BATTERY CHARGING MADE EASY!
When it comes to tires, most drivers can quote various brands they like, the model that worked best for their driving style and the ideal air pressure for the terrain they ride in. Unfortunately, that level of interest is entirely absent when it comes to batteries – despite being another key vehicle component. Very few owners really know what type or brand is in their vehicle, or what the voltage should be when the battery is fully charged. The typical owner attitude is, if it works, leave it well alone, until it doesn’t – riders only care when the battery is dead, and then they need help!
This prevailing attitude motivated TecMate to create the OptiMate 1 DUO, an easy ‘no brainer’ battery maintainer that does not require the owner to have any prior knowledge about battery type or size, be it lead-acid, filler cap, AGM, GEL, LiFePO4, LFP, 12V, 12.8V, 13.2V what-ever – as long as it is a starter battery in a vehicle with a 12V system, it can be charged and maintained with an OptiMate 1 DUO (TM-409). Plus, it is incredible easy to use – connect it to the battery after parking the vehicle and walk away. No further supervision required. This ease of use has made OptiMate 1 DUO a very popular battery maintainer, but there remains a need for faster charging.
OptiMate 2 DUO (TM-551) is the new more powerful 2 Amp charger and maintainer, able to charge all powersport batteries faster. It retains the same ‘ease of use’ features of the OptiMate 1 DUO, but it charges faster and it tests if that battery is good or not. During charging the OptiMate 2 DUO will test if a battery is good, if so it continues, otherwise it stops charging. This is important for lithium batteries with damaged cells – they can overheat if charging is continued. For customers with multiple vehicles or if your rig has two batteries, there are multi-bank options available. The OptiMate 2 DUO x2 (TM-571) can charge two batteries and the OptiMate 2 DUO x4 (TM-575) can charge four batteries of any type and size, simultaneously and independently. Preparation of batteries can be done without thinking – just connect the battery to the OptiMate 2 DUO multi-bank – never mind if it is lithium or lead-acid – and it will charge it up safely and then keep it ‘fresh and ready’ for sale or use.
For the adventurous off-grid riders or, if you store your ‘pride and joy’ where’s there’s no AC power available, there’s also good news, OptiMate Solar DUO chargers. Hook up the DUO charge controller to your battery, never-mind if it is lithium or lead-acid, point the panel to the sun and you’re charging that battery! OptiMate Solar DUO comes in 10W, 20W and 40W sizes. The 40W unit also comes in a Travel Kit format, with panel with rear fold-out stand, DUO charge controller, clips and battery lead, all delivered in durable nylon storage bag.
TecMate has recognized that most riders just want their UTV to start, never mind the battery type within. That’s what their DUO line of chargers delivers – easy ‘no brainer’ charging. No buttons, no decisions to make, just hook it up and it automatically charges and maintains that battery! For vehicle owners that need a FASTER charger, there are lead-acid and lithium chargers available. When it comes to more power, it’s best to choose the charger that matches the battery. For lead-acid (STD, GEL, AGM) the top dog is the OptiMate 7 Select (TM-251) that delivers 10 Amps of power, offers selection of 14.4V or 14.7V and a TUNE mode which supplies 13.6V constant power to provide battery support when you calibrate your vehicle or run diagnostics. For Lithium the top dog is the OptiMate Lithium 4s 10A (TM-275) that also delivers 10A and comes with a TUNE mode.
April, 2021