Compact and light enough to fit in a jacket pocket, yet packing enough punch to start a 5-litre V8 engine, the Antigravity Micro-Start XP-1 PPS (Personal Power Supply) is a must-have for any motorcyclist.
At just 171 x 83 x 27 mm, and weighing only 436 g, the Micro-Start is easily stashed under a seat or in luggage for use out the road, yet with an output of up to 400 Amps, it’s capable of jump-starting motorcycles, cars and even commercial vehicles, up to 30 times on one charge.
It comes complete with Mini Jumper Clamps to attach to battery terminals, packed into its neat carry case – so no need to rely on passing motorists for a loan of theirs.
The XP-1 can also power and charge devices like smart phones, cameras, tablets, laptops, and much more, so you can re-charge your gadgets on the move. It has four on-board power ports: 19-Volt for laptops, 12-Volt standard output and two 5-Volt USB outputs.
It also has a high-power 110-Lumen LED flashlight built into one end, with two flash patterns, including an S.O.S. flashing beacon for emergencies.
It can be re-charged from any standard three-pin 240 Volt socket.
The XP-1 comes in a convenient carry case with everything needed to jump-start vehicles and charge electronics, priced £149- including VAT.
Updated and improved for 2017, with more efficient power circuitry, a 1 Amp charge current and refinements in the software control, the OptiMate 4–1A Dual Program now offers even faster and more efficient charging and maintenance of 12V motorcycle batteries, including BMW bikes with a CAN bus electrical system.
Connected either direct to the bike’s battery, or through the 12V port on CAN bus-equipped bikes, OptiMate 4-1A’s Dual Program system automatically diagnoses, recovers, charges, tests and maintains 12V motorcycle batteries all year long.
Key-less activation gives completely safe and unsupervised charging on BMW CAN bus-equipped machines without any input from the user – or having to turn on the ignition to activate the charging process. The built-in LED display shows charge progress throughout.
Alongside normal maintenance and charging, a low voltage pulse function is also included for effective recovery of badly neglected, sulphated batteries. The OptiMate 4–1A can save a battery from as low as 0.5V. Pre- and post-charging testing informs the user of battery condition in an instant.
It’s safe to use with all types of lead-acid batteries – including Maintenance Free and GEL varieties – and features a tough, splash-proof case; ideal for use in garages, sheds, workshops and other demanding environments.
High frequency, fully electronic power conversion means it’s able to receive global 100 – 240V ac power, so it can be used outside the UK too.
Two models of the OptiMate 4-1A V3 are available – the standard model, which retails for £70.99 including VAT, and a dedicated BMW CAN bus edition, which sells for £77.99. For further information visit www.tecmate.com.
Delivered with a 1.8m (6ft) power cable (like all other OptiMate chargers) for convenience and versatility, two keyhole slots allow for easy wall mounting and there is a slot to fit a Velcro strap – shaped so that the charger can hang from a motorcycle’s handlebar.
High quality cable accessories are included – such as the O-04 battery clip, which is custom-designed to grip onto flat, square or round battery posts, and the O-01 weatherproof battery cable (-40°C rated with 15A fuse), which comes with M6 rings that perfectly fit powersport battery hardware. A rubber boot and cap seals the SAE connector against water and dust.
The key to the strength of the OptiMate 1+ is the unique OptiMate 24-7-365 maintenance
programme. OptiMate’s “connect and forget/no more problems” claim has been proven and appreciated by millions of riders worldwide.
The OptiMate maintenance programme does not cycle the battery, it automatically connects and disconnects every hour, always monitoring and then replacing only the charge drained in that previous hour. The longer you leave the battery connected, the
stronger it becomes!
A special low Volt pulse mode can ‘wake up’ the battery from as low as 4 Volts before it delivers constant current charge. If the battery is too far gone, this smart little charger won’t simply ‘green light’ that battery, instead it warns the rider that the battery cannot hold charge.
