PREPARING TO CHARGE
1. Determine voltage of battery by referring to car owner s manual.
2. if it is necessary to remove battery from vehicle to charge, or to clean terminals, always remove
grounded terminal from battery first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off, so as not to
cause an arc.
3. Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.
4. Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specified by battery manufacturer. This
helps purge excessive gas from cells. Do not overfill. For a battery without cell caps, carefully follow
manufacturer*s recharging instructions.
5. Study all battery manufacturers* specific precautions such as removing or not removing cell caps
while charging and recommended rates of charge.
6. Be sure area around battery is well ventilated while battery is being charged. Gas can be forcefully
blown away by using a piece of cardboard or other nonmetallic material such as a fan.
7. Make sure the initial charging rate is not over battery manufacturer*s suggestion.
CHARGER LOCATION
1. Locate charger as far away from battery as cables permit.
2. Never place the charger directly above battery being charged; gases from battery will corrode and
damage charger.
3. Never allow the battery acid to drip on charger when reading gravity or filling battery.
4. Do not operate charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
5. Marine batteries must be removed and charged on shore.
6. Do not set a battery on top of charger.
DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
1. Connect and disconnect DC output clips only after removing AC cord from electric outlet.
2. Never allow clips to touch each other.
3. Attach clips to battery posts and twist or rock back and forth several times to make a good
connection. This tends to keep clips from slipping off terminals and helps to reduce risk of sparking.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE. A SPARK NEAR BATTERY MAY CAUSE
BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR BATTERY:
a. Position AC and DC cords to reduce risk of damage by hood, door, or moving engine part.
b. Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to persons.
c. Check polarity of battery posts. PO SITIVE (PO S, P, + ) battery post usually has larger diameter
than NEGATIVE (NEG, N,-) post.
d. Determine which post of battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If negative post is
grounded to chassis (as in most vehicles), see (e). If positive post is grounded to the chassis,
see (f).
For negative-grounded vehicle, connect PO SITIVE (RED) clip from battery charger to PO SITIVE
(P05, P, + ) ungrounded post of battery. Connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to vehicle chassis or
engine block away from battery. Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal
body parts. Connect to heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
f. For positive-grounded vehicle, connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from battery charger to
NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) ungrounded post of battery. Connect PO SITIVE (RED) clip to vehicle
chassis or engine block away from battery. Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or
sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
g. When disconnecting charger, disconnect AC cord, remove clip from vehicle chassis, and then
remove clip from battery terminal.
h. See operating instructions for length of charge information.
i. Do not charge the battery while the engine is operating.
VEC088
3
INTRODUCTION AND FEATURES
Thank you for selecting the Vector Model VEC088 2/6/12 Amp 12 volt Smart Battery Charger, with
Alternator Voltage Check and Battery Recondition modes. With proper care and use, it will give
you years of dependable service. This model battery charger has a high charge rate of up to 35
amps, and low charge rate of up to 2 amps. It is intended for charging only 12 volt lead-acid
batteries
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maintenance free, conventional automotive, marine deep cycle and gel that are usually
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used in cars, trucks, farm equipment, boats, RVs and SUVs, lawn mowers and garden tractors,
motorcycles, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, ATVs, trucks and various commercial
applications.
Vector Smart Chargers are microprocessor-based and have a charge curve that has three stages.
(See Figure 2). Stage One is essentially a constant current charge. This continues until the
connected battery is about 85 percent charged. When Stage One ends, the charger briefly sounds
a tone (beep) to indicate a change to Stage Two, the Absorption Phase. This stage is essentially a
constant voltage phase and supplies approximately 10 percent of the charge. At the end of Stage
Two, the charger changes output to Stage Three. Stage Three continues and turns OFF when the
battery reaches full charge. This charger has a CHARGING COMPLETE LED and the digital
display shows FUL when the battery is fully charged.
Stage One
FIGURE 2 CHARGE CURVE
--
BEEP
BEEP
Three
CO MPLETE LED LIT
FEATURES
! The unit has three charge rate setting, with a 2/6/12A pushbutton charge rate switch:
a) 2 amps: smaller batteries as in lawn mowers, snowmobiles, motorcycles, etc.
b) 6 amps: middle sized batteries such as in small cars
c) 12 amps: automobile and small truck batteries.
! Microprocessor controlled for proper operation and for fault detection.
! Large Lighted Digital Display, shows charging current, and codes that indicate faults, and modes of
operation and timeout of functions.
! High Frequency operation for pure DC output.
! Rapid charging three stage output.
! Heavy-duty cables and clamps are corrosion-resistant for better connections.
! Connect to side, or top-mount battery terminals.
! Rugged case with baked on finish, plus sturdy carry handle.
! Self storage of cables and clamps.
! Ideal for charging during winter season when the starting performance of vehicle batteries is lowered
by cold or extreme weather conditions.
! Single beep tone indicates a button is pressed or a mode change occurs.
! Battery Recondition mode provides desulfation of battery plates to improve battery performance.
! Alternator Voltage Check can confirm proper operation of the alternator and indicate less than full
output.
VEC088
4
CHARGE RATE SELECTION
After the clamps are connected, plug in the charger to an AC outlet and the charger will show a
circulating pattern on the Digital Display. This pattern indicates power is a p plied. Press the O N/O FF
button to prepare the charger to change to an operating mode. Press the 2/6/12A button and the
charger will begin charging at 2 Amps. Pressing the 2/6/12A switch again will advance the charge rate
to 6A, then 12A. Pressing the switch again will turn O FF the charger output and the display will show
the circulating pattern.
