BatteryMINDer 36271 Instruction Manual
Rev. A-051007 P/N VDC36271-MNL
BatteryMINDer
®
Model 36271
Page 1
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
BatteryMINDer®
Model 36271*
Maintenance - Charger /
Desulfator-Conditioner
Rev. A-051007 P/N VDC36271-MNL
VDC Electronics, Inc.
147 D Woodbury Rd.
Huntington, NY 11743
www.vdcelectronics.com
techsupport@vdcelectronics.com
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
*NOT Designed to Replace Original
HIGH-OUTPUT Chargers - Use to
Maintain and Desulfate Lead Acid
Deep-Cycle Battery Systems
After
Fully Re-Charging ONLY
Rev. A-051007 P/N VDC36271-MNL
BatteryMINDer
®
Model 36271
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Instructions...................................................................................................................... 3
Preparing To Charge................................................................................................................... 5
Charger Location......................................................................................................................... 5
DC Connection Precautions....................................................................................................... 6
Qualifying Your Batteries.......................................................................................................... 8
Testing a Filler Cap Or Manifold-type Lead Acid Batteries..................................................... 8
Testing With A Hot/Cold Calibrated Hydrometer Tester.......................................................... 10
Testing Sealed, Agm Or Gelled-type Lead Acid Batteries..................................................... 10
Unit With Call-outs ..................................................................................................................... 12
Simplified Operating Instructions ............................................................................................. 13
LED Indicator Functions ............................................................................................................ 14, 15
Detailed Operation Instructions ................................................................................................ 16
Temperature Sensor ABS-248 (At-the-Battery Sensor)..................................................... 17, 21 - 23
Maintaining Multiple Batteries................................................................................................... 25
Battery Configurations .............................................................................................................. 26
Troubleshooting - Model 36271 ................................................................................................ 27
Detailed Specifications - VDC Model No. 36271..................................................................... 29 - 33
Charging Profile.......................................................................................................................... 34
For Repair Or Replacement....................................................................................................... 35
Guarantee And Warranty............................................................................................................ 36
Rev. A-051007 P/N VDC36271-MNL
BatteryMINDer
®
Model 36271
Page 3
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
REQUIRED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE,
ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO
PERSON, OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:
1. Do not expose charger to rain or snow. It is
designed to operate ONLY INDOORS.
2. USE of any attachment not specifically recommended by the battery charger manufacturer for
use with this exact model of charger may result
in risk of fire & electric shock or injury to person.
3. An extension cord should not be used, unless
absolutely necessary. Use of an improper extension cord could result in fire or electric shock. If
extension cord must be used be sure:
a. Pins on plug of extension cord are the same
number, size, & shape of plug on charger
b. Extension cord is properly wired and in good
condition.
c. Wire size is enough for AC ampere of charger
as specified below: Length of cord, feet (meters)
25 (7.6), 60 (15.2), 100 (30.5), 150 (45.6) AWG
Size #18.
4. Do not use charger if it received a sharp blow,
been dropped, or damaged.
5. Charger contains no serviceable parts. If it fails
for any reason, return to the address shown within
for a free replacement under warranty.
6. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger
from outlet before attempting any cleaning.
7. WARNING - RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
WHENEVER YOU WORK NEAR A LEAD ACID
BATTERY IT IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES
GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING
NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. FOR THIS
REASON, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE
THAT EACH TIME BEFORE USING YOUR
CHARGER, YOU MUST READ THIS MANUAL
AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.
Rev. A-051007 P/N VDC36271-MNL
BatteryMINDer
®
Model 36271
Page 4
To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these
instructions and those published by the battery
manufacturer and the manufacturer of any equipment you plan to use in the vicinity of the batteries.
Review cautionary markings on the products and
the engine.
8. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS when working
with or near a lead acid battery.
a. Someone should be able to hear your voice or
close enough to aid you when working near a lead
acid battery.
b. Have fresh water and soap nearby case battery
acid contact skin, clothing, or eyes. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid
touching eyes while working near batteries.
c. If battery acid does contact skin or clothing,
wash immediately with soap and water. If acid
entered the eye, immediately ood the eye with
running water for at least 10 minutes and get help
immediately.
d. NEVER smoke or allow a spark of ame near
batteries or engine.
e. Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a
metal tool or auto part onto battery. It might spark
or short circuit battery or other electrical part that
may cause an explosion.
f. Remove personal metal items such as rings,
bracelets, necklaces, and watches when working with a lead acid battery. A lead acid battery
can produce a short circuit current high enough to
weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe
burn.
g. Charger is designed to be used for recharging
lead acid batteries ONLY. Never use it to power a
low voltage electrical system, or for attempting to
recharge dry cell batteries that are commonly used
in house holds. These batteries may explode and
cause injury to persons and damage property
Rev. A-051007 P/N VDC36271-MNL
BatteryMINDer
®
Model 36271
Page 5
NEVER CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY OR
ONE AT A TEMPERATURE ABOVE 123° F.
