BatteryMINDer Models OBD12-24-36-48
INSTRUCTIONS
BatteryMINDer
®
Models OBD-12, -24, -36 & -48
OnBoard Battery Restorer-Conditioners
With Battery and Charging System Indicator
VDC Electronics, Inc.
147D Woodbury Rd.
Huntington, NY 11743
www.batteryminders.com
techsupport@vdcelectronics.com
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Rev. H-041409 P/N VDC OBD12-24-36-48-MNLRev. H-041409 P/N VDC OBD12-24-36-48-MNL
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
BatteryMINDer Models OBD12-24-36-48
Table of Contents
General ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Qualifying Your Battery ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Components & Descriptions .................................................................................................................................... 8
Auxiliary charger connector.................................................................................................................................... 9
Installing the Restorer-Conditioner ....................................................................................................................... 10
Battery Setup Configurations ................................................................................................................................. 11
Operating the Restorer-Conditioner ....................................................................................................................... 12
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
Battery and Charging System Tester ..................................................................................................................... 13
Operation .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
To Test Battery .................................................................................................................................................. 13
To Test Alternator / Charging System .............................................................................................................. 14
Spike Surge Protector ...................................................................................................................................... 14
LED Battery & Alternator Voltage Test Indications ................................................................................................ 15
Specifications ......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Our Guarantee and Warranty Conditions ............................................................................................................... 17
For Repair or Replacement..................................................................................................................................... 18
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BatteryMINDer Models OBD12-24-36-48
General
The BatteryMINDer® OnBoard Battery RestorerConditioners are designed to desulfate your batteries
while you are operating your vehicle. The units utilize
patented technology to produce a wide range of
high frequency pulses known as RFP™ (Random
Frequency Pulsation) designed to dissolve both
old and newly formed sulfate. RFP™ technology,
sweeps the entire frequency range known to
cause sulfation crystals to resonate and then safely
dissolve them. Sulfuric acid, the main component
in the sulfate crystals, safely returns to the battery’s
electrolyte. The Specic Gravity (S.G.) of the
electrolyte is now higher and able to generate more
electrical energy-storage capacity than the previously
sulfated batteries.
Additional advantages of using sulfation-free batteries
include extended alternator and belt life, as the
vehicle’s charging system no longer needs to work
as hard trying to charge batteries that will not accept
high alternator output current due to sulfation build-
up. Better fuel economy can also be expected, as
much lower output current is now demanded from
the alternator to keep clean, sulfate-free batteries fully
charged. Lower alternator output current translates
to lower engine level.
Each of the BatteryMINDer On-Board RFP™ Battery
Restorer-Conditioners can serve up to six batteries at
a time. Thus, even large commercial vehicles, boats
and commercial equipment require only one unit per
system. Units are effective on all brands / types of
batteries, including Maintenance-free, Gel, AGM,
Deep Cycle, Sealed, and Free-electrolyte. Installation
is a simple two wire hook-up to just one (1) battery
or two (2) if using 6-volt batteries in series. The
units stop working shortly after you turn your engine
off. They do not use any power while your vehicle is
turned off and very little when vehicle is running. ■
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QUALIFYING YOUR BATTERY:
Preliminary Requirements
To conrm your battery’s condition before using your
Battery Restorer-Conditioner (in order to prove the
effect of the Battery Restorer-Conditioner) please
take the following suggestions. The time it will
take will be very worthwhile. 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 toll-free technical support line 800379-5579 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 Battery
Restorer-Conditioner and to maximize the life
and performance of your batteries we strongly
recommend you qualify (test) your batteries before
attempting to either charge-maintain or desulfate
them. Remember, even if you just purchased
a “new” battery it may have been subjected to
conditions that have caused “sulfation” such as high
temperature (>=80°) and/or allowed to self-discharge
to 2.06 Volts/Cell or lower.
NOTE: If your battery is new and you are certain it
was not subject to conditions that could have caused
sulfation, even before you purchased it, then you
can disregard our recommendations for qualifying /
testing your battery, before using the BatteryMINDer.
Testing a Filler Cap or Manifold-type Lead Acid
Battery
1. Carefully remove all caps or manifold-type
covers from your battery.
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.
Signicant recharge/reconditioning time is needed to
restore these plates to a condition where the battery
can be expected to function normally.
3. Rell each cell with distilled water only to the
liquid level indicator found in each cell.
