Table of contents
- Product test: battery chargers 17 battery chargers in comparison
- Accumate 6/12 V
- Ctek Multi XS 4003
- Ctek XS 0.8
- 4Load Charge Box
- Hesomatic 5101T
- HG Professional Battery Charger
- M + S Intelli2
- M + S loading mouse
- Optimate 4
- Optimate 4 Dual
- Optimate Pro-S
- Oxford Oximiser 900
- Polo charger
- Polo Intelli Charger
- Saito ProCharger Compact
- Saito ProCharger
- Saito ProCharger XL
- This is how MOTORRAD tests
- The greatest foster sins
fact
accesories
Product test: battery chargers
Product test: battery chargers
17 battery chargers in comparison
Anyone who only hears a gentle click of the starter after a winter break of several months will quickly become a curse companion. The early use of a juice pusher – commonly known as a battery charger – prevents this. 17 modern Stromers put to the test.
Klaus Herder
11/25/2010
The MOTORRAD accessories man has never experienced this in 19 years of product testing: 14 out of 17 candidates received the test verdict “very good” and the remaining three at least one “Good”. No outliers, no devices that can only be recommended under certain conditions, everything is just fine. To make matters worse, there is no clear test winner and no buying tip – how is the poor reader supposed to know what to buy? Well, no matter how uniform the judgments may be, the target groups for which the devices are suitable are quite different. From the charger for the absolute technical novice to the high-tech toys for professional screwdrivers, everything is included – more on that later.
First of all, root cause research is required, why even the tough testers from the renowned Stuttgart test laboratory TESTfactory had to report vain sunshine in the end. Maybe the whole thing already has to do with the specifications for the test sample acquisition.
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The general conditions were: “Suitable for all common 12 volt motorcycle batteries (lead-acid / MF / gel / micro-fleece), permanent connection possible, maximum retail price 150 euros”. The magic words are MF (stands for “Maintenance Free”, translated “maintenance free”), Gel and fleece, also under the abbreviation AGM (“Absorbed Glass Mat”) traded. All of them are modern battery types that can no longer be dealt with with simple plug-in power pack chargers or the large and powerful but simple car battery chargers from the hardware store. The modern batteries that have been used in more and more new machines for several years now require very special charging technology. This has been around for a long time, not least thanks to the pioneering role of the auto industry. The electronic “intelligent” Charge controllers are now mature and proven a million times over. And so it is not surprising that MOTORRAD got good and very good quality on the workbench.
With one exception (Hesomatic), all providers attach great importance to a desulphation function. For good reason, because while most motorcycle batteries died a heroic death in the field of honor 15 or 20 years ago – they were simply shaken and shaken or suffered from overwork – there is a silent disease these days for most electricity donors. They are simply broken, because the annual mileage is falling more and more, most motorcycles are now stationary instead of vehicles. In the long pauses in which the batteries are not charged, sulphation strikes mercilessly: During this chemical process, the lead sulphate in the battery is deposited in the form of crystal blocks on the lead electrodes. The non-conductive crystals grow together more and more and gradually reduce the active surface of the electrodes. This makes it more and more difficult to maintain the charge. To make matters worse, the crystals can fall off the electrodes due to vibrations and remain as a layer of sludge on the bottom of the cell. If the layer of sludge gets too high, there is a short circuit between the electrodes – the battery cell and with it the whole battery is finally dead.
To prevent things from happening in the first place, a battery has to be energized, especially during longer periods of rest – keyword trickle charging. They all master the tested devices perfectly. And if sulphation begins to appear, clever circuits with increased charging voltages or discharge pulses ensure that the sulphate layer can be broken up and the battery can be regenerated. The devices shown here (with the aforementioned exception) also master this job consistently well. The (price) differences come from something different “Service offer” of the devices. Switching options, be it from 6 to 12 volts or in terms of charging current from motorcycle to car battery, make the difference, for example.
