1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the HTRC Smart Car Battery Charger. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your P15, P20, P25, or P35 model charger. This smart charger is designed for 12V and 24V batteries, including Lithium, LiFePO4, and various Lead-Acid types (AGM, GEL, SLA, WET, DEEP CYCLE, EFB, Calcium, MF, FLOODED, VRLA). It features automatic charging, multiple modes, and comprehensive safety protections.
Figure 1: HTRC Smart Car Battery Charger (P20 model shown)
2. Safety Information
- Always connect the charger to the battery terminals correctly: positive to positive, negative to negative.
- Avoid reverse polarity connections. The charger has built-in protection and will alert you with an alarm and cut off current if reversed.
- Ensure proper ventilation during charging to prevent gas buildup.
- Do not attempt to charge severely damaged batteries, especially Lithium and LiFePO4 batteries, as the repair mode is only for Lead-Acid batteries.
- Keep the charger away from water, moisture, and flammable materials.
- Do not disassemble or modify the charger. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
- Unplug the charger from the AC outlet before making or breaking connections to the battery.
3. Package Contents
Please check the box for the following items:
- 1x HTRC Smart Car Battery Charger (Model P15, P20, P25, or P35, depending on your selection)
- 1x 3M Extension Power Cord (Note: AU Plug cables are 80cm long)
- 1x Cable Clip
- 1x User Manual (this document)
- 1x Retail Box
4. Product Overview
The HTRC Smart Car Battery Charger is an all-in-one solution for maintaining and charging various vehicle batteries. It features an intuitive LCD display and touch controls for ease of use.
Key Features:
- All-in-One Charger: Supports 12V/24V Lithium, LiFePO4, and Lead-Acid batteries (AGM, Calcium, GEL, MF, EFB, SLA, VRLA, WET, etc.).
- Automatic Charging: Intelligently detects battery voltage and selects optimal charging current.
- Multiple Charging Modes: Dedicated modes for Lithium, LiFePO4, AGM/Lead, and a Repair mode for Lead-Acid batteries.
- Adjustable Current: 3 levels of current adjustment for flexible charging (specific to model).
- Temperature Adaptive: Automatically adjusts charging voltage based on ambient temperature (Summer Mode & Winter Mode, not supported by 15A/25A models).
- LCD Display: Clear backlit screen shows Voltage, Current, Temperature, Charge Percentage, and status indicators (e.g., Complete Charging, Incorrect Polarity, Low Voltage, Desulphation).
- Multiple Protections: Includes overheating, short circuit, overcurrent, low voltage, reverse connection, and overvoltage protection.
- Built-in Cooling Fan: Ensures powerful heat dissipation during operation.
- Touch Control: Easy selection of modes and current.
- Accidental Touch Lock: Automatically locks the controls after 10 seconds of charging to prevent unintended changes.
Figure 2: Comprehensive Features of the Smart Charger
5. Setup
Follow these steps to set up your HTRC Smart Car Battery Charger:
- Connect AC Power: Plug the charger's AC cord into a standard 100-240V 50/60Hz wall outlet. The charger display will power on.
- Connect to Battery: Attach the red positive (+) alligator clip to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. Attach the black negative (-) alligator clip to the negative (-) terminal of the battery.
- Verify Connection: The charger will display battery information. If an "Ero" or "bi bi bi" alarm sounds, it indicates a reverse polarity connection. Disconnect immediately and re-connect correctly.
Video: Initial Setup and Operation Overview
Video 1: Demonstrates connecting the charger, adjusting current, and reverse polarity protection.
Figure 3: Simple connection to a car battery
6. Operating Instructions
6.1. Selecting Charging Mode
After connecting the charger to the battery and power, press the 'MODE' button to cycle through the available charging modes:
- LITHIUM: For 12V/24V Lithium batteries.
- AGM/Lead: For 12V/24V Lead-Acid batteries (AGM, GEL, SLA, WET, DEEP CYCLE, EFB, Calcium, MF, FLOODED, VRLA).
- LiFePO4: For 12V/24V LiFePO4 batteries.
- REPAIR: For repairing and activating old and weak Lead-Acid batteries only. This mode is not for Lithium or LiFePO4 batteries.
Figure 4: Mode selection and current adjustment controls
6.2. Adjusting Charging Current
The charger offers 3 levels of adjustable current. Press the current adjustment switch to cycle through the options. The available current levels depend on the charger model (P15, P20, P25, P35) and the battery voltage (12V or 24V).
- Example for P20: 24V/3A (12V/5A) ↔ 24V/5A (12V/10A) ↔ 24V/10A (12V/20A)
Figure 5: Adjustable current levels
6.3. Temperature Adaptive Charging (P20, P35 models only)
The P20 and P35 models automatically adjust the charging voltage based on ambient temperature to prevent overcharge and undercharge.
