Ford

Review of chargers for car batteries of the Kedr series. Charger "Cedar": description, instructions Cedar auto 4a does not work

The service life of the battery - the source of life of the car - ranges from 5 to 7 years. It all depends on the operating conditions. However, you can increase the battery life if you periodically recharge it and carry out special training. For these purposes, the Kedr charger was developed - one of the best in the entire Russian automotive market.

The operation of any battery is based on anode-cathode reactions that occur between lead cells and a sulfuric acid solution. As a result of the reduction of lead dioxide at the cathode, we obtain an electric current. However, over time, the course of the reactions weakens. It is then that it is necessary to connect “rectifiers” that restore the original elements.

Series of chargers "Cedar"

The main purpose of the Kedr series of domestic devices is to charge the battery and restore its functionality, lost due to the formation of lead sulfates and oxidation of the electrodes. In addition, the Kedr charger can be used to “train” the battery in order to improve its technical characteristics and extend its service life.

Externally, the devices in the series are a black plastic parallelepiped of fairly large mass. There is a control panel on the front side. The device has a cable for connecting to the AC mains, two clamps that are connected directly to the battery terminals. The device is configured for charging automatically.

The series of devices includes pre-starting devices that are used to start the engine of a car with a severely discharged battery (“Kedr-mini”). The range also includes universal units that perform both functions (charger “Kedr-auto-10”).

Control Panel

Before starting the device, you must familiarize yourself with the rules of its operation. Neglecting this simple rule can cause electric shock and even death.

The most important thing is to study the control panel of the device before connecting it to the battery. In the vast majority of cases, it includes:

Switch for controlling automatic “Charge/Recharge” modes.
Fuse holder, in other words - fuse connector.
Toggle switch for automatic modes “Continuous/Cyclic”.
Ammeter and LED battery full charge indicator.

In the back wall of the device there is a small compartment containing the cords necessary to connect the Kedr charger to the power supply and the battery.

Differences between devices and other chargers

The Kedr family of devices is loved by domestic car enthusiasts for their ease of use.

The device recharges or restores the functionality of the battery thanks to the automatic functions built into its control board:

Cyclic operation - provides partial restoration of the redox abilities of the electrodes during sulfation of elements.
Battery recharging - brings a constant charge to full capacity.
Battery shutdown mode after full charge.

The device is also equipped with automatic protection against short circuits resulting from accidental contact of the output terminals or incorrect connection of the battery. When triggered, the protection system simply stops supplying electric current, thereby protecting both the Kedr charger itself and the battery.

Before charging

Before you start charging, you need to make sure that your battery needs recharging and is in good condition. To do this, you need to measure the voltage at the terminals. In winter, the maximum permissible discharge level is no more than 25% of the nominal value, and in summer - no more than 50%. If the voltmeter shows lower values, then the battery needs charging.

Standard car batteries have a nominal voltage of 12 Volts. Only in this case, the “Cedar” charger (instructions below) can charge the battery. Also read the battery data sheet to make sure this is true. Remember that in order to charge, the voltage in the charger must be higher than the battery voltage. Otherwise, nothing will work.

User manual

The instructions state that to charge the battery you must do the following:

Remove the cords from the cavity on the back wall, carefully stretch them on the floor, making sure that the clamps do not touch.
Connect the device to an alternating current source of 220 Volts.
Switch the toggle switches to the “Charge” and “Continuous” positions.
Observing polarity, attach the clamps to the battery terminals.

After this, charging of the battery will begin. As soon as the electrical capacity is completely restored, the Kedr charger will notify you of this with a red “End of charge” indicator. After this, the battery is ready for use.

Restoring functionality

A decrease in battery capacity occurs as a result of partial sulfation of the plates - the formation of sulfates on the electrodes. In this case, it is possible to increase the performance and durability of the battery. To do this you need:

Connect the device clamps to the terminals.
Move the toggle switch to the “Cyclic” position.
Connect a 12V or 6V light bulb to the battery.

