HARDKORR 240AH LiFePO4 DEEP CYCLE BATTERY

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on purchasing this high quality Hardkorr product. You now have the assurance and peace of mind that comes from a product manufactured to the highest quality standards. Hardkorr aims for complete customer satisfaction, backing this product with a comprehensive 5-year warranty and outstanding after-sales customer service. Enjoy using this product for many years to come.

For technical support or if your purchase appears faulty, please contact the Hardkorr support team for immediate assistance. Up-to-date contact details can be found on the website: https://hardkorr.com.

This manual covers the following sections:

• General Information and Safety (Pages 3-5)
• Contents and Specifications (Pages 6-7)
• Setup and Storage (Pages 8-12)
• Charging (Pages 13-14)
• BMS and Remote Reset Switch (Page 15)
• Frequently Asked Questions (Page 16)
• Bluetooth App (Pages 17-21)
• Warranty (Pages 22-23)

GENERAL INFORMATION AND SAFETY

PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

This manual contains important safety instructions for your lithium deep cycle battery. Do not operate or modify the installation unless you have read and understood this manual. Pay close attention to CAUTION and WARNING statements. Hardkorr recommends professional installation by an appropriately qualified person.

DISCLAIMER

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Hardkorr assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Specifications and product functionality are subject to change without notice.

MODELS COVERED BY THIS MANUAL

• HKPBATL240B: 240Ah LiFePO4 BLUETOOTH DEEP CYCLE BATTERY
• HKPBATL240BH: 240Ah LiFePO4 BLUETOOTH DEEP CYCLE BATTERY (COLD CLIMATE)

GENERAL INFORMATION AND SAFETY (CONT.)

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal or property injury, reduced battery life, or battery failure.

• Do not use this battery for cranking applications.
• Do not submerge the battery in water.
• Do not short circuit the battery terminals.
• Do not puncture, impact, or drop the battery.
• Do not disassemble the battery. Opening the case may cause electric shock or fire and will void your warranty.
• Do not expose the battery to fire, sparks, high voltage, or temperatures exceeding specifications.
• Do not series or parallel connect more than six (6) batteries. Ensure correct connections as per the "Usage and Storage" section. Do not connect batteries of different chemistries.
• Do not store the battery at a voltage lower than 11.5V.
• Keep the battery above 20% State of Charge (SOC) where possible.
• Observe maximum charge and discharge current limitations.
• Use only a charger with a specific charging profile for lithium batteries. Using an unsuitable charger may void your warranty.
• If the battery emits unusual smells, appears hot, shows distortion, or any other abnormality, discontinue use immediately and contact Hardkorr for assistance.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND SAFETY (CONT.)

CAUTION

The battery should not be used by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless supervised or instructed by a responsible person.

Cable and fuse sizes are specified by codes and standards dependent on the vehicle type. Selecting the wrong cable or fuse size can result in harm to the installer or user, or damage to the battery or system equipment. The installer is responsible for ensuring correct cable and fuse sizes are used.

CONTENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

PACK CONTENTS

• 1x 240Ah deep cycle LiFePO4 battery with Bluetooth®
• 1x Reset switch and cable

SETUP AND STORAGE

INSTALLATION

Ensure the installation area is dry. Secure the battery firmly to the mounting surface, preventing movement even under significant force. The battery can be installed in any orientation, including upside-down. Ensure the installation location does not expose the battery to temperatures exceeding the specified maximums; consider mechanical ventilation if heat is a concern. Avoid mounting the battery where terminals could contact metal surfaces to prevent short-circuiting. If periodic removal is planned, ensure a clear pathway free of metal surfaces. Do not install the battery in wet areas (e.g., boat decks, open ute trays) or in compartments dedicated to gas storage.

CONNECTION - GENERAL

It is recommended not to connect more than four cable lugs directly to a battery terminal. For more than four lugs, use a fuse block and negative busbar. Ensure battery terminals are clean before connecting cable lugs. Stack cable lugs from heaviest draw (thickest cables) to lightest draw (thinnest cables), with the thickest at the bottom and thinnest at the top. Use insulating terminal boots and lug protectors where possible. Ensure all termination lugs are well crimped (not soldered) and protected. Always use the provided spring washers on battery terminal bolts for a secure connection without over-tightening. Stack the spring washer on top of the cable lugs.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Your battery is shipped in protection mode to safeguard cells and the BMS. To prepare it for use, follow the procedure in the "BMS and Remote Reset Switch" section of this manual.

SETUP AND STORAGE (CONT.)

CONNECTION - MULTIPLE BATTERIES IN PARALLEL

Up to six (6) batteries can be connected in parallel, creating a system where total capacity is the sum of individual capacities, and the nominal voltage remains that of a single unit (e.g., 3 x 240Ah 12.8V batteries in parallel yield a 720Ah 12.8V system). Use appropriately rated busbars for parallel connections. If connected this way, the maximum discharge current of the system is the maximum discharge of a single battery multiplied by the number of batteries (e.g., six batteries yield up to 200A/hour x 6 = 1200A/hour).