- Summer Mode: When temperature is above 28°C, the charger reduces the charge voltage.
- Winter Mode: When temperature is below 10°C, the charger raises the charge voltage.
Note: 15A and 25A charger models do not support Winter and Summer modes.
Figure 6: Temperature Adaptive Charging
6.4. Repair Mode (Lead-Acid batteries only)
The REPAIR mode is designed to repair and activate old and weak Lead-Acid batteries, potentially prolonging their life. This mode is not suitable for Lithium or LiFePO4 batteries. If a Lead-Acid battery's voltage is lower than 7V, it may be too severely damaged for repair.
Figure 7: Repair Mode functionality
6.5. Automatic Lock
The charger automatically locks its controls after 10 seconds of charging to prevent accidental touches or changes to settings.
Figure 8: Accidental touch lock feature
7. Maintenance
- Keep the charger clean and dry. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
- Store the charger in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Regularly check the cables and clamps for any damage. Replace if necessary.
- The built-in cooling fan helps dissipate heat. Ensure its vents are not obstructed.
Figure 9: Powerful Heat Dissipation with Built-in Cooling Fan
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Charger not turning on | No AC power; Faulty outlet/cable | Check AC connection; Try a different outlet; Inspect power cord. |
| "Ero" or "bi bi bi" alarm | Reverse polarity connection | Disconnect immediately. Re-connect red clamp to positive (+), black clamp to negative (-). |
| Battery not charging / Low current | Incorrect mode selected; Battery severely damaged; Automatic current adjustment | Ensure correct battery type mode is selected. If battery voltage is very low, the charger may automatically limit current. Severely damaged batteries (below 7V for Lead-Acid) may not charge. |
| Charger gets hot | Normal operation; Obstructed fan vents | Some heat is normal. Ensure cooling fan vents are clear and not obstructed. |
| LiFePO4 battery shows 1V drop after full charge | Normal callback feature for LiFePO4 | This is normal behavior for LiFePO4 batteries. |
Figure 10: Multiple Protection Features
9. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| AC Input | 100-240V, 50/60Hz |
| Output Voltage | 12V / 24V (Automatic Detection) |
| Output Power | 74.6-150W (depending on model and current setting) |
| Charging Current (P15) | 12V/15A, 24V/10A |
| Charging Current (P20) | 12V/20A, 24V/10A |
| Charging Current (P25) | 12V/25A, 24V/13A |
| Charging Current (P35) | 12V/35A, 24V/18A (with adjustable levels: 10A/5A, 20A/10A, 35A/18A) |
| Battery Types Supported | Lithium, LiFePO4, Lead-Acid (AGM, GEL, EFB, MF, FLOODED, VRLA, SLA, WET, Calcium) |
| Display Screen | Yes, LCD Backlit Digital Screen |
| Intelligent Charge | Yes |
| Quick Charge | Yes |
| Protection Features | Overheating, Short Circuit, Overcurrent, Low Voltage, Reverse Connection, Overvoltage |
| Temperature Compensation | Yes (P20/P35 models only) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | Approx. 10cm x 10cm x 10cm (Package dimensions, actual product may vary slightly) |
| Weight | Approx. 0.9 kg (Package weight, actual product may vary slightly) |
Figure 11: LCD Backlit Digital Screen details
10. User Tips
- Automatic Current Selection: The charger's system automatically identifies the battery voltage and selects the most appropriate current. If your battery voltage is very low (e.g., 12V battery below 11V), the charger will automatically apply the maximum current for faster initial charging.
- LiFePO4 Battery Behavior: It is normal for LiFePO4 batteries to show a voltage drop of about 1V after reaching full charge and the power is off. This is a characteristic 'callback' feature of this battery type.
- Battery Capacity Compatibility: While the charger is versatile, consider the charger's amperage relative to your battery's Ah capacity. For example, the P10 (10A) version is noted to be more suitable for batteries 100Ah and above, as it charges at maximum current for longer durations.
- Continuous Connection for Maintenance: The charger can be left connected for battery maintenance (float charge) after a full charge, especially for Lead-Acid batteries, to keep them topped up.
- Check Display for Status: The LCD display provides real-time information on voltage, current, temperature, and charge percentage, allowing you to monitor the charging process.
- Lithium Battery Safety: Exercise caution when charging Lithium batteries, especially if they lack a Battery Management System (BMS). Some users have reported issues with 3S 12.6V Lithium batteries without proper BMS. Always ensure your Lithium battery has a functional BMS for safe charging.
11. Warranty and Support
For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the seller's policies or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt for any warranty claims.
