STEALTH 1 Advanced Charging

The STEALTH DC is 6.5 * 6.25 * 1.875 (W, L, H), weight is slightly over 3.5lb, weather proof, with LED indication of operation. Its design utilizes the latest technology available. STEALTH DC itself is all solid state, very compact with a robust base, which serves as a heatsink for the semiconductors and The mounting base. The charger is truly “SMART”. The unit is monitoring input and output simultaneously.

In every circuit (12/24/36 VDC) the charger has one common feature. The input of the charger is connected in parallel to the “cranking” battery! When the engine (outboard, inboard) is started, the voltage of the cranking battery drops momentarily down due to the current required for starting. After current rises above13VDC the STEALTH DC steps in. First, it recognizes that there is power available on its input from the engine’s alternator. Simultaneously it is monitoring output (the charge condition of the trolling batteries). If these are under maximum charged level, whatever energy is available from the alternator is transferred to the trolling batteriesuntil they are fully charged. Then the current flow is reduce to a float charge to maintain the trolling batteries “action ready”. A green LED emits from the center of one terminal indicating that power is available to the charger, the red light from the other terminal indicates that there is power available to the output. Neither of the lights indicate, that charger is charging! It is strictly an indication that input / output voltage is present.

(1) Includes STEALTH 1 DC, 20 amp AC power supply and gauge
(2) Includes STEALTH 1 DC, 20 amp AC power supply

The STEALTH DC is versatile in covering a wide area of applications. The double output can be set for 24/36 VDC circuits.

STEALTH DC will charge the following systems.

OPTION 1: Two (2) 12 volt DC batteries, output 20A max. (24VDC trolling system)

OPTION 2: Three (3) 12 volt DC batteries, output 13A max. (36VDC trolling system)

OPTION 3: Two (2) 12 volt DC batteries, output 30A max. (2 independent 12VDC systems with CG*)

OPTION 4: Four (4) 12 volt DC batteries, output 20A max. (2 independent 24VDC systems with CG*) (Specify 12 volt output)

OPTION 5: Six (6) 12 volt DC batteries, output 13A max. (2 independent 36VDC systems with CG*)
* (CG = Common Ground)

For trolling applications 24/36 VDC is possible use “cranking” battery in series with one (1) trolling battery for 24VDC system, with two (2) trolling batteries for 36VDC. However, we strongly advice monitoring device for cranking battery. Due to running of trolling motor, this battery can be depleted under level necessary for starting engine. Also, all devices on the boat, which are in direct contact with water or outboard/inboard engine, MUST be powered from cranking battery. The diagram for this circuit is in section “MANUAL”.
Charger is supplied with all cables, breakers, and mounting hardware necessary for installation in bass boat. All cables are approved for salt water (tinned copper) gauge #10, o-ring terminals on cables (charger side) are gold plated. Terminal nuts on charger are silicon-bronze for better resistance to oxidation.

This article is mainly about trolling systems, because our technical staff is familiar with fishing industry. However, the STEALTH 1 has endless application possibilities on RVs, houseboats, yachts or golf carts utilizing solar energy and/or energy from engine’s alternator. Whenever you need charge quickly, efficiently and safely multiple numbers of batteries, regardless of the system voltage, the STEALTH 1 is the answer. For 12 volt to 12 volt system specify Stealth 12 volt output.

After taking your foot off the trolling control pedal, the trolling batteries have a tendency increase their voltage level just because you removed the load. This phenomenon happens every time regardless how deep the batteries are discharged. We call this occurrence RECOVERY. How high and how fast the voltage will “jump up” depends on the condition of the trolling batteries' internal impedance.

Additional charging current supplied through the STEALTH 1 supports this RECOVERY, and can result in a 20A charging current in a 24VDC trolling system. That's almost 0.5KW of power!

FAQ's

How long do I have to run my outboard engine to keep my trolling batteries charged?

Answer: Everything depends on how the trolling motor is run and the prevailing conditions (wind, current, trolling time, etc.). If your alternator is able deliver 40A to the STEALTH 1, recovery should result in 30 minutes or less. However, when you are trolling hard and continuously for a long time under extreme prevailing conditions, it may take longer for the trolling batteries to recover their full charge.

It's a simple equation - if your resources (engine/alternator) are limited, extreme stress has been applied to the system and available charging time is short, charge recovery will take longer!

If my trolling batteries are discharged, can I overload alternator when I started engine?

Answer: NO. Your cranking battery is the only load your engine's alternator sees. The STEALTH 1 is designed to step in only when your cranking battery is above 13.0VDC. From that point the alternator may deliver full current if the trolling system needs it, but the cranking battery voltage must stay above 13.0VDC for the STEALTH 1 to work. This feature
also preserves sufficient cranking energy for starting the engine.


How big an engine do I need to reach the current limit at input of the STEALTH1?

Answer: The majority of outboard engines in the 150HP to 220HP range have a 40A alternator / generator. 40ADC is the input limit and all the components in the wiring are sized for this current.

Can I install STEALTH 1 together with my current AC system?

Answer: Yes, without any problem. You current system will not interfere with STEALTH 1 and vice versa.

How long it takes install STEALTH 1?

Answer: 15-30 minutes.

What do I get with the STEALTH 1?

Answer: In the box are two small Set Boards used for selecting the desired output, plus all the wiring necessary for installation in your boat. In addition, there are two thermal breakers (40A/20A), and all mounting hardware. Also included is one spare terminal nut 10-32 (Silicon Bronze).

Do I still need my 30lb three bank AC charger?

Answer: No. If at some point you feel your batteries are getting weak, it's possible the engine is not running long enough during the charging cycle, or your alternator isn’t delivering enough current. In that case, the Stealth 20 AMP AC unit or solar panel (temporarily) connected to your cranking battery is the answer. However the Stealth will operate from other AC Chargers as well.

The switch for the STEALTH 1 must be "ON", otherwise the trolling batteries will not be charged.

Where does this charger connect to your ignition system?

Answer: It doesn't. The charger is connected to your cranking battery (input), the output is connected to your trolling batteries.

How does this system differ from Isolators?

Answer: Simply put, there is no comparison. The isolator is a passive device, applying additional resistance to the charging circuit which results in voltage drop and heat. The additional resistance also means that your battery will be never fully recharge. Besides that, one isolator is able to only partially charge one single battery, definitely no multiple number connected in series without some elaborate switching.

Do you offer some kind of readout (voltmeter) for trolling batteries?

Answer: Yes, we stock two types of three digits LCD voltmeter, standard size (DIA 2.125),
a) Range 9 - 33VDC.
b) Range 9 - 40VDC.