VDC Electronics BatteryMINDer 2000 Series User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
BatteryMINDer®2000 Series
Charger / Maintainer / Desulfator
Rev. C-091911 P/N VDC2000-MNL
VDC Electronics, Inc.
147D Woodbury Rd.
Huntington, NY 11743
www.BatteryMINDers.com
[email protected]
READ AND SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
INCLUDES:
2’ Fused Ring Terminal Cord
Set with Quick Connector
2’ Battery Clip Cord Set with
Quick Connector
Ambient Temperature Sensor
•
•
•
12-Volt Maintenance Charger
with Full-Time Desulfator
Model 2012
BatteryMINDer®
Volts
Amps
BATTERY
CONNECTION
TESTING
LOAD
TEMPERATURE
COMPENSATION
DESULFATING
BAD CELL
BATTERY
WEAK
POWER
VDC Electronics, Inc.
www.BatteryMINDers.com
Technical Support:
800-379-5579 x206 (ET)
Developed in the U.S.A.
FOR LEAD-ACID BATTERIES ONLY
Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.65A
Output: 12 Volts @ 2.0 Amps

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 2 P/N VDC2000-MNL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Instructions ...................................................................... 3 - 7
Warning - Risk of Explosive Gases ................................................. 4
Personal Precautions ................................................................. 4
Preparing to Charge ................................................................... 5
Charger Location ...................................................................... 5
DC Connection Precautions .......................................................... 6
Reduce Risk of a Spark Near Battery ............................................ 6, 7
Operation Instructions .................................................................8 - 14
Indicator Light Table ............................................................... 8, 9
Quick Connect Instructions ........................................................... 9
Charging Stages ....................................................................... 9
Indicator Light Details ...............................................................10
Temperature Compensation ........................................................11
Voltage Table .........................................................................12
Specifications Table .................................................................12
Maintaining Multiple Batteries .....................................................13
Battery Configurations ...............................................................13
Charging Profile ......................................................................14
Repair or Replacement ...................................................................15
Warranty and Registration ................................................................16

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 3 P/N VDC2000-MNL
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
REQUIRED IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS for
the BATTERYMINDER 2000 SERIES
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK,
OR INJURY TO PERSON, OBSERVE THE
FOLLOWING:
1. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important safety and operating instructions
for BatteryMINDer 2000 Series.
2. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.
3. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by VDC Electronics
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 an extension cord must be used, make sure:
a) That pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size,
and shape as those of plug on charger;
b) That extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical
condition; and
c) That wire size is large enough for ac ampere rating of charger
as specified in Table below.
Recommended minimum AWG size for
extension cords for battery chargers
AC Input Rating,
amperesaAWG Size of Cord
Equal To
or
Greater
Than
But Less
Than
Length of Cord, feet (m)
25
(7.6)
50
(15.2)
100
(30.5)
150
(45.6)
0 2 18 18 18 16
aIf the input rating of a charger is given in watts rather than in amperes, the
corresponding ampere rating is to be determined by dividing the wattage rating by
the voltage rating - for example: 1250 watts/125 volts = 10 amperes

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 4 P/N VDC2000-MNL
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; call VDC Electronics
Tech Support Dept. 800.379.5579 x206 (ET) for advice.
8. Do not disassemble charger; call VDC Electronics Tech Support
Dept. 800.379.5579 x206 (ET) for advice 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 charger from outlet before
attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off controls will
not reduce this risk.
10. WARNING – RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES
a) WORKING IN VICINITY OF A LEAD-ACID BATTERY IS
DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES
DURING NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. 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 manufacturer of any equipment you intend
to use in vicinity of battery. Review cautionary marking on these
products and on engine.
11. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
a) Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid
when you work near a lead-acid battery.
b) Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid
contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
c) Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid
touching eyes while working near battery.
d) If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately
with soap and water. If acid enters 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

