RanOx DC-DC(non 240v) 3 stg charger: **Install pics added**

[Bankrupt]

I must say that the customer service from Ranox is better than ANY other business of any type with which I have ever dealt.

Leachy

I agree Leachy, I haven't been able to buy one yet (they're out of stock) and both Alan's have still been helpful.

This supply delay is going to stuff me right up...anyone got a spare one gathering dust??

[LeighW]

Hi Alan,

I have been looking and the logs you supplied showing the D4D battery voltage.
In one graph you show the battery voltage dropping to a minium of around 13.1V, and in the other 13.4V.

From your other comments I assume this readings were taken with a near fully charged battery in good condition?

My concern here would be that most vehicles will not have a fully charged battery or one in prime condition, it would therefore
be reasonable to assume that in the average D4D the terminal voltage would be somewhat below the readings shown, in fact
if we worsen the scenerio by turning on the aircon, wipers and headlights demistor, higher ambient temperature etc then the float voltage could
quite conceivably already be down to the point where little or no charge is going into the main battery. If we then add the 30A~ draw of
the Ranox to it the equasion the situation could quite possibly arise where the Ranox is actually discharging the main battery to charge the AUX?

I would assume that you have taken this into account and have set a suitable voltage input voltage level to cause the Ranox to drop out if this
situation should arise, therefore the worst would be no charge to the AUX? The only other way to prevent discharge of the main and charge the AUX in this
instance would be to isolate the main as at least one other system on the market does whilst charging the AUX, unfortunatley it does not combine
it with the Ranox unit.

I do like your units ability to charge different types of batteries but the underlying problem would still seem to be the D4D charging circuit and unless this is
addressed then I can still see people getting left high and dry with flat batteries.

Cheers
LeighW

[AlanR]

Leigh
I am not sure which plots you were viewing, I presume they are the ones posted earlier in this thread.
The 13V4 was the approximate minimum during a suburban trip during daylight in Melbourne. Cool, wet, windy day, about 18ºC. No particular electrical loads on vehicle. The cranking battery is nominally charged, by the Toyota system.

The 13V1 trip was whilst TOWING a tandem caravan, drawing 45 Amp (30 Amp maximum current to van RanOx, with 15 Amp absorption fridge). The van had been intentionally "flattened" to ensure maximum vehicle loading. This was a warm (28ºC day, with air-conditioner often on) . Thus this is probably the maximum electrical load that most Prado's would expect. This is during daylight hours, but so are most towing trips.

The ECU is intentionally controlling the voltage to suit its algorithm and under bonnet conditions, until the about 80 Amp Prado alternator limit.

RanOx won't take more than 30 Amp from any supply, so it certainly won't pull down the main battery.
In typical overload (or just idling, as seen on the 13V1 plots) situations, RanOx will stop charging (cranking battery < 12V8 for a while), until it rises above 13V3 again. It it doesn't, then the auxiliary won't receive any more charge.
RanOx will also reduce its current draw if its input voltage is low, but this is really only the case for caravans with minimum size cabling.
All our customers with D4D are VERY pleased with the difference RanOx has made. They certainly now arrive with "fully charged" auxilliary batteries, provided they have enough driving hours to make-up for any AmpHour draw the previous day/night.
If they have used 50 Ah, they would need at least 2 hour at our 25 Amp maximum battery current.

Alan Oxenbould
for RanOx P/L
ABN 28 131 212 952

[Bankrupt]

I took the punt today on delivery timing and ordered my unit.
I sure hope it arrives before the trip.

[LeighW]

Hi all,

Just browsing the ABR Sidewinder site and discovered they have just released a similar unit to the
Ranox.

Specs are:

Current (A) 30

Input voltage (VDC) 12V DC (8 ~ 16V)

Output voltage (V)* FULLY ADJUSTABLE 13.2V - 14.8V

Output amps (A) 30


Performance Micro-processing Switching Mode

Efficiency
App. 90%

For battery type
Lead acid 12VDC versions (70 - 400 A/H)

AGM, Wet Cell, Gell Cell, VRLA, Calcium.

