KickAss 12V DCDC MPPT Bluetooth Charger Owner's Manual
Product Overview
This document provides an overview of the KickAss 12V DCDC MPPT Bluetooth Charger. The charger is designed for efficient battery charging in vehicles and outdoor applications. It features advanced MPPT technology, Bluetooth connectivity for monitoring and control, and compatibility with various battery types.
The charger unit is compact and robust, featuring a MODE BUTTON, STATUS LEDS, and an RJ45 INTEGRATION PORT. It also includes ANTI-VIBRATION MOUNTING PADS for secure installation. Connections are made via an EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE SENSOR, SOLAR INPUT, ALTERNATOR INPUT, and BATTERY OUTPUT.
Specifications
Charger Specifications
| SKU | KADCDCBT25A-AND | KADCDCBT25A-BBK | KADCDCBT40A-AND | KADCDCBT40A-BBK |
| Output Voltage | 3V-15.3V | |||
| Max Charge Current | 25A | 25A | 40A | 40A |
| Max Current Input | 28A | 28A | 56A | 56A |
| Standby Current | <5mA | <5mA | <10mA | <10mA |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 80°C | |||
| 12V Alternator Input | 9-16V | |||
| 24V Alternator Input | 20-32V | |||
| Max Alt Efficiency | MAX 92% | |||
| Solar Input Range | 9-32V | |||
| MPPT Efficiency | MAX 99% | |||
| Dimensions | 57 x 121 x 180mm | 57 x 121 x 180mm | 57 x 121 x 215mm | 57 x 121 x 215mm |
| Weight | 1.6kg | 1.6kg | 1.8kg | 1.8kg |
| IP Rating | IP66 | |||
| Certifications | AS/NZS 62368, AS/NZS CISPR32, AS/NZS 2772.2:2016, AS/NZS 4268:2017 | |||
| Recommended Output Fuse | 50A | |||
Charging Specifications
Nominal Battery Voltage: 12V
| BATTERY TYPE | WET | GEL | AGM | CAL | LITHIUM |
| BULK VOLTAGE (CC) | 14.4V | 14.1V | 14.7V | 15.3V | 14.5V |
| ABS VOLTAGE (CV) | 14.4V | 14.1V | 14.7V | 15.3V | 14.5V |
| FLOAT VOLTAGE (CV) | 13.4V | 13.5V | 13.4V | 13.6V | - |
Alternator Cut-In / Cut-Out Voltages
| 12V ALT CUT-IN/OUT VOLTAGE | IGN ON CUT-IN=12.2V | IGN ON CUT-OUT=10.5V | IGN OFF CUT-IN=13.2V | IGN OFF CUT-OUT=12.6V | - | |
| 24V ALT CUT-IN/OUT VOLTAGE | IGN ON CUT-IN=24.4V | IGN ON CUT-OUT=21V | IGN OFF CUT-IN=26.4V | IGN OFF CUT-OUT=25.2V | - |
CC = Constant Current | CV = Constant Voltage
The KickAss DCDC charger range implements an intelligent voltage monitoring system to determine the point at which the charger transitions from Float back to bulk. This ensures the battery SOC is always maintained in an optimal state, regardless of whether the battery is being actively discharged or in a standby / low discharge state.
Product Features
25 / 40A Charger Output
The 25A and 40A models deliver a true continuous output of 25A and 40A respectively, ensuring consistent and reliable battery charging.
Bluetooth Monitoring and Control
All models support connection to a mobile Bluetooth app, available on the App Store and Google Play. The app provides real-time input and output data, configuration options, Over-The-Air (OTA) firmware updates, and access to warnings and fault diagnostics. Screenshots show the app interface for monitoring alternator and solar input, battery status, and firmware updates.
Plug-and-Play Installation
Anderson-style connectors are used for the alternator and solar inputs, as well as the battery output, allowing for a simple, reliable plug-and-play installation.
Dual Charging Input – Alternator and Solar
The charger accepts input from either an alternator or solar source. If both sources are connected, the charger will prioritise the alternator input.
IP66 Rating
A heavy-duty casing with IP66 ingress protection ensures reliable performance in harsh environments.
12 / 24V Alternator Compatibility
The DCDC charger is compatible with both 12V and 24V nominal alternators. The operating mode is easily configurable via the mobile Bluetooth app. The maximum input current can be configured via the app, allowing the charger to limit alternator draw. This is useful for vehicles with low-power alternators or hybrid systems with limited output capacity. Always verify the alternator/generator's output voltage and current ratings in hybrid vehicles.
Hybrid Compatible
The maximum input current can be configured via the mobile Bluetooth app, allowing the charger to limit alternator draw. This feature is useful for vehicles with low-power alternators or hybrid systems with limited output capacity.