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4. Recharge the battery to ensure that it is
completely charged as possible before you determine
its condition. Allow battery to “rest”* overnight
for a minimum of 12 hours before testing with a
temperature compensated hydrometer and/or digital
type voltmeter only.
* “RESTED” = a battery that has been as fully
charged as possible, using a 3 stage charger or your
alternator and left disconnected from charger or any
type load for a minimum of 12 hours before testing.
5. If the BatteryMINDer battery condition LED lights
YELLOW (single battery) or no balls oat in one or
more cells, your battery may be too far gone to be
fully desulfated. Use a hot/cold calibrated hydrometer
tester for the most accurate results** (see next page)
if you see an increase in the Specic Gravity (SG) or
voltage indicating that there is an improvement in
the battery’s condition, continue desulfating for an
additional 72 hours and retest the battery. Continue
this process until the SG or voltage readings no
longer increase.
OCV = Open Circuit No Load VoltageOCV = Open Circuit No Load Voltage
Temp. Compensated
Hydrometer - meter
or 4 ball type
1.270 (4 Balls
floating)
1.250 (3 Balls
floating)
1.190 (2 Balls
floating)
1.150 (1 Balls
floating)
1.120 (0 Balls
floating)
1
May denote shorted cell or battery that has been severely
discharged and may not be recoverable
6-V
3
cells
6.3V 8.4V 12.6V 100%
6.18 8.26 12.4 75%
6.09 8.13 12.2 50%
6.0 8.0 12.0 25%
5.8817.84111.81 0%
8-V
4
cells
12-V
6
cells
Full Capacity
Percentage
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**Testing with a Hot/Cold Calibrated
Hydrometer Tester
Read the tester instructions carefully for most
accurate readings.
1. When using the tester the rst time or after a
long period of non-use, ll the tester with the battery
uid 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 oat 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 oat in any cell, the cell is shorted.
This means your battery is beyond the point of being
properly recharged or reconditioned-desulfated.
Properly dispose of the battery.
If each cell oats two (2) or more balls (or 1190
on gauge-type), your battery can be desulfated-
reconditioned.
4. Always rinse the tester with fresh water after
every use. Failure to do so will cause false readings.
Testing a Sealed, AGM or Gelled-type Lead Acid
Battery
These batteries have no ller caps or manifold-
type covers. Because you cannot gain access to
the interior of your battery you cannot test it with a
hydrometer.
USE A DIGITAL VOLTMETER ONLY:
1. Recharge the battery with the BatteryMINDer
to ensure it is as completely charged as possible,
before you determine its condition. Allow battery to
“rest” (see pg. 13) for a minimum of 12 hours before
testing with a digital voltmeter only.
Failure to test a “rested” (see pg. 13) battery will
cause false readings.
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2. Measure battery’s voltage, without any load
attached. If the voltage represents less than 50% of
full charge, the battery may be too heavily sulfated
to be fully recoverable. If voltage represents greater
than 50% of the full charge, full recovery can be
expected, given sufcient time (average 1-2 weeks
for batteries that are heavily sulfated).
3. Charge battery to its maximum level. Allow
battery 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
Gel (volts) & AGM (volts) @ 26°C
6-V
3 Cells
6.42 8.56 12.85 100%
6.33 8.43 12.65 75%
6.18 8.23 12.35 50%
6.00 8.00 12.00 25%
5.90* 7.86* 11.80* 0%
8-V
4 Cells
12-V
6 Cells
Full Capacity
Percentage
*May denote shorted cell or battery that has been
severely discharged and may not be recoverable
Note: OPTIMA brand “Yellow Top” starter/deep
cycle batteries have a fully charged “resting” voltage
of 13.1 (OCV). Increase-Decrease above values
accordingly. ■
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Components & Descriptions
1
6
2
7
4
3
5
6
9
(back)
8
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BatteryMINDer Models OBD12-24-36-48
1. LED (Light Emitting Diodes) Indicators (pgs. 11 - 13)
2. Push To Test Button (pg. 12)
3. Positive Lead w/Ring Terminal (pg. 10, 11)
4. Negative Lead w/Ring Terminal (pg. 10, 11)
5. Replaceable Fuse (10 Amps) (pg. 10)
6. Mounting Tabs (2) (pg. 10)
7. Auxiliary Charger Input Cord & Plug (pg. 9, 10)
8. Plug Cover (pg. 9, 10)
9. Velcro loop-lock adhesives (pg. 10)
Auxiliary charger connector
All OBD Model units are equipped with an auxiliary connector plug (charger input cord and plug) designed to
allow a battery charger/maintainer to easily be attached to each unit, providing the voltage, polarity and plug
type of the particular charger is the same*. It must never be used for any other purpose as the polarity of the
connector may be different from the product you are plugging in. This could cause a short circuit or damage
the unit, voiding the guarantee and warranty. Note: RED LED Fault Indicator will light if a device with incorrect
polarity or fault is plugged into the Auxiliary charger connector.
