AIMS Power CON120AC36/48VDC

Questions and Answers

J
jdoyleAug 5, 2025
What to do if my AIMS Power CON120AC36/48VDC is completely dead with no display?
- A
  alejandro92Aug 5, 2025
  If the AIMS Power Media Converter is completely dead and has no display, it could be due to no battery power or the battery voltage being too low. The battery might be disconnected, over discharged, or connected in reverse, with no display polarity. Also, the battery voltage must be at least 10V for the unit to operate.
C
Chad MartinezAug 12, 2025
Why is the red LED blinking on my AIMS Power Media Converter?
- N
  Nicole GibbsAug 12, 2025
  If the red LED is blinking every 2 seconds on your AIMS Power Media Converter, it indicates that the charger is operating over temperature. The DC-DC heat sink should operate below 105°C.
Y
Yvette FieldsAug 19, 2025
What does it mean if the green, yellow, and red LEDs are blinking together on my AIMS Power CON120AC36/48VDC?
- M
  Michael WrightAug 20, 2025
  If the green, yellow, and red LEDs on your AIMS Power Media Converter are blinking together every 0.5 seconds, it indicates a mode select fault. For 36V, adjust the battery voltage lower than 45V. For 48V, adjust the battery voltage higher than 60V.
K
Kathleen Proctor MDAug 27, 2025
What to do if red LED is blinking and other LEDs are off on AIMS Power CON120AC36/48VDC?
- M
  Michael HamptonAug 27, 2025
  If the red LED is blinking every 0.5 seconds and the other LEDs are off on your AIMS Power Media Converter, it indicates a fan fault. Check the fan in the charger.

Summary

Introduction

Important Safety Instructions

Safety guidelines and precautions before installation and operation.

General Description

Features

Lists the key functionalities and advantages of the unit.

Installation and Operation

Front Panel Description

Details the components and functions of the unit's front panel.

Rear Panel Description

Explains the components and indicators on the rear panel.

Battery Type Select

Configures the charger for different battery chemistries and voltages.

Charge Current Control

Allows adjustment of the charging current output.

DC Output Battery Connection

Details how to connect batteries to the unit for charging.

AC Input Connection

Explains how to connect the AC power source to the unit.

Parallel Connection

Describes how to connect multiple units in parallel for increased output.

Specifications

Input Specifications

Details input voltage, frequency, and current ratings.

Output Specifications

Details output voltage, current, and load regulation.

Protection Features

Outlines the safety and protection mechanisms of the unit.

Environmental Specifications

Lists operating temperature, humidity, and noise levels.

Mechanical Specifications

Details the unit's dimensions, weight, and safety certifications.

Summary

Introduction

Important Safety Instructions

Safety guidelines and precautions before installation and operation.

General Description

Features

Lists the key functionalities and advantages of the unit.

Installation and Operation

Front Panel Description

Details the components and functions of the unit's front panel.

Rear Panel Description

Explains the components and indicators on the rear panel.

Battery Type Select

Configures the charger for different battery chemistries and voltages.

Charge Current Control

Allows adjustment of the charging current output.

DC Output Battery Connection

Details how to connect batteries to the unit for charging.

AC Input Connection

Explains how to connect the AC power source to the unit.

Parallel Connection

Describes how to connect multiple units in parallel for increased output.

Specifications

Input Specifications

Details input voltage, frequency, and current ratings.

Output Specifications

Details output voltage, current, and load regulation.

Protection Features

Outlines the safety and protection mechanisms of the unit.

Environmental Specifications

Lists operating temperature, humidity, and noise levels.

Mechanical Specifications

Details the unit's dimensions, weight, and safety certifications.

The AIMS Power CON120AC36/48VDC is an AC Converter and Battery Charger designed for recharging various battery types. It provides reliable power and is suitable for applications requiring diverse charging methods, including use with generators and shore power.

Function Description

This unit converts AC power to DC power to charge batteries. It features a selectable 36Vdc or 48Vdc output, making it versatile for different battery systems. The charging process is managed by a three-stage variable charging voltage algorithm (Bulk, Absorb, and Float) to maximize battery lifetime. It also includes an adjustable charge current control setting, allowing users to safely charge batteries based on their capacity and prevent overcharging.

Important Technical Specifications

Input:

Input Voltage: 96-145VAC for full performance; 70-96VAC automatically derates to 50% of full load current. The unit is safe for input voltages up to 150VacRMS (and up to 215Vpeak) and will not be damaged for input voltages from 0-300Vac.
Frequency: 40Hz to 70Hz.
Nominal Input Current at Rated Output: <9Aac.
Voltage Measurement Accuracy: ±8Vac.
Frequency Measurement Accuracy: ±1Hz.

