| Author | Message | ||
     Cataract2 |
Ok, after a basement/garage flood (2" of water) my 2 batter maintainers are shot. Since neither of them were dual voltage I had to run them off of a transformer here in Germany. Well, I really want to get a dual voltage changer maintainer for use. The 2 I'm looking at are these. Want your opinions of them and if you've used them what your impressions are. Now this one I'm not certain about if is can do dual batteries or not. Was wondering if anyone could chime in on if it can. TecMate Optimate 6 AmpMatic TM-181 http://www.amazon.com/TecMate-Optimate-6-AmpMatic- TM-181/dp/B003UANXCE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=129331 9845&sr=8-3 Next, Battery Tender 022-0165-DL-WH 12-Volt 2-Bank http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-022-0165-DL-W H-12-Volt-Management/dp/B000NCOKV0/ref=sr_1_7?s=au tomotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1293320053&sr=1-7 | ||
| Iamike |
I like the test feature on the TecMate but the Battery Tender can be adjusted to the characteristics of the different types of batteries. You really don't need to keep it on the battery all the time. If you read the spec sheets on most batteries, they just need to be charged at least every 6 months. I put the 1/2A charger on each of my 3 bikes about once a month through the off season. I also leave them in the bikes through the winter too. I've never had a modern battery last less than five years. | ||
| Stirz007 |
I've been using the Deltran 2-bank. Price quoted is about $25 less than retail, so not a bad deal on Amazon. Seems to work fine. No experience with the TecMate. I haven't had to replace batteries for either my 2005 or 2008 - still running originals. | ||
| Cataract2 |
What do you mean the battery tender can be adjusted to the characteristics of different battery types? | ||
| Cataract2 |
Anyone else have anything to add on this? What about those who use the Battery Tender. Good/bad? I'm curious about the feature of the Tecmate Optimate 6 for the maint cycle. I like how it does the 30 on 30 off giving the battery time to "rest". Opinions or experience with? | ||
| Stirz007 |
Cat - I also use the Deltran battery tender (Junior - about 3" x 4" x 2") - single bike. I was running two of them, but one fell out of the outlet, hit the concrete floor and now doesn't work so well - the little green light comes on and it will promptly drain any battery it is connected to. I opted for the two bank more for convenience than anything else (frees up a needed outlet and sits on a shelf, rather that hanging off the outlet). In actuality, the simple battery tenders have served me well at about $30 each - In the five years I have been using these (link below), I have not had to replace a battery. The two bank is "nicer", but I don't have the track history (only been using the two-bank about 6 months) to say whether it is truly better than a simple tender. {Standard disclaimer: This is only my personal experience and in no way should be considered an endorsement of a particular manufacturer or model. Caveat Emptor} http://www.batterymart.com/p-battery-tender-jr-12v -0_75a-battery-charger.html | ||
| Fly |
I have experienced great service life out of my Deltran Battery Tender. This one device has been in continuous service (365 days/year) for the last 15 years keeping all sorts of bike, boat and tractor batteries charged. Multi-bank unit would be convenient, but rotating a single unit every week between various batteries works and has kept my battery problems to a minimum. | ||
| Orngm2 |
try the schumacher smart charger at Walmart... $20.00, best charger for the money and does everything the battery tender does. i have 3. | ||
| Americanmadexb |
I also use the Schumacher from Walmart.. I plugged it in back in November and will leave it plugged in until its time to ride, hopefully in March! | ||
| Iamike |
I mis-read the specs on it where it states that it is perfect for the three typical types of batteries. My dad has one that gives you the option of SLA, AGM & wet cell. There is a slight difference in charging requirements between them. The main thing is don't shove too many amps into them. | ||
| Barker |
AGM type (OEM battery and the Dekas I use) batteries have little off use discharge rate. I use a quick disconnect on the battery if the bike will be out of service for more than a few days. I think a "smart charger" is a waste of money. |
