SmartShore Trollbridge 24 Volt Charger Combiner Instruction Manual

SmartShore Trollbridge 24 Volt Charger Combiner

How The Trollbridge 12×24 Charger/Combiner Works
The SmartShore Marine Trollbridge 12×24™ Charger/Combiner allows you to charge your 24-Volt trolling motor batteries from the 12-Volt alternator on your outboard. It will do the same with any single-output 12-volt charger, or even your trailer hookup. It works automatically by switching the battery connections from 12-volts (parallel) to charge, to 24-volts (series) when you need to run the trolling motor. It only charges the trolling batteries when the main engine is running.

Features

• Fully automatic changeover from running to charging
• Simple 6-wire installation with included cables
• You can run BOTH motors at the same time
• Automatic switching to 24-Volt output for trolling
• Automatic switching to 12-Volt charging when not trolling and the engine is running
• Built-in Combiner isolates starting battery from discharge
• Draws no current when off
• Rated for 12-Volt charging sources up to 100-Amps
• Compatible with most 24-Volt trolling motors (up to 85-Amps)
• Two (2) versions available; one (1) for Lithium batteries and one (1) for standard Lead-Acid batteries
• Batteries are charged in parallel to equalize their charge for a longer life
• The green LED on the Trollbridge 12×24 shows when the 24-volt output is active
• Amber LED indicates charging is in progress
• Compatible with but eliminates the need for multiple output chargers
• Draws no current when off
• No modification to the alternator or 12-volt wiring required
• The compact, waterproof design and included cables make installation easy
• Efficient electronics design requires no heat sink or cooling fan
• Withstands ambient temperature to over 175° F (80° C)
• Warranty information is available at the end of these instructions

Parts & Tools For Installation

• A 60-amp circuit breaker with an on/off switch – To the trolling motor
• Four (4) 100-Amp slow blow fuses – One (1) to trolling motor battery positive (+) post
• Self-tapping screws
• 6- to 10-gauge wire for possible cable extensions
• Additional wire terminals for possible cable extensions

Operating Modes

TROLLING MODE
The Trollbridge 12×24 automatically switches from Charging to Trolling Mode when you turn on the trolling motor. Trolling Mode activates quickly when the trolling motor is detected, and the GREEN LED will turn on to indicate that 24-volts is going to the trolling motor.
When the trolling motor is active the Trollbridge 12×24 powers off. While off, the Trollbridge 12×24 draws no power, so it can always remain connected to the batteries.

CHARGE MODE

• Charge Mode will activate when the trolling motor is off for about thirty (30) seconds.
• If the main engine is running and the starting battery is over 13-Volts, the amber LED will turn on and all batteries will receive a charge from the engine’s alternator.
• The first trolling battery can also be used as a house battery for other 12-volt loads.
• The second trolling battery is used only for the trolling motor and CANNOT be connected to other electronic devices.
• Running both motors (engine and trolling) at the same time does not harm although only one (1) battery will get charged. Because the batteries are equalized every time the trolling motor is off, unequal charging on the batteries is not an issue.
• 12/24-Volt motors will work with the Trollbridge 12×24 as well but do require specific wiring instructions outlined at the end of the installation instructions (Step 18 on Page 12). These trolling motors will use both batteries in parallel for 12 volts and in series for 24-volt operation.

Battery Chargers

Multi-Output Battery Charger (Shore Power Charger)

The Trollbridge 12×24 is compatible with multi-output chargers, but they are not necessary. If you already have a multi-output charger you can configure it two (2) ways; separate from, or through the Trollbridge 12×24. Your multi- output battery charger can be left in place in the normal configuration with each charger bank connected to an individual battery. Do NOT run your outboard engine and the external multi-output battery charger at the same time. Damage could occur. An alternative method to use your multi-output battery charger is to connect all positive and all negative charger outputs to the battery with the YELLOW wire on it. This makes your multi-output charger function like a single-output charger and allows the Trollbridge 12×24 to equalize the charge of all batteries which can extend their life.

