Optimate Battery Charger/Conditioner??

Discussion in 'Maintenance' started by ray, Feb 27, 2013.

  1. ray

    ray Well-Known Member

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    Ok, probably looking to buy an Optimate as a battery charger (garage has no power for trickle charge) as I have just checked my battery (currently 11.5V) & the Lidl's charger wont select any mode.

    I'm guessing the charger has had it.

    So my question is, What Optimate do I go for as there seems to be about six different models?

    Anyone know the best/cheapest place to purchase them from?

    Thanks
     
  2. kpone

    kpone Moderator
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    Ray, I got the 4 model, Which was the top of their range 5 years ago. There's a 5 and a 6 now. I think but am not certain that they may do cars too, whereas the 4 is bike only. There is also a Lithium battery model.

    I bought it direct from the importers. Don't know if they're the cheapest but their support was good when I had queries, always worth a few quid in my opinion.

    OptiMate UK
     
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  3. Remal

    Remal It's ME
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    A suggestion would be Demon tweeks as you can get your 10%

    I have the 2 and 4. both great. 1 used for the kit car and other the blade. both been faultless and used for years. well worth the money and keeps your battery topped up nicely
     
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  4. Shing90

    Shing90 Active Member

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    Risk of sounding a little blonde here but hey ho.. Does an optimate not need a mains electricity supply then? When I bought my blade I was advised to get one. But I too have a garage with now power to it..
     
  5. ray

    ray Well-Known Member

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    The Father-in-law has a Ring RSC8 Smart Charger.

    According to the user manual this can be used on cars, motorbikes, lesuire vehicles, golf buggies, radio controlled cars & jet skis?

    Anyone used one of these?
     
  6. kpone

    kpone Moderator
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    Most definably it will need mains power.

    I suggest you move the bike into the spare bedroom and charge it from there.
     
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  7. ray

    ray Well-Known Member

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    Yes mate it does need a power supply.

    Mine would be plugged in at home when needed :)
     
  8. Shing90

    Shing90 Active Member

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    Lol. :D
     
  9. Shing90

    Shing90 Active Member

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    May be my only option to charge the battery in house.. May even buy a spare. Wash and wear so to speak.
     
  10. ray

    ray Well-Known Member

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    Just to let you know guys, the Ring Smart Charger 8 managed to recover my battery over a 20 hour period @ 2A.
     
  11. RedMacGregor

    RedMacGregor Active Member

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    I've used an old Optimate for three years but lately it's gone a bit mad. One minute the green lights are on and then the next day it's telling me the battery is sulphated. I think it may be prone to power drop outs on the mains. I did a bit of homework and came up with a Ctek 0.8 12v charger - not much output but works a treat. It has 5 years guarantee - Optimate only two years and the price is very keen on Amazon. In the event of a power cut it restarts with no drama - can't say a bad word about it so far.

    Steve
     
  12. sinewave

    sinewave God Like

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    Does the Optimate 4 come with a IP65 quick connector or do I need to order that separately?

    Looking at the pdf on Tweek's website I think I need accessory TM 71? :confused:
     
  13. Remal

    Remal It's ME
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    on my Optimate 4 it has the crock clips but you can slit the wire and it connected to the under seat battery connection lead that came with the bike. no idea about IP65
     
  14. sinewave

    sinewave God Like

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    IP55/56/65 are just degrees of waterproofing.

    So what I'm asking is does a new Optimate 4 come with a lead with a waterproof connector that allows quick remote connection of the Batt Charger?

    Also what is this under seat battery lead you refer to?

    Is this something that's already supplied by Honda to the rear seat location or is this a lead I need to install back to the Batt terminals?
     
  15. bubba

    bubba Member

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    the underseat battery lead is a lead you can buy seperate for any of the optimates and you just attach it straight to your battery terminals and have it sticking out from under your seat and has a waterproof rubber seal on the end and it saves taking the seat off every time to keep your battery charged.
     
  16. Remal

    Remal It's ME
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  17. sinewave

    sinewave God Like

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  18. ray

    ray Well-Known Member

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    I reckon if you spoke to Demon Tweeks & mentioned this site, they would probably at the very least, match that price :)
     
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  19. Remal

    Remal It's ME
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    Ray demon tweaks are traders and I would. Be surprised if they don't give u a great price via Andy
     
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  20. uncle numpty

    uncle numpty Member

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    i have used the oxford solar charger for 4 years and it has never failed to keep battery in top condition,even had it on the rc8 v twin,no electric needed works off daylight,probably improved by now so would be better spec.
     
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