TestMate
mini
INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT: READ CAREFULLY and COMPLETELY BEFORE EACH USE
NOTE: Keep this packaging
as connection accessory and mounting option details are printed on the back.
IMPORTANT WARNINGS and CAUTIONS:
Batteries emit explosive gases. Do not smoke or use matches in
the vicinity of batteries and avoid causing sparks or flames. Take great care to avoid short-circuits across the
battery terminals which can cause battery explosion, serious personal injury and even death. When working
with batteries, ensure good ventilation. Battery acid is severely corrosive and will cause burns in contact with
skin and can cause blindness on entering the eyes, so wear protective eyewear and clothing. In case of accide
ntal direct bodily contact with battery acid, wash immediately with soap and water and get medical assistance.
Take maximum care to avoid the following: personal contact with any hot or moving part of the engine or vehicle
; allowing any part of your clothing to do so ; or accidentally fouling any hot or moving part with the
TestMate
mini
, its connection cable or connection accessories. Do not use the TestMate
mini
if its connection
cable or accessories are not in good condition. The TestMate
mini
is waterproof and dustproof (IP65
classification).
If you do not fully understand any part of these instructions, consult a professional
before using the TestMate
mini
.
Connections and mounting accessories:
3 screws are included in the packaging for mounting the
removable backplate onto the main enclosure. This should be done immediately unless you intend to first fit the
cable straps. In this case, mount the backplate after inserting the cable straps as shown on the packaging. If the
battery clips become worn or corroded, replace them with TecMate part number TM-74. The TestMate
mini
can
also be connected to the battery through the optional accessories (detailed on packaging) with metal eyelets
which are permanently fixed to the battery posts. One of these connection accessories is delivered with
TecMate’s AccuMate and OptiMate 3 chargers.
Using the TestMate
mini
to test your battery and the vehicle’s charging system.
Step 1. Connect the TestMate
mini
:
Whilst observing the warnings and precautions above, connect the red
clip to
+
/ POS battery post, the black to
–
/ NEG battery post , making sure that the connections are good and
cannot slip off. In case of wrong connections, the TestMate
mini
circuit is electronically protected.
TIP:
For accurate results always make the connections directly to the battery terminals. Connections away from
the battery such as the black clip to the chassis or red clip to a terminal on a current carrying conductor could
result in incorrect readings.
Step 2. Battery voltage check:
With the TestMate
mini
correctly connected and the ignition switch, vehicle
lights and power consuming accessories switched off, the centre green LED (battery icon with V) should lite up.
This indicates a battery voltage of 12,5V and higher, which is normal for a charged battery. A reading of 12V or
less indicates a discharged or even a defective battery. Such batteries will probably show a weak cranking
voltage during the cranking test (step 3), in which case disconnect the TestMate
mini
(step 5), carefully remove
the battery from the vehicle and recharge it using an AccuMate or OptiMate brand charger, then reconnect the
battery on the vehicle taking great care to make the correct connections, and repeat steps 1, 2 and 3.
Step 3. Test the battery under cranking load:
Switch off any vehicle lights or audio systems. With the
TestMate
mini
securely connected to the battery turn the ignition key (or press the starter button) to crank the
engine while observing the TestMate
mini
display. The voltage will drop sharply for an instant, then it should
settle slightly higher until the engine starts.
GOOD – Initial drop into yellow / green zone, settle in green zone.
ACCEPTABLE – Initial drop into red / yellow zone, settle in yellow zone.
POOR – remain in red zone.
If a
charged
battery does not test “GOOD”, this is probably due to one of the following: (1) worn or defective
battery; (2) factory fitted battery at the limit of its capability due to increased engine compression (performance
modifications) OR design constraints (size and weight) of performance motorcycles / vehicles / watercraft.
Step 4. Test the charging system alternator and voltage regulator:
Once the engine has started during
the cranking load test in step 3, the vehicle’s charging system will automatically come into circuit with the
battery. The output voltage settings of voltage regulators are designed to deliver the appropriate charging
voltages for the type of battery with which the vehicle was factory-equipped. The appropriate voltage at normal
engine idling speed (800rpm or higher) should be 14V to 14,5V* (see NOTES below). Check your vehicle’s
technical manual for the correct charging system voltage setting. If the charging voltage displayed is not as
specified, have the system professionally checked. An incorrect charging voltage setting will lead to premature
battery failure.
*NOTES: 1) Some vehicles may require engine speeds of 2000 rpm or higher to deliver sufficient charge
voltage.
2) On some models of motorcycles / ATVs the charging systems are low power. It may take a few
minutes (following cranking) before the appropriate voltage is reached.
3) A voltage of up to 14,8V can be expected on a stationary vehicle with only the required /
mandatory electrical components powered up (e.g. headlight(s), ignition system, fuel injection
ECM). TIP: Power up electronic / electrical accessories that may be used during normal operation
of the vehicle and check that the voltage does not drop below 14V at 2000 rpm (normal engine
operating speeds). If it does, the battery may not receive sufficient charge and this will lead to
starting problems and premature battery failure.