The OptiMate 1+ retails for £42,99 including VAT. Visit www.tecmate.com for details.
Winter attacks your motorcycle’s battery on lots of different fronts. As the temperature drops, the chemical reaction inside the battery slows down, reducing its capacity and its ability to accept a charge. Add to that the increased strain you’re putting on it with increased use of headlight and auxiliary/fog lighting, heated grips and clothing and you’re heading for battery failure.
Even if you don’t use your bike very often through the winter months, charge is lost due to alarms / immobilisers, clocks and on-board computers and through self-discharge – the battery uses a little of its own energy every day to keep itself alive.
A proper long-term battery care routine is vital to keep performance at its optimum throughout the cold months.
Regularly charging and maintaining your battery not only keeps it working to maximum capacity, it can also double its working life, as well as significantly reducing the likelihood of failure.
Optimise with OptiMate
Recommended by most major motorcycle manufacturers, OptiMate chargers and optimisers can maintain, test, charge and even repair a bike’s battery, all completely automatically.
All OptiMate chargers run a unique ‘connect and forget’ 24hr, 7 days-a-week, 365 days-a-year programme, so they can and should be connected to your bike’s battery and left to do their work – no user input required. The battery is checked and topped up hourly and a desulphation pulse is delivered to keep all the plates 100% ship-shape.
Featuring easy-to-read displays, they keep you updated with progress and battery condition too.
To get the best out of your OptiMate charger/optimiser, follow these steps:
1. Select the right charger/optimiser
It’s crucial to use the correct charger/optimiser for the type of battery. Obviously, a 6V battery should only be charged with a 6V charger, and a 12V battery with a 12V charger. If you have both, OptiMate 5 VoltMatic automatically selects the right voltage for the battery and it can even save 6 Volt batteries.
Also recognise what kind of biker you are. If you always remember to hook up your charger whenever you park the bike, then the OptiMate 1 or 2 maintainers will do the job, but if you are the forgetful type and want industry leading ‘battery saving insurance’, an OptiMate 3 or 4 is the right charger for your 12V lead-acid battery.
The same goes for CAN-Bus-equipped machines. Not all systems and chargers are compatible – BMW’s system, for example, ‘switches off’ the 12V socket when the ignition is turned off, breaking the connection to the battery. For continuous and unsupervised maintenance, the charger must know how to communicate with the system to connect to the battery. The OptiMate 4 CAN-bus knows exactly how to so it can perform its hourly ‘no supervision required’ test and maintenance cycle.
If you’re running a Lithium (Li-ion) battery, you need to use an OptiMate Lithium charger. That’s because a 12.8V Lithium battery’s working voltage range is higher than a 12V lead-acid – 12.8 Volts measured across the terminals indicates a lithium battery down to 10% charge, whereas at that same voltage a sealed AGM lead-acid battery is 100% charged! OptiMate Lithium will keep your expensive lithium battery 100% charged at 13.6 Volts and it comes with ‘battery saver insurance’ – the industry-leading lithium save programme that will gently bring your lithium battery back up to full charge.
2. Sort your connection
For optimum performance, give your OptiMate charger/optimiser the best possible connection to your battery. OptiMate includes a premium weatherproof battery lead (with ringlets) for quick and easy connection every time you park the bike. If you intend to charge with the OptiMate clips, thoroughly clean your battery terminals and remove any corrosion. Other connection options, such as panel mount sockets, both SAE and DIN, are also available.
3. Environment
For optimum long-term maintenance of batteries, a stable temperature is best. Ideally, try to minimise the difference between day and night time temperature around your battery, but if you cannot – if your bike is parked in an unheated garage or outside under cover – keep your OptiMate connected 24-7. OptiMate provides a much needed lifeline for your battery, and guarantees it will make it through winter unharmed, even at temperatures well below freezing.
