Schumacher INC-700A - Manual (Page 15)

• 10 •
AGM • – Set button to STANDARD. The Absorbed Glass Matt construc-
tion 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 button to GEL CELL. 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 re-
charge 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 applica-
tions. If the incorrect battery charger is used on a Gel Cell battery, poor
performance and premature failure is certain.
The Gel Cell and the AGM batteries are specialty batteries that typically
cost twice as much as a premium wet cell. However they store very well
and do not tend to sulfate or degrade as easily as a wet cell. There is little
chance of a hydrogen gas explosion or corrosion when using these bat-
teries; these are the safest lead acid batteries you can use. Gel Cell and
some AGM batteries may require a special charging rate.
Charge Rate Button
Use this button to set the maximum charge rate to one of the following:
4A Charge Rate • – Intended for charging small batteries such as those
commonly used in garden tractors, snow mobiles and motorcycles.
20A and 70A Charge Rate
• – Use for charging automotive and marine
batteries. Not intended for industrial applications.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 11.
Charger Operation
NOTE: Once automatic charging or flash reprogramming has started, the
buttons will not work until you turn off the output, with the exception of the
Start/Stop ( ) button. (In MANUAL mode the “UP” and “DOWN” ( and
) buttons also still operate normally.) When the display shows , no
buttons will work for five seconds as the charger automatically goes back
to the default settings.
Automatic Charging
Connect the battery and AC power following the precautions listed in 1.
sections 6, 7 and 8.