4) On most motorcycles, ATVs , watercraft and on older trucks and cars, the battery forms part of
the regulatory circuit.A battery in poor condition (with increased internal resistance) may cause
an abnormally high charge voltage.
5) Modern cars and trucks may be fitted with temperature compensated voltage regulators that vary
charge voltage according to ambient temperature (i.e. higher in winter, lower in summer).
Step 5. Disconnect the TestMate
mini
in the reverse sequence of step 1, observing the CAUTIONS detailed
above.
Find more information at www.testmate.com
Warranty:
TecMate Powersports Products North America, www.tecmate.com, Oakville ON L6H 2K9, Canada,
warrants the product against defective manufacture and components for 2 years from the date of documented
first use by the first user. The warranty is not transferable. Wear and tear, damaged or worn cables and
connection components are not covered by the warranty. Misuse or failure to fully follow these instructions
invalidates the warranty. All consequential liabilities are expressly concluded. This is the only limited warranty
and no other warranty is authorized or recognized by the warrantor.
INSTRUCTIONS TestMate
mini
:
IMPORTANT : A LIRE ATTENTIVEMENT AVANT CHAQUE UTILISATION
NOTE :
Gardez l’emballage.
Les accessoires de connexion et options pour montage sont illustrés au dos.
PRECAUTIONS D’USAGE :
Les batteries émettent des gaz explosifs. Ne pas fumer ou utiliser d’allumettes à
proximité, évitez flammes et étincelles et, à tout prix, tout court-circuit entre les bornes de la batterie. Danger
d’explosion, de blessures graves, voire de mort. Assurez une bonne ventilation. L’acide de batterie est
fortement corrosif, entraîne des brûlures en cas de contact avec la peau et peut causer la cécité en cas de
contact direct avec les yeux. Il faut donc porter vêtements et accessoires de protection adéquats. En cas de
contact corporel direct, lavez immédiatement avec de l’eau et du savon et faites appel à une assistance
médicale. Egalement à éviter à tout prix : tout contact corporel avec des pièces chaudes ou en mouvement
(moteur ou véhicule) ; idem pour vos vêtements ainsi que pour le TestMate
mini
ou ses éléments de connexion.
Si ceux-ci ne sont pas en parfait état, ne pas utiliser le TestMate
mini
. Le TestMate
mini
est étanche et protégé
contre les poussières (classification IP65).
En cas de non-compréhension d’une partie des instructions, consultez un professionnel avant
utilisation du TestMate
mini
.
Accessoires de connexion et de montage :
3 vis sont livrées d’origine afin de monter la plaque arrière sur le
boîtier principal. Ceci doit être fait immédiatement à moins que vous ne vouliez d’abord placer les colliers de
fixation. Dans ce cas, montez la plaque arrière après avoir inséré les colliers (voir illustration sur emballage). Si
les pinces deviennent usées ou corrodées, remplacez-les par le set TecMate TM-74. Le TestMate
mini
peut
également être connecté à la batterie via le connecteur à oeillets optionnel (illustré sur emballage), tel que livré
d’origine avec nos chargeurs AccuMate et OptiMate IIISP.
Tester une batterie et un système de charge de véhicule à l’aide du TestMate
mini
Etape 1. Connectez le TestMate
mini
.
Tout en gardant à l’esprit les précautions d’usage ci-dessus, connectez
la pince rouge à la borne positive de la batterie puis la pince noire à la borne négative. Assurez des connexions
stables. Le circuit du TestMate
mini
est protégé électroniquement en cas d’inversion de polarité.
CONSEIL :
Pour des résultats précis, effectuez toujours des connexions en direct sur les bornes de la batterie.
Les connexions indirectes, par exemple pince noire sur châssis ou pince rouge sur un conducteur peuvent
entraîner des indications erronées.
Etape 2. Contrôle de voltage de batterie :
TestMate
mini
connecté correctement, contact coupé, phares et
tous autres consommateurs éteints, la LED verte devrait s’allumer (icône de batterie dans dessin en V). Ceci
indique un voltage de 12,5V ou plus, ce qui est normal pour une batterie chargée. Une valeur de 12V ou moins
indique une batterie déchargée voire défectueuse. Une telle batterie montrera probablement un voltage faible
durant le test de démarrage (étape 3). Dans ce cas, déconnectez le TestMate
mini
(étape 5), enlevez
prudemment la batterie du véhicule et rechargez-la à l’aide d’un AccuMate ou d’un OptiMate avant de la
reconnecter au véhicule. Prenez soin de respecter les connexions prescrites. Répétez ensuite les étapes 1, 2 et 3.
Etape 3. Test en phase de démarrage :
Eteignez tout éclairage ou système audio. TestMate
mini
solidement
connecté à la batterie, effectuez un démarrage tout en observant l’afficheur. Le voltage chutera brutalement
