Using the Precision Charger (PC) (non-lithium) (2013-2022)

Longer run times. Shorter charge times. That's the precision difference that keeps anglers on the water longer and puts more fish in the boat.

Jump to:

• Compatible Battery Types
• Select a Charger Location
• Mount the Charger
• Output Cable Lengths
• AC Power Cord
• Connect the Batteries
• Inline Fuse
• Extension Cord AWG for Plugging in the Charger
• General Operation
• Battery Type Selection
• Determine Selected Battery Type
• Charge Different Battery Types
• Odyssey Marine Batteries
• Charge with a Portable Generator
• AC Power Lost or Unplugged during Deep Equalization mode
• Dual Function LED Display
• LEDs Illuminated After Being Unplugged from AC Power
• Serial Number Location
• Dimensions
• Manual and Videos
  • Precision On-Board Chargers - PC models
    Models MK 106PC, MK 110PC, MK 212PC, MK 220PC, MK 230PC, MK 318PC, MK 330PC, MK 345PC, MK 440PC, MK 460PC
  • Videos
    • Automatic Multi-Stage Charging
    • Automatic Battery Equalization + Deep Equalization
    • Choosing Bank + Battery Type
    • Durability
    • Low-Line Voltage Compensation

Compatible Battery Types

Precision Chargers are able to charge the following battery types:

• Flooded (12V 6 Cell)
• AGM (12V 6 Cell)
• Gel
• Some 12V Lithium (LiFePO4)

Select a Charger Location

• Never place charger above battery being charged; gases from battery will corrode and damage charger.
• Never allow battery acid to drip on charger when reading electrolyte specific gravity or filling battery.
• Do not operate charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
• Do not set a battery on top of charger.
• Do not mount the charger below the waterline of the boat or directly adjacent to fuel tanks.
• Each DC output cord is six feet long. Make sure that all DC output cords can reach the batteries and that the AC power cord can reach a power source. When using an extension cord, make the AC connection to the charger outside of the battery compartment as far away as practical to reduce the risk of a spark igniting gases in the compartment.
• Do not shorten the DC output cords, as this can affect charger output. If the DC output cords are not long enough, they may be lengthened by splicing and soldering 12 AWG (minimum) wire. Each splice should be covered with dual wall adhesive-lined heat shrink tubing to protect the joint from corroding. The splice should be made between the fork in the output cable and the fuse holder. The fuse holder should always remain within 7” of the battery terminals. The maximum extension length is 15 feet. You may contact the Minn Kota Service Department with any questions.
• Even though the Minn Kota charger is capable of operating in a high ambient temperature environment, a minimum of six inches of unobstructed area should be allowed on all sides of the unit for proper air circulation and cooling. Proper cooling and circulation will allow the charger to operate at peak efficiency.

Mount the Charger

Due to the weight of the charger and the impact that boats routinely endure, take the time to securely mount the charger to prevent damage. Mounting with nuts, bolts and washers is preferable to mounting with screws.

1. Use the largest diameter bolts possible and use all four mounting holes.
2. After marking the locations, set the charger aside and drill the holes.
3. Apply a marine grade silicone sealant in each of the drilled holes to create a waterproof seal.
4. Then secure the charger in place using the mounting hardware.

Output Cable Lengths

Each DC output cord is six feet long. Do not shorten the DC output cords, as this can affect charger output. If the DC output cords are not long enough, they may be lengthened. The maximum extension length is 15 feet. To lengthen the DC output cords:

• Use the Battery Charger Extension Cable MK-EC-15. The cable features WAGO® Wall-Nut™ quick connectors (UL listed), and fused (30 amp) positive and negative leads. You will need 1 extension cable per bank that needs a longer output cord to reach the battery(ies)
  Click here for purchase options for the Battery Charger Extension Cable MK-EC-15, item number 1820089
• Splice and solder 12 AWG (minimum) wire. Each splice should be covered with dual wall adhesive-lined heat shrink tubing to protect the joint from corroding. The splice should be made between the fork in the output cable and the fuse holder. The fuse holder should always remain within 7” of the battery terminals.