Smart Alternator Compatible
Compatible with both smart (variable voltage) and fixed voltage alternators. For best performance, the IGN wire should be connected in all installations. It is required for smart alternators but optional for fixed-voltage systems.
Lithium Battery Compatible
Dedicated lithium charging profiles are included for optimal performance and battery protection.
Automatic Lithium Recovery Mode
When a lithium battery enters sleep or low-voltage disconnect mode, the charger will automatically initiate recovery when an input source is detected. Current is limited during recovery before resuming full-rate bulk charging.
Multi-Stage Charging
The charger supports a 3-stage charging algorithm: BULK, ABSORPTION, and FLOAT. A diagram illustrates these stages, showing voltage levels rising from BULK to ABSORPTION and then holding at FLOAT.
Starter Battery Isolation
If the alternator's voltage drops below the charger's input cut-out threshold, the charger will enter isolation mode to prevent draining the vehicle's starter battery.
Support for Multiple Battery Chemistries
Includes selectable charging profiles for LiFePO4, AGM, WET, CAL, and GEL battery types.
Integrated Protection Features
- Battery reverse polarity protection
- Solar input reverse polarity protection
- Alternator input reverse polarity protection
- Battery output over-current protection
- Output over-voltage protection
- Output under-voltage protection
- Over-temperature protection
- Alternator under-voltage and over-voltage protection
- Solar over-voltage protection
External Battery Temperature Sensor
The temperature sensor adjusts bulk and absorption voltages for AGM, WET, CAL, and GEL batteries. It should be attached to the negative terminal of the charging battery.
Standby Mode
If no input is detected for five minutes, the charger enters standby mode and the LED status lights on the front panel turn off. It will resume active operation when input voltage exceeds the cut-in threshold or the mode button is pressed.
Installation Instructions
Wiring Diagram
The wiring diagram illustrates the connections for KADCDCBT25A-AND and KADCDCBT40A-AND models. It shows a SOLAR PANEL connected via a KICKASS PV TO ANDERSON EXTENSION LEAD to the SOLAR INPUT terminals. The ALTERNATOR INPUT (ALT. IN) is connected via a KICKASS INLINE MAXIFUSE to the vehicle's alternator. The BATTERY OUTPUT is connected via another KICKASS INLINE MAXIFUSE to the AUXILIARY BATTERY. A STARTER BATTERY is also shown. A BLUE wire for IGNITION OVERRIDE is indicated, connecting to the vehicle's ignition system. The BLACK wire for the TEMPERATURE SENSOR is shown connected to the charger.
Recommended Products for Easy Installation
- KAMAXIFHAND - Kickass Inline Maxi Fuse Holder with Anderson Style Plug
- KADBWK8MMPP - KickAss Plug and Play dual battery wiring kit (For KADCDC25ABT models)
- KAHDDBWKPP65 - KickAss Heavy Duty Plug and Play DCDC Wiring Kit - 6.5m (All models)
- KAHDDBWKPP8 - KickAss Heavy Duty Plug and Play DCDC Wiring Kit - 8m (All models)
Operation Instructions
Connecting to the Bluetooth Application
1. Download the mobile application from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Over-The-Air (OTA) Update
When the Bluetooth mobile application first connects to the DCDC charger, it will automatically check for any available firmware updates. If an update is available, it must be downloaded and installed before the app can be used. During the OTA update process, all LED status lights on the DCDC charger will flash. Important: Do not disconnect power to the DCDC charger or close the app while the OTA update is in progress.
Configure the Battery Type and Alternator Input Voltage Using the Bluetooth App
To configure the DCDC charger, tap the Settings icon on the main page of the Bluetooth mobile application. From the Settings menu, you can adjust the following parameters: Battery Type, Alternator Nominal Input Voltage, and Maximum Alternator Input Current. Screenshots show the app interface for these settings.
Limiting the Alternator Input Current
The Maximum Input Current slider allows you to limit the amount of current the DCDC charger draws from the vehicle's alternator. Reducing this setting will proportionally reduce the total charging current delivered by the DCDC charger. This setting only affects the current drawn from the alternator input and does not limit the charge current available from the solar input. Adjusting the maximum input current is useful in installations where the vehicle alternator's load must be managed, such as in vehicles with low-output alternators or hybrid systems with integrated low-power alternator/generators. This ensures the DCDC charger continues to operate efficiently while drawing the maximum available power from the solar input when connected.
Fault Monitoring Via the Bluetooth Mobile Application
Fault and warning information is also displayed in the Bluetooth mobile application. To view an active fault, select the alert icon from the main page. Screenshots show fault alert screens.
