VOXX Installed Battery Backup System Owner’s Manual

: June 6, 2024
: Voxx

Table of Contents

Overview
Features
Accessories
Controls and Indicators Diagram
LED Indicators
General Installation
Operation
Mobile App Operation
Troubleshooting
General Specifications
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

VOXX Installed Battery Backup System Owner’s Manual

Congratulations

Congratulations on your purchase of the POWV3.5 Battery Backup System! This product has been designed to provide you with peace of mind that you will always have a reserve power source to start your vehicle in the event your main battery fails. Please read the directions that follow to familiarize yourself with the product to ensure you obtain the best results from your equipment.

Safety Precaution

The POWV3.5 contains a high-power battery that is not user replaceable. No parts of the product are user serviceable. Because the product requires direct connection to the vehicle’s electrical system, it is highly recommended that the POWV3.5 be installed by a qualified professional 12v installation technician. The POWV3.5 cables, including those connecting the product to the vehicle’s electrical system must be protected from being damaged or shorted. The POWV3.5 is designed with built-in protection circuitry to protect itself, but it will not prevent possible damage to the vehicle in which it is installed if the power lead from the vehicle’s battery to the POWV3.5 is shorted. If you have any questions or problems with your product, please contact a Voxx certified retailer, installer, or Voxx Technical Support at 1-800 645-4994.

Important Notice

Installation of the POWV3.5 requires careful planning and preparation. The POWV3.5 should be installed under a seat or in a trunk, in a location where the GO/Status button can be accessed, and the indicator LEDs are visible. It should not be installed in the engine compartment or any other location where it will be exposed to extreme temperatures.

Because the POWV3.5 is an auxiliary power source which provides a jump start assist to a vehicle battery, it must be connected in parallel with the vehicle’s battery to operate. The ground connection should provide a low resistance path to the chassis (if the vehicle has a negatively grounded chassis)
or connection can be made directly to the vehicle’s negative battery terminal with 4 AWG or larger copper cable. Similarly, the positive connection should provide a low resistance electrical connection to the vehicle’s positive battery terminal with 4 AWG or larger copper cable. In order to allow high current amperage to flow freely, no fuse should be used in the electrical path.

Warnings
Do not place or store items near or on top of the POWV3.5 to avoid damage to the system.

The POWV3.5 is covered by multiple patents owned and/or licensed by Voxx International.

Overview

The POWV3.5 is an on-board battery backup system to provide emergency jump- start (boost) in the event the vehicle’s battery is too weak to start the
vehicle. It is wired in parallel to the vehicle’s starter battery and self- regulates its charge while the engine is running so that it is always ready for use.
When needed, the POWV3.5 can be activated by pressing the GO/STATUS button or by using the mobile app. Once activated, the POWV3.5 provides a short pre- charge to the vehicle battery for approximately 5 seconds, following which the vehicle may be started. The POWV3.5 will detect when the engine is running and will automatically deactivate itself.

Features

FEATURE	BENEFIT
Smart Charging	The POWV3.5 charges its internal battery when needed when the

engine is running.
Dual Activation Methods| The POWV3.5 can be activated by pressing the GO/Status button on the system itself or by remotely accessing the system using a mobile device with the Voxx Power System mobile app.
Auto awake| The POWV3.5 wakes itself up if a vehicle start was attempted, but the vehicle failed making it ready to provide a jumpstart, and allowing it to be connected to a mobile device using the Voxx Power System mobile app.
Pre-charge vehicle battery| The POWV3.5 provides a pre-charge function that charges the vehicle battery prior to starting, which assists the jump-start process and enables successful jump starts under circumstances where other jump-starters would fail.
High voltage battery| The POWV3.5 uses a higher voltage battery than most jump-starters which provides for an effective pre- charge of the vehicle battery and provides for a more powerful jump-start to start your vehicle when other jump-starters would fail.
High-capacity battery| The POWV3.5 uses a high-capacity battery to provide the starting power to facilitate multiple start attempts under the most demanding circumstances.
Battery heater| The POWV3.5 has an internal battery heater that automatically warms the internal battery allowing for successful jump-starts at temperatures down to -25C.
Deep sleep mode| When the vehicle is idle, the POWV3.5 enters a deep sleep mode that allows the internal battery to stay charged for > 6 months.
Short circuit protection| Triple redundant high-current and short-circuit protection safely prevents activation if the POWV3.5 is shorted and de- activates the POWV3.5 if shorted after being activated.
IP67 Rating| The POWV3.5 has an IP67 environmental rating meaning it can stand up to the harshest vehicle environments

including being submerged in water for short periods of time

Mobile App| Allows for remote activation of the POWV3.5 without having to access the physical device.