PREPARING TO CHARGE
a. If necessary to remove batteries from equipment to charge. Always remove ground terminal
rst. Turn off all accessories in the vehicle, so as
not to cause an arc.
b. Be sure area around batteries is well ventilated while batteries are being charged. Force
gas vapors away by using a piece of non-metallic
material as a fan.
c. Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from contacting eyes.
d. Add distilled water to each cell until battery acid
reaches level specied by the manufacturer. This
helps purge excessive gas from cells. Do not over-
ll. For a battery without caps, follow manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
e. Study all battery manufacturer’s specic instruc-
tions such as removing cell caps while charging
and recommended charge rates.
f. Determine condition of batteries, by referring
to instructions herein, before ever attempting to
charge or desulfate any / all batteries.
CHARGER LOCATION
a. Make sure charger is as far away from batteries
as output cables permit.
b. Never place charger directly above batteries
being charged; gases from batteries will corrode
and damage charger.
c. Never allow battery acid to drip on charger
when reading specic gravity or lling.
d. Do not operate charger in a closed-in area or
restrict ventilation in any way.
e. Do not set batteries on top of charger.
Rev. A-051007 P/N VDC36271-MNL
BatteryMINDer
®
Model 36271
Page 6
DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
a. Connect and disconnect DC output clips from
batteries only after removing charger power cord
from outlet.
b. Attach clips to battery posts and twist or rock
back and forth several times to make good contact. This tends to keep clips from slipping off terminals and reduces risk of sparking.
FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WHEN
BATTERIES ARE INSTALLED IN EQUIPMENT
(VEHICLE, PWC, BOAT, TRACTOR, ETC.)
A SPARK NEAR BATTERIES MAY CAUSE
BATTERIES TO EXPLODE. TO REDUCE RISK
OF A SPARK NEAR BATTERIES:
c. Position DC output cord to reduce risk of damage by hood, door, covers, or moving engine
parts.
d. Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and
other parts that can cause injuries.
e. Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE
(POS, P,+) usually has a larger diameter than
NEGATIVE -.
f. Determine which post of battery is grounded
(connected) to the chassis of equipment. If negative post is grounded see Item N. If positive post
is grounded see item P.
N. For negative grounded equipment, connect
POSITIVE (RED) clip from charger to POSITIVE
(POS, P, +) ungrounded post of battery. Connect
NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to vehicle chassis or
engine block away from batteries. Do not connect
clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or metal body parts.
g. For positive ground equipment, connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from charger to
NEGATIVE (NEG, N,) UNGROUNDED POST OF
BATTERY. Connect POSITIVE (RED) CLIP to
chassis or engine block away from batteries.
Rev. A-051007 P/N VDC36271-MNL
BatteryMINDer
®
Model 36271
Page 7
DO NOT CONNECT CLIP TO CARBURETOR,
FUEL LINES, OR SHEET METAL BODY
PARTS.
Connect to heavy gauge metal part of frame or
engine.
h. When disconnecting charger, disconnect charger from AC outlet, then remove clips from vehicle
chassis, and battery posts.
Operating instructions for charge information.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERIES
ARE OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE OR EQUIPMENT.
A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERIES MAY CAUSE
BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE RISK OF
A SPARK NEAR BATTERIES:
a. Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE
(POS,P,+) usually has a large diameter than
NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post.
b. Connect (RED) charger clip to (POS+) post of
battery.
c. Position yourself and free end of cable as
far away from battery as possible, then connect
NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clip to free end of
cable.
d. Do not face batteries when making final connections.
e. When disconnecting charger, always do so in
reverse sequence of connecting procedure and
break first connection while as far away from batteries as practical.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PERMANENTLY
INSTALL ANY CHARGER NOT SPECIFICALLY
DESIGNED FOR PERMANENT
INSTALLATION, ESPECIALLY IN A WET /
MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Rev. A-051007 P/N VDC36271-MNL
BatteryMINDer
®
Model 36271
Page 8
QUALIFYING YOUR BATTERIES:
Preliminary Requirements
NOTE: The BatteryMINDer has no electrical output unless it is connected to healthy batteries.
Testing the BatteryMINDer with a volt or an Amp
meter without the unit being connected across
good batteries will result in a false reading. If you
experience any problems, or are not sure of how
to properly use or connect your BatteryMINDer,
please e-mail our technical support at:
techsupport@vdcelectronics.com or call our tollfree technical support line 800-379-5579 x206
(Eastern Time). Be certain to leave your phone
number with the area code, time zone and
the best time to call.
To gain the best result from your new charger and
to maximize the life and performance of your batteries we strongly recommend you qualify (test)
your batteries before attempting to either chargemaintain or desulfate them. Remember, even if
you just purchased “new” batteries they may have
been subjected to conditions that have caused
“sulfation” such as high temperature (>=80°).
NOTE: If your batteries are new and you
are certain they were not subject to conditions that could have caused sulfation*,
even before you purchased them, you can
disregard our recommendations for qualifying / testing your batteries, before using the
BatteryMINDer.
