VOLTCRAFT VC-12/1000A Capacitor Jump Starter
Operating Instructions
1 Intended Use
The VOLTCRAFT VC-12/1000A is a standalone jump starter designed for 12V vehicle batteries. It utilizes a capacitor to capture and store residual energy from a weakened battery, then releases this energy to start the engine. It is not effective on batteries with a voltage below 6V. This product does not contain a rechargeable battery and does not require charging. Using the product for purposes other than those described may damage it. Improper use can lead to hazards such as short circuits, fires, or electric shocks. The product complies with statutory national and European requirements. For safety and approval, the product must not be rebuilt or modified. Always read the operating instructions carefully and store them safely. When passing the product to third parties, include the operating instructions. All company and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
2 Delivery Contents
- Product
- Operating Instructions
3 Latest Product Information
Download the latest product information at www.conrad.com/downloads or scan the provided QR code. Follow the instructions on the website.
4 Description of Symbols
The following symbols are used on the product or in this text:
- ⚠️: Symbol warns of hazards that can lead to personal injury.
- ℹ️: This product must only be used in dry, enclosed indoor areas. It must not become damp or wet.
- ℹ️: Read the operating instructions carefully before first use.
5 Safety Instructions
Read the operating instructions carefully and pay special attention to the safety information. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury or property damage, and will invalidate the warranty/guarantee.
5.1 General
- The product is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not leave packaging material lying around carelessly, as it could become dangerous play material for children.
- If you have questions not answered in this document, contact technical support or qualified personnel.
- Maintenance, adjustments, and repairs must only be performed by a qualified technician or authorized repair center.
5.2 Handling
Handle the product with care. Jolts, impacts, or falls, even from a low height, can damage the product.
5.3 Operating Environment
- Do not subject the product to mechanical stress.
- Protect the appliance from extreme temperatures, strong jolts, flammable gases, vapors, and solvents.
- Protect the product from high humidity and moisture.
- Protect the product from direct sunlight.
5.4 Operation
- Consult an expert if you have doubts about the operation, safety, or connection of the product.
- If safe operation is no longer possible, take the product out of service and protect it from accidental use. DO NOT attempt to repair the product yourself. Safe operation is not guaranteed if the product:
- is visibly damaged,
- is no longer working properly,
- has been stored for extended periods under unfavorable ambient conditions, or
- has been subjected to significant transport stresses.
5.5 Electrical Safety
- Switch off the vehicle engine and electronics before connecting the product.
- Clean the battery terminals to ensure proper contact and prevent short circuits.
- Avoid electric shock! Do not operate the product with wet hands and check that the battery clamps and cable insulation are not damaged.
- Remove metal jewelry (e.g., necklaces, rings) when working with batteries to reduce the risk of short circuits, electric shocks, or burns.
5.6 Personal Safety
- Wear eye protection to prevent injuries from explosions or corrosive chemicals when working with lead-acid batteries.
- Risk of explosion! Never operate the product in areas where flammable fumes or gases are present (e.g., at petrol stations).
- Risk of burns - Allow engine compartments to cool down, as they can reach high temperatures.
- Keep away from moving engine parts such as belts, pulleys, and fans.
- Risk of entanglement and burns! Loose clothing and jewelry can get caught or entangled in moving or hot parts.
- Explosive or noxious gases may be produced or present during use. Always use the product in a well-ventilated area.
- Have someone nearby in case of an emergency.
5.7 Lead-acid Battery
Keep fresh water, soap, and eyewash within reach. If battery acid contacts skin or clothes, wash immediately with soap and water. Avoid touching eyes. If acid enters eyes, flush with water for 10 minutes and seek medical help immediately.
6 Product Overview
6.1 Product
The product features a rectangular main unit with a display screen (1), a power button (2), and two connection leads (3) ending in clamps.
6.2 LCD Status Display
The LCD status display shows battery voltage (1), connection status (2 - e.g., 'READY', 'PREPARING'), battery voltage out of range indicators ('LOW' or 'HIGH' - 3), and capacitor charging status (5).
7 Connection
7.1 Preparation for Connection
Before connecting the cables to a battery:
- Switch OFF all vehicle electrics (e.g., air conditioner, heater, radio, lights, etc.).
- Ensure the ignition key is in the "OFF" position. For push-to-start ignition, ensure the vehicle is completely OFF.
- Check that the battery contact terminals are clean.
- Prepare your vehicle for ignition (e.g., place gear in park and engage the emergency brake).
7.2 Connecting the Leads
Important: Always connect test leads to terminals in the correct order.
A diagram shows the product's connection leads. Connect the red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle battery and the black clamp to the negative (-) terminal. Wiggle the clamps back and forth to ensure proper connection. The LCD should activate. If the LCD does not activate, refer to the Troubleshooting section.
7.3 Disconnecting the Leads
When finished using the product:
- Press the button to switch the power OFF.
- Disconnect the red clamp.
- Disconnect the black clamp.
8 Operation
- Connect the product to the vehicle battery terminals.
- Press the power button to turn ON. The capacitor will start charging (indicated on the LCD). If there is a battery problem, an error message will appear.
- Wait for an audible "beep" and for "READY" to appear on the display.
- Jump start the vehicle engine.
- If ignition is successful, let the engine run to allow the battery to recharge, then disconnect the product from the battery. If ignition is not successful, switch the product OFF and repeat steps 2-3.
Notes: In some cases, when the ambient temperature is below 0°C, the LCD display may not activate, but the product will still function. In such cases, wait approximately 5 minutes for the audible "beep," which indicates the capacitor has reached full charge and is ready to jump start the vehicle engine.
9 Troubleshooting
Code | Possible Cause | Suggested Solution |
---|---|---|
F01 | Rechargeable battery voltage is too high. | Test the rechargeable battery; it should be <13.8V. |
F02 | Rechargeable battery voltage is too low. | Test the rechargeable battery; it should be >6V. |
F03 | Product has circuit malfunction. | Do not use the product. |
F04 | Rechargeable battery capacity is <2 Ah. | Try to recharge the battery or consult a qualified technician. |
LCD does not activate | Cables not connected correctly. | Recheck the connections. |
Rechargeable battery voltage is <5.5V. | Try to recharge the battery or consult a qualified technician. | |
Weather is too cold (<0°C). | The LCD may not activate, but the capacitor may still function. Refer to the Operation section. |
10 Cleaning and Care
Important: Do not use aggressive cleaning agents, rubbing alcohol, or other chemical solutions, as they can damage the housing and cause product malfunction. Do not immerse the product in water.
- Disconnect the product from the power supply.
- Clean the product with a dry, lint-free cloth.
11 Disposal
This symbol indicates that the device should not be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste at the end of its service life. Owners of WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment) must dispose of it separately. End users must remove batteries and lamps from the WEEE before handing it over to a collection point. Distributors are legally obliged to provide free take-back of waste. Conrad offers return options via its offices, collection points, or public waste management authorities. End users are responsible for deleting personal data from disposed equipment. Disposal obligations may vary in countries outside Germany.
12 Technical Data
Input | 12 V / 10 A |
Output | 12 V |
Starting current | 500 A |
Peak current | 1000 A |
Capacitor | Charging: approx. 3 mins. (70 Ah battery) Lifespan: approx. 10,000 cycles |
Reverse polarity protection | yes |
Short circuit protection | yes |
Operating conditions | -40 to +65 °C, 30 to 60% RH (non-condensing) |
Storage conditions | -40 to +65 °C, 30 to 80% RH (non-condensing) |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 136 x 57 x 200 mm |
Weight (approx.) | 1.00 kg |