Victron Blue Smart IP22 Battery Charger 12V/15A
Victron Blue Smart IP22 observatory battery charger delivers 15A for faster charging of 100Ah backup systems. Bluetooth monitoring via app. 6-stage adaptive charging.
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Charge Faster, Monitor Smarter, Protect Better
The Victron Blue Smart IP22 is the battery charger we recommend for larger observatory backup systems-particularly 100Ah batteries and DragonLAIR Pro installations. With 15 amps of charging power and built-in Bluetooth monitoring, you get the capacity to maintain bigger batteries and the visibility to know exactly what's happening.
Why This Charger?
When you step up to a 100Ah battery, you need a charger that can keep up. At 15 amps, the Victron delivers three times the charging current of our entry-level recommendation-cutting recharge time significantly after an extended outage. Where a 5A charger might take 20+ hours to fully recover a depleted 100Ah battery, the Victron handles it in about 7 hours.
But charging speed is only half the story. The Blue Smart IP22 includes built-in Bluetooth that connects directly to Victron's VictronConnect app on your phone or tablet. You can monitor charging status, view voltage and current in real-time, access a 40-cycle history log, and configure every aspect of the charge algorithm-all without opening your observatory cabinet.
We've been recommending Victron chargers to customers with larger backup systems since 2024. The combination of charging power, smart monitoring, and marine-grade build quality makes them an ideal match for DragonLAIR Pro systems and anyone running 100Ah batteries.
Key Benefits
Three Times the Charging Power
At 15 amps, this charger significantly reduces recovery time for larger batteries. After an extended outage that depletes your 100Ah backup, you're looking at roughly 7 hours to full charge versus 20+ hours with a 5A charger. That matters when you want your system ready for the next imaging session.
Bluetooth Monitoring from Your Phone
The VictronConnect app gives you complete visibility into your charging system. Check voltage, current, and charge state from across the room-or across the house. View detailed graphs of the charging process, access 40 cycles of history data, and get notifications when charging completes. No need to walk out to the observatory just to check if the battery is ready.
Six-Stage Adaptive Charging
The Blue Smart IP22 uses a sophisticated charge algorithm: test, bulk, absorption, recondition, float, and storage. The "adaptive" part automatically optimizes timing based on how your battery is actually being used. And the storage mode-which reduces voltage to 13.2V after 24 hours of inactivity and performs weekly equalization-prevents the sulfation and electrolyte stratification that kill batteries left on float too long.
Recovers Deeply Discharged Batteries
If a battery gets discharged to near zero volts, most chargers won't even recognize it's connected. The Victron's recovery function will initiate charging even from 0V-and can reconnect to lithium batteries with internal disconnect protection. It's not something you want to rely on, but when it happens, this charger handles it.
Night Mode for Silent Operation
Running imaging sessions with the charger nearby? Night mode reduces output to 7.5A and eliminates all fan noise. The mode automatically ends after 8 hours, or you can use Low mode for manual control. Your dark site stays quiet.
Built for Professional Applications
Victron is a Dutch company with 50+ years in professional power systems-marine, solar, off-grid, and industrial applications. The IP22 enclosure rating, 93% efficiency, aluminum construction, and comprehensive protection circuits (reverse polarity, short circuit, over-temperature) reflect that heritage. This is equipment built to last.