Whether a few LEDs or an illuminated display informs about the charging activity can also influence the purchase decision. Not to forget the CAN bus, the simplification of the wiring harness gradually introduced by BMW in the motorcycle sector from 2004 onwards, which meant that the clever CAN bus denied most of the non-brand chargers access via the on-board socket. Suppliers who initially relied on the CAN bus later gave up in frustration because BMW repeatedly created new access requirements with various software changes. Software updates that are often installed (unsolicited) during visits to the workshop can still cause the owners of older CAN bus BMWs to charge their vehicles, because it is quite possible that the previously perfectly functioning charger via the on-board socket suddenly no longer works.
Tip for all CAN bus victims: Simply connect the ring cable lugs included with almost all chargers permanently to the battery and charge them directly in the future. CAN bus is a very special problem, a very general and very annoying problem is the fact that practically no provider thinks about the sensible storage of the charger. Praiseworthy exceptions: 4Load, which alone would have deserved a buyer’s tip, and – with some reservations – CTEK for the Multi XS 4003. The CTEK device is everyone’s favorite alongside the M + S Intelli2, the Optimate Pro-S and the Saito Procharger XL Charger gourmets in the MOTORRAD editorial office. For the as-simple-as-possible group, the M + S load mouse and the Polo Charger are hot purchase recommendations. And the rest of the test field? Can also be bought with a clear conscience, which does not make the decision any easier. We kindly apologize!
Accumate 6/12 V
mps photo studio
Accumate 6/12 V
providers: Econ workshop equipment GmbH, Tel. 02689/928747, www.econ-wa.de
price: 59.90 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 6/12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, GRT; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Reverse polarity protection (lamp); Toggle switch 6/12 V
Laboratory values:
Measured values correspond exactly to the manufacturer’s specifications; very good: variable float charge current
Practical test:
good instruction manual; very long connection cables; very easy to use; clear indications; good workmanship (exception: wobbly toggle switch)
Conclusion:
Very easy-to-use, practical charger for 6- and 12-volt batteries. Desulphating possible. The relatively high charging current ensures fast charging.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
Ctek Multi XS 4003
mps photo studio
Ctek Multi XS 4003
providers: Willy Kunzer GmbH, Tel. 08121/2200, www.kunzer.de
price: 74.97 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, AGM; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Nylon bag; Reverse polarity protection (lamp)
Laboratory values:
Charging current slightly less than, charging voltage as specified; very good: variable float charge current
Practical test:
very good instruction manual; long connection cable; relatively simple operation (program selection required); clear indications; very good workmanship
Conclusion:
High-tech charger with extensive desulphation and maintenance programs as well as four charging programs. Technology fans will be enthusiastic, absolute battery newbies may be easily overwhelmed.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
Ctek XS 0.8
mps photo studio
Ctek XS 0.8
providers: Willy Kunzer GmbH, Tel. 08121/2200, www.kunzer.de
price: 54.98 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, AGM; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Reverse polarity protection (lamp)
Laboratory values:
Charging current slightly higher than, charging voltage as specified; very good: variable float charge current
Practical test:
very good instruction manual; connection cable too short (only 135/150 cm); very easy to use; clear indications; very good workmanship
Conclusion:
Easiest operation, impeccable workmanship – the slightly leaner XS 0.8 than the XS 4300 is great for motorcycle screwdrivers only; Even-on-the-car hobbyists prefer to use the sister.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
4Load Charge Box
mps photo studio
4Load Charge Box
providers: 4Load GmbH, Tel. 08331/9444440, www.4load.de
price: 69.50 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, AGM; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection, alligator clips and cigarette lighter adapter; large nylon bag; Reverse polarity protection (lamp)
Laboratory values:
Charging current and voltage almost like the manufacturer’s specifications
Practical test:
very good instruction manual; long connection cables; relatively simple operation (program selection required); clear indications; very good workmanship
Conclusion:
Lush features (including a perfect bag!), High-quality design, practical charging, regeneration and maintenance programs – the device, which is also suitable for car batteries, is completely convincing.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
Hesomatic 5101T
mps photo studio
Hesomatic 5101T
providers: Heso GmbH, Tel. 06071/36634, www.hesomatic.de
price: 127.58 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, AGM; Cable set with alligator clips and adapter for cigarette lighter; Automatic polarity reversal (without adapter set 110.25 euros)
Laboratory values:
