1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your Tecmate OptiMATE 2, TM-421, 4-step 12V 0.8A Automatic Battery Charger & Maintainer. Please read all instructions and warnings carefully before operation.
The OptiMATE 2 is designed for advanced 12V battery maintenance, suitable for STD, AGM, EFB, and GEL batteries ranging from 3 to 96Ah. It features an automatic 'connect & forget' operation, optimizing battery performance for modern vehicles, including those with 12V Eco Start/Stop systems.
2. Safety Information
- Read Instructions: Always read the complete instruction manual and all warning labels before using the charger.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation when charging batteries, especially lead-acid batteries, as they can produce explosive gases.
- Eye Protection: Wear appropriate eye protection when working with batteries.
- Avoid Sparks: Do not smoke or allow sparks or flames in the vicinity of the battery or charger.
- Correct Polarity: Connect the charger leads to the correct battery terminals (red to positive, black to negative) to prevent damage to the battery or charger.
- Indoor/Outdoor Use: The charger is weatherproof and suitable for indoor/outdoor use, with a lowest operating temperature of -4°F (-20°C).
- Children: Keep the charger and battery out of reach of children.
- Damaged Equipment: Do not operate the charger if it has a damaged cable, plug, or casing. Contact customer support for assistance.
3. What's in the Box
Your OptiMATE 2 package includes the following components:
- OptiMATE 2 Battery Charger
- Weatherproof Battery Lead (with SAE connector)
- Standard Battery Clip Set
4. Product Overview
The OptiMATE 2 charger features a compact, weatherproof case with clear LED indicators to guide you through the charging and maintenance process. It includes an AC supply lead and a charge lead with an SAE connector for versatile use.
LED Indicators:
The OptiMATE 2 utilizes a series of LEDs to communicate the charging status and battery condition. Refer to the labels on the charger for specific indicator meanings:
- Power/Input LED: Indicates the charger is connected to AC power (100-240V~50-60Hz).
- Battery Voltage LEDs (2V, 14.4V, 13.6V): Show the current battery voltage level during charging and maintenance.
- Charging Step LEDs (1, 2, 3, 4): Indicate the active step in the 4-step charging and maintenance program.
- Battery Type Indicators (EFB, AGM, STD, GEL): Highlight the types of 12V batteries the charger is compatible with.
- Error/Warning LED: Illuminates to indicate a problem, such as reverse polarity connection or a severely damaged battery.
5. Setup
- Prepare the Battery: Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion. If the battery is in a vehicle, ensure the vehicle's ignition is off.
- Choose Connectors: Select either the standard battery clips or the weatherproof battery lead (ring terminals) based on your application.
- Connect to Battery:
- Connect the RED (+) charger lead to the POSITIVE (+) battery terminal.
- Connect the BLACK (-) charger lead to the NEGATIVE (-) battery terminal.
Note: The charger features reverse polarity protection. If connected incorrectly, an error LED will illuminate, and charging will not begin. Correct the connection before proceeding.
- Connect to AC Power: Plug the charger's AC supply lead into a standard 100-240V 50-60Hz wall outlet. The power/input LED on the charger should illuminate.
6. Operating Instructions (4-Step Program)
The OptiMATE 2 operates automatically once connected. It follows a 4-step program to charge, save, and maintain your 12V battery.
- Step 1: Initialization & Low Volt Save: The charger first checks the battery's voltage. If the battery is deeply discharged (as low as 2V), the OptiMATE 2 will attempt to recover it with a low-current 'save' mode.
- Step 2: Bulk Charge: Once the battery voltage is stable, the charger delivers a constant current (0.8A) to rapidly bring the battery to approximately 80% charge.
- Step 3: Absorption Charge: The charger then switches to a constant voltage charge (e.g., 14.4V) to fully charge the battery, ensuring all cells are equally charged.
- Step 4: Float / Maintenance Charge: After the battery is fully charged, the OptiMATE 2 automatically switches to a long-term maintenance mode (e.g., 13.6V). In this mode, the charger monitors the battery and delivers small pulses of current as needed to counteract self-discharge, keeping the battery optimally charged without overcharging. This 'connect & forget' feature is ideal for seasonal vehicles or long-term storage.
7. Maintenance
The OptiMATE 2 is designed for automatic long-term battery maintenance. For optimal battery life and charger performance, consider the following:
- Continuous Connection: For batteries in seasonal vehicles or those stored for extended periods, leave the OptiMATE 2 connected. It will automatically switch to maintenance mode to prevent self-discharge.
- Clean Connections: Periodically inspect and clean battery terminals and charger connectors to ensure good electrical contact.
- Charger Care: Keep the charger unit clean and dry. Avoid exposing it to extreme physical shock.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No LEDs illuminate when connected to AC power. | No AC power supply. | Check wall outlet, power cord, and circuit breaker. |
| Error/Warning LED illuminates. | Reverse polarity connection. | Disconnect from AC power, correct battery lead connections (red to +, black to -), then reconnect AC power. |
| Error/Warning LED illuminates. | Severely damaged or short-circuited battery. | Have the battery professionally tested. The charger may not be able to recover it. |
| Charger remains in Step 1 (Low Volt Save) for an extended period. | Battery is deeply discharged or sulfated. | Allow the charger more time. If it does not progress after 24 hours, the battery may be beyond recovery. |
9. Specifications
- Model: TM-421
- Input Voltage: 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz
- Output Voltage: 12V DC
- Charging Current: 0.8A (constant current)
- Battery Capacity: 3 - 96Ah
- Battery Types: STD, AGM, EFB, GEL 12V lead-acid batteries
- Operating Temperature: -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C)
- Dimensions: 8.25 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 12.2 ounces (0.76 lbs)
- Enclosure: Weatherproof case with wall mounts
- AC Supply Lead: 6ft / 180cm
- Charge Lead: 6ft / 180cm, ending in SAE connector
- Safety Compliance: CEC listed, SAE specification met
10. Warranty & Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Tecmate website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
For additional assistance, you may contact Tecmate Powersport Products, North America Inc.