What's Included
- Victron Blue Smart IP22 Charger 12V/15A
- Built-in Bluetooth (no dongles required)
- 1.8m (6 ft) AC power cable with NEMA 5-15 plug
- Victron documentation
- Access to the Dark Dragons Astronomy community for setup questions and support
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Output | 15A max (7.5A in Night/Low mode) |
| Voltage | 12V nominal |
| Battery types | Lead-acid (flooded, gel, AGM, maintenance-free) and lithium-ion (LiFePO4) |
| Charge voltages | Normal: 14.4V abs / 13.8V float / 13.2V storage |
| High: 14.7V abs / 13.8V float / 13.2V storage | |
| Li-ion: 14.2V abs / 13.5V float / 13.5V storage | |
| Input voltage | 100-130 VAC, 45-65 Hz |
| Efficiency | 93% |
| No-load consumption | 0.5W |
| Charging modes | Normal (14.4V), High (14.7V), Li-ion, Recondition |
| Charge algorithm | 6-stage adaptive (test, bulk, absorption, recondition, float, storage) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Smart built-in |
| Battery connection | Screw terminals (16mm² / AWG6) |
| Operating temperature | -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C), full output to 104°F (40°C) |
| Protection | Reverse polarity (fuse), short circuit, over-temperature |
| Enclosure | Aluminum, IP22 rated |
| Dimensions | 9.7" × 4.3" × 2.6" (245 × 108 × 65mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| Certifications | UL 1236, CSA C22.2, CE |
| Warranty | 5 years (Victron manufacturer warranty) |
Integration/Compatibility
The setup mirrors our NOCO Genius 5 configuration, just with more capacity. Connect the charger to your backup battery via the screw terminals, plug the AC cord into an always-on outlet, select your battery mode (12V AGM for most observatory applications), and let it run.
Your DragonLAIR connects directly to the battery for backup power. During normal operation, the Victron maintains float voltage. When utility power fails, the DragonLAIR switches to battery and monitors voltage-closing the roof automatically at your configured threshold before the battery runs too low.
The Victron's Bluetooth monitoring adds a layer of visibility the NOCO doesn't offer. Check charging status from the VictronConnect app without visiting your observatory. Monitor battery voltage trends over time. Get historical data to understand your system's behavior.
VE.Smart Network Capability
For advanced users: the Blue Smart IP22 supports Victron's VE.Smart Network-wireless device-to-device communication between Victron products. You can synchronize multiple chargers, add temperature compensation via a Smart Battery Sense, or integrate with a SmartShunt for current monitoring. Most observatory installations won't need this, but the capability is there if you're building a larger system.
Installation/Setup Reality Check
If you already have AC power in your observatory, installation takes about 20 minutes. Connect wires to the screw terminals (AWG6 or smaller), plug in the AC cord, download the VictronConnect app, and configure your battery type.
Tools needed: Screwdriver for terminal connections, wire strippers, smartphone or tablet for app
Skill level: Low-if you can connect battery terminals and install a mobile app, you can set this up. The Bluetooth pairing is automatic; the app walks you through configuration.
Pro tip: Use the app's built-in presets for AGM batteries rather than trying to configure custom parameters. The defaults are well-tuned for most applications.
What You Need to Provide
- 100Ah AGM battery (or similar 12V deep-cycle battery)-we recommend this charger for 75Ah and larger
- Ring terminals or cable lugs for permanent installation
- Always-on AC outlet in your observatory
- Wiring to connect battery to your DragonLAIR
- Smartphone or tablet for Bluetooth monitoring (iOS or Android)
Real-World Performance
Victron has been manufacturing power equipment since 1975, and their chargers have a strong reputation in marine and off-grid applications-environments that demand reliability. The Blue Smart IP22 brings that heritage to observatory use.
We recommend this charger specifically for customers with 100Ah batteries or DragonLAIR Pro systems where the higher charging current matters. For standard 35Ah setups where fast recharge isn't critical, the NOCO Genius 5 remains our budget-friendly recommendation.
The operating temperature range of -4°F to 122°F covers observatory conditions, though output derates above 104°F. The 5-year Victron warranty provides peace of mind-one of the longest in the industry for chargers at this level.
The Right Charger for Larger Systems
If you're running a 100Ah battery or DragonLAIR Pro system, the Victron Blue Smart IP22 is the charger we recommend. The 15A output cuts recharge time dramatically, the Bluetooth monitoring gives you visibility into your backup system, and the build quality matches the rest of your investment.
For standard DragonLAIR setups with 35Ah batteries, the NOCO Genius 5 handles the job at lower cost. But when you need more power and more visibility, the Victron delivers.
Need help? Join our Discord community for installation guides, troubleshooting, and direct support.