65 questions from our users
Wayneasked
Ok, I have contacted 'Home Of 12v", I have explained my situation and the issues I am having, they have told me that it sounds like a FAULTY SOLAR REGULATOR, and the lid needs to be sent back to you for replacement under warranty. I have tried calling again, but as usual, there is no answer. There is still no reply to my emails, even after supplying you with the video you requested. I have posted this here, as I feel it gets a better chance of being seen. If I don't hear from you shortly, I will be taking it further. Regards Wayne.
2 answers
Welcome to the club of disgruntled consumers of the Kickass branded dc-dc charger Wayne....
Be prepared for a sticker for postage and a full refund...
Yep they sent the print out today, going to post tomorrow. Is this a common thing? Very DISSAPOINTED, hope I get a working replacement
Wayne Hasked
Using solar panel charging Is there a way of wiring to the crank battery so it can also be charged by solar after the auxiliary battery is fully charged through the dc to dc charger?
3 answers
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Wayne, unfortunately the only way to do this is to swap the input and output Anderson plugs over so that the DCDC charger will output the solar charge to your main battery. There is no way to get the DCDC to automatically charge the start battery once the secondary battery, you will need to change it over manually. Remember you will also need to change the battery mode on the charger to the appropriate mode to suit your start battery.
Thanks for a quick response. What I was thinking of putting in a double anderson plug at the solar input of my Kickass DC to DC charger which is in the back of my Pajero and running a wire from the double anderson plug to the crank battery and installing a solar charge controller close to the crank battery. I 'm sick of both batteries loosing charge very quickly due to all the computer stuff running in the background 24/7. Why I want to do this is because I cut a hole in my caravan carport roof above it's solar panel and replaced it with clear Poly Carbon. Never had to worry about the caravan battery again while in storage.I would like to do likewise with the Pajero carport roof. Maybe its something that Australian Direct can look into? HAPPY TO LISTEN TO ANY IDEAS.
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Unfortunately splitting the output from your solar and running to both the DCDC charger and a separate solar regulator won't work, as the two charger units will confuse each other. If you're only going to be charging from solar, what you could do is have a 2-way change over switch on the output of your DCDC charger, and run one of the outputs from the changeover to your aux battery and the other to your start battery. That way you can switch the output over easily to charge whichever battery you need, whilst changing the battery mode on the charger of course. For this to work you will also need to put an isolator switch on the alternator input cable from your start battery, otherwise the heightened voltage from the solar charge will flow back through the alternator input and trigger alternator charging. You would be best off speaking to an auto-electrician to come up with the best way to do this.
Alan A.asked
I have just set up my kickass 12v-12v charger with batt box and have sola panel hooked up to it the charger led flashes for about 14 times then goes out for awhile then flashes again is this normal
1 answer
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Alan, in order to fix this, you will need to reset the unit. To do so, remove all inputs and outputs from the charger so that it is completely disconnected, wait about 30 seconds and reconnect the unit to your system. This will reset the charger and should fix the issue. If you continue to have dramas, please give us a call on 07 3123 4715 and we can assist further.
Wayneasked
I have purchased you DCDC charger (pre wired) including battery box. It is installed in a 2022 Isuzu Dmax crew cab.I am running a 135ah GEL battery and 160W solar panel with constant 48v at the Solar Anderson plug.If I disconnect the solar panel, the unit acknowledges the alternator and charging commences. I have run it sufficient for the BULK light to go to ABSORB. If I plug in the solar panel once the car is turned off, the solar light comes on, it starts to charge in BULK but after a short time, all lights go out and it seems to reset itself. Only once I have been able to notice the solar to charge uninterrupted but with the voltage on the secondary battery not rising above 13.2v, If I start the car, after 2 mins, the alternator light comes on and the voltage quickly rises to over 14v. If I then drive the car and stop after a short while, ALL LIGHTS ARE BLINKING indicating a fault. This can only be stopped by disconnecting the solar panel for 10 seconds and then reconnecting. Again the solar will charge for approx. 10 seconds before going through the “reset”stage. If I leave the solar panel plugged in overnight, it seems that once the sunlight hits the panel, again it goes into ERROR mode and all lights flash. This is becoming quite annoying as the secondary battery never gets to float stage. I am running an Engle 40l fridge but the system only seems to be charging from the alternator. The blue lead is not connected, as it seems to be charging from the alternator with no issue. I have read several comment on here with people complaining about the solar stopping and then restarting so it seems to be a common problem?? Waiting for your reply. Regards Wayne ([email protected])
6 answers
The bloke across the road has put the same unit in a ford ranger and he is having the same “start / stop” with the solar side, a friend of mine has suggested I borrow his kickass solar panel and try that? Any suggestions?
