Yandina Combiner 100: 12 Volt Model C100

Summary

The Combiner 100 is a precision voltage-sensing relay (13.0-volts) that connects two batteries together when either is receiving a charge. When charging ceases, it disconnects them, allowing each battery to operate independently and preventing accidental discharge of the starting battery. Supplemental battery banks can be added using additional combiners. It eliminates manual switching for parallel battery charging, ensuring batteries always get a full charge without voltage drop, as it uses no diodes.

Features

• Suitable for alternators up to 100 amps, up to 18 volts.
• 80-amp continuous rating, 400-amp closing current.
• One year, factory-direct, limited warranty.
• Waterproof.
• Ignition rated for explosive atmospheres.
• No voltage drop, ensuring batteries reach full charge.
• Electronic thermal monitoring with shutdown & restart.
• Minimal wasted power, no heat sink or cooling required.
• Can be used on alternators with internal regulators.
• Protects alternator against overload from low batteries.
• No special wiring for alternators with external sense.
• Simple basic installation: two battery wires and ground.
• Comes with all cables for basic hookup.
• Green LED: Indicates when combined.
• Red LED: Indicates Overload or Low Voltage.
• Draws no current when batteries are not being charged.
• Draws less than 150-milliamps from the alternator when charging is in progress.
• No diodes to burn out if accidentally shorted.
• Optional external remote for off, automatic, on.
• Remote "ON" can be used for assisted engine starting.
• Withstands ambient temperature to over 175°F (80°C).

Safety Considerations

DANGER: On all alternator/regulator circuits with an external sense wire, it is critical that the sense wire can never be disconnected from the alternator output, as damaging, self-destruct voltages may be produced.

WARNING: If there are switches which can disconnect the alternator output from the battery, a Zap or similar protection diode can reduce the chance of alternator damage and it is recommended for all installations. Switching off the alternator output should be avoided when the engine is running.

Since connections in battery circuits can carry hundreds of amps, it is imperative to have clean, low-resistance connections with the right size ring terminals, properly crimped (preferably soldered), and secure mechanical fastenings.

Diagram Description

The diagram shows a typical dual-battery setup for a vehicle or boat. It depicts an alternator connected to a central 'Common' point. From this point, the Yandina Combiner 100 connects the positive terminals of a 'Starting Battery' and a 'House Battery'. Both batteries share a 'Common Ground' connection to their negative terminals. A 'DC Panel' is shown connected to the 'House Battery'. The setup illustrates how the alternator charges both batteries simultaneously when the engine is running.

Basic Installation

1. Connect the BLACK ground wire to the common negative of your battery banks. Shorten if necessary.
2. Connect the RED cables to the positive terminals of the batteries. SHORTENING THESE POWER CABLES WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. Extending is OK. The connection does not have to be made right on the battery terminals, but any wire or cables between the battery and the combiner must be heavy enough to carry the combiner current in addition to any existing loads. Make sure the second red lead is not touching ground when you connect the first, since the combiner sometimes closes momentarily when initially connected.
3. Any other wires are not normally used and should be secured and the ends insulated.

Power Cable Resistance: Clean metal-to-metal contact is essential. Use the right size ring terminals, properly crimped (preferably soldered), and secure mechanical fastenings.

Applications

1. Auxiliary Battery for Commercial Vehicles or Mobile Sound Systems

   Ensure the alternator is rated for 100 amps or less. If greater than 100 Amps, consider the Combiner 200 or Combiner 600. The auxiliary battery must be securely mounted. If in the passenger compartment, it should be separately enclosed and vented outside, or use batteries with built-in vents. Both batteries' negative terminals must be connected together, either by a heavy cable or through the vehicle chassis. If batteries are close, connect one red wire to each positive terminal and the black wire to ground. For batteries separated by more than a few feet, consider protection for the positive cable (see FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS). 10-gauge wire is adequate; 8-gauge is recommended for reduced voltage drop. Do not shorten the existing red wires on the Combiner.

2. Travel Trailers and Motor Homes

   Connect the Combiner 100 between the starting battery and the house battery. The unused alternator capacity will automatically charge the house battery. The Combiner 100 is bi-directional, so a shore power charger on the house battery will also ensure the starting battery is fully charged. Neither system draws power from the other through the combiner, preventing starting battery discharge.

3. Battery Chargers

   A single-output shore power charger can be directly connected to the house battery. Multi-bank chargers are no longer required but can be connected to each battery bank.

Operation

The green "Combined" light illuminates after charging begins. The delay depends on charging current and the initial state of charge. When the initial bank reaches 13.3-volts (±1%), the other bank(s) are paralleled by the Combiner 100. If one bank is very low, the Combiner may cycle on and off. After charging stops, the green light may stay on for some time if there's no load, due to residual "float" voltage above 13.3-volts.

If the internal temperature of the Combiner 100 becomes too high, the red "Overload" light activates, and the unit shuts down. It will automatically restart after cooling by approximately 10°F (6°C). This overload condition should not be a regular occurrence, as it indicates lost charging capacity.

Fuses & Circuit Breakers

Accepted practice dictates fusing all 12-volt circuits, except starter motor leads. While the combiner has no internal path to ground for significant current, fuses in battery leads protect against shorts to ground on the battery cables themselves. Conduit covering can reduce this risk. For metal vehicles with unprotected cables near grounded metal, fuses are highly recommended. Fuse size should be higher than charging current, accounting for initial large currents when batteries are first connected. A slow-blow fuse of approximately 30% to 50% of the smaller battery's Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) capacity is a guideline. While risks are minimal without a fuse, accidents can be catastrophic.

A disconnect switch near the positive battery terminal is recommended for isolation during emergencies and maintenance.

Appendix: Remote Control

The GREEN REMOTE wire is left unconnected for automatic operation. It can be cut short if desired.

For remote control, connect it through a single-pole, center-off, double-throw switch: grounding forces the Combiner 100 OFF, +12V forces it ON. Response is delayed by turn-on/off timers. The center position leaves it in automatic mode. A simple on/off switch works if only one function is needed. The remote control input is voltage-sensing, requiring only light gauge wire.

The BLUE WIRE is rarely used. Connecting it to the battery being charged limits that battery to a maximum of 14.2-volts; the red OVERLOAD LED will flash during regulation.

The red LED may flash and the combiner may turn off during engine starting if the battery voltage drops below 10-volts.

Warranty

WARRANTY VOID IF RED POWER LEADS ARE SHORTENED.

One Year, Factory-Direct, Limited Warranty from date of original purchase.

For return address and installation help, visit: www.yandina.com

Technical Email: techsupport@hypertech.com

Phone: 901-382-8888