AC Power Cord

The power cord from the charger to the AC power, which plugs into your wall outlet, is six feet long.

Connect the Batteries

Each Output Bank is independent and isolated from one another and the AC Input. The Minn Kota charger can charge independent batteries or combinations of batteries hooked in series or parallel without disconnecting the batteries from any switches or Jump Wires joining the batteries.

Inline Fuse

Each output cord has inline fuses on the RED and BLACK leads located near the ring terminals. These fuses serve as protection from surges and short circuits caused by a damaged charger output cable. If a fuse blows, replace it with a 30 amp ATC 32V automotive fuse. Improper battery connections will normally not cause a fuse to blow since this is handled by the internal circuitry of the charger.

Extension Cord AWG for Plugging in the Charger

An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If an extension cord must be used, make sure:

• That pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size and shape as those of plug on charger.
• That extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
• That wire size is large enough for ac ampere rating of charger as specified in table.

Extension cord ratings vary by the Minn Kota Charger model. Please refer to the chart below to find the extension cord that will work best with your model charger.

General Operation

After the AC cord on the charger is plugged in and a battery is connected to the output cable correctly, the 25% charging LED will turn on. After 4 seconds the charger will begin charging the battery. The 4 second delay is added to allow the user to establish a good connection before the charger output is turned on. This will help prevent unwanted sparks during battery connections. The YELLOW LEDs will indicate how far the charger is in the charging process. Once the 100% GREEN LED is flashing, the charger is holding the battery in Maintenance Mode. The charger will stay in Maintenance Mode for 12 hours. After 12 hours in the Maintenance Mode, the charger output will turn off and the 100% GREEN LED will switch to steady GREEN.

• NOTE: If a RED LED is flashing, reference the troubleshooting section on page 15 to determine the reason and take the necessary corrective action to remedy the situation. If you are unable to remedy the situation and need help, call the Minn Kota Service Department at 1.800.227.6433 and a technical support representative will be happy to assist you.
• CAUTION: We recommend that you not recharge your battery, (or batteries), with the watercraft or motor lower unit in the water during electrical storms. Severe damage to the motor or charging system may occur if lightning strikes nearby or if storm related high voltage conditions exist.
• CAUTION: If using a generator to power the charger, it must have a clean output and be safe for use on electrical equipment. Generators with a sine wave output can be used to power this charger.
• WARNING: To reduce risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than those contained in the operating instructions.

Battery Type Selection

The charger can be manually switched between 4 different modes, Gel Cell, Flooded Lead Acid, AGM/High Performance AGM, and Equalize. In order to optimize the performance of your batteries or to prevent damage, you will need to properly set each charger bank for the correct battery type (each battery can be independently set). The factory default settings is Flooded Lead Acid. Once a battery type is selected it will be stored until a new battery type is selected by the user.

To set the battery type:

1. Plug the charger AC cord into an AC outlet.
2. During power up all LEDSs will turn on, then 1 YELLOW LED will temporarily remain in. This YELLOW LED will indicate the current battery type.
3. To change the battery type, press and hold the Battery Selection button until the YELLOW LED indicates the desired battery type, the release the button. The battery type will be saved even if the AC Cord or DC output cords are disconnected.

Flooded Lead Acid batteries should be equalized per the battery manufacturers' recommendations. Only Flooded Lead Acid batteries should be equalized. The charger will only allow selection of the Equalize Mode if the previous selection was Flooded Lead Acid. To set Equalize Mode, press and hold the Battery Selection button until all 3 YELLOW LEDs are lit, then release the button. Once in Equalize mode, the equalize process will only be performed one time. Once this cycle is completed or if the cycle is interrupted (by unplugging the AC or a DC cord) the charger will revert back to the Flooded Lead Acid battery type.

Warning- Battery type is factory preset for Flooded Lead Acid. If you are using alternate type batteries, select Gel or AGM/High Performance AGM. Failure to do so could result in damage to your battery and/or cause acid leaks.