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
G'day Wayne, could you try disconnecting the DCDC charger from all inputs and battery to completely reset the unit? Are you reading that 48V from the solar input? 48V is well above the maximum input voltage for the solar input, as this input can only handle up to 22V.
It’s my mistake I don’t know why I wrote 48v it it between 22.3 and 22.9, I have narrowed it down to high solar panel voltage, I get error codes at 22.9v and the “start / stop” seems to happen between 22.7 and 22.8. I know this sounds very accurate, but I’ve been having these issues all the time and I try to check voltage each time I have an issue. Google says that average “panel” voltage output for 160w is between 17 and 19v if this is the case, then my high output voltage panel is causing this. I have spoken to electricians that say that 22v output is the norm. Hmmm not sure what to believe but my multimeter readings show (if in fact the cut off point for high solar input is 23v) that I am on the borderline using this panel, the dcdc charger works fine from the alternator, it’s just the solar side
Sthnguyasked
I to am now having issues with the Kickass 25a dc-dc mppt unit.
It has been running fine until now.
250w solar panel is outputting below the 22v cutoff, switches over to charging mode, green light flashes, drops out and then restarts again 10 secs later only to do the same thing in a constant loop.
I've disconnected both the cranking battery and the battery from the charger to try and reset the unit.
Is there a solution to the problem or do I now have to go through the whole warranty process for what I and many others can see as a known fault ??
I hope that this issue with this particular product doesn't destroy the Kickass branding, especially if this is a known issue and then you stuff us all around with the post back/warranty process.
5 answers
Had the same problem after a tremendous muck around i sent the unit back and they sent me a replacement unit which did exactly the same thing, after threatening them with a PayPal claim i sent the second unit back and got a refund. Absolute rubbish experience
It seems like it's the new Kickass branded 25a 4 stage dc-dc mppt charger that's the issue, not the RedArc charger....
I spoke to the office of Consumer Business Services yesterday after Australian Direct stopped responding to my emails, just to see exactly where I stand legally...
I don't really want to go through the whole warranty process for what I believe is a consumer guarantee issue on a major fault with the product...
Maybe they should just swap out the Kickass branded charger for the RedArc ?!?
Klaeton ???
Any thoughts ???
So, after sending videos, multiple emails, and speaking with the office of Consumer Business Services, Australian Direct have sent me a Postage sticker to print off and send the battery box/dc-dc charger back to them for a full refund....
I've since had a conversation with The Home of 12v here in SA, which was quite interesting....
I.suggest.if you're having issues with both the Kickass branded dc-dc charger and Australian Direct, give The Home of 12v a call and check out their website....
Benasked
Hi,
I currently have the following products.
(KAF-100DZ) KICKASS 100lt dual zone fridge.
(KASLIDEST) KICKASS heavy duty fridge slide.
(KABB-G-KADC) KICKASS premium battery box with DCDC charger and 120AH AGM battery.
(KASTF160SP) KICKASS 160w semi flex panel.
The (KAF-100DZ) fridge specifications when running split compartments @ 3deg / -18deg states the energy consumption is 2.5-2.8 A/hr. Using the fridge draw reference on your website https://www.australiandirect.com.au/choice/how-to-determine-what-size-watts-solar-panels-you/6117 I decided to calculate at a maximum and use 3 A/hr as a reference and 6 available sun hrs (Victoria) and come up with a requirement of 263 watts of solar. As i already have 160w this means I will still require another 103w. My initial plan was to purchase a KICKASS 110w semi flex panel but they aren't available at the moment so unfortunately I am considering purchasing the kings 110w semi flex panel instead.
My question is, can I run the KICKASS semi flex 160w Voc 21.24v in parallel with the KINGS semi flex 110w Voc 21.6v?
As I have already spent over $3000 on KICKASS PRODUCTS I want to ensure that my (KAF-100DZ) KICKASS 100lt dual zone fridge along with the other products perform as they should with the above variables in place. I am currently in the process of recording a YouTube video of my setup and would like it to be complete before I do.
