1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Schauer Charge Master CM6A Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer. This device is engineered to provide optimal charging and maintenance for various 12-volt battery types, ensuring extended battery life and reliable performance. Please read this manual thoroughly before operation to ensure safe and efficient use.
Important Safety Information
WARNING: Risk of explosive gases. Working in the 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 read this manual and follow the instructions exactly before using the charger.
- Always wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with batteries.
- Ensure adequate ventilation in the charging area.
- Keep sparks, flames, and smoking materials away from batteries.
- Refer to your vehicle or battery manufacturer's manual for specific instructions.
2. Product Overview
The Schauer Charge Master CM6A is a sophisticated 9-stage smart charger designed to charge and maintain 12-volt batteries without overcharging. It features selectable charging rates and battery types to optimize performance for Calcium, AGM, Wet, and Gel batteries.
Key Features:
- Selectable 12-volt battery types: Calcium, Wet, Gel, and AGM.
- Maintains and extends battery life, preventing overcharge. Ideal for winter battery maintenance.
- Conditions your battery and fights sulfation during charging.
- Heavy-duty cables with quick-disconnect battery clips and ring terminals.
- Protected against short circuit, reverse polarity, and overload.
Package Contents:
- Schauer Charge Master CM6A Charger Unit
- Quick-disconnect battery clips
- Quick-disconnect ring terminals
This image displays the Schauer Charge Master CM6A unit, its power cord, and the two types of battery connection accessories: red and black alligator clips for temporary connections, and ring terminals for more permanent installations. All cables are neatly coiled.
3. Setup Instructions
- Prepare the Battery: Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion. If necessary, clean them with a wire brush and a solution of baking soda and water.
- Connect to Battery:
- For temporary connection, use the quick-disconnect battery clips. Connect the RED (+) clip to the positive battery terminal and the BLACK (-) clip to the negative battery terminal.
- For permanent connection, use the quick-disconnect ring terminals. Attach the RED (+) ring terminal to the positive battery post and the BLACK (-) ring terminal to the negative battery post. Ensure connections are secure.
- Connect Charger to Accessories: Plug the quick-disconnect cable from the battery clips or ring terminals into the corresponding port on the Schauer Charge Master CM6A unit.
- Connect to Power: Plug the charger's AC power cord into a standard 120V AC electrical outlet. The charger will perform a self-test and indicate its status.
4. Operating Instructions
The Schauer Charge Master CM6A is designed for ease of use with intelligent charging capabilities. Follow these steps to operate your charger:
- Power On: Once connected to the battery and AC power, the charger will automatically power on.
- Select Charge Mode (Amperage): Press the 'Press' button under 'CHARGE MODE' to cycle through the available amperage settings: 1A, 4A, and 6A. Select the appropriate amperage based on your battery's capacity and desired charging speed.
- Select Battery Type: Press the 'Press' button under 'BATTERY TYPE' to cycle through the available battery types: Calcium, AGM & WET, and Gel. Ensure the selected type matches your battery for optimal charging.
- Monitor Charging Progress: The charger features indicator lights for different charging stages:
- Fault: Indicates an error (e.g., reverse polarity, short circuit).
- Bulk: Initial charging stage, delivering maximum current.
- Absorption: Charging at a constant voltage to bring the battery to full capacity.
- Full: Battery is fully charged.
- Maintain: The charger switches to a maintenance mode, providing a trickle charge to keep the battery at optimal voltage without overcharging.
- Disconnecting: Once the 'Full' or 'Maintain' light is illuminated, you can disconnect the charger. First, unplug the AC power cord from the wall outlet, then disconnect the quick-disconnect cable from the charger, and finally remove the battery clips/ring terminals from the battery.
5. Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your Schauer Charge Master CM6A and your batteries will ensure longevity and optimal performance.
- Charger Care: Keep the charger clean and dry. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture. Do not attempt to open the charger casing.
- Battery Maintenance: Regularly inspect battery terminals for corrosion. Clean as needed. For wet cell batteries, check electrolyte levels periodically and top up with distilled water if necessary (refer to battery manufacturer guidelines).
- Long-Term Storage: For vehicles or equipment stored for extended periods, connect the Charge Master CM6A in 'Maintain' mode to prevent battery discharge and sulfation.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Schauer Charge Master CM6A, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Charger does not turn on. | No AC power, faulty outlet, loose connection. | Check AC power source, ensure connections are secure. Try a different outlet. |
| 'Fault' indicator light is on. | Reverse polarity, short circuit, severely discharged battery. | Disconnect and re-connect clips ensuring correct polarity. Check for short circuits. For severely discharged batteries, some chargers may require a minimum voltage to initiate charging. |
| Battery not charging. | Incorrect battery type selected, poor connection, battery is beyond recovery. | Verify correct battery type selection. Ensure all connections are clean and tight. Have the battery tested by a professional. |
7. Specifications
- Brand: Schauer
- Model: CM6A
- Input Voltage: 120V AC
- Output Voltage: 12V DC
- Charge Current: Selectable 1A, 4A, or 6A
- Battery Types: Calcium, Wet, Gel, AGM
- Charging Stages: 9-stage smart charging
- Item Weight: 2 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 7.44 x 3.86 x 2.01 inches
- Manufacturer Part Number: CM6A
8. Warranty and Support
For specific warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your product packaging or visit the official Schauer website. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