WARNING: Ensure cables are correctly gauged for maximum discharge current. Consult an auto electrician if unsure. Cables must be of the same length.

Diagram description: Shows multiple batteries connected in parallel using busbars. Each battery's positive and negative terminals are connected to common busbars, which then lead to the main fuse and earth/shunt connections.

SETUP AND STORAGE (CONT.)

CONNECTION - MULTIPLE BATTERIES IN SERIES

Up to six (6) batteries can be connected in series. This increases the nominal voltage by summing the voltages of individual units, while the system capacity remains that of a single unit (e.g., 3 x 240Ah 12.8V batteries in series yield a 240Ah 38.4V system). For series connections, the negative connection should be taken from the opposite end of the bank to the positive connection.

WARNING: Ensure cables are correctly gauged for system voltage and maximum discharge current. Consult an auto electrician if unsure. Cables must be of the same length.

CAUTION - CONNECTING IN PARALLEL OR SERIES: Before connecting multiple batteries, ensure all are fully charged. Do not connect batteries mismatched in voltage, capacity, age, or chemistry. Batteries connected in parallel or series should be disconnected and charged individually annually.

Diagram description: Shows multiple batteries connected in series. The positive terminal of one battery connects to the negative terminal of the next. The final negative connection is taken from the start of the chain, and the final positive connection from the end, leading to the main fuse and earth/shunt connections.

SETUP AND STORAGE (CONT.)

STORAGE, SHIPPING AND DISPOSAL

Store the battery in a dry, clean, shaded, and well-ventilated environment, within the specified temperature range. Endeavour to store the battery at 40-50% state of charge. Never allow the voltage of a stored battery to drop below 11.5V. Be aware of the self-discharge rate of approximately 3% per month; check and top up charge as necessary. Lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 Dangerous Goods for shipping; comply with all applicable regulations. Lithium batteries must not be disposed of with ordinary refuse due to fire and environmental contamination risks. Contact an authorized lithium battery recycling facility.

CHARGING

CHARGE METHODS

Lithium batteries require specific charging methods for longevity and maximum capacity. Suitable charging devices include DC-DC chargers, solar panels with regulators, and AC (mains power) chargers, all of which must have a lithium charge profile. For optimal longevity, charging current should be 30% or less of the battery capacity.

WARNING: DO NOT use a charge profile with a "Pulse" or "Equalisation" stage, as this will damage the battery and void the warranty. DO NOT charge directly from an alternator or via VSR.

CHARGE METHODS: DC-DC CHARGER

DC-DC chargers enable charging from a vehicle's alternator. Direct charging from an alternator is generally not recommended for lithium batteries due to their high charge current, which can overheat and damage the alternator. A DC-DC charger moderates current flow, protecting the alternator and utilizing a multi-stage charging algorithm for optimal charging and service life. Some DC-DC chargers also support solar panel input, prioritizing solar charging when available.

CHARGE METHODS: SOLAR PANEL WITH REGULATOR

12V solar panels harness solar energy. Options include fixed panels (rigid frame, permanently mounted, connected to a regulator or DC-DC charger) and portable panels (solar blankets, mats) for stationary use, connected via a portable regulator. Ensure your regulator has a lithium charge profile for optimal battery service life.

AC CHARGER

AC (mains power) battery chargers can be used at home or at powered campsites. These are available as portable devices or can be integrated into a 12V system. Ensure the AC charger has a lithium charge profile.

CAUTION: CHARGING IN SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES

The HKPBATL240BH model may feature an automatic BMS-controlled heating film that activates below 0°C to warm the cells. If your battery does not have this feature, do not charge it in sub-zero conditions, as this will void the warranty.

BMS AND REMOTE RESET SWITCH

Your battery features an integrated advanced Battery Management System (BMS) for even energy balance between cells and supports parallel or series connection of up to six batteries. The BMS includes protection circuits for overcharge, over-discharge, short-circuit, and over-temperature, with the ability to shut off power if required. It also has a low-voltage disconnect that places the battery in protection mode if voltage drops below 10.0V; the battery will not accept a charge until reset.

To reset the battery, use the included remote reset switch, which connects to the port on top of the battery. The switch can be permanently mounted in your 12V setup or kept portable. To use, plug the cable into the top port (if not permanently connected) and hold the button for five seconds. The battery should then be chargeable as normal.

CAUTION: Continuously tripping the low-voltage disconnect may damage sensitive electronic equipment connected to the battery (e.g., stereo equipment). This damage is not covered by the battery warranty.

Image description: A remote reset switch and cable.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Do I need a specific charger for my battery?

A. Yes, ensure your chosen charging method has a lithium charge profile. Refer to the "Charging" section for details. Using other methods may void your warranty.

Q. My battery appears to be dead or asleep. What can I do?

A. The battery may have discharged below 10.0V, activating the low-voltage disconnect. Refer to the "BMS & Reset Switch" section to wake it up.

Q. Can I mount my battery inside of a car engine bay?

A. No, mounting lithium batteries in an engine bay is not recommended as it voids the warranty, significantly reduces service life, and may cause failure.