3 answers
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Ben, thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately, this setup is not ideal, as Kings panels are known to peak an output voltage higher than 21V. When running panels in parallel you will need to ensure that the open circuit voltage of the panels is the same.
Thanks for your reply, I had a feeling that might be the case. Any idea when your 110w semi flex panels will become available again?
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
We're not too sure at this stage Ben, due to the current situation it's uncertain exactly when we will be able to get these back in stock. As soon as we know, we will post an ETA on the website, so keep an eye out.
Rob M.asked
Hi, I have one of your PWM 20 amp waterproof solar controllers on my roof rack. It has worked very well. Just changed to lithium aux batteries in the car. Is it still suitable and if so which setting is best? Thanks in advance, Rob
2 answers
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Rob, unfortunately our 20A PWM solar regulators are no suitable for charging lithium. Really sorry for any inconvenience!
Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.
Lance M.asked
Should the 25 amp dcdc charger make a noise? It also seems to and gets get stuck in float mode when charging from the car and solar. Is this normal?
1 answer
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Lance. It is not abnormal for the electrical components within the charger to emit a noise while under load, however if it is a loud buzz or if you are concerned about the noise, feel free to send a video in to our support team and we can have a look for you. The charger will only progress from the float stage into the pulse stage after 10 days of uninterrupted charging.
Robert P.asked
Hi, I purchased a kickass duel battery system back in 2018. My question is, do I have to remove the alternater connection from the box when I stop and connect into my portable solar panel. Cheers Rob
1 answer
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Robert! Our DCDC chargers will automatically prioritize solar input for charging, so as soon as you plug in your solar it will automatically start charging from the solar input!
Benasked
Hi, I have just recently purchased product KABB-KADCBATCOMKIT I have 3 questions I was hoping I could get answered.
1. On the DCDC charger itself, specifically the blue ignition override wire, Do you suggest drilling a small hole in the battery box as to allow the wire to be connected to from the ignition source? or is there a better method? I don’t really want to modify the box by drilling into it.
2. What size gauge wire should this run be from the ignition source to the box?
3. The manual suggests this wire should be fused to a positive ignition source, what size fuse do you recommend as it doesn’t specify?
Cheers,
Ben
3 answers
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Ben, thanks for reaching out. The battery box has a two gaps around where the lid meets the box where there is enough space to run cables out of. You can simply run the ignition override cable through one of these gaps, which avoids drilling or cutting into the box. The ignition override cable is a 1.5mm2 cable, so we recommend around a 2-3mm2 cable for wiring, depending on the distance. This cable itself does not have to be fused, however it is important to ensure that the ignition source that the override cable is connected to is fused.
Thanks for your swift response Klaeton. I have found an ignition source under my hood next to the suction control valve (2015 Mitsi Triton) I plan on tapping into that as it is convenient and close to my starter battery. I will run the dual battery wiring kit cable and the ignition override cable together from engine bay into tub. I would like to install a fuse inline from the ignition source just in case. What size fuse would you recommend?
Thanks again.
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
You should be fine with a 10-15A fuse in the ignition override line there Ben.
Stephen B.asked
Does your 200w solar blanket work with your 25a dc dc charger? I am getting constant over voltage alarm. How do I fix this? Do I need to buy another brand dcdc charger.?
3 answers
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Stephen, all of our solar panels should work perfectly fine with our DCDC charger. Are you able to test the voltage output of your solar panel with a multimeter?
Yes. It puts out 30 volts in direct sunshine. 26 volts in the shade.
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Thanks for getting back to me Stephen. Our panels are rated to output 21V maximum, so it sounds like there is something strange going on with your panel. Could you please take a photo of this voltage reading, and follow the link below to lodge a warranty claim in our system? You will need to include a short description of the issue as well as attach the photo in, and our warranty team will be able to sort that out for you. Please allow 3-5 business days for a team member to get back to you.
Hamishasked
I have a Kings battery box and want to connect your plug and play DC-DC charger to it. Can I simply plug your DC-DC charger straight into one of the Anderson plugs on the battery box? I’ll be using your plug and play dual battery wiring kit from starting battery to DC-DC charger.
2 answers
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
G'day Hamish, as long as that Anderson plug runs straight to the battery and not through any other chargers, regulators or relays then that will be perfectly fine.