Restoration of functionality occurs according to the following scheme: the Kedr charger charges the battery for 45 seconds, and then turns off, and the lamp comes into operation, which discharges the battery within 15 seconds. This cyclic charging/discharging increases the life and performance of the battery.

Every car enthusiast should have a car in their arsenal. Operating a vehicle without this device can become significantly more complicated. A car charger may be most useful in the winter, when the battery has to be charged much more often. When the battery is completely discharged, you will have to “light up” the car, which is not always convenient, and in some cases may require additional expenses due to a visit to a service station. It is much easier to charge the battery at home. One of the most popular brands of car chargers is “Kedr” - devices of this brand are purchased by many vehicle owners.

Model range of chargers: "Kedr-M"

The Kedr-Auto charger is intended for recharging car batteries. Such equipment is mainly used to restore the functionality of batteries that have lost it due to sulfation reactions and oxidation of the electrodes. In addition, you can also increase the service life using the Kedr-Auto Mini charger by training the charge-discharge cycle.

Device functions

Automatically stops battery charging.
Cyclic charge-discharge operating mode, the action of which is aimed at restoring the battery capacity as a result of the sulfation reaction of the plates.
Protection system against short circuits and incorrectly connected terminals.
The provided recharging mode allows you to reach the full capacity of the battery.

Preparing for work

On the back of the charger there is a special compartment in which cords with clips and a network cable are hidden.

The voltage of the Kedr-Auto 4A charger can harm human health or cause death. The device must be turned off before starting restoration and repair work and changing the fuse. Installing homemade fuses and blocking the ventilation holes of the case is strictly prohibited. In addition, do not charge the battery near heating devices.

Before starting work, remove the cords with terminals from the rear compartment of the device. The first lever of the device is switched to charge mode, the second – to cyclic or continuous mode.

How to use Kedr-Auto 4A?

Continuous mode is used when the battery needs to be fully charged.

The cyclic mode is used when molding or desulfating electrodes. In this mode, a 6-watt, 12-volt light bulb is connected to the terminals.

Then the terminals are connected to the current terminals, observing polarity.

The Kedr charger has a protection mode against incorrect connection and short circuits. The instructions for the Kedr-Auto 4A charger indicate that its operation is only possible if a battery with a minimum voltage of 10 volts is connected to the terminals. If you try to restore the charge of a completely discharged battery, the device will switch on protective mode.

Switching operating modes can be carried out without disconnecting the charger from the network. According to reviews on Kedr-Auto, the current strength at the beginning of the charging process is 4 A, followed by a gradual decrease. The charger automatically turns off after the battery is fully charged, which is indicated by a special LED. After this, you can put the charger into recharging mode.

Charging the battery in cyclic mode lasts 45 seconds, after which a special light turns on. This mode does not have automatic shutdown, so it is advisable to control the entire process.

"Kedr-Auto 4A" and "Kedr-Auto 12B"

Both models are used for battery recovery, charging and charge-discharge training cycles.

On the back wall of the devices there are power wires and connections to the battery. There is no special compartment for placing wires in these models. The instructions for the Kedr-Auto 4A and Kedr-Auto 12V chargers describe in detail the operating rules and procedure for use.

The Kedr-Auto 12V charger has the following technical characteristics:

The nominal value of the batteries charged using the device is 12 V.
Supply voltage - 220 V.
Maximum power consumption - 85 A.
Current strength - up to 4 A.

Charger "Kedr-Auto 10"

This model is an improved version of the previous charger - “Kedr-Auto 4A”, which was created in 2008. The device is used to charge a 12-volt battery.