If your bike’s battery has removable filler caps for topping-up with distilled water, be aware that high ambient temperatures can cause the water in the electrolyte to evaporate, increasing the concentration of acid and accelerating plate corrosion. Check the electrolyte level regularly and top-up if needed. Be careful not to overfill, as excess electrolyte is expelled during charging and riding You don’t want a puddle of acid forming on the floor below your bike!
4. Dead batteries
A lead-acid battery left discharged for a long period can appear ‘dead’ however this might not necessarily be the case. OptiMate’s unique SAVE program can recover and repair even deeply discharged batteries, and bring them back to full capacity, automatically.
The OptiMate system can do this with the battery still fitted and connected to the bike, but if it detects live circuitry, it disables the special save mode, so it is more effective to remove the battery and ‘bench-charge’ it. This has the added benefit of allowing a full inspection for signs of mechanical damage, such as bloating or cracks.
For information and specifications of the complete OptiMate range visit www.tecmate.com
Gear Gremlin has a selection of add-ons to keep both bikes and riders in peak condition over the autumn/winter months.
Classic Neon Cover
If a motorcycle or scooter is parked outside overnight, covering it is a must. A quality, well-fitted and properly specified cover will offer protection from rain, frost, snow, dust, spray from passing vehicles, bird droppings and UV exposure, not to mention prying eyes – the police advise owners to cover their machines if possible.
The Classic Neon Cover is made from a waterproof, soft and durable fabric, with elastic hems for a secure fit and reinforced side cut-outs so that a security chain can be passed through. The top portion of the cover is neon yellow, for added visibility in low light.
The Classic comes in three sizes, is washable and comes with a handy storage bag; retail prices start at £45.95 including VAT.
12V Intelligent Charger
Battery care is also crucial during colder periods, when low temperatures cause the power output from the battery to drop, as the chemical reaction that generates electrons to supply the current proceeds more slowly.
Gear Gremlin’s 12V Intelligent Charger is microprocessor-based and will charge and maintain all 12V gel and lead acid batteries, from 2.3Ah – 120Ah capacities.
Fully automated, the Intelligent Charger adjusts the current according to the battery’s capacity rating and can diagnose – and attempt to recover – a sulphated battery. It will also check for and indicate a weak or damaged battery.
Its built-in automatic voltage management system cuts charging when the battery is fully charged, and the charger also features protection from polarity reverse, short circuit, over temperature, over current and over voltage, for complete safety and peace of mind. Retail price = £65.99 including VAT.
HEATED GRIPS – FHG2
Designed to provide continual, controllable warmth, heated grips reduce the need for bulky, insulated gloves and enable riders to select the ideal temperature to keep hands functioning comfortably – crucial for autumn/winter riding, where conditions require careful operation of the throttle, clutch and front brake.
Each Gear Gremlin heated grip set comes complete with a combined on/off and temperature control switch, which is easily operated with gloved hands, and can be handlebar or bodywork mounted for quick operation. There are two temperature settings so riders can tailor the heat level to the conditions.
The premium-quality FHG2 grips are designed to provide a confident hold and comfort, and are manufactured from anti-split and anti-perish rubber. SRP: £57.99 inc VAT.
For details on the complete Gear Gremlin range of motorcycle and rider accessories, call The Key Collection on 0117 971 9200 or visit www.thekeycollection.co.uk.
New from OptiMate, the USB-O105 enables fast charging of two mobile devices at the same time, from any standard BIKE (DIN Ø12mm) power socket. Designed for riders who carry multiple devices, whether touring, commuting or just out for the day, the O-105 can withstand to the rigours of the riding environment and will deliver ample charge for power-hungry modern devices.
2 x USB sockets located directly on the charger
Connects to a standard BIKE (DIN Ø12mm) power socket
Weatherproof
3300 mA fast charge
AUTO off 3 hours after engine stopped or if battery voltage drops below 12.3 volts
Delivering 3300 mA through dual USB sockets, OptiMate’s O-105 provides enough power to charge a combination of smartphone, GPS, camera, and tablet.
