
Intelligent
Battery Manager
SI263 Instructions
Read and save these instructions.
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 1 3/2/05 4:41:02 PM

Dear Sharper Image Customer,
Thank you for your purchase! We appreciate your business very much.
This item was created by Sharper Image Design, our company’s own
product development group. Please accept my personal assurance of your
complete satisfaction with this product’s quality and performance.
We offer generous return privileges and excellent warranties on all
our products.
For more than 25 years, The Sharper Image has shared the fun of
discovering innovative products that make life better and more enjoyable.
We’ve been in business a long time because we are an exciting place to
shop and — just as importantly — we strive to deliver great customer
service that exceeds your expectations.
Enjoy your purchase!
Respectfully,
Richard Thalheimer
Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Call 1-800-344-4444 for 24-7 ordering and customer service,
or go to , our complete online store.
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 2 3/2/05 4:41:06 PM

Table of Contents
Important Safety Precautions .....................................................5
Warnings ...................................................................................6
Personal Safety Precautions ........................................................9
Charging Preparation ...............................................................10
Features ...................................................................................11
Extension Cord Use .................................................................12
Battery Preparation ..................................................................13
Operation ................................................................................14
Charging Battery in the Vehicle ............................................14
Negative-Grounded System (Standard) .................................16
Positive-Grounded System ...................................................17
Charging a Removed Battery ................................................18
Operating Features ..................................................................20
Charge Rate .........................................................................
20
Battery Type Button ..............................................................21
General Notes ......................................................................22
Charging Tips .......................................................................
23
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 3 3/2/05 4:41:06 PM

Table of Contents
Maintenance and Care ............................................................24
Troubleshooting .......................................................................25
Statement of FCC Compliance .................................................30
FCC Label Compliance Statement ............................................31
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 4 3/2/05 4:41:06 PM

WARNING - RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES
WORKING IN THE VICINITY OF A LEAD-ACID BATTERY IS
DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES
DURING NORMAL OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS
IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE USING
THE INTELLIGENT BATTERY MANAGER AND FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.
To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and
those published by battery manufacturer and the manufacturer
of any equipment you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery. Review cautionary markings on these products and on the
engine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS — This manual contains important
safety and operating instructions.
5
Important Safety Precautions
5
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 5 3/2/05 4:41:06 PM

• Read all instructions and cautions printed on the Battery
Manager, battery and vehicle, or equipment using a battery.
• Use the Battery Manager only on lead-acid type rechargeable
batteries, such as those typically used in cars, trucks, tractors,
airplanes, vans, RV’s, trolling motors, etc. The Battery Manager
is not intended to supply power to a low-voltage electrical
system other than in an automotive application.
• Never use the Battery Manager for charging dry cell batteries
that are commonly used in home appliances such as radios,
stereos, remote controls, etc. These batteries may explode
and cause personal injury.
• Do not disassemble the Battery Manager. If service or repair is
required, take the Battery Manager to a qualified service profes
-
sional. Incorrect assembly may result in fire or electrical shock.
• To reduce risk of electrical shock, unplug the Battery Manager
from the outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
• Always charge batteries in a well-ventilated area. The Battery
Manager produces heat during operation and requires proper
ventilation. Air-flow is required around the entire unit.
Warnings
66
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 6 3/2/05 4:41:07 PM

• Do not set the Battery Manager on flammable materials such
as carpeting, upholstery, paper, cardboard, etc. It may damage
leather, plastic and rubber.
• Place the Battery Manager as far away from the battery being
charged as cables permit.
• Do not expose the Battery Manager to rain or snow.
• Never charge a frozen battery. If battery fluid (electrolyte)
becomes frozen, bring the battery into a warm area and allow
it to thaw before charging begins.
• Never allow battery acid to drip on the Battery Manager when
checking the battery.
• Never set a battery on top of the Battery Manager.
• Never place the Battery Manager directly above the battery
being charged. The gases from the battery will corrode and
damage the Battery Manager.
• Never touch the battery clamps together when the Battery Man
-
ager is on. This could cause a spark.
7
Warnings
7
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 7 3/2/05 4:41:07 PM

