KICKASS KADCDC20A-40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit User Manual

June 12, 2024
KICKASS

KICKASS Logo DCDC CHARGER
WITH MPPT SOLAR CONTROLLER
USER MANUAL

KADCDC40A-AND
KADCDC20A-AND

KADCDC20A-40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit

WARNINGS

  • To avoid injury or damage to your vehicle ensure the instructions are read carefully and understood.
  • Batteries can produce harmful vapour and explosive gases when being charged.
  • Ensure batteries are mounted and stored in an area with good ventilation.
  • As this Charger has powerful output current, circuit protection such as fuses or circuit breakers must be installed as near as possible to the batteries – refer to wiring diagrams in this manual for correct fitting.

This manual will give you all of the essential information you need to own and operate your new KickAss 20/40A DCDC Charger with MPPT Solar Controller.
The purpose & features of the KickAss 20/40A DCDC Charger with MPPT Solar Controller:

Can charge multiple battery types:
Compatible with GEL, AGM, WET, CALCIUM or Lithium LiFePO4.

Prevent your auxiliary battery from draining your start battery:
Built-in voltage sensing will ensure your start battery charges your auxiliary battery when the vehicle is running. It will then disconnect the start battery from the auxiliary battery when the vehicle is not running.

Ensure your auxiliary battery is being fully charged and maintained:
Most modern vehicles (especially those manufactured after 2010) do not provide the correct voltages and charge control to safely and completely charge your auxiliary battery. The Charger overcomes this issue by boosting the charge voltage to an optimal output level while ensuring your auxiliary battery is safely charged via its multi-stage charge algorithm.

When your vehicle is not charging, charge from the built-in MPPT solar controller:
Maximum power point tracking is the most efficient type of solar controller and allows you obtain the maximum amount of charge from your solar panels. When your vehicle is not doing the charging, the built-in MPPT solar controller will let your solar panels do the work.

Stay safe and protect your assets with these protective features:
Short circuit protection
The Charger will not turn on unless the batteries are connected correctly.
Reverse polarity protection
If you connect positive and negative the wrong way around the Charger will show a fault.
Over voltage protection
If the Charger detects voltages connected to its inputs or outputs that are too high it will shut down.
Over temperature protection
The Charger will lower its output current if it senses that the unit will overheat.
Temperature compensation:
The included temperature sensor will measure the battery temperature and adjust current accordingly to prevent overcharging.
For more technical details, specifications & videos please visit kickassproducts.com.au

SPECIFICATIONS

Charger Model KADCDC20A-AND KADCDC40A-AND

OPERATING CONDITIONS
Input Voltage Range| 5-32V DC
Alternator Input Voltage Range| 9-32V DC
Solar Input Voltage Range| 10-32V DC
Maximum Input Current| 27A| 47A
Maximum Continuous Charging Current| 20A| 40A
Maximum Output Power| 300W| 500W
Fuse Size| 40A| 60A
No Load Current Draw| <15 mA
Efficiency| Approx. 93% when full load
Ambient Operating Temperature| 20 °C to +80 °C
MECHANICAL
Dimensions| 15412044mm| 19212044mm
Weights| 870g| 950g
IP Rating| IP66
Certifications|
BATTERY CAPACITY GUIDE
Lead Acid ( WET,GEL,AGM,CAL)| 80 – 200Ah| 200 – 500Ah
LiFePO4| 50 – 120Ah| 120 – 500Ah
BATTERY

Compatible Battery Type| GEL| WET| AGM| CAL| LiFePO4
Absorption Voltage| 14.1V| 14.4V| 14.7V| 15.3V| 14.5V
Float Voltage| 13.5V| 13.4V| 13.6V
Minimum Auxiliary Battery Voltage| 9V| 0V
INTERGRATED ISOLATOR CONTROL  *30 SEC DELAY BEFORE THE CHARGER WILL CUT IN OR OUT

