Similarly to diode battery isolators, FET isolators allow simultaneous charging of two or more batteries from one alternator (or a single output battery charger), without connecting the batteries together. Discharging the accessory battery for example will not result in also discharging the starter battery.

In contrast with diode battery isolators, FET isolators have virtually no voltage loss. Voltage drop is less than 0,02 Volt at low current and averages 0,1 Volt at higher currents. When using ARGO FET Battery Isolators, there is no need to also increase the output voltage of the alternator. Care should taken however to keep cable lengths short and of sufficient cross section.

Example:
When a current of 100 A flows through a cable of 50 mm> cross section (AWG 0) and 10 m length (30 ft), the voltage drop over the cable will be 0,26 Volt. Similarly a current of 50 A through a cable of 10 mm> cross section (AWG 7) and 5 m length (15 ft) will result in a voltage drop of 0,35 Volt!

Alternator energize input

Some alternators need DC voltage on the B+ output to start charging. Obviously, DC will be present when the alternator is directly connected to a battery. Inserting a Diode or FET splitter will however prevent any return voltage/current from the batteries to the B+, and the alternator will not start. The new Argofet isolators have a special current limited energize input that will power the B+ when the engine run/stop switch is closed.

Intelligent battery monitoring to prevent unwanted switching

Some battery combiners (also called voltage controlled relay, or split charge relay) will disconnect a battery in case of a short but high amperage load. A battery combiner also may fail to connect a large but discharged battery bank because the DC voltage immediately drops below the disengage value once the batteries are connected.
The software of the Cyrix-ct 12/24 does more than simply connect and disconnect based on battery voltage and with a fixed time delay. The Cyrix-ct 12/24 looks at the general trend (voltage increasing or decreasing) and reverses a previous action only if the trend has reversed during a certain period of time. The time delay depends on the voltage deviation from the trend.
(for Battery Combiners with multiple engage/disengage profiles, please see the Cyrix-i 400)

Long bolts to allow connection of more than one power cable

Cyrix 12/24-120: 13 mm (M6) Cyrix 12/24-230: 16 mm (M8)

Protection against overheating (due to a long duration overload e.g.)

The Cyrix will disengage in case of excessive contact temperature, and reengage again after it has cooled down.

LED status indication (Cyrix 12/24 230 only)
LED on: engaged LED 10 s flash: disengaged
LED 2 s flash: connecting LED 2 s blink: disconnecting
LED 0,25 s blink: alarm (over temperature; voltage > 16 V; both batteries < 10 V; one battery < 2 V)
(multiply by two for 24 V)

12/24 V auto ranging

The Cyrix-ct 12/24 automatically detects system voltage.

No voltage loss

Cyrix battery combiners are an excellent replacement for diode isolators. The main feature is that there is virtually no voltage loss so that the output voltage of alternators or battery chargers does not need to be increased.

Prioritising the starter battery

In a typical setup the alternator is directly connected to the starter battery. The accessory battery, and possibly also a bow thruster and other batteries are each connected to the starter battery with Cyrix battery combiners. When a Cyrix senses that the starter battery has reached the connect voltage it will engage, to allow for parallel charging of the other batteries.

Bidirectional voltage sensing and power supply from both batteries

The Cyrix senses the voltage of both connected batteries. It will therefore also engage if for example the accessory battery is being charged by a battery charger.
The Cyrix-ct 12/24 has a dual power supply. It will therefore also close if the voltage on one battery is too low to operate the Cyrix.
In order to prevent unexpected operation during installation or when one battery has been disconnected, the Cyrix-ct 12/24 will not close if the voltage on one of the two battery connections is lower than 2 V (12 V battery) or 4 V (24 V battery).

Parallel connection in case of emergency (Start Assist)

The Cyrix can also be engaged with a push button (Cyrix remains engaged during 30 seconds) or a switch to connect batteries in parallel manually. This is especially useful in case of emergency when the starter battery is discharged or damaged.

he ET112 (for single phase max. 100A) and the ET340 (for three phase max. 65A) Energy Meters are typically used in an Energy Storage System.

The EM24 is for 3 phase monitoring only.

To measure the power and energy of the whole application at the distribution box. Or to measure the output of a PV Inverter, to display the data on the Color Control GX and the VRM Portal.