Specialty Concepts ASC-12/12 A Charge Controller

Specialty Concepts ASC™
Automatic Sequencing Charger™
Available in Various Configurations
12-48V & 8-16 Amps

The Specialty Concepts ASC™(Automatic Sequencing Charger) has been the industry standard for more then 24 years. With a remarkably low failure rate, and its robust and waterproof construction, it is just right for those applications that require the utmost in reliability. Available in 12 and 24 volt (6, 36, and 48 volt available on special order), with capacities from 1 to 16 amps. Available with optional temperature compensation and automatic low-voltage load disconnect. Ten year limited warranty. The ASC™ meets the requirements for RoHS.

THE ASC™ IS UL RECOGNIZED, CSA APPROVED, AND FM APPROVED.*

*Some exceptions apply. Approvals pending. Contact us for current status

FEATURES

Specialty Concepts guarantees that the ASC will FULLY CHARGE a COMPLETELY DEAD battery!

CHARGE REGULATION

• 1-16 amp charge current, 12 volt
• 8 or 16 amp charge current, 24 volt
• 4 amp charge current, 6 volt
• Switching shunt, pulse charging
• Remote temperature compensation (option)
• Adjustable set-points (option)

LOW VOLTAGE LOAD DISCONNECT (LVD) (option)

• 10 amp LVD Relay
• Contacts for generator start or alarm

DESIGN FEATURES

• Completely encapsulated and waterproof
• 100% solid state charge control
• Reverse leakage protection - blocking diode
• Lightning protection
• Input noise suppression
• Low power consumption
• Simple, rugged circuitry

MONITORING & MOUNTING

• Charging light
• LVD activated light (with LVD)
• Surface mount
• Suitable for outdoor mounting

NOTE 1: Maximum continuous ratings shown. All products can handle substantial short-term overloads.
NOTE 2: Some product/option combinations may be special order.
OPTION DEFINITIONS: A=Temperature Compensation (available INTERNAL or EXTERNAL), E=Low Voltage Load Disconnect

OPERATION

SWITCHING SHUNT REGULATION - The ASC will allow maximum array current to flow into the battery through a blocking diode, lighting the "CHARGING" light (LED), until the battery voltage reaches the charge termination set-point. At this point, a shunt transistor will turn on, shorting out the solar array, turning off the "CHARGING" LED and halting any further battery charging. When the battery voltage drops to the charge resumption set-point, the shunt transistor will turn off and charging will resume. The result is that when battery capacity is low, charging will be continuous. As the battery charges up, current will pass into the battery for shorter and shorter periods, until at full charge, it will pulse current into the battery to achieve and maintain full charge.

FOR LARGER ARRAYS - The ASC can be wired in parallel to subarrays. This method provides the added reliability of independent, redundant charge controls and allows for sequential charging.

OPTIONS DESCRIPTION

A - Temperature Compensation :
Temperature compensation is generally recommended for sealed batteries or where batteries are expected to experience temperature variations of more than + 10° from 25°C during periods of charging. A small temperature sensor on a 10 foot lead monitors battery temperature and adjusts the charging thresholds according to battery temperature. The rate of compensation is -5mv/°C per battery cell from 25°C.

E - Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) / Generator Start :
The ASC can be provided with an auxiliary relay. This relay can be used to protect the battery from lowvoltage damage by disconnecting loads or by signaling a standby generator to start or stop battery charging. The relay is rated for 10 amps and is not available on 6 volt or 1 amp units. This option provides the common, the normally open and the normally closed voltage free contacts of the relay. The relay consumes 30 ma when activated and is activated at 1.92 + .03 volts/cell and deactivated at 2.17 + .03 volts/cell. A separate terminal block is provided for connection.