Optimate TM290 User manual

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InstructionDisclaimer

Dennis Kirk provides instructions to help our customers better understand how to install the
products we sell. The instructions are exact copies of what the manufacturer includes with the
product being sold.
That means the quality and accuracy of the instructions is solely dependent on what the
manufacturer produces. We do our best to make the text legible and the pictures viewable.
However, the end result depends largely on the quality of instructions the manufacturer
provides.
Therefore, you will find that some instructions are not of the highest quality. Sometimes text is
hard to read and pictures are not easy to see. At times you will find the overall look of the
instructions to be less than professional. However, we feel it is better to provide what we have
rather than provide nothing at all.
To the best of our knowledge the instructions and application information contained in the
instructions is accurate. However, Dennis Kirk assumes no liability related to any errors that
may be contained in the copy of the manufacturer’s instructions we provide. Buyers are solely
responsible to insure that product use is consistent with their application.
If you have any questions please contact us at [email protected] or
800-969-7501 so we can further assist you regarding additional product information or any other
business related questions.
Thank you for doing business with Dennis Kirk.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
IMPORTANT: Read completely
before charging
MODE D’EMPLOI
IMPORTANT: à lire avant
d’utiliser l’appareil
MODO DE EMPLEO
IMPORTANTE: a leer antes de
utilizar el aparato
1 x 12.8V (4 x 3.2V cells) LiFePO4
Lithium Iron Phosphate
2.5 - 100Ah (charge within 24 hours)
+-
MODEL: TM290, TM291
AC: 100 – 240VAC 50-60Hz
DC: 60W ¨5A @ 12V
Thermally adjusted
1
x
128V(4x32Vcells) LiFeP
O
ANWENDUNGSVORSCHRIFTEN
WICHTIG: Vollständig vor der
Benutzung lesen
GEBRUIKSAANWIJZING
BELANGRIJK: Lees volledig voor
gebruik
INSTRUÇÕES DE UTILIZAÇÃO
IMPORTANTE: Ler antes de
utilizar.
ISTRUZIONI PER L’USO
IMPORTANTE: da leggere prima
di utilizzare l’apparecchio
INSTRUKTIONER
VIKTIGT: läs följande fullständiga
instruktioner för användningen
innan du använder laddaren
Automatic charger for 12.8V LiFePO4batteries • Chargeur automatique
pour batteries 12.8V LiFePO4• Cargador automático para baterías 12.8V
LiFePO4• Carregador automático para baterias de 12.8V LiFePO4•
Automatische Ladegerät für 12.8V LiFePO4Batterien • Automatische lader
voor 12.8V LiFePO4accu’s • Caricabatterie automatico per batterie 12.8V
LiFePO4• Automatisk diagnostisk laddare för 12.8V LiFePO4-batterier

SAVESAVE
safeTºsafeTº
CHARGE
OPTIMIZE
2
1
AC:100-240V
REVERSE
POLARITY
CONNECTION
BRIGHT
charging
LOW
Eco mode
88
77
66
TEST MAINTAIN
Results per
illustration 2
5
4
3
OPTIMIZE
final 20%
equalize
CHARGE
from 12.8V
to 14.3V
SAVE
from 0.5V
to 12.8V
LED MODE
FLASHING - - - -
100% ON
LED indications (illustration 1)
Early warning of battery problems / Avertissement anticipé des
problèmes de batterie (illustration 2)
TEST
V
OLTS 10 12.73 12.99 13.13 13.30
%
0.5
+90%61-90%11-30%
VOLTAGE RETENTION TEST / TEST DE R
É
TENTION DE VOLTAGE
31-60%
0-10%
- - -