Determine Selected Battery Type

To determine which battery type is selected, press and release the “BATTERY SELECTION” button. The yellow LED located next to the corresponding battery type selected will illuminate for 2 seconds.

Charge Different Battery Types

Odyssey Marine Batteries

All Minn Kota On-Board Precision Chargers have been tested by Odyssey and found to properly charge all sizes of their marine battery line.

Charge with a Portable Generator

Careful selection should be used when deciding on a portable generator for electronics. There are 2 important factors that must be considered:

• Output power:
  Generators are marketed in output wattage. This wattage must be higher than the power required by the battery charger.
• Output type:
  Minn Kota chargers require clean output power from the generator to prevent permanent damage. The generator must replicate the power from a standard AC outlet in your home (clean sine wave output).
• Safe for use with electrical equipment:
  The generator must be safe to use with electrical equipment to prevent damage.

Below are the wattage requirements in order to power each charger type:

• MK106PC- 100W
• MK110PC- 165W
• MK212PC- 200W
• MK220PC- 330W
• MK230PC- 500W
• MK318PC- 300W
• MK330PC- 500W
• MK345PC- 700W
• MK440PC- 660W
• MK460PC- 900W

Equalization Mode for Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries

Equalization Mode is only available on Minn Kota PC and PCL Chargers. Minn Kota Precision Chargers feature Automatic Equalization Technology that cleans and conditions batteries with each charge cycle. Only Flooded lead-acid batteries should be equalized. The charger must have the Flooded battery type selected. If a different battery type was previously selected, the charger will not allow Equalize Mode to be selected. When the Flooded battery type is selected, press and hold the "BATTERY SELECTION" buttons until all 3 battery type LEDs are illuminated. When the button is released, Equalize Mode is selected. For more information watch the video below:

AC Power Lost or Unplugged during Deep Equalization mode

If the Precision Charger loses AC Power or is unplugged during the Deep Cycle Mode, the Deep Cycle mode is cancelled and the charger will restart the charging cycle in normal Flooded Lead Acid battery mode.

Dual Function LED Display

Each bank has the following LEDs:

• RED: A solid RED LED indicates there is an issue with the battery connection.
• A flashing RED LED indicates an error
• 25%, 50%, 75% (YELLOW): These LEDs indicate the progress of charging.
• 100% (GREEN): Flashing GREEN LED indicates battery is fully charged in Maintenance Mode and  ready to use.
• Solid GREEN LED indicates battery is fully charged in long term Maintenance Mode and ready to use.
• Flashing GREEN and 25% YELLOW LEDs indicates the battery is less that 10.5 volts and the charger is in low power safety mode. Full charging will begin once the battery reaches 10.5 volts. If the battery does not rise above 10.5 volts, then make sure all loads are disconnected from the battery and try again.

LEDs Illuminated After Being Unplugged from AC Power

It is normal for the LEDs on your Precision Charger to stay illuminated after being unplugged from AC power. This does not affect your batteries. It is simply a function of the Precision charging ensuring the charger is disconnected prior to terminating the charge cycle.
The PC charger takes many complex and detailed measurements of the battery during a charge cycle. The software in the charger processes this information to make the best possible decisions to give your battery the best charge on the market. In some cases the measurements and software algorithms make it difficult to detect when AC has been disconnected and therefore the charger may take a while to power down and turn off.

Serial Number Location

The serial number on your Precision Charger is located on the input cord and the bottom of the charger.

Dimensions

Manuals and Videos

• Precision On-Board Chargers - PC models
  Models MK 106PC, MK 110PC, MK 212PC, MK 220PC, MK 230PC, MK 318PC, MK 330PC, MK 345PC, MK 440PC, MK 460PC
•  Videos
  • Automatic Multi-Stage Charging
    
  • Automatic Battery Equalization + Deep Equalization
    
  • Choosing Bank + Battery Type
    
  • Durability
    
  • Low-Line Voltage Compensation