Accessories

The POWV3.5 is supplied with two vinyl insulated barrel butt connectors to connect the systems power/ground leads to the vehicles electrical system.

Accessories Items

NOTE: The POWV3.5 has 6 AWG power/ground leads coming from the device. The supplied barrel butt connectors accommodate 4 AWG cable for extension runs to the vehicle’s battery.

The POWV3.5 is supplied with two 60mm Heat Shrink tubes (red and black) to protect the POWV3.5 6 AWG power/ground connections.

Controls and Indicators Diagram

Battery Charge Indicator
This indicator provides information on the charge level of the internal battery.
Battery Temperature Indicator
This indicator shows when the internal battery temperature is outside the ideal temperature range to perform a jump-start.
Go/Status Button
This button is used to check status of the POWV3.5 and to initiate jump starting.
Status Indicator
This indicator provides information on the system status.
Positive Charge and Discharge Cable (RED)
This cable provides the positive connection to the vehicle’s electrical system to allow for charging of the internal battery and discharging for jump- starting the vehicle.
Negative Charge and Discharge Cable (BLACK)
This cable provides negative connection to the vehicle’s electrical system to allow for charging of the internal battery and discharging for jump-starting the vehicle.

LED Indicators

Status Indicator

Solid Green – Indicates POWV3.5 is activated and ready to provide jump-start.
Blinking Red – Indicates the POWV3.5 is not ready to be activated because there is a connection error, or the battery is too hot to perform a jump start. The TEMP indicator will also flash red if the battery is too hot.
Alternating Yellow and Blue – Indicates internal battery is too cold to provide jump-start and the battery heater has been activated. When the battery has reached operational temperatures after a few minutes, the POWV3.5 will be ready to provide a jump-start.
Slowly flashing Green – Indicates POWV3.5 is awake, and all conditions are OK for use. Bluetooth function is active.
Flashing Yellow – Slowly flashing indicates engine running. Fast Flashing indicates POWV3.5 has been activated and providing pre-charge in preparation for a jump-start attempt.

Battery Indicator

One to four Solid Green – Indicates charge level of internal battery. Two or more indicates charge level typically sufficient to jump start vehicle battery.
One Flashing Green – Indicates low charge level.
All turning on in sequence – Indicates battery charging.

The LED indicators provide the following information on the POWV3.5’ s operation.

Temperature Indicator

Green – Battery Temp OK
Flashing Red – Battery temperature too high to jump-start. Let battery cool. If possible, increase ventilation around unit.
Flashing Blue – Battery is cold. Multiple jump-start attempts may be required.

General Installation

Suggested POWV3.5 Mounting Locations:
Because the product requires direct connection to the vehicle’s electrical system, it should be installed by a qualified professional installer. Installation of battery backup systems require careful planning and preparation. The POWV3.5 should be installed under a seat or in a trunk in a location where the GO/Status button can be accessed, and the indicator LEDs are visible. It should NOT be installed in the engine compartment or any other location where it would be exposed to extreme temperatures or physical damage.

Figure 1- Under Seat
Figure 2 SUV- Luggage Area
Figure 3- Trunk Area

NOTE: The POWV3.5 system has 6 gauge Positive and Negative leads coming from the unit (8” length). These leads will need to be extended and connected directly to the vehicle’s battery. The unit releases a massive current to the vehicles battery when activated. Depending on where the system will
be installed in relation to the vehicles battery, you will need to determine the proper cable gauge needed based on the length of the run.

POWV3.5 Cable Routing:
Basic electrical wiring precautions should be taken when routing cables from the POWV3.5 to the vehicle’s battery. When routing cables under carpet, along door sills, and through firewalls, precaution should be taken to NOT crush, slice, puncture, or damage cables in any way. Make sure that wires routed through a vehicle firewall or trunk are passed through a grommeted opening and are protected in wire loom.