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 5 P/N VDC2000-MNL
part that may cause explosion.
g) Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets,
necklaces, and watches when working with a lead-acid battery. A
lead-acid battery can produce a short-circuit current high enough
to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
h) Use charger for charging a LEAD-ACID battery only. It is not
intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other
than in a starter-motor application. Do not use battery charger
for charging dry-cell batteries that are commonly used with home
appliances. These batteries may burst and cause injury to persons
and damage to property.
i) NEVER charge a frozen battery or a battery at a temperature
above 123° F.
12. PREPARING TO CHARGE
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.
c) Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from
coming in contact with eyes.
d) Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level
specified by battery manufacturer. Do not overfill. For a battery
without removable cell caps, such as valve regulated lead acid
batteries, carefully follow manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
e) Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions while
charging and recommended rates of charge.
f) Determine voltage of battery by referring to car owner’s manual
and make sure it matches output rating of battery charger.
13. CHARGER LOCATION
a) Locate charger as far away from battery as DC cables permit.
b) Never place charger directly above battery being charged;
gases from battery will corrode and damage charger.
c) Never allow battery acid to drip on charger when reading
electrolyte specific gravity or filling battery.
d) Do not operate charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation
in any way.

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 6 P/N VDC2000-MNL
e) Do not set a battery on top of charger.
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.
b) Attach clips to battery and chassis as indicated in 15(e), 15(f),
and 16(b) through 16(d).
15. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN
VEHICLE. A SPARK NEAR BATTERY MAY CAUSE BATTERY
EXPLOSION.
TO REDUCE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR BATTERY:
a) Position ac and dc cords 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 ( ) 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 ( ) 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.

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 7 P/N VDC2000-MNL
h) See operating instructions for length of charge information.
16. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE
VEHICLE. A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE
BATTERY EXPLOSION.
TO REDUCE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR BATTERY:
a) Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery
post usually has a larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –)
post.
b) Attach at least a 24-inch-long 6-gauge (AWG) insulated battery
cable to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) battery post.
c) Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to POSITIVE (POS, P,
+) post of battery.
d) Position yourself and free end of cable as far away from battery
as possible – then connect NEGATIVE ( ) charger clip to
free end of cable.
e) Do not face battery when making final connection.
f) When disconnecting charger, always do so in reverse sequence
of connecting procedure and break first connection while as far
away from battery as practical.
g) A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore.
To charge it on board requires equipment specially designed for
marine use.

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 8 P/N VDC2000-MNL
BatteryMINDer 2000 Series Label
Indicator Light Table
•Power A/C Power Connected
•Battery Connection Battery Connected Correctly
•Battery Connection Battery Connection Reversed
•Battery Weak • Battery Required Soft Start
• Battery Tests Under 12.5V
•Load Battery under load and cannot
maintain FV* (See Voltage Table)
•Bad Cell Battery under 11.5V after Battery
Test
•Testing Battery is being Tested
•Desulfating Battery is being Desulfated
•Temperature
Compensation Temperature Over 27°C/80°F
•Temperature
Compensation Temperature Under 21°C/70°F

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 9 P/N VDC2000-MNL
Quick Connect Instructions
Place the Positive (RED) clip on the positive battery terminal.
Place the Negative (Black) clip on the negative battery terminal.
Plug in the BatteryMINDer.
Power and Battery Connection light should be GREEN. Indicator
will come on showing state of battery charge and present charging
stage.
Charging Stages
• Soft Start is used if a battery’s voltage is under 10.5V when
charging begins. It uses a low constant current to slowly bring
up voltage. This prepares a weak or neglected battery for the
Constant Current stage.
• Constant Current (sometimes called Bulk) is the main charging
stage. The charger puts out a constant current of 2A, its full power.
Battery voltage rises until the battery reaches the optimal charging
voltage CV* (See Voltage Table).
• Constant Voltage (sometimes called Absorption) is the second
charging stage. The charger regulates the current given to the
battery to maintain a constant voltage CV* (See Voltage Table).
As the battery nears a full charge, the current needed to maintain
this voltage decreases. Once the current falls below 0.5A (0.1A for
2012-AGM) the stage is complete.
• Battery Test is administered by reading your battery voltage
while resting the battery for 10 minutes. A voltage of under 12.5V
indicates a weak battery, under 11.5V indicates a shorted cell. The
battery is tested at completion of the Constant Voltage stage, and
every 12 hours while in Float
1.
2.
3.
4.
Load Light Off Load Light •
Soft Start 0.5 A Float
(Battery < 11V) 2.0 A
Constant
Current 2.0 A Float (Battery < 12V) 2.0 A
Constant
Voltage
CV* (See
Voltage Table)
Float
(Battery < 13V) 2.0 A
Float (Charge
Complete)
FV* (See
Voltage Table)
Float
(Battery > 13V) 2.0 A