Single Output Battery Charger (Shore Power Charger)
When a single output charger is connected to the starting battery, the Trollbridge 12×24 will function as normal and charge all batteries equally.

3 BATTERY SYSTEM
This configuration uses a large 12-volt battery to start the engine and combine with a 12-Volt trolling battery to combine for 24-volts. The starting battery typically has a much larger capacity than the trolling battery so you can still start the engine when the trolling battery is low.
NOTE: For the 3-battery system, you will omit the starting battery and connect the main engine to the battery with BLACK and RED cables. The YELLOW cable will go to the same terminal as RED if using the starting battery for trolling.

4 BATTERY SYSTEM
This configuration uses the starting battery, house battery, and separate trolling batteries to make 24-volts. The trolling motor should be dedicated and NOTHING else should connect to it. For maximum life, the batteries should be matched as closely as possible for age, capacity, and chemistry. The trolling motor will never use power from the starting battery. The Starting battery and House battery will connect in series together through the additional Combiner (sold separately), and the Trollbridge 12×24 will combine these with the Trolling battery together to provide 24-Volts to the trolling motor when the Trolling Mode is active.

Troll bridge 12×24 Safeguards

Safeguards

Care must be taken during the installation process of your Trollbridge 12×24. Damage to the batteries and/or electrical equipment can occur if the Trollbridge 12×24 is installed or configured incorrectly. Please read through these instructions completely before installation.
This installation process will require you to work near multiple batteries. The utmost caution is advised, so having a second person who can come to your aid is ideal.

• Assistant – Have a second person who can come to your aid if necessary
• Soap and Water – Have soap and water nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, eyes, or clothing
• Protective Wear – Use full eye/clothing protection. Do not touch your eyes while working near the battery
• No Smoking – Never smoke while working near the battery
• Metal Tools – Reduce the risk of dropping metal tools onto your battery as sparking, a short circuit, an explosion, or another calamity may ensue
• Jewellery – Remove any metallic jewellery, watches, etc. before working on a battery as touching these to a battery could cause burns or worse
• Frozen Battery – Never charge a frozen battery
• Corrosion – Avoid battery corrosion from contacting your eyes or skin

WARNING! Don’t Destroy Your Trollbridge 12×24

Our quality control requires that each Trollbridge 12×24 is thoroughly tested and passes various tests multiple times before shipment. If you install it improperly you can destroy it. The cost for a replacement after improper installation can be up to half the original purchase price plus shipping to replace. To avoid the risk of melted cables or fire you SHOULD install a circuit breaker, current rated for your trolling motor, on the positive connection to the trolling motor (Blue wire). We also recommend the installation of a 100-Amp in-line fuse on the Purple (or White) wire from the Trollbridge 12×24 unit to the positive post on each of the trolling motor batteries (+12V). An additional circuit breaker, rated at 100-Amps maximum, installed on the RED wire going to the Starting battery is recommended as well. These fuses and circuit breakers will help to protect against wiring errors during the installation. The recommended fuse holders and replacement fuses are available to purchase in the Accessories section of our website (SmartShoreMarine.com).

Fuses And Circuit Breakers
The positive feed to the trolling motor should always have a circuit breaker, 60-Amp rating is typical.
For ultimate protection and ABYC compliance, the yellow, red, and purple/white wires to the battery-positive terminals could be fitted with disconnect switches and 100-Amp slow blow fuses but if the wiring
is well protected from accidental damage they are typically omitted.
Wiring

• The following connections do not have to be made right on the battery terminals. Any wire or cable extensions between the battery and the Trollbridge 12×24 must be heavy enough to carry the trolling motor and charging currents. We recommend 6- to 10-gauge wires or larger for longer distances.
• DO NOT bundle cables in plastic conduit, their current rating is only for open air. In conduit, they may overheat.
• DO NOT operate the Trollbridge 12×24 with damaged wires.
• DO NOT operate the Trollbridge 12×24 if it has been dropped or otherwise damaged in any way.
• NOTE: SHORTENING ANY Trollbridge 12×24 SUPPLIED CABLES WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
• The Trollbridge 12×24 connects the batteries in parallel (12V) when in Charge Mode.
• When multiple batteries are connected in parallel there can be a very high current flowing from the one at a higher voltage to the one at a lower state of charge. The length and size of the leads supplied provide resistance to high currents which protects the Trollbridge 12×24 from damage when the batteries are charging. Extending the wires with 6- to 10-gauge wire is OK. Cutting off existing terminals to make extensions is OK. Damage caused to the Trollbridge 12×24 by shortening the wires is not covered under warranty.

