Schumacher XC103 - Manual (Page 12)

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Battery Type Button
Use this button to set the type of battery to be charged.
Regular • – Set the button to . This battery type is usually used in cars,
trucks and motorcycles. These batteries have vent caps and are often
marked “Low Maintenance” or “Maintenance-free”. This type of battery
is designed to deliver quick bursts of energy (such as starting engines)
and have a greater plate count. The plates will also be thinner and have
somewhat different material composition. Regular batteries should not be
used for deep cycle applications.
Deep-Cycle
• – Set the button to . Deep-cycle batteries are usually
marked as “Deep-Cycle” or “Marine”. Deep-cycle batteries are usually
larger than the other types. This type of battery has less instant energy but
somewhat greater long-term energy delivery than regular batteries. Deep
cycle batteries have thicker plates and can survive a number of discharge
cycles.
AGM
• – Set the button to . The Absorbed Glass Mat construction
allows the electrolyte to be suspended in close proximity with the plate’s
active material. In theory, this enhances both the discharge and recharge
efficiency. Actually, the AGM batteries are a variant of Sealed VRLA (valve
regulated lead acid) batteries. Popular uses include high performance
engine starting, power sports, deep cycle, solar and storage battery. AGM
batteries are typically good deep cycle batteries, and they deliver best
life performance if recharged before the battery drops below a 50 percent
charge. If these AGM batteries are completely discharged, the cycle life
will be around 300 cycles. This is true of most AGM batteries rated as deep
cycle batteries.
GEL
• – Set the button to . The Gel Cell is similar to the AGM style
because the electrolyte is suspended, but different because technically the
AGM battery is still considered to be a wet cell. The electrolyte in a Gel Cell
has a silica additive that causes it to set up or stiffen. The recharge voltages
on this type of cell are lower than the other styles of lead acid battery.
This is probably the most sensitive cell in terms of adverse reactions to
over-voltage charging. Gel Batteries are best used in VERY DEEP cycle
application and may last a bit longer in hot weather applications. If the
incorrect battery charger is used on a Gel Cell battery, poor performance
and premature failure is certain.
Charge Rate Button
Use this button to set the maximum charge rate to one of the following:
Maintain • - Used to keep stored, lead-acid batteries charged. Charges
and maintains small batteries. Maintains large batteries that are already
fully charged.
Slow Charge Rate
• – Intended for charging small batteries such as
those commonly used in garden tractors, snow mobiles and motorcycles.
Also used to completely charge deep cycle batteries.
Fast Charge Rate
• - Use for charging automotive, marine and light truck
batteries. Not intended for industrial applications.
Engine Start
• – Provides high amperage for cranking an engine with a
weak or run down battery. Always use in combination with a battery.