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 10 P/N VDC2000-MNL
• Float (sometimes called Maintenance) is the charger’s long term
stage. The charger can and should be left connected indefinitely.
This will keep the battery fully charged ensuring no sulfate can
form. The charger maintains float voltage FV* (See Voltage Table)
using very little power as it actively monitors the battery and adjusts
its output several times a second.
Indicator Light Details
• Power light is GREEN anytime the charger is plugged into AC
Power.
• Battery Connection light is GREEN when the unit it is correctly
connected to a battery. If the Battery Connection light is RED
the polarity is reversed and the positive and negative terminals
need to be switched. If the light remains RED after switching the
connections, there is a short circuit.
• Battery Weak light is AMBER if the Soft Start mode is used or
the battery fails a Battery Test. The indicator will stay on until the
battery passes a Battery Test.
A neglected battery can take over 2 weeks of desulfation to
correct. If after 2 weeks it still reads as a Weak Battery, there is
likely internal physical damage.
• Load light is AMBER if the charger is in Float and outputting 2A.
This indicates a drain on the battery or a large battery that was not
charged within the time limits. If possible remove any loads. When
this light is on, the battery charge level lights correspond only to
battery voltage, not charging stages (see Load Light •Table,
Page 9).
• Bad Cell light flashes RED if the charger has not completed the
Constant Current stage in 20 hours and battery voltage is under
11.5V ( Flashing), or if the battery is under 11.5V after a Battery
Test ( Flashing).
The charger shuts off output to avoid any damage to your battery.
Loads or banks of batteries may trigger this mode if they are too
large for this charger. Remove any loads and charge batteries
individually.
• Testing light flashes BLUE when the unit is performing a Battery
Test (see Charging Stages).

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 11 P/N VDC2000-MNL
• Desulfation light flashes BLUE any time the unit is desulfating.
The BatteryMINDer desulfates any time it is outputting current.
Temperature Compensation light is GREEN if the temperature
is over 27°C/80°F, BLUE if the temperature is under 21°C/70°F.
BatteryMINDer Model 2012 includes an ambient temperature
sensor which allows it to vary the output voltage as necessary to
properly charge your battery (-0.025 V/°C). Batteries charged at
higher temperatures without compensation will overcharge and
may outgas. Batteries charged at lower temperatures without
compensation will undercharge allowing sulfation to build, possibly
leading to the battery freezing. By using temperature compensation,
the BatteryMINDer ensures your battery will never over or under
charge, even in extreme conditions.
•
Temperature Compensation
50°C / 122°F -0.625 V
45°C / 113°F -0.500 V
40°C / 104°F -0.375 V
35°C / 95°F -0.250 V
30°C / 86°F -0.125 V
25°C / 77°F 0.000 V
20°C / 68°F +0.125 V
15°C / 59°F +0.250 V
10°C / 50°F +0.375 V
5°C / 41°F +0.500 V
0°C / 32°F +0.625 V
-5°C / 23°F +0.750 V
-10°C / 14°F +1.000 V
-15°C / 5°F +1.125 V
-20°C / -4°F +1.250 V
Consider using accessory ABS-248 “At the Battery Sensor” for more
accurate temperature compensation. It is highly recommended if your
battery is located in a different environment or compartment than your
charger.