3
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
THIS PORTION OF THE MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE
OPTIMATE LITHIUM BATTERY CHARGER. IT IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT EACH
TIME, BEFORE USING THE CHARGER, YOU READ AND EXACTLY FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
AUTOMATIC CHARGER FOR 12.8V LIFEPO4(LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE )
BATTERIES. DO NOT USE FOR NiCd, NiMH, Lead-Acid or any other type
of Li-Ion OR NON-RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES.
1. CAUTION : CLASS II APPLIANCE. DO NOT CONNECT TO GROUND.
2. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.
3. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk of fire, electric shock,or injury to
persons.
4. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when disconnecting charger.
5. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension cord could result
in a risk of fire and electric shock.If extension cord must be used make sure that :
a) pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size and shape as those of plug on charger.
b) the extension cord is property wired and in good electrical condition,and
c) the conductor wire size is large enough for the AC ampere rating of the charger as specified in the table below.
AC INPUT RATING IN AMPERES
Equal to or greater than But less than LENGTH OF CORD, FEET (m) AWG SIZE OF CORD
2A 3A 25 (17.6)
50 (15.2)
100 (30.5)
18
18
14
6. Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug - replace the cord or plug immediately.
7. Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped,or otherwise damaged in any way; take it
to a qualified serviceman.
8. Do not disassemble charger; take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair is required.
Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.
9. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug the charger from outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.Clean only with slightly moist,not wet, cloth.Do not use solvents.
10. WARNING - RISK OF EXPLOSION.
a) WORKING IN VICINITY OF A Lithium Iron Phosphate BATTERY IS DANGEROUS. BATTERY TEMPERATURE (measured at the battery)
INCREASE DURING NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION AND DURING CHARGING AND THERE IS A RISK OF EXPLOSION IF THE BATTERY IS
OVERCHARGED.
b) Lithium Iron Phosphate BATTERIES HAVE A LIMITED SAFE TEMPERATURE RANGE OF -20OC / 4OF TO 85OC / 185OF.
BATTERIES SHOULD NOT BE USED OR CHARGED IF THE BATTERY CASING OR ENVIRONMENT TEMPERATURE IS OUTSIDE OF THIS RANGE.
FOR THIS REASON, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU USE THE CHARGER.
b) To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any
equipment you intend to use in vicinity of the battery. Review cautionary marking on these products and on engine.
11. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS.
a) Someone should be within range of your voice OR close enough to come to your aid when you work near a Lithium Iron Phosphate
battery.
b) Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery contents contacts skin, clothing or eyes.
c) Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while working near battery.
d) If battery contents contacts or enters eye, flood eye with cold running water for at least 10 minutes and get medical
attention immediately. If battery contents contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If battery content enters
an eye , immediately flood eye with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
e) NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery or engine.
f) Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool onto battery. It might spark or short-circuit battery or other electrical part
that may cause explosion.
g) Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets ,necklaces , and watches when working with a Lithium Iron Phosphate
battery. A Lithium Iron Phosphate battery can produce a short-circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal,
causing a severe burn.
i) NEVER charge a frozen battery.
SAFETY

4
12. PREPARING TO CHARGE
Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries CANNOT:
- RECEIVE HIGH CHARGE CURRENT OUTSIDE OF THE RATED NORMAL OPERATING RANGE OF 0OC / 32OF TO 60OC / 140OF. ONLY USE A
CHARGER THAT AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTS CHARGE RATE ACCORDING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
- RECEIVE HIGH CHARGE CURRENT IF THE BATTERY WAS DISCHARGED BELOW ITS NOMINAL VOLTAGE. ONLY USE A CHARGER THAT
LOWERS CHARGE RATE IF MEASURED BATTERY VOLTAGE IS BELOW NOMINAL.
- BE OVERCHARGED. THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE VOLTAGE PER 3.2V CELL IS 3.6V i.e. a 12.8V battery has a maximum charged voltage of
14.4V. ONLY USE A CHARGER THAT AUTOMATICALLY LIMITS CHARGING VOLTAGE TO 3.6V per cell or LESS (14.4V for a 12.8V battery) AND
