OptiMate 3 x 4 BANK
The OptiMate 3 Quad bank is a fully hermetic, 4-bank charger and maintenance device for AGM, Gel, or STD 12V batteries. It is an excellent choice for busy workshops.
The charging banks are electrically isolated and operate independently. You can charge batteries separately or connected in series.
The fully automatic, multi-stage program safely charges batteries to full. Simply connect it to the battery, and OptiMate 3 will handle the rest, unsupervised.
Key Features & Capabilities
- Supports charging for various vehicles: [motorcycle], [car], [boat], [ATV], [snowmobile]
- Battery Types Supported: For 12V lead-acid (Pb) sport batteries, including STD (with filler caps), AGM, GEL (sealed VRLA), deep cycle, and EFB.
- Charging Stages: The charger operates through a multi-stage process: CONNECT (0%), SAVE (50%), CHARGE (100%), MAINTAIN.
- Battery Diagnosis: Diagnoses sulfated battery status.
- Battery Rescue: Rescues discharged batteries starting from 2V.
- Battery Status Test: Tests the overall health of the battery.
- Safe Connection: Can be safely left connected with full electronic protection. [safe-connection]
- 24/7 Maintenance: Keeps batteries fully charged and in optimal condition. [24-7-maintenance]
- Green Technology: Energy-saving technology with standby power consumption below 0.5W. Efficient battery maintenance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. [green-technology]
- Durability: Weatherproof [ip54-rating]. Suitable for use in temperatures down to -40°C / -40°F. [temperature-range]
Instruction Manual
Models
- 1-channel: TM430, TM431, TM432, TM438, TM447
- 2-channel: TM450, TM451, TM452, TM499
- 4-channel: TM454, TM455, TM456, TM457, TM458
1. Device Description
Automatic diagnostic charger for 12V lead-acid batteries (STD / AGM-MF / GEL / CYCLIC CELL).
- Supported battery capacities: 2.5Ah – 38Ah
- Input voltage: 100–240VAC, 50–60Hz
- Charging current: 0.8A per channel
- Multi-channel models (x2, x4) feature independent outputs.
⚠️ WARNING: The charger is not intended for charging NiCd, NiMH, Li-Ion batteries, or disposable batteries.
2. Important Safety Information
Read the entire instruction manual before first use.
2.1. General Warnings
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Do not use the charger in rain or very humid conditions.
- Only use with 12V lead-acid batteries.
- Always disconnect the charger from the mains before connecting or disconnecting battery leads.
- Do not disassemble the charger; service must be performed by an authorized service center.
- Do not place the battery on the charger or the charger on the battery.
2.2. Explosion Hazard
Lead-acid batteries emit explosive gases during charging:
- Never smoke or use open flames near the battery.
- Avoid causing sparks (e.g., by accidentally touching metal tools).
2.3. Personal Safety Precautions
- Wear safety glasses and gloves.
- Keep water and soap nearby in case of skin contact with electrolyte.
- In case of electrolyte contact with eyes, rinse with cold water for 10 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
- Do not wear metal jewelry, as it poses a risk of short circuits.
3. Preparation for Charging
3.1. Check Battery
- If the battery is damaged, cracked, or leaking electrolyte, do not connect it.
- If the battery is deeply discharged, check the condition of its cells (look for deformation, swelling, or crystallization).
3.2. Check Workspace
- Charge in a well-ventilated area.
- Never cover the charger's ventilation openings.
- Do not place the charger on flammable materials (e.g., leather, plastic, fabric).
4. Connecting the Charger
The charger is supplied with two sets of leads:
- Crocodile clips [crocodile-clips]: Used for charging batteries outside the vehicle.
- Leads with eyelets [eyelet-terminals] (O-1 permanent battery lead): Designed for permanent connection to the battery, allowing charging without removal. Features a 15A fuse and a protective cover for moisture and dirt.
