Projecta IDC25X DC/DC charger hits the market

AUTOMOTIVE electrical equipment manufacturer and developer, Projecta, has introduced an evolution of its popular IDC25 DC/DC charger called the IDC25X.

Building on the solid foundations laid by its predecessor, the new model aims to win more brownie points from its hardcore user group, and is designed to withstand higher temperatures than before, making it ideally suited to under-bonnet applications.

Projecta says its philosophy of constant improvement has resulted in the ‘X’ unit adding “new levels of performance that may reset industry standards for DC/DC chargers”. The enhanced model was designed to be the “toughest and most reliable DC/DC charger ever made”, Projecta says.

Designed, developed and extensively tested in Australia for extreme conditions, the Projecta IDC25X incorporates a super-efficient design that won’t de-rate in hot conditions and is capable of performing in temperatures as high as 90 degrees Celsius.

The unit provides a full 25A of charge at temperatures up to 75 degrees Celsius, a point at where “even the best competitor reduces its charge by up to half”.

Projecta says the IDC25X is “fully potted” with thermal epoxy resin that draws heat away from electronics to the outer housing to help it maintain a consistent charge output of 25A. It said it took great pains to ensure the unit is vibration- and shock-proof (to heavy-vehicle standards), ensuring the corrugated roads of the outback pose no problem.

Ratifying the unit’s overall performance and durability are IP68 and IP69K ratings that ensuring superior protection against the ingress of dust, water and even high-pressure water as is the case with pressure washing an engine bay.

Projecta says these durability features make the IDC25X perfect for 4WD, RV, camping, boating and other applications, and that the unit features “clever technology” that delivers extremely efficient operation for users.

Owners will “appreciate the flexibility and scope of the customisable IDC25X which is compatible with multi-chemistry technology” supporting the charging of AGM, GEL, WET, calcium and lithium batteries with pre-set charging modes.

The unit also offers automatic temperature compensation, further protecting valuable batteries, and is equipped with voltage drop compensation technology allowing it to be mounted at a distance from the battery.

Other cool features of the IDC25X are a built-in solar controller that prioritises solar charging as default, and automatically adjusts to the alternator using Intelli-Charge if there's insufficient sunlight available. This reduces power draw from the vehicle’s electrical system with no manual switching needed.

Compared to the earlier IDC25, the IDC25X is significantly more efficient harnessing solar power and can also accommodate solar inputs of up to 360W.

Monitoring the performance of the unit is facilitated by using the Intellix-IQ smart display which is supported by a state-of-the-art app compatible with smart phones and tablets. The function lets owners adjust battery charge profiles and even set-up future charging parameters to suit new batteries as they enter the market.

Intellix-IQ incorporates LINbus technology, allowing multiple devices (up to 15 products) to be connected to a LINbus hub which can be controlled via the Intelli-IQ display or on a smart device via Bluetooth, and have them all controlled using custom charging profiles, without the need for complicated wiring or multiple switches.

The LINbus tech gives the IDC25X the ability to natively communicate, allowing parallel charging with multiple IDC25X units without overcharging.

“To fully futureproof the IDC25X, software and firmware updates will be available via Bluetooth and will only take minutes to install,” said Projecta in a statement.

“This functionality will allow owners to introduce new charging profiles for upcoming batteries, improve MPPT efficiency, and even enjoy added features like automatic lithium wake-up mode, a new feature that will soon be available.”

The new Projecta IDC25X DC/DC charger is backed by a five-year warranty and is available now. It is priced from $595.00.