New gear: Redarc BCDC Alpha

South Australia's Redarc Electronics has released a new locally designed and manufactured charger that uses advanced technology to charge auxiliary and start batteries using the vehicle’s alternator as well as solar power.

Available in 25A and 50A models, Redarc says its new BCDC Alpha is the only DC-DC charger on the market that can both charge and recover a start battery. The unit's Start Battery Recovery feature is capable of restoring a flat start battery in as little as 15 minutes, while the optimised solar charging feature diverts excess power to the start battery when needed.

Another feature is over-the-air software updates that ensure the system remains functional and up-to-date, while a Bluetooth-enabled setup through the RedVision app, allows users to monitor battery charger status, temperature, and system performance.

The new BCDC Alpha is compatible with all common automotive battery types, including heated and standard lithium (LiFePO4), and offers customisable input current limiting to help protect vehicle alternators — making it suitable for the latest hybrid and electric vehicles.

With a dust- and moisture-resistant IP67/69K rating, the new Redarc charger is built to withstand extreme conditions, and to make installation easier there are a range of wiring kits and mounting brackets available to suit different vehicle types.

Prices start at $799, from the Redarc website.