DAILY MAINTENANCE CYCLE: When the solar panel starts delivering power (e.g. in the morning when
the sun comes up) the OptiMate Solar controller assesses the battery's charge level to decide the
appropriate charge mode.
BATTERY CHARGED, MAINTAIN ONLY: If the battery is sufficiently charged, LED #4 or 5 will
immediately light together with LED #1 (flashing).
BATTERY NEEDS CHARGE: If the battery needs further charging LED #2 or LED #3 will light together
with LED #1 (flashing).
MULTI-STEP CHARGE MODE: The OptiMate Solar controller automatically alternates between pulse
and continuous current mode to always deliver the most efficient and fastest charge. The selected
method of current delivery depends on
1) Condition of the battery – PULSE: Pulse mode is more effective in saving a battery.
2) Power delivered by solar panel –
a. PULSE: when the power is low (weak sun / cloud cover) pulses of effective charge current
is delivered. Current pulses of 3 – 5 Amps may be delivered, at minimum every 2 seconds.
b. CONTINUOUS: when the power received from the panel is sufficient the controller delivers
continuous charge current to the battery during the BULK CHARGE mode (LED #3).
NOTES:
1.
Choosing the right size of solar panel: 12V solar panels are rated according to the maximum
output it is able to deliver in direct and full sunlight to a fixed 12V load. Maximum power is rarely
achieved; output can drop below 20% in indirect sunlight (e.g. cloud cover). For effective
long-term battery maintenance choose a panel that will deliver sufficient current to overcome the
parasitic draw of the vehicle circuitry (such as alarm, clock, engine control unit) and return charge
lost overnight. Typical parasitic drain: 10-20mA for a motorcycle / power sport vehicle and
30-50mA for a car or pick-up truck fitted with a 12V battery.
2.
24-7 battery maintenance - The OptiMate SOLAR will maintain a battery whose basic condition
is good, for months at a time. At least once every two weeks,check that the connections between
the charger and battery are secure, and, in the case of batteries with filler caps on each cell,
disconnect the battery from the charger, check the level of the electrolyte and if necessary, top up
the cells (with distilled water, NOT acid), then reconnect. When handling batteries or in their
vicinity, always take care to observe the SAFETY WARNINGS contained in this manual.
LIMITED WARRANTY
TecMate (International) SA, Nering Street 14, B-3300 Tienen, Belgium, makes this limited warranty to the
original purchaser at retail of this product. This limited warranty is not transferable. TecMate (International)
warrants this battery charger for three years from date of purchase at retail against defective material or
workmanship. If such should occur the unit will be repaired or replaced at the option of the manufacturer. It is
the obligation of the purchaser to forward the unit together with proof of purchase (see NOTE), transportation or
mailing costs prepaid, to the manufacturer or its authorized representative. This limited warranty is void if the
product is misused, subjected to careless handling, or repaired by anyone other than the factory or its
authorized representative. The manufacturer makes no warranty other than this limited warranty and expressly
excludes any implied warranty including any warranty for consequential damages.
THIS IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY AND THE MANUFACTURER NEITHER ASSUMES NOR
AUTHORIZES ANYONE TO ASSUME OR MAKE ANY OTHER OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE PRODUCT OTHER THAN
THIS EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY. YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS ARE NOT AFFECTED.
NOTE: Details at www.tecmate.com/warranty.
WARRANTY in Canada, USA, Central America & South America:
TecMate North America, Oakville, ON, Canada, as a wholy owned subsidiary of TecMate International, assumes
the responsibility for product warranty in these regions.
11