• Never operate the Battery Manager if it has received a hard
blow, been dropped or otherwise damaged. Take it to a quali
-
fied service professional for inspection and repair.
• Be sure to position the Battery Manager power cord to prevent
it from being stepped on, tripped over or damaged.
• When unplugging the Battery Manager, never pull out the plug
by the cord. Pulling on the cord may cause damage to the cord
or the plug.
• Do not operate the Battery Manager if it has a damaged power
cord or plug. Replace the cord.
Warnings
88
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 8 3/2/05 4:41:07 PM

• Wear complete eye and clothing protection when working
with lead-acid batteries.
• Ensure someone is within range of your voice in case aid is
needed while working with or near a lead-acid battery.
• Always have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case
battery acid gets in your eyes, or on your skin or clothing. If
this occurs, wash with soap and water immediately and get
medical attention.
• When working with a battery, avoid touching your eyes. Acid
particles (corrosion) may get into your eyes. If this occurs, flush
eyes immediately with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention.
• Remove all personal metal items from your body, such as rings,
bracelets, necklaces and watches, while working with a leadacid battery. A battery can produce a short-circuit current high
enough to weld a ring (or similar object) to metal, causing a
severe burn.
Personal Safety Precautions
99
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 9 3/2/05 4:41:07 PM

• Do not drop any metal tool or metal object onto the battery.
This may result in a spark or short circuit across the battery or
another electrical device that may cause an explosion.
• Always operate the Battery Manager in an open, well-ventilated
area.
• Never smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of the
battery or engine. Batteries generate explosive gases.
• Before attempting to clean up a battery, neutralize any acid
spills thoroughly with baking soda.
Charging Preparation
Power
The Battery Manager requires a three-prong grounded 120V AC
outlet that meets all local codes and ordinances.
Personal Safety Precautions
10
Grounding Pin Grounding Outlet
10
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 10 3/2/05 4:41:07 PM

Features
• Charges 6- and 12-volt lead-acid and AGM batteries of all sizes.
• Automatically adjusts charging rate to match battery requirements.
• “Intelligent” microprocessor-controlled circuitry monitors and
self-adjusts to protect batteries from any damage.
• Safely maintains batteries in motorcycles, snowmobiles and
lawn tractors while in long-term storage or between uses.
• Easy-to-read LED indicators display battery charge status.
• Automatic overload and short-circuit protection.
• Electronic push-button controls for selecting charge rate and
battery type.
• Wall-mountable, high-impact, corrosion-resistant molded case.
• 2 amp Maintenance Charge.
• 4 amp Slow Charge.
• 6 amp Rapid Charge.
11
Features
11
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 11 3/2/05 4:41:07 PM

The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you must
use an extension cord, please follow these guidelines:
• Ensure the pins on the extension cord plug match the Battery
Manager’s plug exactly (e.g. same number, size, shape, etc.).
• Ensure the extension cord is properly wired and is in good
electrical condition.
• Ensure the wire length and gauge correspond to the AC
ampere rating, as specified in the chart below:
Extension Cord (Minimum Recommended)
Length of Cord (Feet) 25 50 100 150
AWG* Size of Cord 18 16 12 10
*AWG=American Wire Gauge
Extension Cord Use
1212
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 12 3/2/05 4:41:07 PM

While preparing to charge a battery, read and follow these
guidelines:
1. Ensure you’re working with a 12- or 6-volt lead-acid battery.
To determine the voltage of the battery, refer to the vehicle
owner’s manual or the battery markings. Set the Battery
Manager to the 6V or 12V mode accordingly.
2. Clean the battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from
getting in or around your eyes.
3. Wear safety glasses. (See “Personal Safety Precautions” section
this manual.)
4. Read all of the battery manufacturer’s specific precautions, for
example, removing or not removing vent caps while charging
and recommended rates of charge.
5. To add water to batteries with removable vent caps, carefully
pour distilled water into each cell until battery acid reaches
the level recommended by the manufacturer. This helps purge
excessive gases from the cells. Do not overfill. If the battery is
sealed, with non-removable vent caps, no action is necessary.
Battery Preparation
1313
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 13 3/2/05 4:41:07 PM