Distinctive features of Kedr-Auto 10

Improved protection against short circuits, overloads and incorrect terminal connections.
Using only high-quality and modern components.
Pre-start mode, in which the battery is charged with a current of 10 amperes. After this, the charger automatically switches to the battery charging mode with a current of 4 amperes.
The main charging stage is replaced by a recharging mode with a current of 0.5 amperes. This mode allows you to avoid overcharging and restore the battery to full charge.
can be produced in a cycle.
The rated current in automatic charging mode is 4 A.
Light weight of the charger - only 600 grams.
Manufacturer's warranty - 1 year.
If you follow the instructions for the Kedr-Auto 4A and Kedr-Auto 10 chargers, the service life is 5 years.

Main characteristics of Kedr-Auto 10

Relatively small dimensions - 185 x 130 x 90 millimeters.
Pre-start mode, the current in which is 10 amperes.
Rated current is 4 amperes.
The power consumption of the device is 250 Watt.
The charger allows for a maximum rating of 12 volts.
The charger operates from a standard 220 V network.

The battery charging time varies depending on its capacity and degree of discharge. The microprocessor built into the charger controls charging and pre-start mode. All modes are turned on and the device is activated after the device is switched to automatic mode. First, an increased charging current is supplied, after which its strength is reduced to the nominal value, which allows you to significantly speed up the battery charging process.

Operation process of "Kedr-Auto 4A"

The instructions for the Kedr-Auto 4A charger describe in detail the process of using the device and charging the battery. It is impossible to disable the memory, since the protection system protects it from damage even if the terminals were initially connected incorrectly.

Auto mode

Restoring a full battery charge is carried out as follows:

The charger terminals are connected with correct polarity.
The “Automatic” charging mode is turned on.
The plug is connected to the 220 V network.
The charging process will be interrupted by the device automatically after reaching the maximum charge level, which will be notified by the blinking indicator.

Cyclic mode

In the cycle, the battery is charged to full capacity as follows:

A 12-volt car light bulb is connected to the battery terminals. It is advisable to select a light bulb whose power is 6 watts.
The terminals are connected with correct polarity.
The corresponding button starts the “Cycle” mode. In this mode, the charge indicator lights up constantly.
The charger is connected to the power supply. This mode does not imply automatic shutdown; accordingly, the discharge and charge cycle can be repeated endlessly. For this reason, the user must independently monitor the battery charge.

Before the actual process of charging the battery, the plugs are removed from the cans. After completion of charging or restoration, the terminals are disconnected only after the charger is disconnected from the 220 V network.

ZU "Kedr": user reviews

Most reviews left for Kedr chargers are positive. The most popular model of the device is “Kedr-Auto 4A”. Somewhat less often you can find reviews of the Kedr-Auto 10 model.

Among the advantages of the charger, car enthusiasts include simplicity and ease of operation, the low price of “Kedr-Auto” (about 1500-2500 rubles) and a long service life. Users often note that the charger can last ten years or more without any complaints. For many users, one of the main benefits is the cycling mode, as it allows you to desulfate and bring old batteries back to life. Car enthusiasts often note that with the help of this mode it was possible to restore the functionality of batteries that had been completely discharged for a long time. Of course, it is impossible to completely restore the battery capacity, but a positive effect can be achieved.

However, you may encounter negative reviews. Some owners of Kedr-Auto chargers note that the battery does not charge in automatic mode. If the battery capacity exceeds 60 Ah, then charging it takes a very long time due to the 4 ampere limit. The same batteries, the capacity of which exceeds 70 Ah, are not fully charged. Users also noted that Kedr-Auto chargers do not charge batteries whose charge has dropped below 10 volts.

Despite all the negative reviews and existing shortcomings, Kedr-Auto chargers are one of the best and most popular on the automotive market. The devices allow you to quickly charge batteries, have a long service life and wide functionality, and are significantly ahead of their competitors from other brands.

The Kedr AUTO 4A charger is intended for charging and restoring the performance of 12-volt acid lead batteries, partially lost as a result of sulfation and oxidation of the electrodes, as well as training them through charge-discharge cycles in order to increase their resource, service life and storage.