TERMINATES CHARGING ONCE THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED.
a) If necessary to remove battery from vehicle to charge,always remove grounded terminal from battery first.
Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off, so as not to cause an arc.
b) Be sure area around battery is well ventilated while battery is being charged. Ventilation for cooling purposes can be improved
by using a piece of cardboard or other non-metallic material as a fan.
c) Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.
d) Carefully follow manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
e) Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions and recommended rates of charge.
f) Determine voltage of battery by referring to vehicle or other user’s manual and BEFORE MAKING THE BATTERY
CONNECTIONS , MAKE SURE THAT THE VOLTAGE OF THE BATTERY YOU ARE GOING TO CHARGE MATCHES THE
OUTPUT VOLTAGE OF THE CHARGER.
13. CHARGER LOCATION.
a) Locate charger as far away from battery as DC cables permit.
b) Never place charger directly above batterv being charged; chargers increase in temperature during operation and the heat will
transfer to the battery. c) Do not operate charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
d) Do not set a battery on top of charger. IMPORTANT : Place charger on a hard flat surface or mount onto a vertical surface. Do not
place on plastic, leather or textile surface.
14. DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
a) Connect and disconnect DC output clips only after setting any charger switches to off position and removing AC
cord from electric outlet. Never allow clips to touch each other, however should this happen no damage will result to
the charger circuit & the automatic charging programme will just reset to «start».
b) Attach clips to battery and chassis as indicated in 15(e), 15(f), and 16(b) through 16(d).
NOTE : This battery charger has an automatic safety feature that will prevent it from operating if the battery has been inversely
connected. Set charger switches to off position and/or remove AC cord from electrical outlet, disconnect the battery clips, then
reconnect correctly according to the instructions below.
15. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE. SHORT CIRCUITING OF THE
BATTERY TERMINALS MAY CAUSE BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE RISK OF SHORT CIRCUITING THE
BATTERY :
a) Position AC and DC cords so as to reduce risk of damage by hood, door or moving engine part.
b) Stay clear of fan -blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to persons.
c) Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG,
N,–) post.
d) Determine which post of battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If negative post is grounded to chassis
(as in most vehicles),see (e). If positive post is grounded to the chassis,see (f).
e) For negative-grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED) clip from battery charger to POSITIVE (POS, P, + )
ungrounded post of battery. Connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery. Do not connect
clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gage metal part of the frame or engine block.
f) For positive-grounded vehicle, connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from battery charger to NEGATIVE (NEG. N , -)
ungrounded post of battery. Connect POSITIVE (RED) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery. Do
not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gage metal part of the
frame or engine block.
g) When disconnecting charger, turn switches to off, disconnect AC cord,remove clip from vehicle chassis,and then
remove clip from battery terminal.
h) See operating instructions for length of charge information.
16. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE. SHORT CIRCUITING OF THE BATTERY
TERMINALS MAY CAUSE BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE RISK OF SHORT CIRCUITING THE BATTERY :
a) Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than NEGATIVE
(NEG,N, -) post.
b) This battery charger has an automatic safety feature that will prevent it from operating if the battery has been inversely
connected. The charger does allow charge current unless a voltage of at least 2V is sensed.
c) Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of battery.
d) Connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clip to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post of the battery.
e) Do not face battery when making final connection.
f) When disconnecting charger, always do so in reverse sequence of connecting procedure & break first connection
while as far away from battery as practical.
g) A marine (boat) battery must be removed & charged on shore. To charge it on board requires equipment specially
designed for marine use.
SAFETY