6. Ensure the area around the battery is well ventilated. Gas can
be blown away using a piece of cardboard, or other nonmetallic material, as a fan.
7. If it is necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle before
charging, always remove the grounded terminal from the
battery first. Switch off all vehicle accessories to avoid sparks
from occurring.
Note: A marine battery installed in a boat must be removed and
charged on shore.
Operation
Charging Battery in the Vehicle
1. To avoid personal injury, stand clear of all fan blades, belts,
pulleys and other engine parts.
2. To avoid damaging the Battery Manager, keep the power
cord and output cords away from the hood, door and moving
engine parts.
Battery Preparation
1414
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 14 3/2/05 4:41:07 PM

3. To determine the polarity of the battery posts, check the iden-
tification marks on the battery: POSITIVE (POS, P or +) and
NEGATIVE (NEG, N or -). The positive post is usually marked
red and is larger than the negative post.
4. Identify which battery post is grounded or connected to the
chassis. THIS IS NORMALLY THE NEGATIVE POST.
Charging Battery in the Vehicle
1515
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 15 3/2/05 4:41:08 PM

1. To connect to a negative-grounded system, attach the red
POSITIVE output clamp to the POSITIVE post of the battery.
Twist the clamp back and forth to ensure a solid electrical
connection is made.
2. Connect the black NEGATIVE output clamp to a heavy, un-
painted metal part of the chassis or engine block, away from
the battery. (See illustration.) DO NOT connect the clamp to
the negative battery post, carburetor, fuel line or sheet metal
part.
3. Plug the power cord into an AC outlet.
4. To select the desired charge rate and battery voltage, press
the appropriate CONTROL BUTTONS: The CHARGING
(yellow) LED illuminates when the charging process begins.
If the CHECK (red) LED illuminates, ensure correct cable
connections.
5. To disconnect the Battery Manager, unplug its power cord
before disconnecting the output clamps. While standing away
from the battery, remove the output clamp from the chassis
or engine block. Finally, remove the output clamp from the
battery post.
Negative-Grounded System (Standard)
1616
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 16 3/2/05 4:41:08 PM

6. Clean and store the Battery Manager in a dry location.
Positive-Grounded System
1. To connect to a positive-grounded system, attach the black
NEGATIVE
output clamp to the NEGATIVE post of the
battery. Twist the clamp back and forth to ensure a solid
electrical connection is made.
2. Connect the red
POSITIVE output clamp to a heavy, unpainted metal part of the chassis or engine block, away from the
battery. DO NOT connect to the positive battery post, carbu
-
retor, and fuel line or sheet metal part.
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
BATTERY CHARGER
BATTER
Y
24", 6 GAUGE
CABLE
POWER
CORD
TO
GROUNDED
POWE
R
OUTLE
T
Negative-Grounded System (Standard)
1717
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 17 3/2/05 4:41:08 PM

Charging a Removed Battery
1. To charge a battery that has been removed from the vehicle,
check the polarity identification marks on the battery post:
POSITIVE (POS, P or +) and NEGATIVE (NEG, N or -). The
positive post is usually marked red and is larger than the
negative post.
2. Attach a 24-inch-long (at least), 6-gauge (AWG), insulated
battery cable to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N or -) battery post.
Twist the clamp back and forth to ensure a solid electrical
connection is made.
3. Connect the POSITIVE (red) output clamp to the POSITIVE
battery post. Twist the clamp back and forth to be sure a
solid electrical connection is made.
4. Position yourself as far away from the battery as possible and
connect the NEGATIVE (black) output clamp to the free end
of the cable.
5. Plug the power cord into an AC outlet.
1818
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 18 3/2/05 4:41:08 PM

