|
In the vast arena of battery
charger/maintainers makers, there are two who clearly stand out amongst
the rest. They are Deltran Corporation of Deland, Florida, maker of the
Battery Tender and a newer entry VDC Electronics, Inc. of Englewood, New
Jersey, maker of SureCharge and BatteryMINDer. Both these companies
produce a line of charger maintainers (for 6v, 8v and 12 volt lead acid
type storage batteries) that are by far "head and shoulders"
above the crowd. What makes them
different is their charge control technology, which allows their products
to be left connected to batteries for weeks, months (or even years)
without fear of battery "boil-out" due to over-charge.
Ordinary
car/boat chargers are infamous for "frying" batteries or
allowing them to self-discharge to a point where they develop a condition
know as "sulphation", tiny crystals of sulfuric acid that form
on the battery's storage plates. In time, they build up, creating a
barrier to proper charging and discharging. Charging time will
significantly increase with diminishing results (less cranking amps and
running time). Greater heat is also developed within the battery
when it is allowed to sulphate, accelerating the breakdown of active
storage plate material. Batteries that should have lasted for five
or more years, typically need to be replaced within 1-2 years as a direct
result of sulphation build-up.
To
help you choose the charger maintainer that is right for you, we have
assembled below the most important features of both company's 4 major
products. Please keep in mind that only
VDC's BatteryMINDer conditions batteries (de-sulphates their charging
plates), in addition to charging and maintaining up to 4 batteries at a
time. This feature is both a cost saver, as well as, performance
enhancer and should be seriously considered by anyone seeking to maximize
performance of any type lead acid battery, including maintenance free,
marine, rv, deep cycle, gelled, agm.
One
last matter before summing up my recommendations. VDC is offering a
"free" battery/charging system monitor, they call the SureGuard
(a.k.a. "smart box") to all who purchase their BatteryMINDer.
Simply complete the warranty registration card enclosed with each
BatteryMINDer package, along with $5.95 for Shipping and Handling and they
will send you a $29.95 suggested retail price "smart box", an
invaluable aid in determining the condition of both your battery and
on-board alternator/generator charging system.
If
you haven't guessed it by now, my favorites are the Battery Tender Plus
and the BatteryMINDer. Given
BatteryMINDer's multiple battery charging/maintaining capabilities and de-suphation
conditioning circuitry and n="no charge - no hassle" 5 year
warranty policy, my one vote goes to VDC Electronic's BatteryMINDer.
| Feature: |
Battery
MINDer |
Battery Tender Plus |
Sure
Charge |
Battery Tender Jr. |
| UL Listed |
Yes |
No* |
Yes |
Yes |
| 5-Year Warranty |
Yes |
Yes** |
Yes |
2-yrs.*** |
| Multiple battery
Charging |
Yes |
No |
Yes
(4) |
No |
| Pulse Type Charging modes |
Yes (4) |
No |
Yes |
No |
| 3 Stage
Charging/Maintenance modes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Manual Charge mode Override
switch/button |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| Charge Current (Peak
Amps) |
1.20 |
1.25 |
1.20 |
0.75 |
| Auto Float Control (float monitoring) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Direct Wall plug-in |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Power/Charge LED Indicators |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 12 Ft. Output Power
Cord |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Qwik Connect Cord Sets (2) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Conditioning (de-sulphation) |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| Battery Tester included |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| Patent-Pending/Applied
for |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| Charge re-start Mode |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Suggested Price |
$59.95 |
$59.95 |
$44.95 |
$39.95 |
*
Battery Tender Plus is ETL listed
** Deltran Requires owner of the Battery Tender Plus to pay
$15.95 for the limited warranty to be honored, if
copy of original bill of sale is not sent with unit.
*** Deltran Requires owner to pay $9.95 for the limited warranty to be
honored, if copy of original bill of sales is not sent with unit.
BatteryMINDer Page
|