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 12 P/N VDC2000-MNL
Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.65A
Output 2ADC ± 0.2A
Float Current 1mA - 2000mA
Size 5.69” L x 4.06” W x 2.13” H
Weight 1.56 lbs.
Operating Temperature -20°C / -4°F to 40°C / 104°F
Water Resistance IP65
Specifications Table
Voltage Table
*CV : Voltage during the Constant Voltage stage
*FV : Voltage during the Float stage.
Model Battery Types *CV *FV
2012 Standard
(Flooded) 14.4V 13.4V
2012-GEL Gel 14.1V 13.05V
2012-AGM AGM 14.7V 13.6V
2012-CAL Calcium 15.16V 13.5V

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 13 P/N VDC2000-MNL
MAINTAINING MULTIPLE BATTERIES
To properly charge or maintain multiple batteries they should all be the
same type (gel, flooded or AGM) and condition. It is OK to mix deep
cycle and starter. Charge each battery individually before connecting
together. Never connect batteries at different states of charge. The
charged battery will rapidly transfer energy to the discharged battery
possibly causing catastrophic failure. Once the batteries are charged,
use 18 gauge or greater wire to connect the batteries.
If connecting multiple batteries of the same voltage, wire them in parallel
(BatteryMINDer positive to positive A to positive B, BatteryMINDer
negative to negative A to negative B). This is the same type of
connection you would use when jumping a car (in fact, jumper cables
are great for this).
If connecting 2 batteries of half your unit’s voltage (example: 6V batteries
on a 12V unit), wire them in series (BatteryMINDer positive to positive
A, negative A to positive B, negative B to BatteryMINDer negative).
When wired in series they act as one large system at the combined
voltage (example: 6V + 6V = 12V). You can connect these systems in
a series parallel configuration in order to charge or maintain 4 or more
batteries in groups of 2.
As long as your batteries stay wired together they act as one large
battery allowing you to charge and discharge them as a group
Battery Configurations
Model 2012 12 Volt @ 2A
TO CHARGER
TO CHARGER TO CHARGER
TO CHARGER TO CHARGER
TO CHARGER
++
+
_
_
_
12V
12V
12 VOLT PARALLEL
12 VOLT SERIES
Using 6 Volt Batteries 12 VOLT (SERIES-PARALLEL)
Using 6 Volt Batteries
6V
6V6V
6V6V 6V
+_
+_
+_
+_
+_+_
+_+_
+_+
+__

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 14 P/N VDC2000-MNL

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 15 P/N VDC2000-MNL
FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT
All returns must be authorized by VDC Electronics.
In the event that you believe your product may be defective, you MUST
speak to a VDC Electronics technician at 1-800-379-5579 x206 (ET) before
proceeding further.
NOTES
MODEL BatteryMINDer 20
SERIAL NUMBER _____________________________
PLACE OF PURCHASE _____________________________
DATE OF PURCHASE _____________________________

BatteryMINDer® 2000 Series
Rev. C-091911 Page 16 P/N VDC2000-MNL
ALL returns must be authorized by VDC Electronics after
speaking to a VDC Electronics technician at 800-379-5579
x206 (ET). Please see our “Repair or Replacement” section of
this manual for additional information.
BatteryMINDer One-Year 100% Unconditional
Money-Back Guarantee
This BatteryMINDer product is guaranteed to perform as claimed or
WE will refund your full purchase price, including all taxes, shipping or
handling cost applicable to the purchase.
Unit must be returned freight prepaid together with Proof of Purchase
directly to VDC Electronics, Inc., NOT TO THE DEALER FROM WHICH
IT WAS PURCHASED.
BatteryMINDer Five-Year Limited Warranty
VDC Electronics, Inc. warrants this product for FIVE years from date of
purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship and will be
repaired or replaced at no charge. We make no warranty other than this
limited warranty and expressly exclude any implied warranty including
any warranty for consequential damages. This limited warranty is not
transferable.
Unit must be returned freight prepaid together with Proof of Purchase
directly to VDC Electronics, Inc., NOT TO THE DEALER FROM WHICH
IT WAS PURCHASED.
Please register your unit online within 10 days of purchase. Due to
the ever-changing technology associated with this BatteryMINDer®
unit, we may be unable to keep you apprised of significant upgrades,
changes, etc. without your registration. The information you provide
upon registration will be used to keep a record of your purchase and
will assist in providing support should you ever need to contact our
Technical Service department:
[email protected]; 800-379-5579 x206 (ET).
Online Registration:
http://www.batteryminders.com/register
IMPORTANT NOTICE
BatteryMINDer®Five-Year Warranty Registration Reminder