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FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions. Got Battery Problems? We can help!

Q: What types of batteries can I charge using the BatteryMINDer?
        A: BatteryMINDers can be used on all size / type / brands of Lead-Acid batteries.    

 

Q: What are the different types of Lead-Acid batteries?
        A: Lead-Acid batteries include engine starting, deep cycle, sealed, gelled, AGM and maintenance-free varieties.  See the section on Battery Types in our Knowledge center for additional information.    

 

Q: Does the BatteryMINDer extend the life of my battery?
        A: Yes, the BatteryMINDer's active desulfation circuitry prevents and eliminates Lead Plate Sulfation, the leading cause of battery failure.  See the section on Sulfation in our Knowledge center for additional information.    

 

Q: When does a BatteryMINDer start and stop charging?
        A: BatteryMINDers are "smart" chargers.  As soon as they are connected they start charging.  They never shut off.  Instead they take readings from your battery and increase or decrease output to supply exactly enough power to maintain your battery with no risk of overcharging or undercharging.    

 

Q: How long can I leave the BatteryMINDer connected to my battery?
        A: As long as it is plugged in you can leave the BatteryMINDer hooked up to a battery indefinitely.  It will never overcharge or damage your battery.    

 

Q: How do I decide which BatteryMINDer model I should use?
        A: See our Comparison Chart and Aviation Comparison Chart to help pick the right BatteryMINDer for your application.    

 

Q: What happens if I connect my BatteryMINDer incorrectly?
        A: Nothing, the Battery Minder's polarity protection will detect the problem and prevent any damage.  Simply reconnect the output to the correct terminals.    

 

Q: When should I use a temperature compensated BatteryMINDer?
        A: Any time your battery is subject to extreme conditions.  See the section on the Temperature Compensation on Batteries in our Knowledge center for additional information.    

 

Q: Can I charge more than one battery at a time with the BatteryMINDer?
        A: Yes, you can charge up to four batteries of similar type and condition with BatteryMINDer models 12106, 12106A 8V, 12117, 12118 and 12151.  You can charge up to six batteries of different types and conditions with BatteryMINDer models 12248, 24041, 36271 and 28252.  See the section on Multi Battery Connections in our Knowledge center for additional information and safety guidelines.    

 

Q: How much load can be put on a battery while a BatteryMINDer is connected?
        A: See the line on maximum rated output current in our Comparison Chart for the number of amps supported by a particular charger while in Bulk / Absorption mode.  Once the BatteryMINDer is in Maintenance-Float mode, the maximum amps is ¼ that of the maximum while in bulk / absorption.  A load greater then the maximum rated amps in a given mode will result in a drain on the battery.    

 

Q: How come when I connect a multi-meter to my BatteryMINDer, it does not read any voltage?
        A: To prevent short-circuits, BatteryMINDers will only output voltage when connected to a battery.  Connect your BatteryMINDer as per instructions and then take a voltage reading.    

 

Q: Do I need to add water to my battery when it is connected and maintained by a BatteryMINDer?
        A: Following manufacturer's instructions ensure proper fluid levels prior to charging.  BatteryMINDers prevent "boil-off" due to overcharging, the main cause of water loss.    

 

Q: What do I do if my battery's charge is under the 3 volts required for the 12248, 24041 and 36271 or 10.5 volts required for the 12117, 12118 to work properly?
        A: If a battery has low voltage from having not been maintained as opposed to a physical problem such as a shorted cell, it can be temporarily hooked up to a "dumb" charger to bring the voltage above the minimum level.    

 

Q: What do the red and green lights mean on the BatteryMINDer models 12117, 12118, 12106 and 12106A 8V?
        A: The red LED comes on when the BatteryMINDer is plugged in an electrical outlet. The green LED comes on when the unit is properly attached to the battery posts. If the green LED is blinking the BatteryMINDer is in the desulfation-maintenance mode.     

 

Q: What does a yellow right center light mean on BatteryMINDer models 12248, 24041 and 36271?
        A: If the right center LED is yellow the BatteryMINDer has detected a weak battery, sulfated battery or drop in voltage due to a load.  Attempt to charge the battery normally.  After the battery has charged reset the BatteryMINDer, if the  LED is still yellow charge the battery in Maintenance-Float mode for 72 hours and recheck.  Repeat up to 3 times or until LED is green.    

 

Q: What does a solid red upper right LED mean on BatteryMINDer models 12248, 24041 and 36271?
        A: If the upper right LED is solid red you might have the polarity of the clips reversed, a short in one of your connections or a battery with under 3-volts.    

 

Q: What does a flashing red upper right LED mean on BatteryMINDer models 12248, 24041 and 36271?
        A: If the upper right LED is flashing red the BatteryMINDer has either timed out of Soft Start / Bulk / Absorption mode or has prevented thermal runaway from occurring in the battery.    

 

Q: What does it mean if my BatteryMINDer has timed out?
        A: Your BatteryMINDer will time out if it has not reached the voltage necessary to move on to the next stage of charging within 4 to 20 hours depending on the stage.  Multiple or large batteries may require a second charge to reach the trip voltage.  Restart the charger on its original setting charging separately if possible.  This may also be an indication of a badly sulfated battery.  If possible allow battery to charge in Maintenance-Float mode for up to 72 hours before attempting to restart charger.    

 

Q: What is thermal runaway?
        A: When charging a battery, thermal runaway is a condition involving uncontrolled increases of current and temperature.  See the section on Temperature Compensation in our Knowledge center for additional information.    

 

Q: How can I prevent thermal runaway?
        A: BatteryMINDer products have an early detection system which automatically prevents thermal runaway from occurring.    

 

Q: Why does my BatteryMINDer go into 2A & GEL mode after I left it on a different setting?
        A: You may have an intermittent loose connection between your BatteryMINDer and Battery.  Ensure all connections are sound and restart charger.  If all connections are sound, your battery may have fallen bellow 12.5-V while in Maintenance-Float mode.  This can occur if the battery is connected to a load, if the battery is sulfated or if there is a bad cell.  Disconnect from any load, check the battery for a bad cell and restart charger.

 

Q: Explain Your Method for Removing Sulfate from Batteries (Desulfation).
        A: YOur pulses are set to resonate the sulfate crystals allowing them to breakup at the molecular level thus un-bonding the components of the crystals made up primarily of sulfuric acid and lead chemically described as pbSO4. By using this technique none of the main ingredients of the former crystals find their way to the bottom of the cell that would eventually lead to its shorting out. It also does not raise the internal temperature. Our instructions on being sure you have a "good candidate" battery for the best possible long term result, are very important to be followed. Lastly, don't expect to see an appreciable change in less than 72 hours (consecutive or continuous hours and it must be a DIGITAL volt-meter [not analog])."

 

Q: My mechanic or aircraft manufacturer claims installing the BM-AIK2A is a major alteration and would require an STC. Is that true?
        A: No, the FAA is the sole governing authority on modifications of certified aircraft. The BM-AIK kits have been reviewed by FAA and industry personnel, who agree that its installation does not rise to the level of a major alteration to the aircraft. Only a major alteration, as defined by federal aviation regulations, requires an STC, or FSDO field approval, and filing an FAA form 337 to document the change. It is not the decision of the airframe manufacturer, or type certificate holder. Because it is NOT a major alteration, it is a MINOR alteration, which is within the authority of the installing mechanic to sign off with a simple maintenance log entry. If a mechanic is hesitant about his legal authority to do this, consider looking for one who understands their FAA designated authority.
 
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