CLEAN BATTERY TERMINALS BEFORE CHARGING BATTERIES

• Lead Acid – After the battery has been charged, fill each battery to the appropriate level with distilled water. Do not add water to a discharged battery or it may result in acid leaking which could cause injury or damage to your boat.
• Check the battery fluid level and terminals for corrosion every thirty (30) days.

READ & UNDERSTAND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION

• Read through these instructions and understand them before you begin the installation of the Trollbridge 12×24. If you have any questions about the operation or installation, please call or email us before you proceed.
• Technical Support: 901.382.8888 Mon. – Fri. 8 am – 5 pm, Central Time
• Email: Tech@SmartShoreMarine.com.

CONFIGURE FOR YOUR BATTERY CHEMISTRY

• Before connecting your Trollbridge 12×24, verify that you have the correct model for your battery chemistry. The standard Trollbridge 12×24 is made to work on standard, Lead-Acid, AGM, or Wet-Cell batteries. For Lithium batteries, you will need the Trollbridge 12×24 for Lithium (12x24L), which is an alternate part number.

REMOVE ALL EXISTING CABLES FROM THE BATTERIES

• If you have jumpers in place on your batteries, you must remove these first.
• Leaving the serial + to-jumpers in place it will INSTANTLY destroy the Trollbridge 12×24 and could injure you and cause a fire.

LABEL YOUR BATTERIES

• The Trollbridge 12×24 output wires are colour-coded and must be connected to specific battery terminals in your system for the unit to function properly.
• Use the supplied stickers to label the battery terminals BEFORE you start making connections.
• Have someone (friend, wife, etc.) check them BEFORE proceeding.
• BLACK – Starting Battery, Negative (-) YELLOW – Starting Battery, Positive (+)
• BLACK – Trolling Battery 1, Negative (-) RED – Trolling Battery 1, Positive (+)
• GREEN – Trolling Battery 2, Negative (-) BLUE – Trolling Motor, Positive (+)
• PURPLE/WHITE – Trolling Battery 2, Positive (+)

MOUNTING LOCATION

• Mount the Trollbridge 12×24 such that you can see the green Charging LED.
• This will need to be in an area that is away from a direct heat source, vibration, gas vapours, battery gases, and above the boat waterline.
• The battery compartment will typically meet these requirements. Use bolts/nuts/washers to securely mount the Trollbridge 12×24 to withstand the pounding boats regularly endure on rough waters.

INSULATE YOUR TERMINALS

• During installation, use the provided terminal booties to insulate the wire terminals crimped to the end of each wire.
• Unconnected cables will have battery voltage coming from cables that have already been connected. If these short out to anything or to each other, you can melt wires, blow fuses, damage equipment, or cause a fire.

VERIFY BEFORE COMPLETING THE INSTALLATION

• Have the second person who is assisting with the installation verify the Trollbridge 12×24 wire colour and the connection location before making the ring terminal to the battery post and completing the connection for each wire.
• Follow the suggestions under SAFEGUARDS on Page 6 of this manual as they are there to protect you, your boat’s equipment, and your new Trollbridge 12×24.

