Dual Battery Management System - Gwardar

Red Bison

The Copperhead is a microprocessor controlled Dual Battery Management System (DBMS) and is used in situations where 2 batteries are placed in a vehicle, for example in boats, campers, off-road and expedition vehicles, service vehicles. The Gwardar can also be used as a voltage-dependent switch. The Gwardaris is a high power mechanical switch controlled by a microprocessor. When used with two batteries, the microprocessor will monitor the battery voltage on the starter battery.

The Gwardar also has the following functions:

Bi-directional loading

a unique use case is charging from the accessory battery with an external power supply. Connect an external power supply such as a solar panel or a 220 volt battery charger to the 2nd battery. If the battery voltage of the 2nd battery exceeds 13.2V (26.4V) for at least 7 seconds, the relay will close and the 2nd battery is placed in parallel with the main battery. This will recharge the main battery. A big advantage if you are standing still or staying somewhere for a long time. In this case, your starter battery will also remain in optimal condition. When the external power supply is stopped, the voltage drops. If the voltage is lower than 12.8V (25.6V) for at least 60 seconds, the relay will open and the main battery and accessory battery are no longer connected.

Starting aid

The Gwardar has a jump start option. If you connect the jump starter connection to the starter switch (Land Rover Defender: White-Red wire), the Copperhead will switch on the 2nd battery during starting.

Voltage dependent switch

In some cases it is desirable that large 12V or 24V consumers can only be used when the alternator is active. Connect the gwardar as follows: connect the + of the starter battery to connector 30, connect the earth (minus) to connector 85 and connect the + of the consumers to connector 87. When the engine is running and a voltage higher than 13 is applied for 7 seconds .2V (26.4V) is registered by the microprocessor, the Copperhead will supply the connected consumers with voltage.

Overvoltage protection

The Gwardar is also equipped with an overvoltage protection for the 2nd battery and the connected accessories. If the voltage regulator of the alternator fails, the charging voltage can rise well above the maximum allowed battery voltage. This can damage the battery and the connected consumers. If the Gwardar registers a voltage that is too high, it will immediately open the relay and thus prevent unnecessary damage!

With the Dutch manual, the Gwardar is easy to mount on any vehicle, without the need for adjustments to the wiring harness and/or electronics of the vehicle!

Specifications

Power supply: Automatic detection 12/24V

Battery connection: M6

Max. Amperage: Continuous 250A / Peak 1500A

Other connections: Faston 6.3 mm

Power consumption OFF: 12V=1.5mA / 24V=1.5mA

Power consumption ON: 13.5V=360mA / 27V=160mA

Minimum loading time: 60 seconds

Fast off: < 11.8V (12V) / 23.6V (24V) after 4 sec.

Cable diameter: 25mm2