How to Use Projecta Intelli-RV PM435C + PMD-BT7C Monitor (Mars Vans)

How to Use Projecta Intelli-RV PM435C + PMD-BT7C Monitor (Mars Vans)

Projecta Intelli-RV PMD-BT7C Monitor + PM435C Power Management (How to Use)

Many Mars vans use the Projecta Intelli-RV PMD-BT7C 7” touchscreen as the main control and monitoring screen, with the Projecta Intelli-RV PM435C working behind the scenes as the “brains” of the 12V system (charging + power distribution). This guide explains how they work together and how to use them day-to-day.

Quick Highlights

  • PMD-BT7C (Touchscreen): Your control centre — shows battery/charging, tank levels and alarms, and can switch loads (where wired).
  • PM435C (Power Management): Manages 12V distribution and charges your batteries from mains/solar/vehicle input.
  • Charging sources: 240V mains, solar (MPPT), and vehicle/alternator input (via built-in charging relay/VSR).
  • Note: What you see on the screen depends on how your van is wired and which sensors/modules are fitted.

PMD-BT7C Touchscreen — What It Does

The PMD-BT7C is the main user interface. It’s designed to give you quick visibility of what your van is doing and (in many installs) let you control key 12V loads.

What you’ll see

  • Battery status: state of charge and live charging/discharging behaviour.
  • Power sources: icons for Solar, ALT (vehicle/alternator), and AC (mains) depending on what’s active.
  • Tank levels: fresh/grey (and sometimes black) tank percentages (if probes are fitted).
  • Alarms: a warning/alarm icon that opens an alarms page when tapped.

Controlling loads (lights, pumps, accessories)

If your van is wired for control, you can toggle loads such as lights, water pump, and other accessories directly on the screen. You can also rename loads and choose icons so the layout matches your van.

Bluetooth / phone app (where enabled)

The PMD-BT7C includes Bluetooth for app connectivity. If your van has the Intelli-RV app configured, you can monitor system status and (depending on setup) switch loads from your phone.

PM435C Power Management — What It Does

The PM435C is typically mounted out of sight (cabinet/under seat). It distributes 12V power to your circuits and charges your service battery from different sources automatically.

Charging sources managed by PM435C

  • 240V mains: charges your service battery and supports 12V loads when plugged in.
  • Solar (MPPT): automatically charges when solar input is available.
  • Vehicle input: uses a built-in charging relay/VSR to charge from the tow vehicle (setup dependent).
  • Starter battery maintenance: can support starter battery maintenance depending on configuration.

Powering the System On / Off

Turning 12V (house power) on

  1. Make sure your service battery is connected and has charge.
  2. Turn the PM435C Power Switch to ON (some installs also have a remote/rocker switch).
  3. The PMD-BT7C screen should power up and show your system status.

Turning 12V off for storage

  1. Turn the PM435C Power Switch to OFF (or use the remote switch if fitted).
  2. Important: Some vans have always-on circuits (e.g., breakaway, trackers, radio memory) that may still draw power depending on wiring.

Charging Your Batteries (What to Look For on the PMD Screen)

1) 240V mains (park power / generator)

  1. Connect the van to 240V mains (or an approved generator supply).
  2. Ensure the PM435C Power Switch is ON.
  3. On the PMD-BT7C, look for the AC indicator and charging activity.

Tip: If you’re storing the van with access to mains, periodic charging helps maintain battery health.

2) Solar charging

  1. Make sure your solar system is exposed to sunlight and enabled (where applicable).
  2. On the PMD-BT7C, look for the Solar indicator and charging activity.

3) Vehicle/alternator charging

When connected and the vehicle is running, the PM435C can charge the service battery via its relay/VSR system (setup varies by van and tow vehicle).

  1. Start the tow vehicle (connected as per your van’s setup).
  2. On the PMD-BT7C, look for the ALT or vehicle input icon.
  3. If your tow vehicle uses a smart alternator, charging behaviour can vary — your installer/service team can confirm your configuration.

PM435C Indicator Lights (Quick Guide)

The PM435C has status LEDs that help you identify what the system is doing. Exact behaviour can vary by configuration, but commonly:

  • Mains LED: On = AC input OK. Off = AC disconnected.
  • Solar LED: On = solar charging. Flashing can indicate abnormal solar input.
  • CHG LED: indicates charging/discharging behaviour (bulk/absorption/float/discharge).
  • Fault LED (red): indicates a fault condition (undervoltage/overvoltage/over-temp/etc.).

Storage & Battery Care Tips

  • Turn off 12V house power if storing without mains/solar.
  • Remember parasitic loads: even when “off”, some devices may still draw power depending on wiring.
  • Recharge periodically: plan periodic full charges to keep batteries healthy during long storage.

When to Get Help

  • If the PMD-BT7C shows a persistent communication alarm or repeated fault alarms.
  • If the PM435C Fault LED remains on or repeatedly flashes and loads are shutting down.
  • If 240V charging isn’t working after testing another lead/outlet.
  • If you’re unsure about tow vehicle charging compatibility (smart alternators/DC-DC setups).

Note: This guide is general. Your van’s exact configuration (loads, sensors, and enabled modules) can vary between models and build specs.