Bluk Charge

(VDC)
30 000 mA continuous up to 14.80V Adjustable

Equalizer Charge

(VDC)
14.2V to 14.6V - Adjustable

Floating Charge

(VDC)
13.2V to 13.8V - Adjustable

Output Protection
DC fuse

Operating Temperature
0 ~ 40°C (65°C Max)

Operating Humidity
20 ~ 85%

Operating Height (M)
0 ~ 3000

Dimensions (LxWxH) mm
250 x 115 x 70

Weight (kg)
1.90


* 12 ~ 14.8 Volts during charge cycles. Specifications subject to change without prior notice

$249.95 Ea New Updated Design

Not as flash as the ranox, no LCD and programming looks like it is via DIP switches but then half the price of
the Ranox. Maybe mister Ranox can come up with a no frills unit?

They also mention they will be releasing a new TRI isolator soon, implies that it might have a booster in built and
also that you can switch between, combine batteries. Also has a 1000A jump start capability and winch compatible.

If your thinking of going down this path might be worth waiting for the release.

Cheers

LeighW

[Crammy]

Looks ok, nice output at 30A and a reasonable price...

It doesn't have any load management or temp sensing, it's also larger than the RanOx... So half the price is probably pretty spot on. I bet it's also not AUSTRALIAN made! Also got to wonder about the reliability... I've had my RanOx apart and it's a very well put together piece of gear.

Anyway it's worth a look if you're on a budget that's for sure. Just be aware you'll have to setup your own load management system and there's no temp sensing for optimal charging and over/under temp protection. Oh and you probably won't be able to beat the after sales support from the RanOx boys.

Crammy

[LeighW]

Crammy,

Would prefer to support the Australian product, seems the ABR Sidewinder unit is made by Current Automation which is a South African company
They also make a 40A version of the unit.

Cheers

LeighW

[Bankrupt]

Well I'm pleased to say that Alan and the 'other' Alan at RanOx have pulled through and my RanOx is currently in transit. I should recieve it early next week.

Absolutely stoked as we leave for the Pilbara and Kimberly on the Saturday.

Will post pics of the install once complete.

[09PradoGXL]

Excellent!

I have 2 on order, so hopefully I will hear from them soon.

[Bankrupt]

Excellent!

I have 2 on order, so hopefully I will hear from them soon.

Two!! - Nice work...speaking with Alan they look like receiving their stock late this week so I'd be guessing a few days after that.

Here's my wiring diagram if it's of any use to you and you want to get a head start. PM me if you need any info

[Bankrupt]

All in and working. Yeehah

I must tip my hat to the infamous Alan(s) of Ranox. Again the customer service was 110%. Thanks guys!

[D4D]

Nice install Bankrupt. What are the connectors inserted into the Anderson plugs?

Why didn't you use maxi-fuses for the Anderson plugs?

[09PradoGXL]

Two!! - Nice work...speaking with Alan they look like receiving their stock late this week so I'd be guessing a few days after that.

Yeah, doing 2 cars, mine and my brothers. He is a cabinet maker so he is building the drawers and I am doing to aux batteries.
Looks like August 1st is when they expect production to be completed.

Here's my wiring diagram if it's of any use to you and you want to get a head start. PM me if you need any info

Thanks. I have the battery installed behind the drawers in the rear of the car. Most planning is done, last real unknown is where to run the wiring through to the rear. I will look at that soon now I guess.
Also, I am not going to install load change overs right now. I do have it planned for the future when I have more time though.

[Bankrupt]

Nice install Bankrupt. What are the connectors inserted into the Anderson plugs?

Why didn't you use maxi-fuses for the Anderson plugs?

The connectors are a split and colour coded Anderson style plug. I got them from Jaycar (were sitting right next to the Anderson plugs) and I thought the colour coding would be more suitable.

The fuses you see were supplied with the RanOx so I just used them. I used larger barrel types in the engine bay to isolate the batteries.

[Bankrupt]

Thanks. I have the battery installed behind the drawers in the rear of the car. Most planning is done, last real unknown is where to run the wiring through to the rear. I will look at that soon now I guess.
Also, I am not going to install load change overs right now. I do have it planned for the future when I have more time though.