*Model OBD-12 is designed to be attached to one of VDC Electronics’ maintenance type chargers, such as
the BatteryKeeper model 12612 or BatteryMINDer Models 12248, 12112, 12117.
Model OBD-24 is also designed to be attached to a VDC Electronics’ maintenance type charger, namely the
BatteryMINDer Model 24041. ■
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Installing the Battery Restorer-Conditioner
Before you install the OnBoard Battery Restorer-
Conditioner, turn the engine off. Mount the unit
in a convenient place close to or directly on the
battery. You can either mount the unit using screws
(not supplied) or the Velcro loop-lock adhesives
(supplied).
Do not use screws of any kind if mounting
the unit directly on the battery. When using screws
to mount unit on other surfaces be very careful of the
length of the screws to avoid puncturing hidden wires
or other sensitive components.
1. Find a safe and convenient place to attach
the unit. Drill the holes for the screws (not supplied)
or clean surface for Velcro fasteners.
2. Attach ring terminal on RED wire to the posi-
tive (+) clamp, threaded studs or side posts of your
battery (depending on type of battery).
3. Attach the ring terminal on the black wire to
the negative (-) clamp, threaded studs or side posts
depending on your battery type.
Note: Your OBD is equipped with a replaceable Ten
(10) Amp at type automotive fuse. Never replace
with a higher rated fuse or a hazardous condition
may exist. ■
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BatteryMINDer Models OBD12-24-36-48
MODEL OBD-24 24-V
MODEL
OBD-36 36-V
MODEL OBD-48 48-V
MODEL OBD-12 12-V
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Operating the Battery Restorer-Conditioner
After you have installed the Battery RestorerConditioner start your vehicle and allow it to
idle for 2-3 minutes. The GREEN LED marked
DESULFATING (blinking) will then begin blinking.
Your battery is now being desulfated continuously, as
long as your engine is running and your alternator is
putting current into your battery. When you shut off
your engine, the unit continues operating until your
battery’s voltage returns to standard voltage levels.
It will then shut off with no LED Indicators remaining
on.
Troubleshooting
If the GREEN LED Indicator does not start blinking
within 2 minutes of turning the engine on, check the
polarity of the wires. The RED wire connects to the
positive clamp on the battery and the black wire to
the negative clamp. ■
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Battery and Charging System Tester
Although very simple, this tester can accurately
detect the condition of your battery as well as
indicating whether your alternator or charging system
is functioning sufciently to recharge your battery.
However,
to ensure you will get accurate readings.
you must adhere to the instructions below
■
Operation
Note: For the most accurate readings always allow
your battery to “Rest”* for a minimum of 12 hours,
i.e. without charging or discharging or running your
engine. Further test battery only with engine and all
accessories and lights turned off. Test alternator /
charging system only when engine is running and
without lighting/accessories turned on.
*”RESTED” = a battery that has been as fully charged as possible,
using your vehicle’s alternator or a 3-stage charger. When using a
charger be sure to disconnect unit from the charger and any type
load for a minimum of 12 hours before testing.
To Test Battery
(Engine and ALL power using lighting or accessories
must be off for accurate readings
• Press the PUSH to TEST button and hold down
while viewing the LED indicators
NO LEDs are lit = Battery has LESS THAN
VOLTAGE (may be dead, shorted or severely
discharged) Have battery load tested or recharge and
retest.
RED LED lit = POOR = Volts = Battery may be,
shorted, or deeply discharged. If in doubt replace.
YELLOW = FAIR = Volts (Both RED & YELLOW
LED’s will light) = Battery may be shorted or
discharged and unable to start your vehicle. Also
check charging system
GREEN = GOOD = Volts (All 3 LED’s will light) =
Battery is “healthy”
Represents Voltage specific to your OBD model.
See Table for each model on page 15. ■
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BatteryMINDer Models OBD12-24-36-48
To Test Alternator / Charging System
(Engine MUST be Running):
• Press the PUSH to TEST button and hold down
while viewing the LED indicators
• GREEN LED marked Alternator should be lit. ALL
four LEDs should light. If it does not show GREEN,
Alternator / charging system is faulty and must
be checked / repaired. Note: All four (4) test LED
Indicators will light if Alternator is OK. ■
Spike Surge Protector
Many times when using battery “Jumper Cables” a
voltage surge (spike) is created when attaching the
cables to your battery or the second battery system
involved.
