8
voltmatic
mode.
LED #2
(YELLOW)
:
Low Volt Save, Charge and Charge verification
Low Volt Save (battery voltage < 12.4V / 6.2V):
Current is delivered in pulses and slowly increased
to prepare the battery to accept full charge.
Charge (battery voltage ≥ 12.4V / 6.2V):
Current of 0.6A is delivered into the battery to increase the
voltage up to 14.2 -14.4V for a 12V battery and 7.1 - 7.2V for a 6V battery.
Verification (pulsed absorption, cell equalization):
Variable current pulses are delivered to bring all
cells to equal and full charge, within the voltage limit of 13.6V for a 12V battery, and 6.8V for a 6V
battery.
NOTE: For safety reasons there is an overall charge time limit of 48 hours, after which the program
automatically advances to LED #3. See expected charging time below.
VERY FLAT NEGLECTED BATTERIES:
Pay particularly close attention to the following which is
especially important for relatively small batteries such as those used on motorcycles, lawn
tractors, jet-ski’s, snowmobiles and similar:
A battery left deep-discharged for an extended period
may develop permanent damage in one or more cells. Such batteries may heat up excessively during
charging. Monitor the battery temperature during the first hour, then hourly there-after. Check for
unusual signs, such as bubbling or leaking electrolyte, heightened activity in one cell compared to
others, or hissing sounds. If at any time the battery is uncomfortably hot to touch or you notice any
unusual signs, DISCONNECT THE CHARGER IMMEDIATELY.
LED# 3 (GREEN) - 24-7 BATTERY MAINTENANCE.
The maintenance charge cycle consists of 30
minute float charge periods alternating with a 30 minute ‘rest’ periods. During the 30 minute charge
period current is offered to the battery within a safe voltage limit (“float charge” of 6.8V for a 6V
battery and 13.6V for a 12V battery), allowing it to draw what-ever small current is necessary to
maintain it at full charge and compensate for any small electrical loads imposed by vehicle
accessories or on-board computer, or the natural gradual self-discharge of the battery itself. During
“float charge” a continuous LOW CURRENT PULSE IS DELIVERED TO PREVENT SULPHATION, further
extending battery power and life.
During the 30 minute 'rest' cycle the charger automatically disconnects from the battery and no
charge is delivered. The 30 minute charge, 30 minute rest “50% duty cycle” prevents loss of
electrolyte in sealed batteries and minimizes gradual loss of water from the electrolyte in batteries
with filler caps, and thereby contributes significantly to optimizing the service life of irregularly or
seasonally used batteries.
If the OptiMate senses the battery has suddenly lost charge the program will revert back to charge
mode (LED #2).
Maintaining a battery for extended periods:
The OptiMate will maintain a battery whose basic
condition is good, for months at a time. At least once every two weeks, check that the connections
