8
NOTES ON TEST RESULTS:
1.
For any test result other than green #6, disconnect the battery from the electrical system it supports, and reconnect the OptiMate.
If a better test result is now obtained, this suggests that the power losses are partly due to an electrical problem in the electrical
system and not in the battery itself. If the poor result persists, you are advised to take the battery to a professional service workshop
equipped with professional equipment for a more thorough investigation.
2.
If the red LED #8 alone, or the yellow #7 and red LED #8 indicate together (or yellow LED alone for a sealed battery), a significant
problem exists. The red / red LEDs mean that after being charged the battery’s voltage is not being sustained or that despite
recovery attempts the battery was irrecoverable. This may be due to a defect in the battery itself, such as a short-circuited cell or
total sulphation, or, in the case of a battery still connected to the electrical system it supports, the red LED #8 may be signalling a
loss of current through deteriorated wiring or a degraded switch or contact, or in-circuit current-consuming accessories. A sudden
load being switched on while the charger is connected can also cause the battery voltage to dip significantly.
3.
GOOD TEST RESULT, but the battery cannot deliver sufficient power: Permanent damage within the battery may be causing
excessive self discharge that is not detected within the test period of 12 hours. Disconnect the battery from the OptiMate. After at
least 48 hours reconnect and observe the TEST result during the PRE-QUALIFICATION TEST.
AUTOMATIC BATTERY MAINTENANCE:
The
MAINTENANCE CHARGE CYCLE
consists of 30 minute charge periods followed by
and alternating with a 30 minute ‘rest’ periods, during which there is no charge current. The circuit offers current to the battery
within a safe 13.6V voltage limit (“float charge”), allowing it to draw whatever small current is necessary to sustain it at full charge
and compensate for any small electrical loads imposed by connected circuitry, or the natural gradual self-discharge of the battery
itself.
The
BATTERY REFRESH CYCLE
is performed if the charger detects the battery has lost charge. The program returns to OPTIMIZE
mode (LED #5) and then proceeds to the voltage retention test and maintenance charge cycle.