the rather low charging current is slightly above the manufacturer’s specification, voltage specifications are missing
Practical test:
meager instruction manual; somewhat short power cable (150 cm), sufficiently long charging cable; extremely easy to use; clear indications; good to very good workmanship
Conclusion:
A no-frills charger – nothing more, nothing less. No desulphation / regeneration programs, but foolproof operation thanks to the automatic polarity reversal. Ambitious price.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
HG Professional Battery Charger
mps photo studio
HG Professional Battery Charger
providers: Hein Gericke Deutschland GmbH, Tel. 0180/5229522, www.hein-gericke.de
price: 49.95 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, AGM; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Wall bracket; Reverse polarity protection (lamp)
Laboratory values:
Charging current and voltage almost like the manufacturer’s specifications
Practical test:
very good instruction manual; sufficiently long cables; relatively simple operation (program selection required); clear indications; good workmanship
Conclusion:
Runs the full charging, maintenance and, if necessary, regeneration program, is well equipped (including a wall bracket) and is fairly calculated at around 50 euros. The slight hard plastic appearance is forgivable.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
M + S Intelli2
mps photo studio
M + S Intelli2
providers: M + S Solution GmbH, Tel. 09129/9099230, www.m-u-s.com
price: 99.95 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, gel, AGM, pure lead; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Housing with cable rewind; Reverse polarity protection (lamp / buzzer)
Laboratory values:
correspond to information
Practical test:
very good instruction manual; extremely long connection cable; somewhat more complex operation (extensive program selection may be required); very clear indications; very good workmanship
Conclusion:
More is currently not possible in terms of (private) charging technology. Display, LEDs, warning tones, timer; plus lots of test, charging, maintenance and regeneration programs. Top for charging junkies!
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
M + S loading mouse
mps photo studio
M + S loading mouse
providers: M + S Solution GmbH, Tel. 09129/9099230, www.m-u-s.com
price: 44.95 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, AGM; Cable set with alligator clips; Reverse polarity protection (lamp)
Laboratory values:
Charging current exactly as specified by the manufacturer, voltage minimally below that
Practical test:
very good instruction manual; extremely long connection cable; extremely easy to use; clear indications; good to very good workmanship
Conclusion:
The complete opposite of the Intelli2 from the same company. Two cables to the battery, one to the socket – and off you go. And even with a desulphation function and battery test.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
Optimate 4
mps photo studio
Optimate 4
providers: Niemann + Frey GmbH, Tel. 02151/5554144, www.niemann-frey.de
price: 59.95 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, AGM; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Housing weatherproof; Reverse polarity protection (lamp)
Laboratory values:
Charging current exactly according to the manufacturer, voltage is slightly higher; very good: variable float charge current
Practical test:
good instruction manual; long connection cable; easy handling; partly confusing display (especially in test / maintenance mode); very good workmanship
Conclusion:
Simple connection without manual programming and still the very large charging, maintenance and, if necessary, regeneration program. The Optimate is a bestseller – and rightly so.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
Optimate 4 Dual
mps photo studio
Optimate 4 Dual
providers: Econ workshop equipment GmbH, Tel. 02689/928747, www.econ-wa.de
price: 69.95 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, AGM; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Housing weatherproof; Reverse polarity protection (lamp)
Laboratory values:
Charging current exactly according to the manufacturer, voltage is slightly higher; very good: variable float charge current
Practical test:
good instruction manual; long connection cable; easy handling; partly confusing display (especially in test / maintenance mode); very good workmanship
Conclusion:
That “dual” in the model name stands for the CAN bus suitability, which should be of particular interest to drivers of younger BMW models (from 2004) Otherwise a tried and tested Optimate 4.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
Optimate Pro-S
mps photo studio
Optimate Pro-S
providers: Econ workshop equipment GmbH, Tel. 02689/928747, www.econ-wa.de
price: 149 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, AGM; Cable set with alligator clips; Power switch; Reverse polarity protection (lamp); First charge mode
Laboratory values:
Charging current and voltage somewhat above the manufacturer’s specifications
Practical test:
very good instruction manual; extremely long connection cable; relatively simple operation (the charging current is selected manually); clear display; very good workmanship
Conclusion:
Not a classic end customer device, rather for the workshop or for the private professional screwdriver. The large and heavy device is made to last – and completely oversized for amateurs.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
Oxford Oximiser 900
mps photo studio
Oxford Oximiser 900
providers: Polo Expressversand GmbH, Tel. 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
price: 59.95 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, AGM; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Wall bracket; Reverse polarity protection (lamp)
Laboratory values:
Charging current and voltage minimally below the manufacturer’s specifications; very good: variable float charge current
Practical test:
good instruction manual; short connection cables; very easy to use; clear display; satisfactory processing
Conclusion:
Simple operation, illuminated and informative display (nice in dark garages) and an all-round carefree charging program. Somewhat plastic-like appearance, possibly in the offer from 39.95 euros.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
Polo charger
mps photo studio
Polo charger
providers: Polo Expressversand GmbH, Tel. 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
price: 49.95 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 6- and 12-volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, AGM; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Reverse polarity protection (lamp); Switch 6/12 V
Laboratory values:
Charge current exactly according to the manufacturer, charge voltage minimally below; very good: variable float charge current
Practical test:
very good instruction manual; short mains cable (140 cm), very long charging cable (240 cm); very easy to use; clear indications; very good workmanship
Conclusion:
First choice for oldie owners, the ability to switch to 6 volts makes it. The quite high charging current, simple operation, high-quality workmanship and fair price also speak for it.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
Polo Intelli Charger
mps photo studio
Polo Intelli Charger
providers: Polo Expressversand GmbH, Tel. 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
price: 79.95 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, Gel, AGM; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Reverse polarity protection (lamp)
Laboratory values:
Charging current and voltage slightly below the manufacturer’s specifications; very good: variable float charge current
Practical test:
very good instruction manual; short mains cable (140 cm), very long charging cable (245 cm); very easy to use; clear indications; very good workmanship
Conclusion:
The all-rounder looks familiar to us. Correct: with a blue housing, it was an M + S bestseller. The quality is still right. Tip for BMW owners: CAN bus compatible up to model 2009.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
Saito ProCharger Compact
mps photo studio
Saito ProCharger Compact
providers: Detlev Louis GmbH, Tel. 040/73419360, www.louis.de
price: 34.95 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, gel, AGM, pure lead; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Reverse polarity protection (lamp)
Laboratory values:
Charging current as specified by the manufacturer, voltage minimally lower; very good: variable float charge current
Practical test:
good instruction manual; long connection cable; very easy to use; clear indications; very good workmanship
Conclusion:
With 0.6 A no charging current high-flyer, but perfectly suitable for small to medium-sized batteries thanks to clever charging electronics. If only there wasn’t the competition in-house.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
Saito ProCharger
mps photo studio
Saito ProCharger
providers: Detlev Louis GmbH, Tel. 040/73419360, www.louis.de
price: 49.95 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 6- and 12-volt lead-acid batteries, MF, gel, AGM, pure lead; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Reverse polarity protection (lamp); Slide switch 6/12 V
Laboratory values:
Manufacturer information somewhat exceeded; very good: variable float charge current
Practical test:
good instruction manual; long connection cable; very easy to use; clear indications; very good workmanship
Conclusion:
More charging current, more control LEDs, a little more functions (“Battery activator”) and especially the 6/12 volt option make the difference to the Compact. Often on offer for 39.95 euros.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
Saito ProCharger XL
mps studio
Saito ProCharger XL
providers: Detlev Louis GmbH, Tel. 040/73419360, www.louis.de
price: 99.95 euros
Use / scope of delivery / equipment:
for 12 volt lead-acid batteries, MF, gel, AGM, pure lead; Cable sets with eyelets for permanent connection and alligator clips; Reverse polarity protection (lamp)
Laboratory values:
Charging current as specified by the manufacturer, charging voltage slightly above; very good: variable float charge current
Practical test:
very good instruction manual; long connection cable; simple operation (switching between motorcycle / car manually); clear indications; very good workmanship
Conclusion:
The Procharger top model is interesting for all motorcyclists who want to charge and maintain the car battery in addition to the bike battery. The illuminated display provides perfect information.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
Drawing: archive
The data and measured values from Accumate to Optimate.