Figure 4- Under Carpet/Trim
Figure 5- Along Door Sills
Figure 6- Through Firewall

POW3.5 Battery Connection
Because the POWV3.5 is an auxiliary power source to provide a jump-start assist, it must be connected parallel with the vehicle’s battery to operate.
The ground connection should provide a low resistance path to the negative terminal on the vehicle’s battery. Similarly, the positive connection should
provide a low resistance electrical connection to the positive vehicle terminal of the vehicle’s battery. Because high currents will pass from the POWV3.5
when engaged, no fuse should be used in the electrical path. Therefore, it is extremely important that all cable runs between the POWV3.5 and the
vehicles battery are secure and free from being compromised.

Figure 7- Battery Terminal
Figure- Positive Connection
Figure 9- Ground Lug Connection

Operation

Once installed into a vehicle, the POWV3.5 wakes up and begins charging its internal battery when the vehicle is running to draw power from the alternator and not the vehicle battery. It continues to charge until it is fully charged, or the vehicle stops running and the unit goes into sleep mode. If charging is not complete when the vehicle stops running, it will continue charging the next time the vehicle is running. This process continues until the
internal battery is fully charged. After the initial charge, the POWV3.5 will re-charge its internal battery as needed when the vehicle is running in order
to sustain its full charge.

Waking the Unit
The POWV3.5 wakes automatically when the car starts running or when there is a failed vehicle start attempt. The unit may also be wakened manually
by pressing the GO/STATUS button once. When the unit wakes, all the LEDs flash once, and the status LED will slowly blink green indicating that the unit is ready to use if needed, unless then engine is running. The unit stays awake for 10 minutes after activation or continuously while the engine is running, and internal battery is charging. While the unit is awake, the Bluetooth radio is active allowing connection with a mobile device running the Voxx Power Systems mobile application.

Connecting with the Mobile App
While the unit is awake, the user can connect with the POWV3.5 using the Voxx Power Systems Mobile app by opening the VOXX Power Systems mobile app and selecting the POWV3.5 attached to the user’s vehicle.

Jump-Starting
Jump-starting a vehicle is a two-step process after the unit is activated; 1) pre-charging and 2) vehicle starting. The POV3.5 is activated by pressing and holding the GO/STATUS button while the unit is awake, but engine is not running, as indicated by the STATUS indicator slowly flashing Green. The
POWV3.5 may also be activated using the Voxx Power Systems mobile application running on a mobile device.

Pre-charging
First, the POWV3.5 is activated which starts a vehicle battery pre-charge interval which lasts for about 5 to 15 seconds. The pre-charge supplies a charge to the vehicles battery which greatly assists the jump-starting process. During the pre-charge interval, the POWV3.5 is connected electrically to the vehicles battery and the STATUS INDICATOR blinks Yellow rapidly. While it is possible to start the vehicle during the pre-charge interval, it is recommended to wait until the interval is complete before attempting a start to ensure the greatest likelihood of success on the first attempt, especially in the most demanding circumstances such as extreme cold.

Vehicle Starting
When the pre-charge interval is complete, the status indicator will illuminate steady Green and you will have 30 seconds to attempt to start the vehicle. If no attempt is made, the POWV3.5 will go back to the awake state, ready to be activated again. After completing a successful start, the unit will automatically deactivate. While the POWV3.5 can provide 10 to 20 jump starts.
When fully charged, the POWV3.5 may limit the number of jump-start attempts to prevent the battery from overheating by de-activating the system. If that occurs, the TEMP INDICATOR will illuminate Red until the unit is ready to activate again.

Temperature Extremes
The POWV3.5 will operate under wide temperature ranges, however, jump-starting performance may be limited or restricted under certain circumstances. The TEMP indicator will provide information about the internal POWV3.5 battery temperature when the unit is activated. If the POWV3.5 battery is within the normal operating temperature range, the TEMP indicator will be illuminated Green when the Go button is pressed on the POWV3.5 or the unit is activated using the mobile app. If the internal battery is below its ideal operating temperature, the TEMP indicator will flash Blue and the STATUS indicator will alternately flash Yellow and Blue until the internal battery heater warms the battery to the proper operational temperature. If the internal battery is above its maximum allowable temperature, it will be flash Red indicating it is too hot to use.