* Such as high temperature storage (=/> 80°F)
and/or allowed to self-discharge to 12.4 Volts or
lower (6.2-V for 6-Volt batteries.)
Testing a Filler Cap or Manifold-type Lead
Acid Batteries. Set Charger to Flooded
Mode.
1. Carefully remove all caps or manifold-type
covers from your batteries.
2. Check the water-liquid electrolyte level. If
the level is low or has ever been below top of
plates, severe lead plate sulfation has taken place.
Significant recharge/reconditioning time is needed
to restore these plates to a condition where the
batteries can be expected to function normally.
Rev. A-051007 P/N VDC36271-MNL
BatteryMINDer
®
Model 36271
Page 9
3. Refill each cell with distilled water only to the
liquid level indicator found in each cell. Before
proceeding further you must be thoroughly
familiar with the safety and operating instructions.
4. Recharge the batteries with the BatteryMINDer
to ensure that they are slowly and completely
charged before you determine their condition.
Allow each battery to “rest”* overnight for a minimum of 12 hours before testing with a temperature compensated hydrometer and/or digital type
voltmeter only.
* “RESTED” = batteries that have been as
fully charged as possible, using a 3 stage
charger (model 36271) and left disconnected
from charger or any type load for a minimum
of 12 hours.
5. If the BatteryMINDer battery condition LED
lights (YELLOW) within 72 hours or no balls float
in one or more cells, battery may be too far gone
to be fully desulfated. Reconnect battery to your
BatteryMINDer and press the Maintenance mode
button. Allow batteries to remain in maintenance
mode for a minimum of 72 hours, before re-test.
Use a hot/cold calibrated hydrometer tester for
the most accurate results** (see next page) if you
see an increase in the Specific Gravity (SG) or
voltage indicating that there is an improvement in
the battery’s condition, continue desulfating for
an additional 72 hours and retest. Continue this
process until the SG or voltage readings no longer
increase.
Temp. Compensated Hydrom-
eter - meter or 4 ball type
Full Capacity
Percentage
1.270 (4 Balls oating) 100%
1.250 (3 Balls oating) 75%
1.190 (2 Balls oating) 50%
1.150 (1 Balls oating) 25%
1.120 (0 Balls oating)
May denote shorted cell or
battery that has been severely
discharged and may not be
recoverable
0%
Specific Gravity – Capacity
TABLE 1
Rev. A-051007 P/N VDC36271-MNL
BatteryMINDer
®
Model 36271
Page 10
Testing with a Hot/Cold Calibrated
Hydrometer Tester
Read the tester instructions carefully for most
accurate readings.
1. When using the tester the first time or after a
long period of non-use, fill the tester with the battery fluid and let it 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 a condition as you may have thought.
2. After inserting the tester in a cell, gently tap the
tester several times against the inside 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 that indicate a battery that is not
fully desulfated or does not qualify for desulfation.
3. If no balls float in any cell, the cell is shorted.
This means your battery is beyond the point of
being properly recharged or reconditioned-desulfated. Dispose of the battery.
If each cell floats three (3) or more balls (or 1250
on gauge-type), your battery can be desulfatedreconditioned.
4. Always rinse the tester with fresh water after
every use. Failure to do so will cause false readings.
Testing Sealed, AGM or Gelled-type
Lead Acid Batteries
These batteries have no filler caps or manifoldtype covers. Because you cannot gain access to
the interior of your battery you cannot test it with a
hydrometer.
Testing Using a Digital Voltmeter:
1. Recharge batteries with the BatteryMINDer to
ensure they are as completely charged as possible, before you determine its condition. Allow bat-
teries to “rest” (see pg. 9) overnight for a minimum
of 12 hours before testing with a digital voltmeter
only.
Rev. A-051007 P/N VDC36271-MNL
BatteryMINDer
®
Model 36271
Page 11
Failure to test “rested” (see pg. 9) batteries will
cause false readings. Be certain to read and
understand all safety related instructions (pages 3
to 7) before proceeding further.
2. Measure battery voltage, without any load
attached. If the voltage is less than 37.2 volts
(Typically 50% of charge) the battery may be too
heavily sulfated to be fully recoverable. If voltage
is 37.2-V or higher full recovery can be expected,
given sufficient time (average 1-2 weeks for batteries that are heavily sulfated).
3. Connect the BatteryMINDer to the batteries.
4. Charge batteries to their maximum level. Allow
batteries to remain for a minimum of 72 hours
before retesting. If improvement is seen, continue
until battery voltage reaches full capacity level or
no further increase is seen.
OCV - “Rested”
Voltage
Full Capacity
Percentage
38.7 - 39.3 Volts 100%
37.8 - 38.7 Volts 75%
37.2 - 37.8 Volts 50%
36.6 - 37.2 Volts 25%
36.0 - 36.6 Volts 0%
<33 Volts
= shorted
OCV=Open Circuit No Load Voltage
TABLE 2
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