Owning a car in the Russian climate often poses the question of preserving the battery capacity in winter. Low temperatures significantly reduce the starting current, and rare trips over short distances do not give the generator the opportunity to fully replenish the energy expended. In such a situation, specialized equipment comes to the rescue, capable of not only returning the charge, but also preventing sulfation of the plates.
One of the most popular solutions on the domestic market is a charger Kedr Auto 4. This device has proven itself as a reliable assistant for owners of passenger cars with an on-board voltage of 12 volts. Its distinctive feature is the automation of the process, which allows it to be used even by those who do not have deep knowledge in the field of electrochemistry.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the functionality of this unit, consider its technical nuances and provide a step-by-step algorithm for safe and efficient battery charging. Understanding of operating principles automatic charger will help extend the life of your battery by several years.
Design features and technical characteristics
The device is made in a durable plastic case that is resistant to mechanical stress and does not conduct electric current, which ensures user safety during operation. Inside there is a transformer power supply, which, despite being somewhat massive compared to switching analogues, is highly reliable and maintainable. The weight of the device is about 0.6 kg, which makes it compact enough to be stored in the luggage compartment of a car.
The key characteristic of the model is the ability to operate in several modes, which expands the scope of its application. The device is capable of operating from a standard household network with a voltage of 220 volts and a frequency of 50 hertz. Power consumption in maximum charging mode is about 120 W, which does not create a critical load on the home electrical network.
The front panel contains indicators indicating the current state of the process. Here you will find a dial ammeter that shows the current in the circuit, and LED indicators that light up when certain charging stages are reached. There are also buttons for switching operating modes, allowing you to select the optimal algorithm for your situation.
It's important to note that Kedr Auto 4 equipped with a reverse polarity and short circuit protection system. If you accidentally mix up the terminals when connecting, the device will not fail, but simply will not start working, protecting the car’s electronics and itself.
- 🔌 Rated network voltage: 220 V ± 10%
- ⚡ Maximum charging current: up to 4 A (automatic reduction)
- 🔋 Batteries serviced: lead-acid 12V
- 🌡️ Operating temperature: from -10°C to +40°C
Internal structure
Inside the case there is a classic transformer, a diode bridge for current rectification and a control board with a thyristor regulator. This scheme ensures a smooth increase in current and resistance to voltage surges in the network.
Charger operating modes
Functionality Kedr Auto 4 is based on four main operating modes, each of which is designed to solve specific problems. Switching between them is carried out by mechanical buttons on the front panel, which eliminates the possibility of accidentally resetting the settings by software.
Mode AUTOMATIC is the main and most commonly used. In this mode, the device independently controls the charging process. At first, the maximum current is supplied (about 2 amperes), and as the capacity increases and the voltage at the terminals increases, the current automatically decreases. When the battery reaches full charge, the device switches to trickle charging mode with low current, compensating for self-discharge.
Mode DESULFATION (or “CYCLE CHARGE”) is designed to recondition heavily sulfated batteries. The principle of operation is to alternate short charge and discharge pulses. This allows you to destroy lead sulfate crystals on the plates, returning their active mass and increasing capacity. The process in this mode takes much longer, but can revive a battery that was considered unusable.
There is also a mode CHARGE, which allows you to force charge the battery with constant current without automatically switching to storage mode. This is useful when you need to quickly juice up the battery before starting the engine. And finally, the mode TRAINING (discharge-charge) is used to conduct control and training cycles that allow one to estimate the actual residual capacity of the battery.
⚠️ Attention: The desulfation and training mode cannot be interrupted arbitrarily. If you have started a recovery cycle, you must wait until it is completely completed, otherwise the effect of the procedure will be minimal or absent altogether.
Step-by-step instructions for charging the battery
The process of charging the battery using Kedr Auto 4 does not require complex preparation, but following the sequence of actions guarantees safety and effectiveness. First of all, it is recommended to remove the battery from the car, especially if you plan to use desulfation or long-term charging modes.
If removal is not possible, make sure that the ignition and all electrical appliances in the vehicle are turned off. Connect the charger clamps to the battery terminals: the red clamp to the positive terminal (+), the black clamp to the negative terminal (-). Only after connecting the terminals, plug the power cord into the outlet. This rule minimizes the risk of sparking.
Select the required operating mode by pressing the appropriate button. The selected mode indicator will light up. The ammeter needle should deflect, indicating the presence of current in the circuit. If the arrow is at zero, check the reliability of the terminal connections or the electrolyte level in the banks.
☑️ Connection algorithm
During charging, monitor the ammeter readings. The current will gradually decrease. When the arrow drops to almost zero and the “CHARGE” indicator goes out (or the end indicator lights up, depending on the modification), the process can be considered complete. Unplug the device, then remove the clamps from the battery.
If, when you connect a completely discharged battery, the ammeter needle does not move, try pressing the “CHARGE” button manually for a few seconds to “swing” the battery, after which the automation will start.
Battery recovery and desulphation
Plate sulfation is a natural aging process of a lead-acid battery in which a deposit of lead sulfate forms on the surface of the electrodes. This plaque conducts current poorly and reduces the useful area of the plates, which leads to a drop in capacity and the inability to deliver a high starting current.