Drawing: archive
The data and measured values from Optimate to Saito.
This is how MOTORRAD tests
Herder
Master of watts and volts: TESTfactory boss Heinz Lemke in the midst of high-precision measuring devices – a real power man.
Just measure it with the multimeter? Not at MOTORRAD: The TESTfactory, a laboratory certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001: 2008 and accredited according to DIN ISO / IEC 17025: 2005, carried out the test series. Maximum charging voltage: Specification in volts (V); Voltage level during charging. Maximum charging current: Specification in amperes (A); the higher the charging current, the faster the battery is charged. It should be noted that the charging current is no more than about a tenth of the nominal battery capacity. That is, for z. B. a 16 Ah battery, the charging current should not be more than 1.6 A. Failure to do so could result in overheating and damage to the battery. If the charging current is very low and the battery capacity is high, it will take longer, or the battery may not be fully charged at all. Cut-off voltage: Specification in volts (V) states at which maximum voltage of the battery the charger automatically switches off. Very important so that the battery does not become overcharged. With 12 V batteries, the cut-off voltage is usually between 13.8 and 14.5 volts.
At higher voltages, the battery begins to outgas, which in turn can lead to damage. Trickle charge: After the end-of-charge voltage (cut-off voltage) has been reached, the charger switches off; the battery voltage drops slowly again until the switch-on voltage (V) for maintenance of charge is reached. The charger should now automatically supply power (A) again. This trickle charge current (refresh current) can be constant or variable depending on the voltage, but is significantly lower than the maximum charge current. It is only used to recharge the battery that is not empty. Power consumption and standby power: Specification in watts (W); states how high the power consumption of the charger is in operation or the consumption when the battery is not connected. If the charger delivers a high charging current, the power consumption is also high. If the charger is not required and is still connected to the socket, it needs the specified power in standby mode. Better: pull out the power plug.
The greatest foster sins
Humans have not quite kept pace with charging technology and are still committing the same care sins. It starts with the removal: ALWAYS disconnect the negative pole first (and ALWAYS connect last when installing) – otherwise there can be a nice fireworks display in the event of an unwanted ground contact. Although the battery is frost-free, do NOT store it in warm rooms, as this is where self-discharge is greatest. With conventional lead-acid batteries (those with the removable stoppers), only fill up to the maximum AFTER charging with distilled water (NEVER with battery acid or tap water), because the liquid expands during charging. If the fluid level is already below the minimum before charging, only fill up to just above the minimum mark – and then charge. A battery does NOT have to be regularly discharged (in the past it was often done with a light bulb) and then recharged to keep it fit, because that only creates unnecessary mechanical stress. Loading alone is enough. Also often done wrong: When installing the battery poles are smeared with pole grease and then the terminals are connected. It is the other way around: Mount clamps on the clean and grease-free poles, only then protect everything with pole grease. Another classic for sins: The battery is charged when it is installed (which is usually possible with modern chargers without any problems), but some Trollo (usually the impatient owner) switches on the ignition – a story about repairing engine control units is in MOTORRAD 19 / 2010. It is well known that battery acid does not stain. You only notice when it is too late that it creates decent holes with a delay.
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