Tip: Run all your wires, the $3 worth of wire will save you a whole load of future grief.

Also you should be able to run all wiring down the passenger side in the cable tray...there's plenty of room provided you only use 6 guage cable. I could only get 4, hence I had to run one power feed down the transmission tunnel.

[D4D-GXL]

Well I finally took the plunge and just installed the Ranox into my camper trailer. Took it for a drive today and all appears OK. So I am hopeful it will be as good for me as others have experienced.

[stewy]

You'll be wrapped with it Gordon. Mine is still running strong and re-charges the Aux Battery back to full quite quickly.

[IRON-PAWW]

Believe it or not, I've just found this thread and read through it, and had absolutely no knowledge of this Smart Alternator issue.

Sitting here and can't believe it, as some months ago I had ARB put their smart solenoid system in my rig, thinking that would be fine. Now it seems that this system isn't any good with Prado's and their "smart alternators".

To clarify. Is it the case that with a standard isolating system such as the ARB Smart Solenoid setup, your 2nd battery will not get charged fully? Even after hours of driving?

How bad is this likely to be for me? Will I get my Aux to 50%? 60%?

What can I do now that I've got the smart solenoid system installed?

[AlanR]

Iron-PaWW
This is Alan from RanOx. You should have a good read of the related threads on this very comprehensive site.
You can search for "RanOx", "D4D charging" etc.
There are some plots earlier on this thread showing you the actual voltage you will get from your warm, loaded D4D engine. (Thanks Crammy )
Frank has also posted some load current values for the 80 Amp alternator system.
Basically you can see for yourself, that Toyota (and other manufacturers) are correctly ensuring that the few AmpHour (without glow-plugs) taken to crank the D4D is replaced quickly, within say 15 minute.
After that, any auxilliary battery (or caravan) has only 13.1 to 13.5 Volt to replace its lost charge. Typically this may be over 40 AmpHour for a compressor fridge in hot/warm environment, running over-night etc.
This reduced supply just will NOT fully or completely recharge that auxilliary battery, particularly if it is located in the cooler inside vehicle location.
I am not in a position to advise you regarding the ARB system, but I suggest that they SHOULD know better.
Your many colleagues on this forum will give you unbiased advice.
Regards Alan Oxenbould.
for RanOx P/L. ABN 28 131 212 952. [url]ranox.com.au[/url]

[IRON-PAWW]

Thanks Alan, I appreciate your reply. Unfortunately, Amps, watts, volts and all things electrical are my achilles heel. I can check voltages with a multimeter and look to see the wet cells bubbling uniformly while charging etc etc, but power drain rates, recharging rates etc etc test my limits. If you asked me what effective drain my 100watt Lightforce halogens had on my system I've simply got no idea. My aux seemed to be doing ok so far but I've used it a fair bit to date, so it now seems I can't have been fully charging it when I thought I was. Time to get that CTEK charger I've been looking at for some time now methinks. While I've got a basic understanding of what the current ARB system is doing and basically see how it's been wired, no way I'd delve into it and start pulling wiring off. Seems now though that I'm going to have to revisit the dual battery setup I've got and modify it to fix this issue. Still, thanks to the forum, at least I now know about the issue. I wonder how many others with a simple isolating system don't.

I live right near ARB as it happens. Might see what their position is on this topic. But yeah, it does seem odd they wouldn't know about this.

EDIT: I went into ARB and put this situation to them. As far as they are concerned this is not an issue. They say they've installed the smart solenoid system in thousands of 120 Prado's and have not had any reports of the auxiliary's not getting charged correctly. They say that if this was the case then the ARB central office would send out a bulletin to all ARB stores and stockists warning them of the issue. They tell me that no such bulletin exists. Said that it isn't uncommon for issues to surface, even long after certain items or systems have been introduced and a bulletin to be sent out warning stores and their customers of the newly discovered issues. But nothing has come to light regarding this issue. So, according to the guys I spoke with, there is no issue with auxiliary batteries receiving a full charge with their smart solenoid system, which as I understand it, is pretty much just a standard isolating system.

*** Simply what ARB said to me. Not intended to refute what anyone has reported on this issue so far. ***