Important Information About The Wiring

See Fuses and Circuit Breakers section on pages 7 or 17. The following connections do not have to be made right on the battery terminals but any wire or cable extensions between the battery and the Trollbridge 12×24 must be heavy enough to carry the trolling motor and charging currents. The Trollbridge 12×24 terminals are designed to be permanently connected to the batteries.
NOTE: SHORTENING ANY Trollbridge 12×24 SUPPLIED CABLES WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. Extending with 6- to 10-gauge wire is OK. Cutting off existing terminals to make extensions is OK. DO NOT bundle cables in plastic conduit, their current rating is only for open air. In conduit, they may overheat.
To avoid the risk of melted cables or fire you SHOULD install a circuit breaker, current rated for your trolling motor, on the positive connection to the trolling motor (Blue wire). We also recommend the installation of a 100 Amp in-line fuse on the Purple (or White) wire from the Trollbridge 12×24 unit to the positive post on each of the trolling motor batteries (+12V). An additional circuit breaker, rated at 100-Amps maximum, installed on the RED wire going to the Starting battery is recommended as well. These fuses and circuit breakers will help to protect against wiring errors during the installation. The recommended fuse holders and replacement fuses are available to purchase in the Accessories section of our website (SmartShoreMarine.com).

• Connect the BLACK Trollbridge 12×24 ground (-) wire to the negative (-) terminal of the Starting battery. This terminal also connects to the ground wire of the engine and the negative (-) side of the trolling motor. Extending this wire with 8- or 6-gauge wire can be done, if necessary.

• Connect the negative (-) terminal of the Trolling Battery 1 to the negative (-) terminal of the Starting battery. This terminal also connects to the ground wire of the engine and the negative (-) side of the trolling motor. Extending this wire with 8- or 6-gauge wire can be done, if necessary.

NOTE: This battery can be used as a House battery for other 12-Volt loads.

• Connect the RED cable to the Trolling Battery 1 positive (+) terminal. Shortening this cable will VOID the warranty. Extending this wire with 8- or 6-gauge wire can be done, if necessary.

For ultimate protection and ABYC compliance, this wire should be fitted with a 60-Amp circuit breaker with an on/off switch and a 100-Amp slow blow fuse. If fused, the RED cable must also be fused.
NOTE: This battery can be used as a House battery for other 12-volt loads.

• Connect the GREEN cable to the Trolling Battery 1 negative (-) terminal. Shortening this cable will VOID the warranty. Extending this wire with 8- or 6-gauge wire can be done, if necessary.

NOTE: This battery CANNOT be connected to any other electronic loads or the Trollbridge 12×24 will not operate correctly.

• Connect the PURPLE (or WHITE) cable to the Trolling Battery 2 positive (+) terminal. Shortening this cable will VOID the warranty. Extending this wire with 8- or 6-gauge wire can be done, if necessary.
• For ultimate protection and ABYC compliance, this wire should be fitted with a 60-Amp circuit breaker with an on/off switch and a 100-Amp slow blow fuse. If fused, the RED cable must also be fused.

NOTE: This battery CANNOT be connected to any other electronic loads or the Trollbridge 12×24 will not operate correctly.

• The YELLOW cable is connected to the positive (+) terminal of the Starting battery. Shortening this cable will VOID the warranty. Extending this wire with 8- or 6-gauge wire can be done, if necessary.
• For ultimate protection and ABYC compliance, this wire should be fitted with a 60-Amp circuit breaker with an on/off switch and a 100-Amp slow blow fuse.
• Connect the negative (-) side of the trolling motor to the negative (-) terminal of Trolling Battery 1. This terminal also connects to the ground wire of the engine and the negative (-) side of the Starting Battery 1. It does NOT connect to the negative (-) terminal of the Trolling battery 2.
• Connect the BLUE cable to the trolling motor positive (+) input. A 6-gauge wire is normal and can be used to extend this wire, if necessary. A 60-Amp circuit breaker with an on/off switch is recommended in this motor connection for protection against shorts, and motor failure and as a safety disconnect.

Many trolling motors draw current even when turned off, so the breaker should be switched off or the motor should be unplugged when not in use. The Trollbridge 12×24 draws no current when idle.

NOTE: No other connections should be made to this cable.

OPTIONAL REMOTE INDICATOR

The amber LED on the Trollbridge 12×24 illuminates when the unit is in CHARGE Mode. You can install an optional remote indicator (not provided) to show when the TROLLING Mode is active. Use any 12-volt rated LED panel mount indicator and connect its black wire to the negative (-) terminal on Trolling Battery 1 (BLACK cable). Connect the red wire to the negative (-) terminal on Trolling Battery 2 (GREEN cable).

