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9

APPROXIMATE CHARGING TIMES

The 

50/30/15/4 Amp Smart Battery Charger

will automatically adjust the

charge rate as the battery becomes charged and stop when the battery is fully
charged. Deep cycle batteries may require longer charging time.
For estimates of the time it takes to charge a 12 volt battery, refer to the following
table.

Percent of charge
in battery

75%

50%

25%

0%

at 4 amp rate

3.5 HRS

7 HRS 

10.5 HRS 

14 HRS

at 15 amp rate

1 HR 

2 HRS 

2.8 HRS 

3.7 HRS

at 30 amp rate

NR*

1 HR 

1.4 HRS 

1.9 HRS

at 50 amp rate

NR*

NR*

NR*

NR*

* Not recommended for charging batteries less than 80 Ah

The times shown in the table above are approximate and refer to a 50 Ah automotive
battery. For example, a 50 Ah (12 volt) battery is discharged (50%). How long
should it be charged at the 15 amp rate? See the chart above under “50%” and “at
15 amp rate.”
In most cases, battery charging times will vary depending on the size, age and
condition of the battery. Smaller batteries should be charged at a lower rate (4 amps)
and an extra hour added to charge time.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

With proper care and minimal maintenance, the 

VEC1098A 50/30/15/4 Amp

Smart Battery Charger

will provide years of dependable service. For maximum

performance, manufacturer recommends:
• After each use, clean the battery charger clamps — be sure to remove any battery

fluid that will cause corrosion of the copper clamps.

• Clean the outside case of the charger with a soft cloth and, if necessary, mild soap

solution.

• Do not allow liquid to enter the charger. Do not operate when charger is wet.
• Keep the charger cords loosely coiled during storage to prevent damage to the

cords.

WARNINGS

• Do not use charger if cords or clamps have been damaged in any

way — call Technical Support toll-free at (800) 544-6986.

• There are no user-serviceable parts in this unit.
• Do not open the unit. In the event of malfunction, it must be returned

to manufacturer for professional testing and repair. OPENING THE
UNIT WILL VOID THE MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY.

8

before using RECONDITION Mode. Observe the Digital Display for any codes. This
initial charge will check the battery for shorted cells (F01), open cells (F03) or battery
too low to accept a charge (F02), and to ensure the battery can take a charge. If
code (F03) is displayed, change to the BATTERY RECONDITION MODE.
Remove or disconnect the vehicle’s battery when reconditioning.

1. Make sure the charger is in initiation state with a circulating pattern on the

display or in charge OFF mode with “000” on the display. If not, press
4/15/30/50 AMP button repeatedly until “000” shows on the display.

2. Press the Battery Recondition button to start the process.
3. DES appears on the display for 3 seconds, then it changes to three horizontal

moving bars.

4. The process takes 24 hours and stops automatically. The display shows “000”

when complete.

Alternator Check

Part 1

No Load

(Turn OFF all vehicle’s accessories): The battery must be fully charged
before testing the alternator. Run the engine long enough to achieve
normal idle speed and verify there is a no-load voltage.

1. Press Alternator Check to start the test.
2. Alternator Good LED will light to indicate the alternator is good, or

F07 will display to indicate the alternator is out of typical operation
voltage. 

3. Press Alternator Check again to stop the test.

Part 2

Under Load (Accessories on): Next, load the alternator by turning on as many

accessories as possible (except for A/C and DEFROST) 

1. Press Alternator Check to start the test.
2. Alternator Good LED will light to indicate the alternator is good, or

F07 will display to indicate the alternator is out of typical voltage
range. 

3. Press Alternator Check again to stop the test.

If the first alternator check indicates a good alternator and the second indicates the
alternator is bad, the problem could stem from: loose fan belts, an intermittent diode
failure or possibly bad connections between the battery and alternator and/or ground. 

Notes:

F07 may display because someone has added a number of accessory loads
on the charging system, thereby increasing current demand from the
alternator. MAKE SURE THAT THE ALTERNATOR IS RATED TO SUPPORT THE
APPLICATION.

This check may not be accurate for every make, manufacturer and model of
vehicle.

Check only 12 volt systems.

VEC1098A_Manual_082606  8/26/06  12:56 PM  Page 8

Summary of Contents for VEC1098A

Page 1: ...arable design The repaired or replaced unit will then be warranted under the terms of the remainder of the warranty period The customer is responsible for the shipping charges on all returned items During the warranty period manufacturer will be responsible for the return shipping charges to the customer in the United States LIMITATIONS This warranty does not cover accessories such as charging ada...

Page 2: ...AD THIS MANUAL EACH TIME BEFORE USING YOUR CHARGER AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY 2 To reduce risk of battery explosion follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in vicinity of battery Review cautionary markings on these products and on engine 3 This equipment employs parts switches relays etc that produce arc...

Page 3: ...oubleshooting 10 INTRODUCTION Thank you for selecting the VEC1098A 50 30 15 4 Amp Smart Battery Charger With proper care and use it will give you years of dependable service This battery charger has a high charge rate of up to 50 amps a low charge rate of 4 amps and 150 amps of engine starting power It is designed for charging only 12 volt lead acid batteries conventional automotive maintenance fr...

Page 4: ...ribed in the following chart and on the back of charger CONTROL PANEL DIGITAL READOUT CIRCULATING PATTERN 2 Stage Two Absorption Charge maintains the maximum possible charge at a constant safe predetermined voltage During this phase the charging voltage remains constant while the actual charging current is reduced to allow for the maximum proper internal chemical energy transfer At the end of Stag...

Page 5: ...o give it some charge If after approximately 2 hours the display just shows F03 then the battery will not charge Charger occasionally sounds a beep and displays 0 0 during self test or charging stage changes 3 Pressing the 4 15 30 50 AMP button again advances charging rate to 15 amps pressing once more advances charging rate to 30 amps and again to 50 amps Pressing the button again will turn OFF t...

Page 6: ...ge most of the lead sulfate is dissolved and the plates are free of this insulation If a battery remains in a discharged condition over a longer period of time the lead sulfate changes to a hard crystalline form making a full charge difficult to achieve Reconditioning may save a sulfated battery BATTERY RECONDITION MODE should only be used with 10 amp hour Ah or larger capacity lead acid batteries...

Page 7: ...any codes This initial charge will check the battery for shorted cells F01 open cells F03 or battery too low to accept a charge F02 and to ensure the battery can take a charge If code F03 is displayed change to the BATTERY RECONDITION MODE Remove or disconnect the vehicle s battery when reconditioning 1 Make sure the charger is in initiation state with a circulating pattern on the display or in ch...

Page 8: ...ing and equalizing we recommend taking your battery to a certified automotive service center for evaluation F04 Overtime Condition F04 appears when charging time exceeds 18 hours You may be using a charge current rate too low for a large battery Select higher charge rate to charge the battery F05 Overheated Condition The ventilation grill that prevents the air from flowing in and out of the charge...

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