5
AUTOMATIC DIAGNOSTIC CHARGER FOR 12.8V LIFEPO4(LITHIUM IRON
PHOSPHATE ) BATTERIES. BATTERIES FROM 2.5Ah TO 100Ah:
Input: 100-240V maximum 1.5A. The maximum output current is automatically adjusted according to the
characteristics of the connected battery, in the range of 0.4A to 5A, by the ampmatic™ output control circuit .
SAFETY WARNING AND NOTES: IF YOU HAVE NOT YET DONE SO, READ THE PRECEDING PAGES
LABELLED "IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" BEFORE OPERATING THIS CHARGER.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or
mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or
instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be
supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
USING THE OPTIMATE LITHIUM
CORRECT USE: Use the charger only if the input and output leads and connectors are in good, undamaged condition. If the input
cable is damaged, it is essential to have it replaced without delay by the manufacturer, his authorised service agent or a qualified
workshop, to avoid danger. Protect your charger from damp and humid conditions both during use and in storage. Damage resulting
from corrosion, oxidation or internal electrical short-circuiting is not covered by warranty. Distance the charger from the battery
during charging to avoid contamination by or exposure to acid or acidic vapours. If using it in the horizontal orientation, place the
charger on a hard, flat surface, but NOT on plastic, textile or leather. Use the fixing holes provided in the enclosure base to attach
the charger to any convenient, sound vertical surface.
EXPOSURE TO LIQUIDS: This charger is designed to withstand exposure to liquids accidentally spilled or splashed onto the
casing from above, or to light rainfall. Prolonged exposure to falling rain is inadvisable and longer service life will be obtained by
minimizing such exposure.Failure of the charger due to oxidation resulting from the eventual penetration of liquid into the electronic
components, connectors or plugs,is not covered by warranty.
VERY FLAT NEGLECTED BATTERIES: Pay particularly close attention to the following A LIFEPO4 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. During the SAVE mode the safe T program limits charge current if the voltage is below 12.8V and the
ampmatic™ program should detect obvious cell damage and will automatically suspend charging, but the higher the cell count
in parallel the more difficult it is to detect a bad cell e.g. a 5Ah battery typically has 4 series connected sets of 2 parallel cells (4S2P
configuration - total 8 cells), a 10Ah battery has 4 series connected sets of 4 parallel cells (4S4P configuration - total 16 cells).
ALWAYS monitor the battery temperature during the first hour, then hourly there-after. If at any time the battery is uncomfortably hot
to touch or you notice any unusual signs, DISCONNECT THE CHARGER IMMEDIATELY.
CHARGING TIME
Charge time will be affected by ambient temperature. The safe T program limits charge current if the temperature measured at
the OptiMate Lithium is below 0 C / 32 F or above 45 C / 113 F. Within the normal temperature range the ampmatic™ LiFePO4
specific program automatically determines the most efficient rate of charge current for the connected battery, according to its state
of charge, state of health, and electrical storage (Ah) capacity. The delivered current may be anywhere from 1.25A to 5A.
Charge time on a flat but otherwise undamaged battery:
For batteries rated from 2.5Ah to 5Ah: 60 to 120 minutes to progress to the voltage retention test.
For batteries rated above 5Ah: slightly less than 25% of the battery’s Ah rating, so a 50Ah battery should take no more than about
12 hours to progress to the voltage retention test.
Deep-discharged batteries may take significantly longer. A full charge may not be achieved within the 24 hour charge safety limit. In
this case follow the reset procedure below.
RESETTING THE CHARGE & TEST CYCLE
Disconnect from the AC mains. Wait for the POWER ON LED #1 to go out. Upon reconnection to AC power LEDs #6, 7 and 8 will flash
twice to confirm micro processor health, irrespective if the charger remains connected to a battery or not.
ECO POWER SAVING MODE WHEN THE CHARGER IS CONNECTED TO AC SUPPLY:
The power converter switches to ECO mode when the charger is not connected to a battery resulting in a very low power draw of
less than 1.7W, equivalent to power consumption of 0.042 kWh per day. When a battery is connected to the charger power
consumption depends on the current demand of the battery and its connected vehicle / electronic circuitry. After the battery has
been charged and the charger is in long term maintenance charge mode (to keep the battery at 100% charge) the total power
consumption is estimated to be 0.060 kWh or less per day.
SAFETY