6. To select the desired charge rate and battery voltage, press
the appropriate CONTROL BUTTONS. The CHARGING
(yellow) LED illuminates when the charging process begins.
If the CHECK (red) LED illuminates, check for correct cable
connections.
7. To disconnect the Battery Manager, unplug its power cord
before attempting to disconnect the Battery Manager clamps.
While standing away from the battery, remove the output
clamp from the NEGATIVE battery post. Finally, remove the
output clamp from the POSITIVE battery post.
8. Clean and store the Battery Manager in a dry location.
Charging a Removed Battery
1919
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 19 3/2/05 4:41:08 PM

Charge Rate
To set the charge rate to one of the following three selections,
press the CHARGE RATE button.
• 2A or 4A CHARGE RATE: Intended for charging small batteries
such as those commonly used in garden tractors, snowmobiles
and motorcycles.
Note: The 2A rate is not intended for use as a trickle charge for
larger batteries.
• 6A CHARGE RATE: For charging automotive and marine batter-
ies. Not intended for industrial applications.
Operating Features
2020
Control Panel
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 20 3/2/05 4:41:08 PM

To set battery type to one of the following two selections, press
the BATTERY TYPE button.
• 12 Volt: Battery typically used in cars, trucks and motorcycles.
These batteries usually have vent caps and are often marked
“low maintenance” or “maintenance-free.”
• 6 Volt:
Battery typically used in antique and some specialized
vehicles.
Automatic Shut Off: When the 2A, 4A or 6A charge rate is
selected, the Battery Manager is set to perform an automatic
charge. The charging process stops automatically after the battery
is charged.
Aborted Charge: If the charging process cannot be completed
normally, charging is aborted. The Battery Manager’s output is
shut off and the CHECK (red) LED blinks. In this state, the Battery Manager’s buttons are inoperative. To reset after an aborted
charge, unplug the Battery Manager and plug it in again.
Charging Complete: The CHARGED (green) LED illuminates
when charging is complete. The Battery Manager stops charging
and switches automatically to Maintain Mode.
Battery Type Button
2121
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 21 3/2/05 4:41:08 PM

• If the Battery Manager does not detect a proper connection
to the battery, the CHECK (red) LED illuminates continuously
until the battery is detected. Charging will not begin while the
CHECK LED is on. When charging begins, the CHARGING
(yellow) LED illuminates.
• If the charge mode is changed after charging has started (by
pressing the CHARGE RATE or BATTERY TYPE button), the
charging process restarts at that point.
• The Battery Manager is equipped with a relay. This device
switches on and off the charge current to the battery. It is
normal to hear an occasional clicking sound when the relay
switches on or off.
Maintain Mode: When the CHARGED (green) LED is illuminated, the Battery Manager switches automatically to Maintain
Mode. The Battery Manager monitors battery voltage. When the
voltage drops to a predetermined level, the Battery Manager will
re-initiate a charge cycle at the 2A rate.
General Notes
Battery Type Button
2222
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 22 3/2/05 4:41:08 PM

Charging Tips
2323
Read the entire manual before using the Battery Manager. The
tips below serve only as a guide for specific situations.
Reviving a Battery: To charge your battery enough to start your
vehicle, it is not necessary to wait for the entire charging process to
be completed. When the battery status displays 3 yellow LEDs, the
battery is usually charged enough for the vehicle to start normally.
Completing an Interrupted Charge: If the charging process has
been interrupted and restarted after the Battery Manager displays
a battery status of 4 yellow LEDs, the Battery Manager may enter
Maintain Mode. However, if the original charge was started using
the 6A rate, the charge can often be completed using the 2A rate.
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 23 3/2/05 4:41:08 PM

• To keep the Battery Manager working properly, clean the
clamps each time you are finished charging. Wipe off any
battery fluid that may have come in contact with the clamps
to prevent corrosion.
• When storing the Battery Manager, coil the input and output
cords neatly. This helps prevent accidental damage to the cords
and the Battery Manager.
• Clean the case of the Battery Manager with a soft cloth to main
-
tain its shiny finish and help prevent corrosion.
• Store the Battery Manager in a clean, dry location.
Maintenence and Care
2424
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 24 3/2/05 4:41:08 PM