4.1. Charging a Battery Installed in a Vehicle
- Ensure the charger is disconnected from power.
- Check that the clamps can be securely attached, away from cables, metal pipes, and fuel tanks.
- Connect leads in the following order:
- Step 1: Red clamp (+) → to the positive battery terminal.
- Step 2: Black clamp (−) → to the vehicle's ground (a metal part of the frame or engine, away from the battery).
- Connect the charger's power cord to the socket.
- After charging, disconnect in reverse order: First the black clamp (−), then the red (+).
4.2. Charging a Removed Battery
- Place the battery in a well-ventilated area.
- Connect leads:
- Red clamp (+) → to the positive battery terminal.
- Black clamp (−) → to the negative battery terminal.
- Connect the charger to power.
- After charging, disconnect the charger in reverse order.
4.3. Reverse Polarity Protection [reverse-polarity-protection]
The charger has automatic protection. If leads are connected incorrectly:
- Charging will not start.
- LED #2 will light up (indicating reverse polarity).
- Connect the leads correctly and try again.
5. OptiMate Charging Program
The OptiMate charger operates in an automatic, multi-stage mode:
SAVE → CHARGE → TEST → MAINTAIN
5.1. Program Stage Description
- Stage 1 – Initial Battery Check: The charger activates output only if the battery has at least 0.5V. If the voltage is lower, it proceeds to the SAVE stage.
- Stage 2 – Desulfation (SAVE): For deeply discharged batteries. The charger provides low current (0.2A) and increases voltage up to 20V. If the battery is connected to the vehicle, the SAVE stage is skipped.
- Stage 3 – Pulse Desulfation (PULSE SAVE): Short current pulses up to 0.8A are applied. Voltage reaches up to 14.3V. Duration of stages 2 and 3: 15 minutes to 2 hours.
- Stage 4 – Bulk Charging (BULK): The charger provides a constant current of 0.8A. Voltage rises to 14.3–14.5V.
- Stage 5 – Optimization (OPTIMIZE): Equalizes voltage between battery cells. Maximum charging time for stages 1–5: 48 hours.
- Stage 6 – Capacity Test (STATE OF HEALTH TEST): The charger cuts off power for up to 12 hours and checks if the battery maintains voltage.
- Test Result:
- LED #5 (green) → battery is healthy.
- LED #6 (red, flashing) → battery does not hold capacity.
- Stage 7 – 24/7 Maintenance Mode (MAINTAIN): Cycle: 30 minutes of maintenance charging (13.6V), followed by 30 minutes of rest (no charging). Protects the battery from self-discharge and electrolyte loss.
6. LED Indicators
LED # | Color | Status | Meaning |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Green | Solid | Power ON |
2 | Red | Solid | Reverse Polarity |
3 | Yellow | Flashing / Solid | Charging start or SAVE stage |
4 | Yellow | Solid | Bulk Charging |
5 | Green | Solid | Battery Healthy |
6 | Red | Flashing | Battery Unhealthy or does not hold capacity |
7. ECO Mode
When the charger is connected to power but not to a battery, it enters ECO mode.
- ECO mode power consumption: below 0.5W (~0.012 kWh/day).
- Standby maintenance energy consumption is a maximum of 0.06 kWh/day.
8. Maintenance and Storage
- Store the charger in a dry place.
- Protect from dust, moisture, and acid fumes.
- If the cable is damaged, do not use the charger; return it to an authorized service center.
- Do not store the charger or battery near heat sources.
9. Warranty
- Manufacturer: TecMate International SA
- Warranty: 2 years from date of purchase.
- Warranty does not cover:
- Mechanical damage.
- Damage from water or electrolyte spills.
- Damage resulting from improper use.
Micronix Sp. z o.o., ul. Spółdzielcza 10, 58-500 Jelenia Góra | NIP: 6442452297 | baterie@micronix.pl | tel.: 75 755 78 78 | www.micronix.pl