Input voltage| 12V| 24V
Cut in / Cut out Voltage (Ignition override OFF)| CUT IN 13.2V| CUT OUT 12.6V| CUT IN 26.4V| CUT IN 24.4V
Cut in / Cut out Voltage (Ignition override ON)| CUT IN 12.2V| CUT OUT 10.5V| CUT IN 24.4V| CUT OUT 21.0V

DIMENSIONS

KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
DIMENSIONS KADCDC20A-AND

KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
DIMENSIONS 2 KADCDC40A-AND

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
PRODUCT OVERVIEW

INSTALLATION GUIDE

SAFETY FIRST!
The KickAss Charger has been engineered to charge 12 Volt GEL, AGM, WET, CALCIUM or Lithium LiFePO only. Do not use this charger for any other purpose or  with any other battery types.
Do not attempt to charge known faulty, damaged, frozen or broken batteries.
Ensure charger is close to battery, however never mount the charger directly on the battery.
Ventilation is very important in battery charging, always ensure battery positioning is in a well ventilated area to allow charging gases to dissipate.
Keep sparks or flames away from batteries being charged as they could emit explosive gases.
Always check the batteries and charging system periodically to ensure no faults occur.
 Ensure all cabling is secure and cannot be cut, broken or short circuited.
Battery acid is corrosive. If acid comes into contact with skin or eyes, please seek medical advice.
Never connect this charger to mains supply.
We recommend fitting a 50-75 amp fuse on both the input and output sides of the  charger such as the SKU: KAMAXIFHAND or SKU: KAFUSECOVER-KIT to protectcables from short circuits etc.

MOUNTING
It is most important to mount your KickAss Charger as close as possible to your auxiliary battery and be sure to keep your charger away from sources of heat. eg. Turbos and exhaust pipes. This will ensure maximum performance out of your charger.

WIRING SIZE
To make sound electrical connections, the battery cable should be the correct size and the correct terminals should be crimped or soldered.

CABLE SIZING
The table below outlining the required cable size for a given install length.
Please refer to this table for Vehicle Input, Solar Input, Ground and Battery Output cable thickness requirements. Always choose a wire cross sectional area equal to or greater than what is specified below.

Part Number| Cable Install Length
meter(m)                              feet(ft)| Recommended Wire Cross
Section (mm2)| Closest (BAE, B&S, AWG)| Recommend KickAss Wiring Kit
---|---|---|---|---
KADCDC20A-AND| 1 – 6.5| 3-21| 7.71| 8| KAPRDBWK8MMPP
6.5 – 8| 12 – 26| 13.56| 6| KAHDDBWKPP80
KADCDC40A-AND| 1 – 6.5| 3-21| 13.56| 6| KAHDDBWKPP65
6.5 – 8| 21 – 26| 13.56| 6| KAHDDBWKPP80

Note:

  • Always use a fuse in-line for all connections to the starter and aux battery!
  • The input and output negative cables labeled Ground 3 and Ground 2 should be connected at the battery negative poles for improved performance.
    For more information or assistance, see installation videos at kickassproducts.com.au

KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
assistance

WIRING DIAGRAM

KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
WIRING DIAGRAM

✿ NOTE: Ignition override used only if required
CAUTION: Check model specification for solar input
CAUTION: Always ensure fuses are installed

WIRING DIAGRAM – SOLAR PANEL ONLY   KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger
and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit - DIMENSIONS 2

CAUTION: Check model specification for solar input
CAUTION: Always ensure fuses are installed

CHOOSING THE BATTERY TYPE

The battery type setting must be confirmed during device installation. When the auxiliary battery is connected, press and hold the Mode button for 2 ~ 4 seconds, upon releasing the button, the battery type LED will move to the next position. Repeat the steps until required battery type LED is selected. Battery type setting is now programed The selected battery type will be saved as the new default.KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC
Wiring Kit - BATTERY TYPE

CHARGING STAGE PROFILE

STAGE DESCRIPTION
BULK GEL 100% Current
Until 14.1 V AGM 100% Current
Until 14.7 V WET 100% Current Until 14.4 V
V LifePO4  100%Current Until