Designed for machines where access to the socket is limited, especially those mounted below the saddle, the O-105 protrudes only 38mm from the socket and its 90° USB outlet allows charging cables to be routed out of harm’s way.
Like OptiMate’s entire range of connectors and cables, weatherproofing comes as standard. The O-105 has a unique USB socket seal that keeps moisture out when a USB cable is plugged in, and a runner cap to seal out the elements when not in use.
The O-105 is 100% true power rated, delivering a continuous and consistent charge – essential for increasingly sophisticated modern devices. It also comes with a built-in Apple ‘handshake’, to guarantee iPhones and iPads charge at the appropriate maximum.
Protection for the bike’s battery is built-in; the O-105 will automatically stop charging any device after three hours or if the voltage drops to 12.3V.
The OptiMate USB O-105 retails at £24.95 including VAT. Visit www.tecmate.com for details
Purpose-built for motorcycles, OptiMate USB chargers are 100% true power rated, and deliver a continuous 2.1A – plenty for power hungry devices such as tablets and phones. They also come with a built-in Apple ‘handshake’, to guarantee iPhones and iPads charge at the appropriate maximum.
With devices like smartphones, tablets and sat-navs increasing in popularity among motorcyclists, on-bike USB charging is fast becoming an essential add-on.
Finding a suitable USB charging solution that can stand up to the rigours of the riding environment, and also deliver the correct amount of charge for the chosen device, isn’t straightforward. Many over-the-counter cables and ports fall short.
Most smartphones and tablets need to ‘qualify’ the USB charger before they will accept a charge; they check the voltage (5 Volts is the USB standard) and then verify the maximum current the USB charger can deliver. If the device receives the wrong signal, it can limit the charge current, or fail to charge altogether.
All OptiMate USB chargers also have built-protection for the motorcycle battery, to prevent it being drained: the Vehicle Battery Protection system will automatically stop charging any device if the bike’s battery voltage drops to 12.5V.
Like OptiMate’s entire range of connectors and cables, weatherproofing comes as standard, to help prevent moisture causing problems and damage to circuits, and guarding against any issues they may cause with the bike’s own electrical system.
The range includes the O-103 (£19.00 including VAT) – the ideal companion for tankbags fitted with the OptiMate O-30 tankbag power entry; the O-104 that comes with a moulded BIKE (DIN) ‘Hella’ plug that fits all BMW, Triumph and Victory OEM sockets (£39.99); and the O-110 USB splitter, which allows a rider to simultaneously charge two devices (from £11.99).
For details of the complete range of OptiMate USB connectors, leads and accessories – as well as their battery optimisers – visit www.optimate1.com
As motorcycle control systems become increasingly advanced, with engine management and even suspension settings now microprocessor controlled, software updates, rider adjustment and troubleshooting with diagnostic tools and apps is becoming more common.
Often the update and diagnosis modes require the machine to be ‘switched off’ for extended periods. As the systems and processors work they can drain the battery of power, subsequently disrupting, and even stopping the processes, giving false error/diagnostic codes – a little like pulling the plug on your home computer when it’s in the middle of an update.
A battery optimiser is the obvious solution, but using the wrong type can also disrupt the update/diagnostics process, if it fails to prevent the battery voltage dropping below the minimum level needed for the bike’s control systems to work – typically around 12.5V.
Specifically designed for use with update and diagnostic modes, the new OptiMate 6 Select features a built-in ‘power supply’ that delivers a fixed voltage of 13.6V; ensuring there’s enough charge in the battery for downloads, updates and troubleshooting.
The 6 Select prepares the bike’s battery properly before any updates take place, with two modes available: one for batteries charged to the standard voltage of 14.4V and the second for high performance AGM batteries that need a charge voltage of 14.7V to reach 100%.
The 6 Select’s nine-step charge programme delivers accurate temperature-compensated voltage and up to 5 Amps charge current. The process is automatically controlled by OptiMate’s unique AmpMatic processor that delivers just the right charge according to battery size and condition.
