Frequently Asked Questions About Battery Chargers

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Q: Can I charge more than one battery at a time with the BatteryMINDer?

A: You can charge up to four batteries of similar type and condition with the 12 volt BatteryMINDer (model #12112). You can charge up to six batteries of different type and condition with the 12 volt BatteryMINDer (model #12041), the 24 volt BatteryMINDer (model #24021), or with the 36 volt BatteryMINDer (model #36131).

Q: How can I prevent Thermal Fuse Burn-out?

A: Click HERE for an in-depth review.

Q: When does BatteryMINDer start and stop charging my battery?

A: BatteryMINDer always remains on. Its output will increase or decrease in response to your battery's needs. It never shuts off. All batteries need to be kept on continual maintenance charge to prevent discharge and "Lead Plate Sulphation".

Q: What happens if I connect BatteryMINDer to my battery incorrectly?

A: Nothing! The green light will not turn on. Simply reverse the battery clips and the green light will come on and remain on until disconnected!

Q: Will BatteryMINDer first recharge bring my battery to full capacity and then maintain it forever?

A: Yes BatteryMINDer fully recharges your battery and keeps it at full charge indefinitely (weeks, months, even years)!

Q: Does BatteryMINDer extend the life of my battery?

A: Yes, by preventing and eliminating "Lead Plate Sulphation", which occurs when a battery is not used or kept charged.

Q: Do I need to add water to my battery when connected and maintained by BatteryMINDer?

A: BatteryMINDer prevents "boil-off" due to overcharging, the main cause of water loss.

Q: How do I know if my battery is sulphated?

A: By carefully removing the battery cell caps and looking into each cell you will see evidence of a white crystal, frost-like coating. This is the sulphation, which is permanently destroying your battery's ability to store a charge.

Q: If my battery already has started to sulfate can BatteryMINDer save it?

A: Yes, it can prevent any further sulphation. See Charger with a Brain.

Q: I've seen other maintenance-type battery chargers for less money. Why should I buy BatteryMINDer?

A: These other chargers shut off, then wait for the battery to self discharge before turning back on. This is when Sulphation occurs! Also, none of them can reverse the sulphate build-up in your battery. Only the BatteryMINDer can accomplish this safely and inexpensively.

Q: Anytime I leave my battery for even short periods of time I find it either dead or dying. What can I do to maintain my battery at full charge without overcharging it, during these periods?

A: The BatteryMINDer and SureCharge IV prevent batteries from discharging without the risk of overcharge no matter how long they are left connected.
Note: Please read description of each unit very carefully before making your decision.

Q: Is there a way to bring back a dying battery, even one that is several years old ?

A: Yes, with the BatteryMINDer you can reverse the sulphation buildup that is killing your battery.

Q: How can I know if my battery is healthy and charging system is working correctly before I have a problem starting ?

A: SureGuard protects and displays the condition of your battery + alternator / charging system at a touch of a button.

Q: What do the red and green lights mean in the BatteryMINDer?

A: The red light comes on when the BatteryMINDer is plugged in an electrical outlet.
The green LED lights when the unit is properly attached to the battery posts.
The blinking green light means that the BatteryMINDer is in the desulphation-maintenance mode. More details about the 6 Volt and 12 Volt-1Amp BatteryMINDer lights. More details about the 12 Volt-4 Amp, 24 Volt and 36 Volt BatteryMINDer lights.

Q: When should I press the Desulphation button on my BatteryMINDer?

A: This button should only be pressed if the green light does not automatically blink within 72 hours. Note that you only need to press the button lightly without using force. Pressing this button in less time will prevent the battery from being fully charged or desulphated in the shortest possible time. Note that the failure to press the Desulphation button if the green light does not blink within 72 hours may lead to unit burn-out or battery damage. Click here for more information.

Q: How do I tell if my BatteryMINDer is working properly?

A: Test it on your car battery. Green light should start blinking after a short period of time. Test the battery with a voltmeter. It should read around 13 volt DC.

Q: How do I test my battery with a hydrometer?

A: 1. When using the tester for the first time or after a long period of non-use, fill the tester with battery fluid and let sit for 1/2 hour or longer. This will soak the balls in order to give you more accurate readings. Failure to do so will give you false readings, indicating a battery that may not be in as good condition as you may have thought.
2. After inserting the tester in a cell, gently tap the tester several times against the inside the wall of each cell to dislodge air bubbles that will cause more balls to float than should. Failure to do so will yield false readings indicating a battery that is not fully desulphated or does not qualify for desulphation.
3. ALWAYS rinse the tester with fresh water after every use. Failure to do so will cause false readings. Store the tester in a holder to prevent breakage.

Q: Can I use model 12112 (12 volt BatteryMINDer) to charge and maintain my Optima batteries?

A: Yes, you can use it on Optima batteries for short periods (2-3 months) at a time. If you need to maintain your Optima batteries for longer periods, you should get the BatteryMINDer adjusted for Optima batteries. The Optima-adjusted BatteryMINDer floats 13.6 volts, and the regular 12 volt BatteryMINDer floats 13 volts. Note that once your BatteryMINDer has been adjusted to Optima batteries, you cannot use the unit on other types of batteries.