35 years ago the common way to charge a second battery was blocking diodes. Then as to-day the diode volt drop problem was the main stumbling block. It was against this background that we developed, and patented a new system, this was marketed by Astrali as the Apollo energy pack. Following  on we set out to develop the next generation, and 1977 saw the first Kdd product. The Maxcharge 5.10, providing charge from both car and mains.

With the improvement in alternators, and there extended fitment to marine engines, 1982 saw the Powercentre P4000. This was a programmed relay driven split charge system for two battery banks, requiring no mod’s to the engine charging system. It also included LED battery condition display, bi-direction charge, and power-lockout at low service battery voltage to isolate non critical loads. The P5000,  ( 2 engines and 3 battery banks ), and updated P4000 units appeared in 1984. These units had the same functions as there predecessors, but also interfaced with the multi stage mains battery charger we produced. Over the next 10 years, many 1,000’s were made as an integral part of Powercentre switch panels. Not till late 1990’s did a new system come out, with a modified monitoring and output section. These units featured integral relays, and control circuits in one housing.

In 2003 the range was increased, to include

• units supplied pre-wired on stainless steel mounting plate
• suitable for 1 or 2 engines
• independent programmed charge for up to 4 battery banks
• switching voltages user adjustable
• high power relays, 100 and 200 amp continuous rating
• one touch link start, allow linking of engine batteries for 90 seconds
• reserve power supply, splits of part of main bank at a low voltage
• power lock-out, locks out high power equipment at low voltage, option also included
• integral remote reset circuit breaker for electronics and relay coil feeds
• optional remote display, volts, amps, digital / bar-graph for all batteries