It also monitors the battery, warning the user if current draw from the vehicle is likely to cause the battery voltage to drop too low.
Making the whole process easier still is the new OptiMate HOOK, which allows the user to hang the OptiMate on the bike’s handlebar; lifting cables off the floor and keeping the OptiMate’s LED display in easy view.
The OptiMate 6 Select is available at retail price of £87.49 including VAT and is covered by a 3-year warranty for complete peace of mind. For details visit www.optimate1.com.
Most electrical accessories designed for use on/with a motorcycle will get wet at some stage – after all, bikes are designed to be used outdoors. Keeping that moisture out of the electrical circuitry is crucial – even a small amount can cause intermittent faults and even total failure.
One of the most vulnerable points of any circuit is where connections are made, yet many accessories – even those designed for use during winter months, like heated clothing – aren’t routinely supplied with connectors that are able to keep out the elements.
OptiMate’s entire range of connectors and cables are weatherproof as standard. Compatible with the majority of accessories and add-ons currently available, they help to stop moisture causing problems and guard against any issues it might cause with the bike’s electrical system.
The range covers most of the connectors and leads needed to operate common accessories, like heated clothing, sat nav systems, smart phone chargers and battery optimisers. It includes:
SAE Connectors, compatible with all used in the industry, designed to accept OptiMate’s boot and cap or in-line seal that protects the connection against water, dust and dirt. Very useful whilst riding as the pins will not corrode, and in workshop/outdoor applications, where cables can end up trailing on the ground.
Custom battery clips; designed for square power-sport batteries, the flat tabs found on some small power sport and gel deep-cycle batteries, as well as the round posts common in automotive applications.
Moulded battery rings (M6/1/4”) specifically designed for power-sport batteries, a much better alternative to the common M8 / 5/16” ring.
Auto connectors (Ø21mm): plugs with built in fuse protection, sockets with retainer slots for the leaf springs and with sealing caps.
Bike (DIN) connector (Ø12mm): now fully moulded, and available in low profile 90 and 180-degree versions.
DC Ø2.5mm connectors commonly used in heated clothing, which have in-line seals/boots for every connection and a battery lead that comes with 16 gauge (1.31mm2) cable, rated to –40°C.
For details of the complete range of OptiMate connectors, leads and accessories – as well as their battery optimisers – and to find out how you can weatherproof your current kit, visit www.optimate1.com
OptiMate’s new DC to DC charger enables the charging of a 12V lead-acid motorcycle battery using a 12V car battery; perfect for race paddocks and in garages and sheds that don’t have an AC power supply.
OptiMate DC to DC has the advanced features you’d expect to find on any OptiMate: it recovers, charges and maintains any STD, AGM and GEL 12V battery (from 3 – 96Ah), but it doesn’t need to be plugged into the mains. To get charging, hook up the DC to DC to a car or marine/RV deep cycle battery and thanks to OptiMate’s Source Battery Protection, it will charge the bike battery without killing the source battery i.e. it shuts off when the voltage drops below 11V.
The DC to DC’s smart long term maintenance mode extends protection to the bike battery as long as possible, delivering just enough power to protect against parasitic draw from the bike’s system and keep it ready to deliver. And if you forgot to maintain that bike battery, it can save a deep discharged, sulphated battery from as low as 1 Volt.
OptiMate DC to DC is totally safe for vehicle electronics, is spark suppressed and will automatically shut-down if short-circuited or the battery is disconnected.
It can be used indoors or outside, even in rain or extreme cold, thanks to a weatherproof case and OptiMate’s in-line connector sealing system, compatible with the comprehensive range of OptiMate accessory leads.
OptiMate DC to DC is priced at £69.99 (including VAT) and comes with everything needed to get charging: 1 x weatherproof battery lead, 1 x standard battery clamp lead, 1 x fused battery clamp lead and a full 3-year warranty.
OptiMate have introduced a range of low profile, 90 degree DIN plug adapters that fit neatly into surface-mounted power sockets, providing a safe and secure way to power devices and accessories on the move.
