8
NOTES ON TEST RESULTS:
1. For any test result other than green #5 (or green #5 and yellow #6 together if the battery is a STD type with filler caps), 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 #7 alone, or the yellow #6 and red LED #7 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 #7 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 float charge periods
followed by and alternating with a 30 minute ‘rest’ periods, during which there is no charge current. 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, and
thereby contributes significantly to optimizing the service life of irregularly or seasonally used batteries. 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.
During the 30 minute "float charge" periods a continuous LOW CURRENT PULSE IS DELIVERED TO PREVENT SULFATION, further
extending battery power and life.
For batteries that returned a result other than LED #5 (green) alone or LED #5 (green) and LED #6 (yellow) together during
the voltage retention test: The voltage retention test will continue to repeat 24 hours after the start of the preceding test until the
result improves to LED #5 (green) or LED #5 & 6 together (green & yellow).
For batteries that returned a good result: A 12 hour MAINTENANCE CHARGE CYCLE period is followed by and alternating with a 12
hour rest period, during which the charger continues to monitor the battery in case it requires support and allowing the battery's
electrolyte to fully settle before the next 12 hour MAINTENANCE CHARGE CYCLE resumes.
MAINTAINING A BATTERY FOR EXTENDED PERIODS: 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.
LIMITED WARRANTY
TecMate (International) SA, B-3300 Tienen, Belgium, offers this limited warranty to the original purchaser at retail of this
product. This limited warranty is not transferable. TecMate (International) warrants this battery charger for three years from
date of purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship. If such should occur the unit will be repaired or replaced
at the option of the manufacturer. It is the obligation of the purchaser to forward the unit together with proof of purchase (see
NOTE), transportation or mailing costs prepaid, to the manufacturer or its authorized representative. This limited warranty is
void if the product is misused, subjected to careless handling, or repaired by anyone other than the factory or its authorized
representative. The manufacturer makes no warranty other than this limited warranty and expressly excludes any implied
warranty including any warranty for consequential damages.
THIS IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY AND THE MANUFACTURER NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANYONE TO
ASSUME OR MAKE ANY OTHER OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE PRODUCT OTHER THAN THIS EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY. YOUR
STATUTORY RIGHTS ARE NOT AFFECTED.
NOTE: Details at www.tecmate.com/warranty.
copyright © 2011 TecMate International
OptiMate 6 and the names of other battery care products mentioned in these instructions such as BatteryMate, TestMateand
TestMate mini, are registered trademarks of TecMate International NV.
WARRANTY in Canada, USA, Central America and South America:
TecMate North America, Oakville, ON, Canada, as a wholy owned subsidiary of TecMate International, assumes the
responsibility for product warranty in these regions.
More information on TecMate products can be found at www.tecmate.com.
