4
4. If the battery is deeply discharged (and possibly sulphated), remove from the vehicle and inspect the battery before
connecting the charger for a recovery attempt.
Visually check the battery for mechanical defects such as a bulging or cracked
casing, or signs of electrolyte leakage. If the battery has filler caps and the plates within the cells can be seen from the outside, examine
the battery carefully to try to determine if any cells seem different to the others (for example, with white matter between the plates,
plates touching). If mechanical defects are apparent do not attempt to charge the battery, have the battery professionally assessed.
5.
If the battery is new
, before connecting the charger read the battery manufacturer’s safety and operational instructions carefully. If
applicable, carefully and exactly follow acid filling instructions.
All OptiMate SOLAR chargers (6, 8 and 12V models) operate from a SOLAR panel designed for the charging of 12V
batteries, with power rating between 2 Watt and 15 Watt maximum. OptiMate SOLAR regulates the voltage and current
to match the connected battery requirement. OptiMate SOLAR increases the effectiveness of charge by converting low
current delivered by the solar panel into higher pulse current.
For assistance in choosing a solar panel, see table 1 (illustration 1) and read NOTE 1
Choosing the right size of solar
panel.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
1.
Connect OptiMate SOLAR to the solar panel. Make sure the polarity connections are correct. (See illustration 2) If the
voltage supplied by the solar panel is sufficient LED #1 (red) will light.
2.
Connect OptiMate SOLAR to the battery. If the battery voltage is at least 1V or more at connection and the battery is
connected correctly, LED #1 should flash.
The faster LED #1 flashes the higher the current into the battery and the faster the battery will reach full charge. If
LED #1 flashes very slowly (every 2 seconds) the solar panel may be unable to deliver sufficient power OR the
battery is sulphated and cannot accept full charge current.
3.
Recovery and Bulk charge mode:
3.1 Recovery:
The unique pulse action of OptiMate SOLAR is able to recover a sulphated battery within 24 hours
to once again accept and hold charge. Some batteries may take longer to recover. See NOTES below about
how to speed up recovery.
3.2 Bulk:
For a discharged battery in good condition (or a battery that has recovered from a sulphated state) LED
#1 (red) should flash between 2 to 15 times a second. OptiMate SOLAR will convert the low current delivered
by the solar panel to peak pulse current of 4–5A.
Charging will continue until the battery voltage reaches 14.1–14.4V (6V: 7–7.2V; 8V: 9.4–9.6V) where after the
program progresses to long-term maintenance mode.
4.
Long term maintenance mode:
When LED #2 (green) lights the battery is ready or
has accepted as much charge
as its state of health allows.
When LED #2 (green) flashes OptiMate SOLAR is actively maintaining the battery at a safe level of 12.9 to 13.5V and
delivering current to any connected active circuitry or devices whilst keeping the battery full charged. Long term
maintenance charging continues as long as the solar panel delivers power. For more information on long term
maintenance charging, see NOTES below.
5. CHARGE REVERSION:
If the battery voltage drops below 12.6V (6V: 6.3V; 8V: 8.4V) due to high current draw by
connected circuitry charging will revert to Bulk (#3.2).
INTERRUPTION OF POWER:
If there is an interruption of power from the solar panel (night / insufficient sun)
charging will cease and the program resets. During this time OptiMate SOLAR will not draw any power from the
connected battery. As soon as power is restored charging will progress once more from BULK mode (#3.2). A fully
charged battery will reach long-term maintenance (#4) very quickly after each power interruption.
LED #1
LED #2
SOLAR
CHARGE
LED INDICATIONS
