Victron Orion-TR Smart 12/12-18 DC-DC Charger

The Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18 is an isolated DC-DC charger delivering 18A between two 12V systems, with Bluetooth.

Charging 12V from 12V looks pointless until the reason is clear: this regulates a supply that varies rather than converting voltage. Smart alternators change their output voltage constantly for engine efficiency, and long cable runs drop voltage under load. Either leaves a service battery permanently short when connected directly.

The adaptive three-stage algorithm runs bulk, absorption and float, configurable for lead-acid or lithium. Engine-running detection stops charging when the engine is off, so the service bank cannot draw down the starter battery overnight.

The isolated design separates input and output grounds, which is required on steel and aluminum hulls and optional on fiberglass. Bluetooth handles monitoring, setup and firmware updates through VictronConnect, and the unit can also be configured as a fixed-output DC power supply. Explore more DC-DC battery chargers.

• Regulates a varying supply rather than changing voltage
• Smart alternators and long runs leave a bank short
• Engine-running detection protects the starter overnight
• Isolated: required on steel and aluminum hulls