REDARC Manager Alpha100 BMS12100-EU battery management system12V 100A AC, DC and solar battery management system with display, EU plug

Overview

The BMS12100-EU is the 100A, 1600W Manager Alpha100 with an EU Type E/F mains plug, intended for large 12V lithium or lead-acid banks of 100–1250Ah in caravans and motorhomes with high loads. It combines 1800W of mains charging at 230V AC, up to 110A from a 12V or 24V vehicle and up to 2000W of solar on a 9–48V input, using solar first. The supplied RedVision display and ±500A battery monitor provide state of charge, remaining time and logs, also over Bluetooth.

• 50A, 75A or 100A to a 12V auxiliary battery
• Mains 95–264V AC, vehicle 9–32V, solar 9–48V
• Simultaneous charging with solar priority
• Display, ±500A Smart Battery Monitor and Bluetooth included
• Touring and storage modes, start battery top-up and recovery
• EU versions with Type E/F mains plug

How it works

The Manager Alpha main unit contains a mains charger, a DC-DC charger and an MPPT solar regulator that can work together, up to the rated output of 50A, 75A or 100A. Green Power Priority uses solar first and then adds vehicle or mains power, so less load falls on the alternator. A Smart Battery Monitor on the auxiliary battery negative measures current up to ±500A, voltage and battery temperature, and the system calculates state of charge and remaining time.

In touring mode the Manager monitors the auxiliary battery and detects faults such as short circuit, over-current and over-voltage. Storage mode holds the battery at a long-term level and performs periodic tests, desulphation or equalisation depending on battery type; it switches back to touring when the start battery voltage rises. Spare solar can keep the start battery topped up, and a recovery function recharges a flat start battery from the auxiliary battery.

Key features

Charge profiles cover gel/AGM, calcium, standard lead-acid and heated or standard LiFePO4, with float at 13.3V or 13.6V and temperature compensation. Mains input power at 230V is 950W, 1400W or 1800W depending on the model, with a 10A maximum input current. REDARC recommends battery capacities of 50–625Ah, 75–940Ah and 100–1250Ah. The main unit measures 400×154×120mm and weighs 5.8–6.1kg; its fan can be silenced in night mode, with output reduced if needed.

Installation and compatibility

Main unit, monitor and display are rated for indoor installation in liveable areas only, never in the engine bay, on a dry, flat surface within 2m of cable from the auxiliary battery. Leave at least 10mm at the sides and 40mm at each end of the main unit for airflow. The Manager must be connected to the start battery, not directly to an alternator or generator, and the monitor must be the only connection on the auxiliary battery negative.

Smart alternators need the vehicle ignition input wired to ignition or D+. The DC input trigger can be Auto, 12V, 24V, Ignition or Always On. Solar must be unregulated, with array voltage below 48V at the lowest expected temperature. REDARC advises plugging the supplied mains cable directly into an outlet; if an extension lead is unavoidable, use at least 1.5mm² conductors and keep it short and uncoiled.

Monitoring and settings

The included RedVision display is used for set-up of battery chemistry, capacity, maximum charge current and alarms, and shows inputs, charge stage, state of charge logs over 30 days and solar yield over 7 days. The RedVision app gives the same information over Bluetooth, and the Configurator app is used by installers. Through R-Bus the Manager integrates with TVMS controllers for full RedVision vehicle control.

Questions and answers