6
PROCEEDING TO CHARGE
The LED indicators below are sequenced as they may come on through the course of the program.
POWER ON: LED #1 - Confirms AC power supply to the charger.
HIGH and LOW intensity indication: The"POWER ON" LED #1 will indicate brightly when current is delivered to the battery.
The "POWER ON" LED #1 will reduce intensity to a low level to indicate low power "ECO" mode. This will occur if there is no battery
connected, or when a battery is connected and the program finds itself in the voltage retention test mode or the 'rest' periods of
Maintenance Charge mode.
REVERSE POLARITY PROTECTION: LED #2 - Lights when the battery connections are incorrect. The charger is electronically
protected so no damage will result, and the output will remain disabled until the connections are corrected.
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
A
C:100-240V
R
EVERSE
P
OLARITY
C
ONNECTION
TEST +
MAINTAIN
OPTIMIZE
CHARGE
SAVE SAVE
safeTº
CHARGE
OPTIMIZE

7
PRE-QUALIFICATION TEST: LEDs #6 / 7 / 8
TEST LEDs #6/7/8 indicate the condition of the battery prior to charging. Charging commences after 10 seconds.
Consult the “EARLY WARNING OF BATTERY PROBLEMS” table on page 2 (illustration 2) for TEST LED indications.
LOW TEMPERATURE WARNING - LED #8 (red) flashing: The temperature measured at OptiMate Lithium is below -20 degrees
Celcius or 4 degrees Fahernheit, below the safe charging AND discharging zone for LiFePO4 batteries.
SAVE / LOW VOLTAGE RECOVERY: LED #3
IMPORTANT: If this mode engages read the section VERY FLAT NEGLECTED BATTERIES on page 5.
This mode engages if the battery was more than 90% discharged / voltage is below 12.8V. safe T: Charge current is
automatically adjusted according to voltage and ambient temperature measured during the pre-qualification test.
VERY LOW VOLTAGE SAVE for batteries between 0.6V and 8.8V:Current starts at 125mA and will increase to 325mA
depending on charge progress. If the voltage did not rise above 8.8V within 2 hours, charging will be suspended and the TEST
LED #8 (red) will flash, indicating the battery may have suffered permanent damage or a professional assessment is required.
LOW VOLTAGE SAVE for batteries between 8.9V and 12.8V: Maximum current is set to 1.25A. The battery's charge
acceptance is monitored for unusual behaviour. A healthy LiFePO4 battery will progress to CHARGE mode within 4 hours,
otherwise charging will be suspended and TEST LED #8 (red) will flash, indicating the battery may have suffered permanent
damage or a professional assessment is required.
CHARGE: LED #4
The safe T program limits charge current if the temperature measured at the OptiMate Lithium is below 0 C / 32 F or above 45
C / 113 F. If the temperature was initially below 0 C / 32 F charge current is limited to 325mA only for the first hour after which
the battery is expected to have increased it's internal temperature within the normal temperature zone. Within the normal
temperature zone the ampmatic™ LiFePO4 specific program automatically determines the most efficient rate of charge
current for the connected battery, according to its state of charge, state of health, and electrical storage (Ah) capacity. The
delivered current may be anywhere from 1.25A to 5A.
For batteries with an electrical storage (Ah) capacity less than 5Ah charge current is automatically adjusted lower to an average
equal to battery Ah capacity, e.g. a 2.5Ah / 2500mAh battery receive an average of 2.5 Amps.
NOTE: For safety reasons there is an overall charge time limit of 24 hours for SAVE and CHARGE modes.
OPTIMIZE: LED #5
The OPTIMIZE mode starts when the voltage has reached 14.3V for the first time during bulk CHARGE mode.
Pulsed absorption / equalization step: The ampmatic™ current control program now delivers pulses of current for 10
minutes so as to cause the battery voltage to vary between 14.1V and 14.4V, to equalize the individual cells within the battery.
Verification step: The battery's charge level is verified during 5 minutes. If the battery requires further charging the program will
revert to pulsed equalization.
NOTE: Charge time limit equal to 1/2 the time the battery remained in CHARGE mode.
VOLTAGE RETENTION TEST: starts with LED #6 flashing
Delivery of current to the battery is interrupted for 12 hours to allow the program to determine the battery's ability to retain
charge. A small load is applied to remove surface charge and improve accuracy of the test result.
For batteries with a good state of health LED #6 (green) should continue to flash for the full period.
Consult the “EARLY WARNING OF BATTERY PROBLEMS” table on page 2 for LED indications other than LED #6 (green).
A significant problem exists if the battery is unable to retain sufficient charge during the 12 hour test period.
NOTE: If the voltage reduced below 12.8V within the first 30 minutes charging will be suspended and TEST LED #8 (red) will
flash, indicating the battery may have suffered permanent damage or a professional assessment is required.
Read the section NOTES ON TEST RESULTS on reasons for poor test results or how to test a battery that returns a good result but
cannot deliver sufficient power once it is returned to service.
MAINTENANCE CHARGE: LED #6 /7 / 8 steady on
The circuit offers current to the battery within a safe 13.6V voltage limit whilst the result of the voltage retention test is displayed.
For batteries with a good state of health LED #6 (green) will remain on. The maintenance charge mode continues until
the charger is disconnected.
Consult the “EARLY WARNING OF BATTERY PROBLEMS” table on page 2 for LED indications other than LED #6 (green).
A more detailed description of the automatic maintenance cycle for long term battery storage can be found under the section
AUTOMATIC BATTERY MAINTENANCE.

8
NOTES ON TEST RESULTS:
1. For any test result other than green #6, disconnect the battery from the electrical system it supports, and reconnect the OptiMate.
If a better test result is now obtained, this suggests that the power losses are partly due to an electrical problem in the electrical
system and not in the battery itself. If the poor result persists, you are advised to take the battery to a professional service workshop
equipped with professional equipment for a more thorough investigation.
2. If the red LED #8 alone, or the yellow #7 and red LED #8 indicate together (or yellow LED alone for a sealed battery), a significant
problem exists. The red / yellow+red LEDs mean that after being charged the battery’s voltage is not being sustained or that despite
recovery attempts the battery was irrecoverable. This may be due to a defect in the battery itself, such as a short-circuited cell or
total sulphation, or, in the case of a battery still connected to the electrical system it supports, the red LED #8 may be signalling a
loss of current through deteriorated wiring or a degraded switch or contact, or in-circuit current-consuming accessories. A sudden
load being switched on while the charger is connected can also cause the battery voltage to dip significantly.
3. GOOD TEST RESULT, but the battery cannot deliver sufficient power: Permanent damage within the battery may be causing
excessive self discharge that is not detected within the test period of 12 hours. Disconnect the battery from the OptiMate. After at
least 48 hours reconnect and observe the TEST result during the PRE-QUALIFICATION TEST.
AUTOMATIC BATTERY MAINTENANCE: The MAINTENANCE CHARGE CYCLE consists of 30 minute charge periods followed by
and alternating with a 30 minute ‘rest’ periods, during which there is no charge current. The circuit offers current to the battery
within a safe 13.6V voltage limit (“float charge”), allowing it to draw whatever small current is necessary to sustain it at full charge
and compensate for any small electrical loads imposed by connected circuitry, or the natural gradual self-discharge of the battery
itself.
The BATTERY REFRESH CYCLE is performed if the charger detects the battery has lost charge. The program returns to OPTIMIZE
mode (LED #5) and then proceeds to the voltage retention test and maintenance charge cycle.