Setting the Battery Type - Mode Switch
To set the battery type using the physical controls:
- Press and hold the Mode button for four seconds.
- The charger will enter battery selection mode.
- Press the Mode button repeatedly to cycle through the available battery types.
- Stop on the desired battery type; it will be saved automatically after a short delay.
Lithium Recovery Mode
When the Lithium battery type is selected and the auxiliary battery voltage is detected to be below 8V, the charger will enter Lithium Recovery Mode. In this mode, the charger will output a constant voltage of 14.5V for up to 5 minutes to attempt to recover the lithium battery. During this recovery period, the output current is limited to 6A.
LED Indications
Normal Operation
| STATUS | FLASHING | SOLID |
| ALTERNATOR | Actively Charging from alternator input | Input detected but under voltage cut-in |
| SOLAR | Actively Charging from solar input | Input detected but under cut-in voltage or charging from alternator |
| FAULT | - | - |
| BULK | Currently in bulk stage | - |
| ABSORPTION | Currently in absorption stage | - |
| FLOAT | Currently in float stage | Battery full |
Fault Conditions
| FAULT | ALTERNATOR | SOLAR | FAULT | BULK | ABSORPTION | FLOAT |
| NTC OPEN CIRCUIT | SLOW FLASH (1s) | SLOW FLASH (1s) | SLOW FLASH (1s) | |||
| BATTERY REVERSE POLARITY | FAST FLASH (0.25s) | FAST FLASH (0.25s) | FAST FLASH (0.25s) | |||
| INPUT REVERSE POLARITY | FAST FLASH (0.25s) | |||||
| OUTPUT SHORT CIRCUIT | FAST FLASH (0.25s) | |||||
| OUTPUT OVER-VOLTAGE PROTECTION | SLOW FLASH (1s) | SLOW FLASH (1s) | ||||
| OUTPUT UNDER-VOLTAGE PROTECTION | FAST FLASH (0.25s) | SLOW FLASH (1s) | ||||
| OVER TEMPERATURE PROTECTION | SOLID ON | FAST FLASH (0.25s) |
Troubleshooting
| CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSE | RECOMMENDED ACTION |
| DCDC charger not achieving full output current during bulk charging. | Undersized wiring – If the cable between the alternator and the DCDC charger is too small, voltage drop may occur. This can result in low input voltage, reducing the charger's output. Low alternator output – The alternator may not be able to supply enough current to support both the vehicle systems and the DCDC charger. | Increase the cable size. The minimum recommended cable size is 6 AWG. A. Identify and disable any non-essential 12V loads (eg spotlights) while charging. B. Reduce the maximum alternator input current via the app. C. Consider upgrading the vehicle's alternator if necessary. |
| DCDC charger is hot to touch. | This is normal. The charger is passively cooled via the heatsink casing and is designed to operate at high temperatures. | No action required. Avoid touching the device during operation, especially at high load. |
| Solar reverse polarity fault will not clear. | The reverse polarity protection remains active until the incorrect wiring is corrected. | Disconnect the solar input and reconnect with the correct polarity. |
| DCDC charger continues charging after vehicle is turned off. | The IGN wire is connected to a circuit that remains live even when the ignition is off. | Reconnect the IGN wire to a circuit that is only powered when the vehicle ignition is on. |
KickAss Products Pty Ltd. Warranty Disclaimer
At Kickass Products Pty Ltd., we stand behind the quality and durability of our outdoor and camping products. Our product team rigorously tests every item in demanding conditions to ensure performance in normal use environments.
Limited Warranty Coverage
Kickass Products Pty Ltd. warrants that our products are free from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the applicable warranty period. If a defect arises within this period, we will, at our discretion, repair, replace, or provide an appropriate remedy in accordance with Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
Exclusions
- Normal wear and tear
- Misuse, abuse or improper installation
- Damage caused by accidents, modifications, or lack of proper maintenance
- Consumable parts, unless a defect in materials or workmanship is present
Making a Warranty Claim
To initiate a claim, please retain your proof of purchase and contact our customer service team with details of the defect. We will guide you through the process, including potential return or assessment requirements.
Your Rights Under Australian Consumer Law
This warranty is in addition to any rights or remedies you may have under the ACL and does not exclude, restrict, or modify them.
Thank you for choosing Kickass Products Pty Ltd. We are committed to ensuring your outdoor adventures are backed with confidence.
Company Information
KickAss is a registered trademark of KickAss Products Pty Ltd. Designed & imported by KickAss Products Pty Ltd, 39 Iris Place, Acacia Ridge, QLD 4110, Australia. Made in China.
