Three Stage Charging Methodology

In general, the Tandem will deliver a three stage charge routine to each battery.

1.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:

TCO - Temperature cutoff which stops the Stage one charge precisely when a temperature indicative of full charge is reached;

Dt/dT - A microprocessor based algorithm which measures a rise in temperature over a specific time, very accurately indicating full charge. This method is also the recommended method for charging Ni-MH technology;

-V - A method to determine the end of stage one charging by identifying a characteristic “reverse slope” of a Ni-Cd cell. Since this characteristic can be disguised by the age, temperature and the number of the cells in a battery, it can never be employed alone;

CCO - This method requires the identification of the particular battery size (capacity) and chemistry, an exclusive Anton/Bauer Logic Series feature. The charger determines the maximum charge time for the particular battery and uses this information to ensure that overcharge conditions are avoided.

FUL - This determination is made when a fully charged DIGITAL battery is returned to a charger within specified parameters of time, temperature, and battery voltage. The DIGITAL battery communicates its fully charged condition and the charger confirms the parameters and immediately indicates a fully charged condition, without additional verification.

TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED VCO – For HyTRON series of batteries. Optimizes VCO cutoff to operate only within certain temperature parameters.

2.Stage Two charging is a BALANCING or “equalize” 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. A battery will typically leave Stage Two in 2-4 hours under average operating conditions.

3.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”.

NOTE: Anton/Bauer strongly recommends that batteries are kept on a charger until ready for use. The Lifesaver mode will keep them 100% charged and ready for use.

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