Many modern motorcycles, including touring & adventure sport bikes from BMW, Victory and Triumph, have 12v power sockets located close to rider or passenger seats, where any traditional straight 180° DIN adapter/cable that is plugged in would be vulnerable to being pulled out or even damaged through snagging and catching.
OptiMate’s new range of cable adapters feature a low-profile, 90-degree plug that, when connected, sits close to the bike, out of harm’s way.
Three adapters are currently available: both the 6″/15cm and 40″/100cm long BIKE/DIN to 2-pin SAE connectors are designed to connect to any OptiMate accessory, e.g. USB chargers, tank bag power adaptors, etc. The Bike/DIN to DC 2.5mm ‘jack plug’ adapter is ideal for powering heated clothing, GPS and smart phones.
All three plugs feature industry standard connectors, are fully compatible with OptiMate’s battery optimisers, chargers and cable adapters and come fused to 15 Amps.
Fully sealed during the moulding process, they are water and dirt resistant and are tested to -40°C/-40°F; so they can stand up to the rigours of touring and adventure riding, as well as commuting.
OptiMate Cable accessories with the Low Profile BIKE (DIN) plugs are available from all authorised retailers and are covered by a 3-year warranty for complete peace of mind. Prices start from £14.99. Visit www.tecmate.com for details
OptiMate have designed a new dual function monitor, which displays the battery’s state of charge and will also provide active charging system monitoring, giving owners an immediate overview of the motorcycle’s electrical system.
Driven by a micro-processor, the compact unit has 4 LEDs, showing whether the battery is out of charge (red), weak (amber), acceptable (one green tick) or good (double green ticks).
While the bike is stored, the LED matching the battery’s state of charge will blink every 5 seconds. This action draws just 0.2 milliamps, a fraction of the power drawn the most motorcycles’ circuitry, so it will not have a significant affect on battery lifespan.
When the engine is running, the LED mode changes to an arrow, which points at the LED matching the voltage being delivered by charging system, so owners can see at a glance whether the electrical system is operating properly.
Two versions are available to suit lead-acid batteries, including AGM. The O-124 is a 60cm (24”) weatherproof lead, that attaches to the battery and has SAE connectors for an OptiMate charger or other accessories. The O-125 monitor is designed to be connected to any 2-pin SAE battery lead already fitted to the motorcycle. It is also compatible with OptiMate cable adaptors, such as the O-02 AUTO/BIKE plug, O-04 battery clip set or O-19 low profile BIKE (DIN) plug.
The O-127 for lithium batteries has a 24” (60cm) weatherproof lead, but with a slightly different display to the lead-acid battery monitors, showing whether the battery is out of charge (red), weak (amber), acceptable (14V = one green tick) or over-charging, which can kill an expensive lithium battery!
The 0-124 sells for £22.99 (including VAT), the 0-125 costs £19.99 and the 0-127 is £22.99. All are covered by a 3-year limited warranty. For details visit www.optimate1.com.
OptiMate – developers of the world’s first Lithium-Ion battery optimiser – have introduced a cost-effective lithium-specific battery maintainer to their range.
Compact and lightweight, yet delivering high voltages, lithium batteries are an increasingly popular choice for motorcyclists on road & track, but are considerably more expensive* than lead acid units. They are particularly vulnerable to damage if left attached to a machine and unattended – Li-Ion batteries often have a lower Ah capacity, so can flatten quickly if left connected for long periods.
Maintaining lithium batteries is crucial, because once discharged they can be difficult to recover. However, regular 12-volt chargers for lead acid batteries should not be used, due to different charging curves and thresholds. Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries contain 4 x 3.2V cells, providing a total nominal voltage of 12.8V, compared to a 12V lead-acid battery, which has 6x 2V cells.