Kedr Auto 4 allows you to combat this phenomenon thanks to the cyclic charge mode. The device delivers short current pulses, alternating them with pauses or discharge pulses. This “shaking” promotes the dissolution of sulfate crystals and the return of sulfuric acid to the electrolyte, increasing its density.
To start the recovery process, connect the battery, select the “DESULFTATION” (or “CYCLIC”) mode. The process can take from several hours to several days, depending on the state of the battery. At this time, the device will periodically click - this is normal, the mode switching relay is working.
| Parameter | Normal condition | With sulfation | After recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrolyte density | 1.27 - 1.29 g/cm³ | Below 1.20 g/cm³ | Returns to normal |
| No load voltage | 12.6 - 12.7 V | Less than 12.0V | Rise to 12.5+ V |
| Start-up behavior | Stable start | Fast discharge | Confident engine start |
| Charge current | Smoothly decreasing | Small or missing | Starts to rise, then falls |
It is worth understanding that recovery maybe not always. If the battery plates are physically destroyed or crumbled, no pulse currents will help. However, in 70% of cases, when the battery is simply “tired” from undercharging, Kedr Auto 4 can significantly prolong her life.
⚠️ Attention: During desulfation mode, the electrolyte may boil and release gas. Be sure to carry out the procedure in a well-ventilated area and away from open flames. Unscrew the caps of the cans before starting the restoration.
Typical faults and methods for their elimination
Despite the simplicity of the design, users may encounter certain problems when operating the device. There is often a situation when the device is plugged in, the indicators are on, but it is not charging. First of all, you need to check the integrity of the fuse, which is usually located on the housing or inside the terminal block.
Another common problem is excessive humming from the transformer and heating of the housing. This may indicate an interturn short circuit in the winding or an overload. If the heating is excessive (impossible to hold your hand), the device should be immediately unplugged.
Users also complain that the ammeter needle “jumps” or shows zero when the battery is connected. This may be a sign of poor contact where the clamps connect to the terminals or oxidation of the wires inside the charger itself. It is recommended to periodically disassemble the housing and tighten the contact groups.
- 🔍 There is no reaction to switching on - check the outlet and the integrity of the power cord.
- 📉 The charge current does not drop completely - the mode switching relay may be faulty.
- 🔥 Strong heating - check the load and operation of the fan (if any).
Most Kedr Auto 4 malfunctions are associated with poor contact or oxidation of the terminals, so regular maintenance of connections is more important than complex repairs.
Comparison with analogues and final recommendations
Against the background of modern pulse chargers Kedr Auto 4 looks conservative. It is heavier, bulkier and does not have a digital display. However, its main advantage is its “omnivorousness” and the ability to work with heavily discharged batteries, which the smart electronics of more expensive models can identify as faulty and refuse to charge.
The transformer circuit provides a stable current without high-frequency interference, which has a beneficial effect on the car's electronics when charging without removing the terminals. In addition, the price Kedr Auto 4 remains one of the most affordable on the market, making it an excellent choice for garage use and seasonal maintenance.
If you need a simple, reliable device for maintaining your battery in good shape and occasionally restoring it, this model will be the best choice. It does not require setting complex parameters and works on the “plug and forget” principle in automatic mode.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use this charger to charge lithium-ion or gel batteries unless the instructions for them clearly indicate the possibility of charging with classic lead chargers with a voltage of 14.4V. This may cause the battery to swell or catch fire.
In conclusion, Kedr Auto 4 is a time-tested “workhorse” for the Russian car enthusiast. With care and proper use, it can provide years of reliable starting of your car's engine in any weather.
Where can I buy the original?
It is best to buy a device in specialized auto stores or from official dealers of the Orion brand. In the markets there is a high probability of encountering a fake with reduced transformer characteristics.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to leave Kedr Auto 4 connected overnight?
Yes, in the AUTOMATIC mode it is safe to leave the device turned on for a long time, including overnight. When the battery is charged, the current will drop to the minimum values that maintain the charge, and overcharging will not occur. However, it is recommended to periodically check the temperature of the device body.
Why does a transformer hum when operating?
A humming noise is normal for transformer chargers. It is caused by vibration of the transformer core plates under the influence of alternating current. If the humming is not accompanied by a burning smell or excessive heat, there is nothing to worry about.
How do you know if the battery is fully charged?
In automatic mode, this is signaled by a change in the ammeter readings (the needle drops to almost zero) and the corresponding LED indicator lights up (usually green or with the inscription “Charge is complete”). Also, the density of the electrolyte will stop increasing.
Is this charger suitable for a 60 Ah battery?
Yes, Kedr Auto 4 optimally suited for batteries with a capacity of 45 to 75 Ah. For larger capacity batteries (e.g. 90-100 Ah), charge times will increase significantly and efficiency in desulfation mode may be reduced due to the limited maximum current of 4 Amps.
Do I need to remove the terminals from the car when charging?
For fast charging mode, it is not necessary to remove the terminals before starting if the car is turned off. However, for full charging, and especially desulfation and training modes, it is strongly recommended to remove the battery from the car and clean it of dirt.