Cold Weather Operation
The POWV3.5 can provide a jump-start down to -25C, however, below certain cold thresholds, the internal heater must warm the battery prior
to use. Like all batteries, the internal battery efficiency decreases at low temperatures, but the POWV3.5 is equipped with an internal heater that will warm the battery to bring it up to proper operating temperatures prior to activating the pre-charge feature. While the internal battery is warming, the TEMP LED will flash Blue and the STATUS indicator will alternately flash Yellow and Blue while the POWV3.5 remains disconnected from the vehicle battery. After the battery has reached a minimal operational temperature, the POWV3.5 will initiate the precharge feature for approximately 5 to 15 seconds and then the POWV3.5 is ready to provide jump-start assistance. Note, the internal battery heater will continue to warm the POWV3.5 battery during this time, increasing its efficiency since more than one start attempt may be required while the battery continues to heat.

Hot Weather Operation
The POWV3.5’s internal battery can be permanently damaged if it is used to jump-start a vehicle when its temperature is above 60C. Therefore, the POWV3.5 will prevent activation when its internal battery exceeds this temperature. This will be indicated by the TEMP indicator illuminating solid Red and the STATUS indicator flashing Red. If this situation arises, allow the POWV3.5 to cool by increasing air circulation around the unit. This can be achieved by opening doors, windows, the trunk, etc. and waiting until the POWV3.5’s internal temperature falls to a safe operational range that will be indicated by the TEMP indicator illuminating solid green upon activation.

Mobile App Operation

System Requirements for the Controlling Device

The POWV3.5 system supports Apple Devices (iOS 7.0 and above) and Android devices OS (4.3 and above). Either must support Bluetooth 4.0 or higher.

How to download the Android and Apple Mobile Apps (2 Options)

Enter the keyword “Voxx Power System” in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store search menu to access and download the free App.
You can also enter the following into your Web browser:

For iOS https://apps.apple.com/app/id1531103807
For Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.voxxautomotive.voxxpowersystems

Connecting your Device with the Voxx Power System

Once the App has been downloaded to your device, touch the icon to open the App. The App will automatically list available POWV3.5 units and display them on the screen. The POWV3.5 system closest to the mobile device will be listed at the top. Press to select that system. Press the icon for the POWV3.5 to wake the unit. The screen will show the POWV3.5 waking up ready to be used.

Connecting your Device with the Voxx Power System

Apple App iOS

The General procedure on starting the vehicle will be as follows. Due to different scenarios such as weather, outside temperatures, and battery temperatures, the sequence of App events can change.

Waking the Unit
Ready to Start
Charging
Starting
Running

Android App

The General procedure on starting the vehicle will be as follows. Due to different scenarios such as weather, outside temperatures, and battery temperatures the sequence of App events can change.

Android App Induction

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Remedy
Unit does not wake upon button press	Internal battery may be discharged below

operable level. Run motor or drive for at least one hour and check again.
Unit will not operate if not properly installed and connected electrically to the vehicle’s battery. The positive (Red wire) must be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery and the negative (Black) wire must be electrically connected to the negative battery terminal. The vehicle battery must be properly installed into the vehicle and connected properly to the vehicle’s ignition system. If you suspect these conditions are not met, please consult with your installation professional or a qualified vehicle mechanic to verify proper installation.
Unit will not activate upon button hold or via mobile app| Make sure unit is awake before attempting to activate it as indicated by the STATUS indicator flashing Green slowly. If unit is not awake, press the GO/STATUS indicator or activate using the Voxx Power Systems mobile application.
Unit will not activate if certain error conditions exist which will be indicated by the STATUS indicator flashing Red rapidly on the POWV3.5 or notifications received through the Mobile App.
If the internal battery is too hot for use because of the environmental temperature or due to many jump-start attempts. The TEMP indicator will illuminate Red until the internal battery has cooled to an acceptable temperature. If ambient environment around unit is hot, try improving air circulation by opening doors, windows or trunk in areas surrounding unit.
If the battery charge level is too low to support additional jump-starts. The far-left LED of the BATTERY indicator will flash.
Unit will not connect to mobile device.| Make sure current version of mobile app in installed on the mobile device. Make sure Bluetooth is activated on mobile device.
After unit is activated, vehicle will not start.| Depending on the state of the vehicle battery, and especially under very cold conditions, multiple start attempts may be required.
Other issues with the vehicle may also prevent it from starting such as bad connections or corrosion of the battery terminal connections.
Unit does not charge| The unit charges automatically when the internal battery level drops about 10% from its full charge and when the engine is running as indicated by a voltage of at least 13V being provided by the alternator. If the alternator is not functioning properly, the unit will not charge.