Thread: 12V Smart Charger

I have the Jaycar type.

There are differences between the KMart and the Jaycar so you are not really comparing evenly. I doubt you can even get the KMart version now as they appear to have been a runout sale and according to KMart will not be stocking again.

As for the Jaycar charger they are great for what I use it for. It charges my AGM 120 amp battery just fine and have no real problems with it. The only concern is that it can get warm when not used is a well ventilated position.

But apart from that...terrific little charger.

I got a mid sized CTEK unit from Battery World.

Rejuvenates batteries as well as just charging them.

Here's a link to the brochure: http://www.solarpanelsaustralia.com....r_brochure.pdf

HTH
David

Originally Posted by spudboy

I got a mid sized CTEK unit from Battery World.

Rejuvenates batteries as well as just charging them.

Here's a link to the brochure: http://www.solarpanelsaustralia.com....r_brochure.pdf

HTH
David

Hi David,

I checked out the CTEK range at 12V Shop. Very nice but VERY expensive, especially for models such as XS7000 that will charge 2x 130 deep cycle batteries in a reasonable time.
I am tending towards Jaycar 16A smart charger which seems to be exceptional value for money. I know they are made in China, but what isn't these days?

Cheers..B

The Ctek is a very good unit and it should not be discounted. It would most likely last alot longer than the cheaper Jaycar charger but for value for money there is nothing better on the market than the Jaycar unit.

The difference with the Kmart unit is that it appears there is no back flow installed. What happens here is that when the charger is off but the leads are still attached to the battery posts the lights on the charger are still glowing and this eventually drains the battery. The lights and internals were drawing unbelievable amps out of the battery. This does not happen on the Jaycar unit.

The Jaycar and Kmart chargers took the caravan industry by storm about a year ago and yes, some said Ctek is the way to go, and others took the gamble and purchased the Jaycar version and then the Kmart.

I am unable to recall anyone who has had a Jaycar charger fail but have heard of a few Kmart one's not lasting.

If you are on a limited budget and not charging your batteries every week you should be fine with the Jaycar unit.


EDIT: The Jaycar unit is a 4 stage charger. So you have Bulk, Absorption, Sulphation & Float.

I've had the Jaycar unit about 9 months now. Good unit.

A mate bought one 2 weeks ago in Brisbane. Shelf price was $169, he said he didn't want to spend more than $150 so they agreed to sell it for that