The Kedr AUTO 4A device provides automatic shutdown when charging is complete in the “AUTOMATIC” mode. The device is equipped with a dial indicator (ammeter) and a light indicator, which: when the “AUTOMATIC” mode is turned on, does not light up; when the charge is complete in the “AUTOMATIC” mode - flashes; When the “CYCLE” mode is turned on, it glows evenly.

The KEDR-AUTO device provides an accelerated charging mode for a completely discharged (up to 10 V) battery at a compromise initial current value of 3 - 4 A. Moreover, after 1 - 2 hours (depending on the degree of battery discharge and network voltage), the value of the charging current decreases to a value of about 2 A and continues to decrease towards the end of the charge to 1 A or less. This mode eliminates significant heating of the battery during charging and reduces the charging time of a completely discharged battery to 3 - 6 hours.

Before you start using the device, you must study the rules for the care and use of rechargeable batteries.

General characteristics of the device
Model	Kedr-Auto 4A
Rated supply voltage, V	220
Network frequency, Hz	50
Rated voltage of the battery being charged, V	12
Charging current, A (max.)	4 A
Rated power consumption, W	85
Relative air humidity, no more	98% at 25°C
Atmospheric pressure, kPa	from 84 to 106
Dimensions	185x130x90
Equipment
Product	1 PC.
Passport	1 PC.
Instructions	1 PC.
Package	1 PC.
Suitable for batteries
Type of battery being charged
Chargeable battery capacity	30 - 75 A/h

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

ATTENTION! Before working with the Kedr-auto charger, you must carefully study these operating instructions.

Be careful! The charger contains dangerous voltage.
Before replacing the fuse or carrying out repairs, disconnect the charger from the mains.
Do not use a homemade fuse; this may damage the device.
Do not charge batteries near stoves or radiators (at a distance of less than 1 meter).
The ventilation openings in the device casing must not be covered.

Prohibited:
- disassemble the device body and operate the charger with the top cover removed;
- operate the charger if the power cord is damaged;
- operate in conditions of high humidity, as well as in aggressive environments;
- operate the device near sources of open fire or other sources of thermal radiation;
- operate the charger with the ventilation holes closed. The battery charging process should be carried out in a well-ventilated area.

Preparation for work and work procedure

Before you start using the device, you must study the rules for the care and use of rechargeable batteries.
Open the cover on the back of the charger and remove the cords. Set the automatic switch to the “CHARGE” position.
The charge mode toggle switch “CONTINUOUS-CYCLIC” allows you to select battery charging modes.
If it is necessary to charge the battery, switch the charge mode toggle switch to the “CONTINUOUS” position.
If it is necessary to form or desulfate the plates, when the battery capacity decreases, switch the charge mode selection toggle switch to “CYCLIC”. Connect a load (12V 6 W light bulb) to the battery terminals.
Connect, observing polarity, the cord using clamps to the battery.
Electronic protection of the Kedr-M device from short circuits and incorrect polarity connections is designed in such a way that a charging current appears at the output only if a voltage source (battery) with a voltage of at least 10V is connected to the output terminals.
The light bulb connected to the terminals of the charger will not light up, since it is not a voltage source.

Operation in battery charging mode.

Switching between the operating modes of the device “CONTINUOUS-CYCLIC” and “CHARGE-RECHARGE” can be done while charging the battery without disconnecting it from the network.
Connect the 220 V power cord plug, and the process of charging the battery begins, as evidenced by the ammeter readings.
The charging current of a completely discharged battery at the beginning of charging can be 4 A or more; further in the charging process the current will decrease.
When the battery reaches full charge, the charger automatically turns off, as indicated by the glow of the “END OF CHARGE” LED.
Switch the automatic switch on in the “RECHARGE” mode and continue charging the battery. The battery is considered fully charged if the electrolyte density does not change for two hours during charging.
In cyclic charging mode, after every 45 seconds of charging, the battery is discharged for 15 seconds through a load (light bulb) connected to the battery.
In the “CYCLIC” or “RECHARGE” position, the automation is turned off.

