5.4.
STARTING
(Refer to vehicle manufacturers instructions before commencing the starting process).
5.4.1.
Establish the battery type and voltage.
5.4.2. Plug starter/charger into mains power supply, switch on at rear panel.
5.4.3. Before connecting the clamps to the battery terminals ensure that the unit is OFF, fig.1-9. Confirm that the OFF lED is illuminated
before proceeding.
5.4.4. Connect the clamps to the battery terminals, ensuring correct polarity.
5.4.5. Before starting, the battery should be given a rapid charge for 5 to 10 minutes. Press the mode key to switch the unit to charge mode
and confirm that the charge lED is illuminated. Set battery type, voltage and charging current.
5.4.6. Turn the unit on by pressing the key next to the current setting knob, fig.1-9.
5.4.7 monitor the voltage by pressing the key next to the display until the ‘V’ lED is illuminated.
5.4.8 When an increase in voltage is noted, press the mode key to change from ‘Charge’ to ‘Start’, fig.1-3.
5.4.9
When activated the unit will provide a starting current for 4 seconds followed by a pause of 40 seconds.
5.4.10. When the display shows the word ‘GO’ operate the vehicle starter (nothing will happen until the starter is operated). There will be 4
seconds of starter current and the display will show the word ‘RUN’ followed by 40 seconds “down time” during which the display will
show the remaining time in seconds. After the 40 seconds, the starter may be operated again, for a further 4 seconds. Do not persist if
the vehicle engine does not start: this could seriously damage the battery or even the electrical and electronic equipment in the
vehicle.
It is essential to allow the starting phase of the battery charger, indicated by "RUN" on the display, to conclude even
if the vehicle engine does not start to turn.
5.4.11.
Never ever start vehicles with the battery terminals disconnected from their respective clamps; the presence of the battery is
essential for eliminating any possible voltage spikes that could be generated by the energy accumulating in the connecting
cables during the starting phase. Failure to observe these instructions may damage the vehicle electronics.
5.5.
WHEN CHARGE/START IS COMPLETE
When the battery is charged/engine started, switch the starter/charger off and unplug from the mains power supply. Detach power
clamps from battery terminals.
Carefully wipe any spillage of acid from the battery top and replace the caps. Disconnect the auxiliary cable if used. Ensure all tools etc.
are removed before closing the bonnet.
Clean the starter/charger and store in a safe, dry, childproof location.
5.6
AUTOMATIC OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION
This battery charger/starter is a microprocessor-controlled electronic appliance that is able to protect the vehicle electronics from
overvoltage that may be generated when charging particularly flat or sulphated batteries. When the "ON" key is pressed the unit
instantly evaluates the condition of the battery and automatically interrupts charging on detection of overvoltage risks that are a danger
to vehicle appliances which are connected electrically to the battery terminals.
5.7
CHARGING VERY FLAT OR SULPHATED BATTERIES
WARNING:
Under these charge conditions the vehicle electronics are not protected, therefore it is absolutely necessary to disconnect
the battery from the vehicle. To be able to charge such batteries it is necessary to override the intrinsic property of the battery charger,
which provides protection against overvoltage that could destroy the vehicle electronics. The user has the possibility of totally or
partially removing these safeguards (3 protection lEVElS) by adopting the following procedure:
5.7.1 In "TEST" mode press the "I / V / TImE" key for about 4 seconds until the current display disappears and either "l1","l2"or"l3" is
displayed.
5.7.2 Press the "HOURS" key to select the desired protection level:
"l1" = maximum protection with detection of connection and/or setting error enabled and limitation of actual charge enabled;
"l2" = Intermediate protection with only detection of connection and/or setting error enabled, overvoltage and ripple protection enabled;
"l3"= All safeguards disabled.
5.7.3 Save the choice of protection level by pressing the "I / V /TImE" key for about 4 seconds.
Every time the battery charger is switched on it automatically returns to the maximum protection level "l1".
5.8
STARTING WITH VERY FLAT OR SULPHATED BATTERIES (NOT RECOMMENDED)
If batteries are sulphated or very flat it may be necessary to start the vehicle without the support of the electronic safeguards (NOT
RECOmmENDED). In any case, in order to prevent damage to on-board electronics (a possibility with sulphated or very flat batteries)
it is NECESSARY to allow the starter to conclude the 4-second start cycle even if the vehicle engine does not start to turn.
5.9
SAFEGUARDS
The battery charger is fitted with safeguards that trigger in the case of:
5.9.1 Over-charging (excess current output to the battery);
5.9.2 Overvoltage (battery or instant charging voltage too high);
5.9.3 Short circuit (charge clamps in contact with one another);
5.9.4 Reverse polarity on battery terminals;
5.9.5 If it is necessary to replace fuses in appliances fitted with them, use compatible replacements with the same rated current value.
WARNING: Using replacement fuses with different current values from those indicated on the rating plate could cause damage to
people or objects. For the same reason, never ever replace the fuse with bridges in copper or other material. The operation to replace
the fuse should always be carried out with the power supply cable DISCONNECTED from the main power supply. All the alarm events
prevent current output to the battery, except for the auxiliary power supply which has independent safeguards.
5.10 USEFUL ADVICE
5.10.1 Clean the positive and negative terminals to remove oxide incrustation and ensure good contact with the clamps.
5.10.2 Never ever allow the two clamps to touch one another when the battery charger is connected to the mains; do not connect the clamps
to the battery or disconnect them while the battery charger is in operation.
5.10.3 If the battery on which you intend to use this battery charger is permanently installed in the vehicle, consult the vehicle instruction
and/or maintenance handbook under the heading "ElECTRICAl SYSTEm" or "mAINTENANCE". Before proceeding with charging it is
preferable to disconnect the positive cable that is part of the vehicle's electrical system. Follow the same advice for the instructions
provided by the battery manufacturer.
5.10.4 Check the battery voltage before connecting it to the battery charger, bearing in mind that 3 caps signify a 6 volt battery while 6 caps
signify 12 volts. In some cases there may be two 12 volt batteries in series and in this case 24 volts is needed to charge both. make
sure they have the same characteristics in order prevent unbalanced charging.
5.10.5 Before starting always carry out a rapid charge for several minutes: this will limit the starting current, and also require a lower current
from the main supply. Rapid charge should be carried out only and exclusively with the battery charger in charge mode and not in start
mode. Before starting the vehicle, always remember to make sure the battery is properly connected to the respective clamps (+
and -) and that it is in good condition (not sulphated or failed).
Never ever start a vehicle if the battery is disconnected from cables; the presence of the battery is essential for eliminating any
possible overvoltage that could be generated by the energy accumulating in the connecting cables during the starting phase.
5.10.6 During the starting phase respect the ON and OFF cycles of the battery charger.
5.10.7 Starting should absolutely always be carried out with the battery connected properly, see the section on STARTING.
5.10.8 Carry out charging in well-ventilated areas to prevent gas build-up.
Original Language Version
ElECTROSTART300.V2, ElECTROSTART500.V3 Issue: 2 - 04/03/10