Performance problems can often be corrected by the user. Please
review the following chart completely for possible solutions to
common problems:
Troubleshooting
25
PROBLEM
The CHECK
(red) LED is
illuminated.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
The battery is
not connected
correctly.
The CHARGE RATE
and CHARGE TYPE
buttons are not
selected.
The battery voltage
is less than one volt.
SOLUTION
Connect or adjust
clips. Check for
correct polarity.
Press the button to
select the correct
rate and type.
Replace the
battery or try using
a manual charger
to bring above 1V.
25
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 25 3/2/05 4:41:09 PM

Troubleshooting
26
PROBLEM
LED indicators
illuminate in an
erratic manner not
explained in the
“Operating Fea
-
tures” section.
The CHECK (red)
LED is flashing.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
A button may have
been pressed while
the Battery Manager
was plugged in.
The Battery
Manager may be
defective.
Battery Manager
is in abort mode.
Battery may be
defective.
Battery type may
have been set for 6
volts on a 12-volt
battery.
SOLUTION
Make sure nothing is touching the
control panel, then
unplug the unit
and plug it in again.
Return to place
of purchase for
replacement.
See “Operating
Features.”
Unplug the Battery
Manager and select
the correct battery
voltage.
26
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 26 3/2/05 4:41:09 PM

Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
The CHECK
(red) LED always
flashes before the
battery is completely charged.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
This happens if the
battery does not
reach full charge
within 24 hours.
May be due to a
very large battery
or a bank of batteries requiring more
power than the
Battery Manager
can deliver in 24
hours. The battery
may also be
defective.
SOLUTION
Reset the Battery
Manager by unplugging it. Select the
desired charge rate
and battery type
again, if necessary.
2727
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 27 3/2/05 4:41:09 PM

Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
The green
CHARGED LED
switches on a
few minutes after
connecting to the
battery.
The Battery Manager is making an
audible clicking
sound.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
The battery may
be fully charged or
recently charged,
leaving the battery
voltage high enough
to appear to be fully
charged.
The Battery Manager has a relay that
switches the current
to the battery on
and off.
SOLUTION
If the battery is in
a vehicle, turn the
headlights on for
a few minutes to
reduce the battery voltage and try
charging again. Also
try a lower CHARGE
RATE selection.
No problem. This is
a normal condition.
2828
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 28 3/2/05 4:41:09 PM

Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
The measured
current is much
lower than was
selected.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
The Battery Manager reached the
maximum voltage
and is reducing the
current.
SOLUTION
No problem. This is
a normal condition.
2929
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 29 3/2/05 4:41:09 PM

Statement of FCC Compliance
WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protec
tion against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
30
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 30 3/2/05 4:41:09 PM

Statement of FCC Compliance
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
assistance.
FCC Label Compliance Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
31
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 31 3/2/05 4:41:09 PM

WARRANTY
What Is Covered
This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, with the exceptions stated below.
How Long Coverage Lasts
This warranty runs for 90 days from the date of original purchase.
What Is Not Covered
This warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse or use other than as intended and described
in the product instruction manual, or loss or damage to batteries or removable parts.
What The Sharper Image Will Do
The Sharper Image will repair any defects in materials or workmanship. In the event repair is not
possible, The Sharper Image will either replace this product with one of similar features and price,
or refund the full purchase price of the product, whichever you prefer.
How to Obtain Service
Return the product and receipt, along with a brief explanation of the problem, to:
T.S.I. - Returns Department
2901-A West 60th Street
Little Rock, AR 72209
If you have questions please feel free to contact our customer service representatives at 1-800-344-5555
or by email at care@sharperimage.com.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other legal rights that vary from state to state.
© 2005 Sharper Image Corporation
Sharper Image Corporation
650 Davis St., San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 445-6000
Shop online:
Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
V1 02/05
SI263 IM 0205v1.indd 32 3/2/05 4:41:09 PM