Possible malfunctions and methods for eliminating them

Despite the fact that the charger is simple and reliable to use, in practice there are cases when consumers, due to improper use, cannot obtain the required charging current and mistakenly consider this to be a malfunction of the charger. These errors are summarized in the table.

Name of faults, external manifestation and additional symptoms	Probable Cause	Elimination method	Note
1. When connecting the charger to the battery, there is no charging current reading	1. The fuse has blown. 2. Poor contact between the output terminals “+” and “-” and the terminals of the battery. 3. The polarity is reversed when connecting the Charger-A to the AB terminals. 4. The output terminals “+” and “-” are connected to each other. 5. Short circuit in the battery or it is over-discharged (voltage on it is less than 4 V)	1. Replace the fuse. 2. Check the condition of the terminals. If necessary, clean them. 3. Check that the device and battery are connected correctly. 4. Open the clamps. 5*. Check the device and battery.	* In case of other faults, the memory must be repaired.
2. When connecting the charger to the battery, the ammeter needle shows more than 5 A.	1. The battery is faulty (one bank is short-circuited). 2. The mains voltage is significantly higher than normal.	1. Disconnect the device, eliminate the battery or network fault.	* If the charger is working properly, the fault must be looked for in the battery being charged
3. The charger has turned off, but the battery is significantly undercharged.	1. Malfunction of the battery (sulfation of plates, density does not correspond to the norm, contamination, etc.)	1. Charge in the “Cyclic”, “Recharge” mode.	Test the charger with a known good battery.

Modern minds and the latest technologies provide consumers with a huge range of devices that make life easier for users. The variety of technical assistants is constantly growing. Peripherals aimed at spending your time comfortably are also growing. There is an increasing need for more and more battery-powered devices, which make the use of electrical appliances more versatile.

How to use the Kedr charger? The type of charging equipment is thought out to the smallest detail, which makes it easier to use due to its versatility. "Cedar" is designed to charge 12-volt lead-acid batteries. The time it takes to charge depends entirely on how low the battery is. For desulfation (battery restoration), the “Cycle” mode is provided.

The operating capacity of this device is from 14 to 190 Ah. Ease of use extends the battery life. The principle is that the built-in board absolutely automatically looks for a rational option. And power wires are practically reduced to nothing. The silent operation of the Kedr charger, the compact dimensions of the device, light weight and the absence of gas and spark formation have a positive effect on the impression of its operation.

A number of features aimed at explaining how to use the Kedr charger. Thanks to the unique developments of Russian scientists, the Kedr charger has quite a few of the listed abilities. The peculiarity of the charger allows you to achieve maximum performance and the smallest deviation in current and voltage in the device.

If, while the charger is operating, the light suddenly goes out and the voltage drop does not exceed 100 volts, then charging will continue, thanks to the device’s memory device. The entire operation of the charger is controlled by a microprocess. After finishing the charging mode, the charger automatically switches to recharging mode.

In order to use this device, you must connect the terminals of the charger you are using to the terminals of the battery that requires charging, and the polarity must be strictly observed. If the polarity is not observed, the indicators will not blink. When you subsequently connect the power cord plug directly to a network with a voltage of approximately 220 V, the “Automatic” indicator should light up.

The charging process begins when the current indicator needle deviates from the current charge division of more than 4 A. When the device is plugged in, the battery is automatically charged. When charging is complete, the device in the “Automatic” mode will switch to a mode that uses recharging using low current. In this case, the “Automatic” indicator stops blinking. In order to carry out disulfation (recovery of the battery), use the “Cycle” mode.

When operating in this mode, it is necessary to connect a load with a current consumption of about 0.5 - 1 A to the battery terminals, for example, you can use a car light bulb, the power of which is about 6 - 12 V. When you press the "Cycle" button, the cycle will be carried out for 45 seconds. battery charge, and the indicator needle will fluctuate within 4 A. After the charging cycle is completed, the battery is discharged within 15 seconds.