14.5 V
ABSORPTION| Constant 14.1 V Until 2.6A| Constant 14.7 V Until 2.6A| Constant 14.4 V Until 2.6A| Constant 15.3 V Until 2.6A| Constant 14.5 V Until 2.6A
FLOAT| 13.5V at 100% Current Max| 13.4V at 100% Current Max| 13.4V at 100% Current Max| 13.6V at 100% Current Max| 13.6V at 100% Current Max

NOTE:
When in FLOAT stage, the battery is fully charged. At float stage, when the battery voltage drops to 0.3V below the specified float voltage for the battery type connected, the charger will restart charging form the BULK stage.

UNDERSTANDING SOLAR, ALTERNATOR & CHARGING LIGHTS

Standby Mode
No inputs detected. Once the Aux battery has been connected and is within the detectable voltage range, the battery type LED will short flash to indicate the device is in standby mode and no input sources are detected| KICKASS
KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit - CHARGING LIGHTS
1
---|---
Battery type selection mode
Press and hold the Mode button for 2 ~ 4 seconds, upon releasing the button, the battery type LED will move to the next position. Repeat
the steps until required battery type LED is selected. Battery type setting is now programed and charger will return to Standby mode after a short time.| KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
CHARGING LIGHTS 2
Standby Mode Alternator input detected
With no Solar connected or detected and the Alternator is the only available input source, the input LED will short flash to indicate input voltage is below the set cut-in voltage. Charger is still in Standby mode and has not begun to charge the battery.| KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty
DCDC Wiring Kit - CHARGING LIGHTS 3
Standby Mode Alternator and Solar inputs detected
Both input sources are detected but neither has reached the set cut in voltage range. By default Alternator input has priority and will provide power to charge the battery. Solar priority has not been selected and indicator LED is on.| KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
CHARGING LIGHTS 4
Charging with Alternator or Solar only
Once the input source reaches the set cut-in voltage, charging will begin. The battery type LED will turn solid and the active charge stage LED will come on and remain solid, while the input source LED will continue to flash.

ALTERNATOR ONLY
KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
CHARGING LIGHTS 5| SOLAR ONLY
KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
CHARGING LIGHTS 6
Absorption Charge Stage

ALTERNATOR ONLYKICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty
DCDC Wiring Kit - Absorption Charge Stage 1| SOLAR ONLY
KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
Absorption Charge Stage 2
Float stage
Input source LED will change to a long flash sequence when charging stage transfers to float.
Battery is now fully charged.

ALTERNATOR ONLY
KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
Absorption Charge Stage 3
| SOLAR ONLY
KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
Absorption Charge Stage 4
Charging with Alternator as priority (default)
Once the Alternator input voltage reaches the set cut-in voltage, charging can begin. The battery type LED will turn solid and the active charge stage LED will come on and remain solid, while the input source LED will continue to flash. Solar input LED will remain solid while source is available. The charger will transition through the different charging stages as previously shown, until the battery is full.| KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy
Duty DCDC Wiring Kit - CHARGING LIGHTS 6
---|---
Charging with Solar as priority – Setting Solar Priority mode
The function of Solar Priority mode is to allow the charger to check for available solar input before choosing the alternator as the input source. To do this, the charger will assess the state of charge of the battery and decide if the available solar can effectively supply enough charge or choose the alternator as the best input source.
The Solar Priority function can be set at any time, once the Aux battery has been connected. To set Solar Priority, press and hold Solar Priority button for 2 ~ 4 seconds, then realse the button, to change the priority . The Solar Priority indicator LED will start to flash.

KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
CHARGING LIGHTS 7| KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC
Wiring Kit - CHARGING LIGHTS 8

Lithium BMS Sleep Mode & Recovery Feature:
Most lithium batteries are built with a Battery Management System (BMS) inside to protect the battery from over charging, over discharging and extreme temperature changes.
One of the key functions of the BMS is to protect your battery by internally disconnecting the load¹ when voltage drops below specific parameters, this will then result in the battery entering into a “sleep” mode.
¹ (Load includes any accessories and/or device/s drawing charge from the battery. Eg: fridges, pumps, food sealers, etc)
The KickAss DCDC MPPT Solar Battery Controller has a lithium battery recovery function. This function has been designed to recover lithium batteries from a sleep mode.
Lithium Battery Recovery Mode Procedure
First disconnect any load connected to the lithium battery. Secondly connect Alternator Input or Solar Input to the KickAss DCDC Charger with MPPT Solar Controller. Thirdly connect the output from the DCDC charger to the lithium battery. When the DCDC
Charger with MPPT Solar Controller input charging voltage reaches the relevant cut in voltage, the DCDC Charger with MPPT Solar Controller will automatically try to activate the battery every minute. When DCDC Charger with MPPT Solar Controller attempts to activate the battery, if a open-circuit or short- circuit error is detected, the DCDC Charger with MPPT Solar Controller will enter standby mode until the next activation attempt. If the activation attempt is successful, DCDC Charger with MPPT Solar Controller will initiate the regular three stage charging sequence.
Once the DCDC Charger with MPPT Solar Controller indicates the battery has reach the FLOAT charge state, the battery has been fully recovered and loads reconnected.

FAULT CODES

If the fault light is flashing, please refer to the fault codes below for diagnostics.
Note: Only the selected battery type LED will flash when the device detects a fault condition.

KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
FAULT CODES

Alternator
(green)| Solar
(green)| Battery
Type
(green)| Solar
Priority
(Green)| Fault
(red)| Fault| Solution
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
| | | | | Over voltage detected at alternator input| Check alternator battery voltage
| | | | | Over voltage detected at solar input| Check solar panel open circuit voltage
| | | | | Over voltage detected at output| Check auxiliary battery voltage
| | | | | Over temperature| Let the unit cool down for some time or improve ventilation

TROUBLESHOOTING

The following table provides some additional fault finding advice should any potential issues arise with the system installation, or unexpected system behavior is identified afer normal operation.

Alternator
(green)| Solar
(green)| Battery Type
(green)| Solar Priority
(Green)| Fault (red)| System Behavior| Recommended Troubleshooting Procedure
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
| | | | | No voltage detected at alternator and
solar input| • Check alternator and solar panel voltages.
• Check system wiring for potential connection issues.
| | | | | Low voltage detected at alternator input (Voltage is below cut-in range)| • Check alternator battery voltage.
• Check system wiring for potential connection issues.
• Check alternator operation.
| | | | | Low voltage detected at solar input
(Voltage is below cut-in range)| • Check solar panel voltage.
• Check system wiring for potential issues.
| | | | | Low voltage detected at alternator or solar input (Voltage is below cut-in range)| •Check alternator battery voltage.
•Check system wiring for potential connection issues.
• Check alternator operation.
• Check solar panel voltage.
•Check system wiring for potential issues.

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
  • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
  • Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
  • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by KickAss could void the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and wireless compliance and negate your authority to operate the product.
This product has demonstrated EMC compliance under conditions that included the use of compliant peripheral devices and shielded cables between system components. It is important that you use compliant peripheral devices and shielded cables between system components to reduce the possibility of causing interference to radios, television sets, and other electronic devices.
Exposure to radio frequency energy. The radiated output power of this device meets the limits of FCC/IC radio frequency exposure limits. This device should be operated with a minimum separation distance of 20 cm (8 inches) between the equipment and a person’s body.

NEED HELP?
KickAss constantly updates frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, videos and specifications, please visit: kickassproducts.com.au for the most up to date information.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSINGKICKASS Logo DC-DC CHARGERS
KICKASS KADCDC20A 40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit -
Figure 2For more informat:
kickassproducts.com.au

Documents / Resources

| KICKASS KADCDC20A-40A DCDC Charger and 8M Heavy Duty DCDC Wiring Kit [pdf] User Manual
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References

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