Q. Can I mount my battery on its side?

A. Yes, provided it is securely fixed in place.

Q. Can I use my battery with an inverter?

A. Yes, but ensure you do not exceed the maximum discharge current specified in the "Contents & Specifications" section.

Q. Is there anywhere I can't install my battery?

A. Avoid areas subject to water ingress or used for gas storage. Also, take care not to place terminals near metal surfaces.

BLUETOOTH APP

DOWNLOADING THE APP

Navigate to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play store (Android) and search for "HK Battery". Alternatively, scan the provided QR codes (QR codes are excluded from this HTML output).

CONNECTING YOUR BATTERY

Locate your battery's device ID on the label (starts with "BT-HK" followed by a 7-digit number). Open the app and click the Bluetooth logo in the top-right corner to view available batteries. Select your battery's device ID to initiate connection.

Image description: A smartphone screen showing the Hardkorr app interface, with an indicator to "Click here to view available batteries".

BLUETOOTH APP (CONT.)

NAVIGATION

The app provides information across four screens:

• KEY INFORMATION: State of charge, current voltage, available capacity, status, health.
• DETAILED INFORMATION: Current voltage, net current in/out, status, cycle life, temperature.
• CELL STATUS: Current voltage of each individual cell, allowing for balancing checks.
• CONTACT DETAILS: Website, address, and email for support.

BMS PROTECTION LOG

The app logs instances where a BMS protection circuit is activated (over-charge, over-discharge, under-voltage, over-current, over-temperature). Access this log by pressing the shield icon [shield icon] in the top-right corner of any screen.

Image description: A smartphone screen showing the Hardkorr app interface, with an indicator to "Click here to view BMS protection log".

ERROR MESSAGES OR UNUSUAL BEHAVIOUR

If the app malfunctions or displays errors, please contact Hardkorr for assistance.

BLUETOOTH APP (CONT.)

KEY INFORMATION SCREEN

Displays State of Charge (e.g., 72%), Real-time Battery Voltage (e.g., 12.8V), Real-time Battery Capacity (e.g., 72Ah), Battery Status (e.g., Standby, Perfect), and Battery Health. Also shows Pair Battery and BMS Protection Record indicators.

BLUETOOTH APP (CONT.)

DETAILED INFORMATION SCREEN

Shows Current Voltage (V), Current Amps (A), Battery Cycles, Real-time Temperature (°C), Battery Status (e.g., Standby, Discharging, Charging, Short Circuit, Over Current, Over Temp, Over Voltage, Under Voltage), and Cycle Life/Temperature graphs. Also shows Pair Battery and BMS Protection Record indicators.

BLUETOOTH APP (CONT.)

CELL STATUS SCREEN

Displays the voltage of each individual cell, allowing for balancing checks. Includes a "Disconnect Battery" button. Also shows Pair Battery and BMS Protection Record indicators.

WARRANTY

Hardkorr products come with guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law, entitling you to replacement or refund for major failures and compensation for reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. Goods can be repaired or replaced if they fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure is not major.

Hardkorr warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for five years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser. This warranty is non-transferable. To claim, retain proof of purchase and follow directions (e.g., completing a warranty card).

[5-year warranty]

TO BEGIN YOUR WARRANTY CLAIM

If your Hardkorr product is defective, it must be returned to Hardkorr for inspection by the warranty claims department.

1. Obtain a Return Authorization (RA) number by completing the form on the website and awaiting contact from the warranty team.
2. Ship the product at your own expense back to Hardkorr (keep your receipt). The shipping address will be provided with the RA number.
3. Clearly mark the RA number on the outside of the shipping packaging.

Following these steps ensures a faster claim process. Upon receipt, technicians will inspect the product and notify you of the outcome. If the claim is accepted, Hardkorr will repair, replace, or refund the goods at its discretion and reimburse shipping costs. Replaced or refunded products become Hardkorr property. If the claim is not accepted, you will be advised of the reason, and your product will be held for collection. You are responsible for return shipping costs. Uncollected products after 30 days may be destroyed.

WARRANTY

Your warranty is voided if there is evidence of:

• Negligence: Improper installation, extreme use, or use contravening the manual.
• Abuse: Road hazards, damage beyond normal wear and tear.
• Unauthorized Repair: Service performed by an unauthorized center.
• Disassembly: Tampering with or compromising the product's integrity.
• Consequential damage: Damage caused by the failure of another component in the vehicle or device.

Additionally, for battery products, the warranty is voided by:

• Incorrect charger: Using a charger without a lithium charge profile.
• Under bonnet use: Using the battery under the vehicle's bonnet.
• Overcharge/over-discharge: Charging or discharging at rates exceeding specifications.
• Water ingress: Installing the battery in an area subject to water ingress.

Natural capacity decrease (less than 10% per year) is expected and not covered. Batteries are tested in-house; a report can be provided if a claim for capacity decrease is declined. Exterior finish may fade due to environmental exposure; claims related to fade are not approved.

DISCONTINUED ITEMS

Discontinued items under warranty will be reviewed. Replacement with an equivalent or superior item may occur. If no equivalent is available, Hardkorr will determine resolution on a case-by-case basis.