mix house and starting battery technologies. The Duo Charge features four different programs based on four bat-
tery technologies: Standard Flooded, Deep Cycle Flooded, Gel and AGM battery types. In addition, the Duo Charge can be
programmed for 12-volt or 24-volt operation. When used with an optional Battery Temperature Sensor cable (MC-TS-B), the
Duo Charge has the ability to respond to a battery over-temperature condition by automatically discontinuing charging
output.
Safety Considerations
Before installing your Duo Charge, please take a moment to consider these guidelines for safe regulator installation. Failure
to work safely could result in injury or damage to your electrical system.
1. Always disconnect your battery banks and ensure that switches are "OFF" prior to installing your regulator.
2. Remove loose-fitting clothing or jewelry, which could become entangled in your motor or other machinery.
3. Wear ANSI-approved safety glasses.
4. DO NOT attempt to modify the Duo Charge. Alterations could result in damage to your charging system, and will void
your warranty.
5. Do not attempt installation if tired or fatigued.
6. Ensure the engine has cooled before initiating installation.
7. Do not attempt installation while using alcohol or medication that could impair your judgment or reaction time.
8. Always use the right tool for the job. Improper tool use may damage regulator or your boat, and could result in per-
sonal injury.
9. Take time to read the manual. Equipment damage and possible injuries may result from an incomplete understand-
ing of the installation and operation of the Duo Charge. If you are unfamiliar with DC electrical systems, consult with a
licensed marine electrician.
Introduction ............................................................................ 1
Safety Considerations ............................................................ 1
Unpacking The Box ................................................................ 2
Installation Basics ................................................................... 2
Wiring Basics/Ground Wire/Output Wire ........................... 2
Input Wire/ON-OFF Wire/Optional Connections .............. 3
Battery Temperature Sensor/Solenoid Drive .................... 4
R R
Contents
Duo Charge Operation .........................................................5
Programming Duo Charge/System Voltage .....................6
Programming For Battery Type ...........................................6
Troubleshooting ....................................................................7
Duo Charge Wiring Diagram ...............................................7
Duo Charge Terminal Location Legend .............................8
Balmar Contact Information ................................................8
1
© Revised June, 2008
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Summary of Contents for Balmar Digital Duo Charge
- Page 1 © Revised June, 2008 Introduction The Digital Duo Charge provides a safe, intelligent alternative for the care of your vessel’s engine starting battery. Unlike switches, isolators and other charge splitting devices, the Duo Charge is mounted between the vessel’s house and starting batteries rather than between the alternator and batteries.
- Page 2 Unpacking The Box Prior to installing the Duo Charge, we recommend that you inventory the contents of the packaging and ensure that the fol- lowing items are included. Contact Balmar Customer Service at 360-435-6100 if any items listed below are missing. •...
- Page 3 Input Cable The Duo Charge includes a 30-amp, fused 10-gauge cable with two ring terminals. To install the Input Cable: Connect the larger of the two ring terminal connections to the positive post of your house battery. Most marine batter- ies will include a secondary stud on the battery lug that will provide a satisfactory connection point.
- Page 4 Battery Temperature Sensor When used in conjunction with the optional MC-TS-B Battery Temperature Sensor, the Duo Charge can automatically re- spond to a potential battery thermal runaway by discontinuing charging output to the starting battery — adding a level of safety to the charging system.
- Page 5 #5 green indicates gel; and the #6 green indicates AGM. Illuminate the #1 amber, followed by a combination of green LEDs, indicating low voltage activation. See the Balmar Duo Charge web page for detailed values for low and high voltage settings.
- Page 6 Programming The Duo Charge The Duo Charge features four selectable program types for the following battery types: standard flooded, deep cycle flood- ed, gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM). Program changes are made by activating a magnetic reed switch located on the Duo Charge circuit board with the magnetic tipped programming tool provided.
- Page 7 Balmar warrants the Digital Duo Charge for one year against defects in material or worksmanship. The complete Balmar limited product warranty statement is available at www.balmar.net. Please contact our Customer Service department at 360-435-6100 prior to return for...
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