Totally automatic and with an intuitive LED display to keep the user informed throughout, the Lithium 0.8A assesses battery condition and selects the charge programme to suit: Bulk Charge for rapid recovery and Save mode to safely recover over-discharged batteries. The Lithium 0.8A is also designed to reset the internal BMS (Battery Management System) on batteries with a low voltage cut-out so that charging can begin.
Battery condition is continually monitored, to prevent unnecessary charging, and an alternating ‘charge and rest’ maintenance programme protects the battery against over-discharge.
Recommended by leading lithium battery manufacturers and safe to use with all LiFePO4/LFPs, the Lithium 0.8A comes with crocodile clips and a weatherproof lead that can be attached to the battery. Available from all authorised OptiMate suppliers for £54.99 including VAT. For more information visit www.optimate1.com.
* A Lead-Acid battery for a Honda CBR600F costs approx. £30-£50; the lithium equivalent is > £100
OptiMate™ 5 Voltmatic is the first ever charger capable of automatically recovering 6V lead-acid batteries from deep discharge. Light [600 grammes] and compact, the OptiMate 5 VoltMatic will also charge and maintain medium to large 12V batteries [from 8Ah to 120Ah] making it suitable for motorcycles, motor boats and motor homes, as well as most cars and vans.
OptiMate 5 VoltMatic retains the fully automatic, 100% safe and easy-to-use characteristics of the 2 million OptiMates produced since 1995. Capable of recovering batteries retaining as little as 1 volt, OptiMate 5 identifies whether a battery is 6V or 12V and then runs a series of tests to see whether it requires desulphation or bulk charge. It then delivers charge in controlled pulses that equalise the voltage in each of the battery cells and checks that charge is being retained, before indicating that the battery has reached full charge.
Unlike other smart chargers, OptiMate has a unique 30 minute charge/30 minute rest cycle, during every hour of long-term maintenance charge, so it can be left connected to the battery while the vehicle is parked without any risk of overcharging or overheating. In a weatherproof sealed enclosure with 2 metre long input and output cables, the OptiMate 5 is supplied with both a permanent ringlet connection lead that has a weatherproof cap and battery ‘crocodile’ clips for bench charging.
Compatible with STD lead-acid batteries (with removable filler caps), sealed AGM ‘maintenance free’, GEL and spiral cell types too, OptiMate 5 VoltMatic retails for £77.50 including VAT. For information on the complete range of OptiMate battery optimisers and accessories visit www.tecmate–int.com.
OptiMate™ 5 Voltmatic is the first ever charger capable of automatically recovering 6V lead-acid batteries from deep discharge.
Light [600 grammes] and compact, the OptiMate 5 VoltMatic will also charge and maintain medium to large 12V batteries [from 8Ah to 120Ah] making it suitable for motorcycles, motor boats and motor homes, as well as most cars and vans.
OptiMate 5 VoltMatic retains the fully automatic, 100% safe and easy-to-use characteristics of the 2 million OptiMates produced since 1995. Capable of recovering batteries retaining as little as 1 volt, OptiMate 5 identifies whether a battery is 6V or 12V and then runs a series of tests to see whether it requires desulphation or bulk charge. It then delivers charge in controlled pulses that equalise the voltage in each of the battery cells and checks that charge is being retained, before indicating that the battery has reached full charge.
Unlike other smart chargers, OptiMate has a unique 30 minute charge/30 minute rest cycle, during every hour of long-term maintenance charge, so it can be left connected to the battery while the vehicle is parked without any risk of overcharging or overheating.
In a weatherproof sealed enclosure with 2 metre long input and output cables, the OptiMate 5 is supplied with both a permanent ringlet connection lead that has a weatherproof cap and battery ‘crocodile’ clips for bench charging.
Compatible with STD lead-acid batteries (with removable filler caps), sealed AGM ‘maintenance free’, GEL and spiral cell types too, OptiMate 5 VoltMatic retails for £77.50 including VAT. For information on the complete range of OptiMate battery optimisers and accessories visit www.tecmate-int.com.
Motorcycle Industry News and Images mainly from UK