TROLLING MODE OVERRIDE SWITCH
An override switch is occasionally necessary for trolling motors that won’t start up at 12 volts. To install, connect an optional momentary (not provided) switch between the terminal post on the Trollbridge 12×24 and the positive (+) terminal of the Trolling Battery 1 (RED cable). Pressing the button activates Trolling Mode which will then continue operating until the trolling motor is turned off for thirty  (30) seconds.

FOR 12/24-VOLT TROLLING MOTORS
12/24-Volt Trolling motors can be used with the Trollbridge 12×24. They will use both Trolling batteries in parallel for 12-Volts and in series for 24 volts operation.
For ultimate protection and ABYC compliance, this wire should be fitted with a 60-Amp circuit breaker with an on/off switch and a 100-Amp slow blow fuse. If fused, the RED cable must also be fused.

Troubleshooting

CHARGE MODE WON’T ACTIVATE
ARE THE CHARGING MODE CONDITIONS MET?
The Trollbridge 12×24 does not immediately switch from Trolling Mode into Charging Mode. Two (2) criteria must be met to switch back to Charge Mode. When a charging source is detected, the Starting battery must reach over 13-Volts for thirty (30) seconds. The total voltage of both (2) trolling batteries must also measure at least 20 volts. Once these conditions are met, Charging Mode will be activated, and the green “CHARGING” LED will illuminate. These safety measures are in place to protect your starting battery and alternator from any bad batteries or wiring shorts.

DO YOU HAVE A BAD BATTERY?
The amount of charging available is limited by the alternator output and how long it runs. Older outboard alternators often have minimal output so the running time for the trolling motor will be governed by the running time of the main engine and the battery capacity.
MANUAL OVERRIDE SWITCH FOR CHARGING MODE
Many trolling motors draw current even when turned off, and this current draw can prevent the Trollbridge 12×24 from automatically switching to CHARGE Mode. A 60-amp circuit breaker with an on/off switch is recommended on the power supply line to the trolling motor. The breaker should be switched off or the motor should be unplugged when not in use.

TROLLING MODE (+24V) WON’T ACTIVATE
DOUBLE CHECK YOUR WIRING
If you hear a buzzing sound from the Trollbridge 12×24 when activating your trolling motor, this indicates that one (1) of the batteries is not connected correctly.
IS YOUR TROLLING MOTOR ON?
The Trollbridge 12×24 automatically switches when it detects the load from the Trolling motor. Double-check that the Trolling motor is on and connected properly to the BLUE wire from the Trollbridge 12×24 and the negative (-) terminal of the Starting battery.
MANUAL OVERRIDE SWITCH FOR TROLLING MODE
If all the wiring is correct and the Trollbridge 12×24 still fails to switch to Trolling Mode (24-Volts) when you turn on your trolling motor this may indicate that the trolling motor electronics won’t operate while in the 12-Volt mode. In this case, you will need to install a MANUAL CONTROL switch (not provided) that connects the short, light gauge YELLOW wire to the 12-volt battery terminal that has the RED Trollbridge 12×24 cable on it. When the switch is turned ON this will activate the Trolling Mode, otherwise, the Charge Mode will be active and only 12-Volts will be available to the Trolling motor. There will be a slight delay in switching back to Charge Mode after turning the switch OFF. Light gauge wire is OK for the switch.

WHAT IS THE NORMAL BATTERY VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS?
You can check your battery voltages with a volt meter.
In Trolling Mode, the GREEN LED is ON. Check the wiring by putting the negative (-) meter lead on the BLACK cable connected to the Starting battery. You should measure +12-Volts on RED, +24-Volts on PURPLE (or WHITE).