Your OBD unit is equipped with a voltage spike
protector designed to shield sensitive engine
computer system components from the harmful
affects of these surges. In addition, it will also
protect plug-in 12-volt accessories such as your
radar detector, cellular phone, personal computer,
etc., from momentary voltage surges during “jump
starting” or external battery charging.
As there are many different component, accessories
and systems and the amount of voltage surges
cannot be fully determined, we cannot guarantee
total 100% protection in all installations. Therefore,
always be very careful to follow the jumper cable
manufacturer’s safety and installation – connection
instructions. ■
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BatteryMINDer Models OBD12-24-36-48
LED Battery & Alternator Voltage Test Indications
POOR FAIR GOOD GOOD-ALT
LED COLORS
OBD-12 11.2 – 12.3 11.8 – 12.3 12.3 – 12.8 13.2 – 14.2 <11.2*
OBD-24 22.4 – 23.6 23.6 – 24.6 24.6 – 25.6 26.4 – 28.4 <22.4**
OBD-36 33.6 – 36.9 35.4 – 36.9 36.9 – 38.4 36.6 – 42.6 <33.6***
OBD-48 44.8 – 49.2 47.2 – 49.2 49.2 – 51.2 52.8 – 56.8 <44.8****
*NO LEDs are lit = Battery has LESS THAN 11.2 VOLTS (see page 13)
**NO LEDs are lit = Battery has LESS THAN 22.4 VOLTS (see page 13)
***NO LEDs are lit = Battery has LESS THAN 33.6 VOLTS (see page 13)
****NO LEDs are lit = Battery has LESS THAN 44.8 VOLTS (see page 13)
All (4) LEDs are lit, if alternator output is high enough to charge battery, when required.
VOLTAGE
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BatteryMINDer Models OBD12-24-36-48
Specifications
For 12-V, 24-V, 36-V & 48-V (depending on model)
battery systems only. Draws no current when
Meets watertight specications JIS IP66
Weight : 8 oz.
Size: 5.7” L x 2.25” W x 1.25“ H ■
engine-system is shut off.
A M P L I T U D E
F R E Q U E N C Y
Desulfation Waveform (typical)
Full Time Desulfation output pulse peak current control lp-p....8 ±3 Adc
Full Time Desulfation output PWM frequency...........................50 ±5 Hz
Full Time Desulfation duty........................................................0.2%
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Our Guarantee and Warranty Conditions
ONE (1) YEAR 100% UNCONDITIONAL
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE:
BatteryMINDer OnBoard Battery Restorer-
Conditioners are guaranteed to perform as claimed,
or we will refund your full purchase price including
all taxes, shipping or handling cost applicable to
the purchase. Unit must be returned with Proof of
Purchase directly to VDC Electronics, Inc., not to
the dealer from which it was purchased. Physical
damage to the unit will limit this guarantee.
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
VDC Electronics, Inc. warrantees this product
for FIVE (5) years from date of purchase at retail
against defective materials or workmanship. It will
be repaired or replaced at no charge providing it is
returned to VDC Electronics, Inc., freight prepaid
together with Proof of Purchase. We make no
warranty other than this limited warranty and
expressly exclude any implied warranty including any
warranty for consequential damages. (This limited
warranty is not transferable.)
Return unit to:
VDC Electronics, Inc.,
147 D Woodbury Road
Huntington, NY 11743
Allow up to ten (10) business days for repair or
replacement plus shipping time. ■
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BatteryMINDer Models OBD12-24-36-48
For Repair or Replacement
In the event that you believe your product may be
defective, you MUST speak to a
VDC Electronics technician at 1-800-379-5579 x206
(ET) before proceeding further.
If after speaking with our tech support personnel it is
necessary to return the unit, you MUST request an
VDC Electronics, Inc.
Returns Department
Attn: RMA # (Enter Your RMA# Here)
147D Woodbury Rd.
Huntington, NY 11743
All returns must be authorized by VDC Electronics.
RMA number.
Items must be returned within 10 days after receiving
your Return Merchandise Authorization number
and must be packed in the original packaging with
manual and all connectors included.
Your Return Merchandise Authorization number must
be shown on the return shipping label as follows:
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