Charging the ToughPower (TP-1000DUAL)
The ToughPower is designed to be user friendly, and provide you with the convenience and functionality you need. This all-in-one solution eliminates the need for any bulky power packs or external chargers - it includes everything!
And a quick tip - in all charging configurations, you can see real time information (charging and usage) & monitor the charging status from the ToughPower's LCD screen!
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Multi-input charging
Mains charging
Solar charging
Vehicle charging
Charging via Multiple Inputs
How does it work?
All the various charging controllers are connected and integrated inside the lid, therefore the ToughPower can accept charging current and provide output power - at the same time!
All charging input sources are controlled and managed by the internal microprocessor. Whether it be Solar, Car, Mains, External or the BULK charge from your Car Alternator the ToughPower identifies, measures and monitors the charging Current & Voltage and displays this information on the LCD screen.
You can mix & match or permanently attach all your charging inputs and output devices however you want - the system manages the lot!
What does that mean for you?
One benefit is easily being able to have a Solar Panel + Dual-Battery setup. The ToughPower
is able to automatically switch from Car Alternator Bulk charging to SOLAR charging when the car is turned off, then back to the Alternator Bulk charging when the Car is turned back on!
Charging via Mains
When charging via Mains input, simply attach the provided 'kettle' cord to your standard household power-point and to the ToughPower's Mains Input and turn the Master ON/OFF switch ON. The LCD screen will display "MAINS" to indicate that the 10Amp Mains Charger is operational and charging the battery.
Charging via solar
The ToughPower's integrated MPPT Controller accepts charge via any 12V nominal REGULATED or UNREGULATED Solar Panel. Attach the provided Accessory Cable to the ToughPower and to your Solar Panel, then turn the Master ON/OFF Switch ON. The LCD screen will display "SOLAR" to indicate the Solar Panels are connected and providing charging current.
Charging via Vehicle / dual battery setup
The following set-up provides for a Dual Battery configuration - Direct BULK Charging (from the car Alternator) & DC-DC Charging.
Step 1: Attach the provided Accessory Cable to your car CIG Socket and to the ToughPower.
Step 2: Attach an AWG6 cable from your car's main battery to the ToughPower's LHS Anderson Socket. We recommend you include a 100A fuse as close to the vehicle battery (AWG6 cable and fuse not supplied).
Step 3: Make sure the ToughPower is turned on and the internal electronics will do the rest!
How does it work? When configured as above... when the vehicle starts, the ToughPower's electronics sense that the car is running through the Car CIG Socket connection. If a steady >8 Amps is provided through this cable, it indicates that the ToughPower's battery is in BULK charging stage. At this time the ToughPower's electronics will open an internal Relay to the cable that is attached directly to the Car battery. This allows the ToughPower to BULK charge directly from the Car Alternator! At the end of the BULK charging stage, the ToughPower automatically switches the internal Relay and activates the internal 10A DC-DC Charger to finish off the final charging stages (Absorption and Float). Note: For Lithium battery configuration there is no float stage.
Alternatively, you can charge the ToughPower just from the Car CIG Socket. To do this, attach the provided Accessory Cable to your Car CIG Socket and to the ToughPower, then turn the ToughPower and the Car on. The internal 10A DC-DC Charger will regulate the current ensuring that no more then 10 Amps is drawn to charge the battery. 
Simple. Integrated. Reliable.
More Information
To view more in depth information, click a link below or view the brochure.
Charging Outlets LCD Screen Safety FAQs ToughPower