Ok. Thanks mate
Anton B.asked
Hi I recently bought a kickass battery box with the dcdc and solar charger + battery full set up. I have installed it into my 1998 Volkswagen transporter t4 that also has a brand new battery but the alternator charging lights on the charger haven't come up on the dcdc solar charger controller? Just wondering what could cause the lights to not show up?
Thanks
1 answer
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hey Anton, could you please give our support team a call on 07 3123 4715 and they will be able to assist with troubleshooting your unit. Thanks!
Jaydengrechasked
Hi.
Have your DCTODC charger.
I have a kings 110w solar panel connected. When the sun comes out it instantly goes into over voltage protection. (I’ve tried 2 different solar panels on it and same result.) Multimeter reads 22.5V
When the sun goes down a bit (Multimeter reads 19.5V) it dosnt go into over voltage protection but the charging light will flash for about 10 seconds then the system will shut off for 2 seconds then turn back on and keep doing the same thing.
Dosnt seem to want to charge on solar panel, only alternator works (if solar panel is disconnected) any help?
7 answers
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi there, sorry to hear you are having some trouble with your charger. Unfortunately, most Kings solar panels will momentarily peak at a voltage higher than the maximum input voltage of our DCDC charger, which will cause the unit to enter the over voltage fault. As for the shutting off, could you please give our customer service team a call on 07 3123 4715, and they can assist further with troubleshooting your unit.
It’s the standard answer they give Jayden. These units are not well designed basically - no fan to cool them and the input voltage is too low. I tried two different solar panel setups with the same result as you. They wouldn’t do a return and refund so I brought an Enerdrive DC2DC+ which is awesome. I told them I was going to put this on product review, then there was no contact with them. Their other products are ok but not these units. Good luck
I'm going through the same crap at the moment, just getting a run around and I've got a simpson desert trip coming up in 8 weeks. I'm thinking a call to consumer affairs is on the cards
Markasked
Have the extreme battery box, charges fine on alternator but when switched to solar it goes solid green on solar light, then flashes charging and in bulk mode. Then goes off and comes back on repeating this every 20 seconds or so. Not charging on solar
12 answers
Have tried disconnecting and re connecting to re set it and still does it
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Mark, could you please call our customer service team on 07 3123 4715 to help resolve your issue. Thanks!
Have lodged a warranty claim and hope this can be expediated as I have a simpson desert trip that has been in the making for over 12mths coming up very soon and need my dual battery system up and running asap guys
D. J.asked
Hi there I have a 2007 Toyota hilux turbo disal
I have just bought a plug n play dcdc charger do I need to content the IGNITION OVERRIDE wire
1 answer
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi DJ,
Your vehicle is fitted with a Temperature Compensating Alternator, so you will need to connect the ignition override cable into the ignition circuit of your car. Generally, the easiest place to run this wire to is the positive line of a cigarette socket, as these will provide constant power when the car is on, and will turn off when the ignition is turned off.
Russellasked
Ho got your 20amp 8 stage charger conected to my new 130ah (2) battries that are wired in parallel well charger only gets to stage 4 and keeps over heating my batteries any idea im not happy btw battries cost me over $700 and you are aware of what excessive heat /over charge does to agm batteries
2 answers
And the chager reads 14.4v but the battries say 17.4 v when charger is connected
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Russell, thanks for getting in touch. I'm sorry to hear you are having some trouble with your charger. Could you please send through some photos of your setup to [email protected], and our customer support team can look into this further for you.
Wayne M.asked
It is a 12 volt dc charger
1 answer
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Wayne, which product were your referring to in particular?
Wayne M.asked
Can a kickass 20 amp 8 stage battery charger charge a 6 v lawnmower battery. It has an Anderson plug and was going to buy an adaptor to 2battery clamps
Wayne
1 answer
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Wayne, our 20 amp chargers are suitable for 12V systems only, and will not be able to charge your 6V battery. Sorry for any inconvenience!
Trevorasked
I have a KADCDC25A-AND it was working great untill today when had a look at it and the chagring stage light wehre not woking like they have been since i installed it and a new 120ah Bosch agm (I'm not running anything off it yet or have it hooked up to solar) these light only work now when the car is running so off the alternator i hqve tried to ring Australian Direct but as its the weekend and i live in wa the not answering let hope this issue can be resolved fast cheers Trevor
1 answer
Klaeton S.Australian Direct
Hi Trevor, if you could give us a call on 07 3123 4715 a member of our customer support team can help you out with this.
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