5
STEP 8
TEST after
CHARGE
LED #6 : GREEN
8
6
7
TEST after charge : Delivery of current to the battery is
interrupted for 30 minutes** to allow the program to determine
the battery’s ability to retain charge.
**
IF charging started in SAVE mode (LED #3) the voltage retention
test is extended to 12 hours to confirm battery health.
LED #6 (green) will remain on for batteries able to hold 90% or
higher state of charge (SOC%),
otherwise the TEST result is
adjusted lower in real time according to the measured battery
voltage. Consult the table on page 2 to match TEST LED indication to
an estimated state of charge percentage (SOC%).
Also read section “NOTES ON TEST RESULTS” below.
STEP 9
OptiMATE
24-7
Maintain
LED #6 / 7 / 8
24-7
24-7
For batteries with a
good state of health LED
#6 (green) will remain
on.
Exception:
STD wet cell
batteries with filler caps
have a lower fully
charged voltage: LED
#6 remains on together
with LED #7.
MAINTENANCE CHARGE: LED #6 / 7 / 8 steady on
according to state of charge measured during STEP 8.
Float voltage setting: 13.6V nominal at 20°C (68°F)
The float voltage
is inversely regulated according to ambient temperature; i.e.,
voltage is increased at lower temperature, decreased at higher
temperature.
Adjustment: -0.04V / cell / °C above or below 20°C (68°F).
OptiMate 24-7 maintenance mode consists of 30 minute float charge
periods followed by and alternating with 30 minute ‘rest’ periods,
during which there is no charge delivered. This “50% duty cycle”
prevents loss of electrolyte in sealed batteries and minimizes gradual
loss of water from the electrolyte in batteries with filler caps,
optimizing the service life of irregularly or seasonally used batteries.
During “float charge” a continuous LOW CURRENT PULSE IS
DELIVERED TO PREVENT SULFATION, further extending battery power
and life.
If the OptiMate senses the battery has suddenly lost charge the
program will revert back to STEP 7.
VERY FLAT NEGLECTED BATTERIES: If the battery is deeply discharged (and possibly sulfated), remove
from the vehicle or equipment and inspect the battery before connecting the charger for a recovery
attempt.
The charger’s TURBO recovery mode cannot engage if it senses that the battery is still connected to a
circuit
which effectively offers a lower electrical resistance than the battery on its own. However, if the
deep-discharged battery is not removed for recovery, neither battery nor vehicle or equipment electronics will
be damaged.
Pay particularly close attention to the following
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 high current 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.
MAINTAINING A BATTERY FOR EXTENDED PERIODS:
For accurate temperature regulated charging and long
term maintenance place OptiMate as close as possible to the battery under charge.
For example, if the battery
is within a vehicle or craft stored outside in direct sun or cold, place the OptiMate inside the vehicle or craft (or its
battery compartment) so that charge voltage can be adjusted according to the same environment temperature that
the battery would experience.
The OptiMate will maintain a battery whos basic condition is good, for months at a time. At least once every
two weeks, check that the connections between the charger and battery are secure, and, in the case of
batteries with filler caps on each cell, disconnect the battery from the charger, check the level of the electrolyte
and if necessary, top up the cells (with distilled water, NOT acid), then reconnect. When handling batteries or in
their vicinity, always take care to observe the SAFETY WARNINGS above.
NOTES ON TEST RESULTS:
The voltage of a cooled battery is directly proportional to its State Of Charge
percentage (SOC%). Immediately following charging a battery may briefly hold a higher voltage, as charging