LEAD-ACID – AGM – WET CELL BATTERIES

• Starting Battery: RED-to-Black: +12-Volts or higher
• Trolling Motor Battery: PURPLE (OR WHITE)-to-Black: +24-Volts or higher

LITHIUM BATTERIES

• Starting Battery: Use Lead-Acid, AGM, or Wet-Cell batteries instead of Lithium batteries for the starting/cranking battery
• Trolling Motor Battery: PURPLE (OR WHITE)-to-Black: +13.4-Volts or higher

In Charging Mode, the “CHARGING” LED is OFF. Check the wiring by putting the negative (-) meter lead on the BLACK cable. All battery-positive (+) terminals should read nearly the same voltage as the starting battery (13.0 to 14.2 depending on the state of charge.).

• For Lead-Acid Batteries: +12.8-Volts or higher
• For Lithium Batteries: +13.8-Volts or higher

Warranty Information

Limited One (1) Year Warranty

• The Trollbridge 12×24 is warranted to the original purchaser against defects in material and workmanship appearing within one (1) year after the date of purchase. The unit will either be repaired or replaced, free of charge. Shipping charges will be the responsibility of the purchaser.
• This limited warranty does not apply to chargers used commercially, nor does it cover normal wear and tear, blemishes that do not affect the operation of the charger, or damage caused by accidents, abuse, alteration, modification, misuse improper care or maintenance. The cost of normal maintenance or replacement of parts that are not defective is the responsibility of the purchaser.
• To obtain warranty service in the U.S., the charger and proof of original purchase with date must be presented upon request. Labour to remove and replace the unit for warranty service, shipping, or any other similar items is the sole and exclusive responsibility of the original purchaser.
• Warranty service for the original purchaser can be arranged by contacting Tech Support.
• There are no express warranties other than these limited warranties. No implied warranties, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, extend beyond one (1) year from the date of purchase. Incidental, consequential, or special damages are not covered under this limited warranty.

Voided Warranty

• REMOVE EXISTING BATTERY JUMPERS BEFORE INSTALLATION
• Your Trollbridge 12×24 unit can be destroyed due to faulty wiring connections during installation. We will not provide free replacements for damaged units due to installation errors. Because we understand that mistakes happen, we will warranty a unit that has been destroyed during installation, but there will be a charge of up to half the original purchase price plus shipping both ways to replace your unit.
• IF TYPICAL EXISTING BATTERY JUMPERS ARE NOT DISCARDED THE Trollbridge 12×24 WILL SELF-DESTRUCT AND VOID THE WARRANTY. Internal automatic switches in the Trollbridge 12×24 will take the place of these jumpers as it switch between series and parallel.
• NOTE: SHORTENING ANY Trollbridge 12×24 SUPPLIED CABLES WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
• Extending with 8- to 6-gauge wire is OK. Cutting off existing terminals to make extensions is OK.

Fuses And Circuit Breakers – STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
To avoid the risk of melted cables or fire you SHOULD install a circuit breaker, current rated for your trolling motor, on the positive connection to the trolling motor (Blue wire). We also recommend the installation of a 100 Amp in-line fuse on the Purple (or White) wire from the Trollbridge 12×24 unit to the positive post on each of the trolling motor batteries (+12V). An additional circuit breaker, rated at 100-Amps maximum, installed on the RED wire going to the Starting battery is recommended as well. These fuses and circuit breakers will help to protect against wiring errors during the installation. The recommended fuse holders and replacement fuses are available to purchase in the Accessories section of our website (SmartShoreMarine.com).
The positive feed to the trolling motor should always have a circuit breaker, 60-Amp rating is typical.
For ultimate protection and ABYC compliance, the yellow, red, and purple/white wires to the battery positive (+) terminals could be fitted with disconnect switches and 100-Amp slow blow fuses. Many trolling motors draw current even when turned off, so the breaker should be switched off or the motor should be unplugged when not in use.

Technical Support

• 901.382.8888 Mon. – Fri. 8 am – 5 pm, Central Time
• Email: Tech@SmartShoreMarine.com.
• 901.382.8888 M-F 8a-5p Central
• Tech@SmartShoreMarine.com.
• SmartShoreMarine.com.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two (2) conditions: One (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and two (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

References

• SmartShore Marine

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