Output:

Nominal Voltage: 36/48Vdc, manually adjustable via a dial switch (SW3).
Output Current (96-145V input): 25A for 36V mode; 18.75A for 48V mode.
Output Current (70-96V input): 12.5A for 36V mode; 9.375A for 48V mode.
Rated Output Current: Manual adjustable.
Current Accuracy: ±6% of full rated output current @25°C, across the range from 10% rated output to the current limit set point.
Load Regulation: 1.5%.
Selectable Battery Type: Open Lead-Acid, Gel, AGM, LiFePo4 (charging voltages are specified in a table).
Parallel Outputs: Maximum of two AC converter units can be connected in parallel for increased charge current.
Efficiency: 80%.

Protection:

Input Over/Under Voltage: The unit will shut down or limit input current when voltage is out of normal operating range.
Reverse Battery Polarity Protection: Non-destructive protection with fuses. The unit will not sustain damage and will meet all specifications after fuse replacement.
Output Over Voltage (OVP): The unit will shut down if Vcharging exceeds target voltage by 1.0Vdc/1.5Vdc/2.0Vdc/2.5Vdc for more than 2 seconds. It will restart when voltage is <= Vcharging (target) for more than 2 seconds.
Charger Over Temperature Protection: The unit will shut down if internal temperatures exceed 105°C and restart when the environment temperature cools to 95°C.

Environmental:

Nominal Ambient Temperature: 25°C.
Operating Ambient Temperature Range: -10°C to 40°C. If the temperature on the DC-DC heat sink exceeds 90°C, the Charger Current will derate to 50%. If it exceeds 105°C, the unit will shut down.
Relative Humidity: 5-95% without condensation.
Noise: Below 50dB (A) measured at a 3-foot distance with fan running.
Storage Conditions Temperature: -20°C to +80°C.

Mechanical:

Dimension (D x W x H): 10.25" x 6.75" x 3.25".
Unit Weight: 6.5 lb.
Gross Weight: 7 lb.
Safety: UL458, CSA 22.2#107.1.

Usage Features

Wide Input Voltage Range: The unit accepts 70Vac to 145Vac, accommodating unstable input sources like generators.
High Efficiency: Designed for high AC to DC converting efficiency (over 80%).
Smart Fan Control: Maximizes performance and extends fan life by adjusting speed based on heat sink temperature and charger current. The fan is OFF below 50°C, 50% speed between 50°C and 60°C, and 100% speed above 60°C. For charger current, the fan is OFF below 15%, 50% speed between 15% and 25%, and 100% speed above 25%.
Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) Port: An optional BTS can be connected to ensure proper charging based on battery temperature, preventing overcharging in warm conditions and undercharging in cold conditions, thereby extending battery life. When battery temperature is over 40°C, the unit reduces charging voltage to Float voltage and reduces max charging current by 10% for every two degrees of temperature rise. It shuts down if the battery temperature exceeds 50°C.
LED Indicators: Green, yellow, and red LEDs on the rear panel provide status indications for various conditions like mode select fault, output voltage, fan fault, over temperature, over/under voltage/frequency, and charging stages (constant current/voltage, float stage).
Battery Voltage Switch (SW3): A dial switch on the front panel allows selection between 36V and 48V output modes. This must be adjusted when the unit is off.
Battery Type Select Switches (SW1, SW2): Two switches on the rear panel allow selection of battery type (Open Lead Acid, Gel, AGM, LiFePo4) to set appropriate charging voltages. These must be adjusted when the unit is off.
Charge Current Control Dial: A dial on the rear panel allows adjustment of the charge current from 20% to 100% of the total current rating.
Parallel Connection: Up to two units can be connected in parallel to increase the total charge current.
Battery Connection: Supports single battery connection (battery voltage must equal unit's nominal input voltage), series battery connection (all batteries must equal in voltage and amp hour capacity, sum of voltages must equal unit's nominal input voltage), and parallel battery connection (each battery's voltage must equal unit's nominal input voltage).

Maintenance Features

Safety Instructions: Emphasizes important safety precautions, including working with lead-acid batteries, preventing explosions, and proper ventilation.
Qualified Service: Installation and service should be performed by a qualified service technician.
No User Serviceable Parts: The unit should not be opened by users.
Troubleshooting Guide: A table is provided to help diagnose common issues based on symptoms (e.g., no display, LED blinking patterns) and suggests probable causes and corrective actions.
Fuse Replacement: The reverse battery polarity protection is non-destructive and allows for fuse replacement to restore full functionality after a polarity event.
Anti-Oxidant Paste: Recommended for battery terminal connections after torquing to prevent arcing and overheating.