Operation

Self-Test

Upon applying AC mains power, the charger will initiate a brief self-test mode. Self-test mode is complete when the charger LED indicates battery information on the position being used.

Charging

As with all Anton/Bauer chargers, charging with a Quad 6A VM Charger is fully automatic. Mount any applicable battery to any open position on the charger and the Quad 6A VM Charger will automatically determine the appropriate charge routine and execute it.

Note: In some cases a battery may be discharged to a very low voltage level causing the battery to be unrecognizable to the charger when first attached.

Three Stage Charging Methodology

In general, the Quad 6A VM Charger will deliver a three stage charge routine to each battery.

Stage One: Will deliver a high rate charge matched to the capabilities of the battery (typically a one or two hour rate, depending on battery type). During this stage, six separate cutoff methods are in operation, simultaneously, ensuring the fastest, safest charge for that battery.

Stage Two: Charging is a BALANCING or “stabilizing” mode which calculates each battery pack type to offset any imbalance of the battery’s cells, created by unequal self-discharge or any capacity mismatch of the individual cells in the pack. This stage can vary in duration from zero to as much as 16 hours, depending on the condition of the battery. The Stage Two charge reduces current automatically as the battery charges maintaining the cells at a safe voltage level. A battery will typically leave Stage Two in 2-4 hours under average operating conditions.

Stage Three: Charging is the Anton/Bauer exclusive Lifesaver® maintenance mode. This patented pulse routine keeps batteries fully charged, free from self-discharge - indefinitely - without damaging heat associated with a so-called “trickle charge”. The Stage Three programming monitors the self-discharge of the battery, providing charge only when the battery self-discharges to about 95% of its capacity.

Note Anton/Bauer recommends that batteries remain on the charger and plugged into AC mains power for best results. The Lifesaver mode will keep them 100% charged.

Removal of AC Mains Power

If AC mains power is removed, it is highly recommended that the batteries are removed from the charger, thus avoiding any additional self-discharge of the battery.

LED Indicators

All Quad 6A VM Chargers come standard with LED indicators. The LED indicators are used to convey information about the current charge status of the battery.

Alternating Red and Green: Evaluate