Note that each time the charger rate is changed, the charger sounds a beep tone. The only time the
selected charge rate does not display at the full selected rate is when the battery is nearly full and
charging at either steps two or three. The display will be showing a slowing charge rate. To return to
2A, press the 2/6/12A button. When the battery is fully charged, the charging Complete LED is lit and
“FUL” is displayed on the Digital Display.
CONNECTING IF BATTERY IS INSTALLED AINVEHICLE
a) Check polarity of battery posts For top-mounted battery connectors, the Positive post (marked PO S,
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P, + ) usually has a larger diameter than the Negative battery post (marked NEG, N, -). For side-
mounted battery connectors, the terminals are marked Positive -red and Negative -black.
b) Attach charger clamps to battery connections, as follows, ensuring a good connection (if there is a
mistake, the Reverse Polarity Indicator will light): NEGATIVE-GRO UNDED VEHICLE: Connect the
PO SITIVE (RED) charger clamp to the PO SITIVE (PO S, P, + ) ungrounded battery terminal. Then,
connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clamp to the vehicle chassis, or the engine block (away
from the battery). Do not connect the clamp to the carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts:
connect only to a heavy gauge metal p art of the frame or engine block. NOTE: NEGATIVE-
GRO UNDED type systems are the most common in today*s vehicles.
c) Set charger*s charge rate to appropriate setting 2/6/12A according to battery size.
PO SITIVE-GRO UNDEDVEHICLE: Connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clamp to the NEGATIVE
(NEG, N, -) ungrounded battery post. Then, connect the PO SITIVE (RED) battery clamp to the vehicle
chassis or engine part (away from the battery). Do not connect the clamp to the carburetor, fuel lines,
or sheet-metal body parts:
connect only to a heavy gauge, stable metal part of the frame or engine block.
NO TE: If there is any problem connecting the charger clamps to the battery terminals, contact the
Vector Technical Support Department toll-free at (866) 584-5504 for assistance.
d) Plug battery charger power cord into grounded AC power outlet and refer to Appendix A at the end
of this document for approximate charging times.
e) When charging is completed, disconnect cables and clamps in reverse order from which they were
connected.
NO TE:Use of Extension Cords
If it is necessary to use an extension cord, as is often the case, observe the following important safety
information:
! Before using any extension cord, ensure that the wire size is at least 12 AWG for up to 100 feet and
10 AWG for longer than 100 feet.
! Use only a good quality, good condition, UL-listed extension cord, and ALWAYS connect charger to
the extension cord before plugging the extension cord into a 110/1 20 volt AC power outlet. The use
of a poor quality extension cord or one that is not in good repair could cause fire and/or electric
shock.
! Use a three-wire extension cord with a 3-prong plug and 3-conductor socket.
VEC088
7
CONNECTING IF BATTERY IS OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE
a) Check polarity of battery posts- For top-mounted battery connectors, the positive post (marked PO S,
P, + ) usually has a larger diameter than the Negative battery post (marked NEG, N, -). For side-
mounted battery connections the Positive terminal is red, the Negative terminal is black.
b) Attach a 24-inch (minimum length) 6 AWG insulated battery cable to the Negative battery post
(marked NEG, N, -)
c) Connect the Positive (RED) battery clamp to the Positive battery connector (marked PO S, P, + or red).
d) Stand as far back from battery as possible, and do not face battery when making final connection.
e) Carefully connect the Negative (BLACK) charger clamp to the free end of the battery cable connected
to the negative terminal. Connect the charger*s power cord to a grounded 110/120 volt AC power
outlet, and refer to Appendix A for approximate charging times.
f) Set charger*s charge rate to appropriate setting according to battery size.
g) When charging is complete, disconnect cables and clamps in reverse order from which they were
connected.
CHARGING TIMES
The VEC088 is a fully automatic battery charger. It automatically adjusts the charge rate as the battery
becomes charged and stops charging when the battery is fully charged. if you require some estimate of
the time it takes to charge a battery refer to Appendix A for these details.
BATTERY RECONDITION MODE
NO TE: BATTERY RECO NDITIO N mode does not charge any battery. Charging is a separate operation.
The battery to be treated does not have to be installed in a vehicle. Follow the instructions for Connecting
if Battery is O utside of Vehicle.
BATTERY RECO NDITIO N MO DE should only be used with 10 Amp Hour or larger capacity lead-acid
batteries. Charge the battery to be treated for 20 minutes, before using RECO NDITIO N Mode. O bserve
the Digital Display for any codes. This initial charge will check the battery for shorted cells (F01), open
cells or battery too low (or overcharged) to accept a charge (F02), and to ensure the battery can take a
charge. if code F03 is displayed, change modes to the BATTERY RECO NDITIO N MO DE.
Whenever a lead acid battery begins to discharge, lead sulfate, an insulator, begins to build up on the
plates in the battery. This reduces the ability of the battery to hold a full charge. When that battery has an
immediate charge, most of the lead sulfate is dissolved and the plates are free of t is insulation. If a
battery remains in a discharged condition, the lead sulfate changes to a hard crystalline form, making a
full charge difficult. BATTERY RECO NDITIO N mode sends a sequence of electronic pulses into the
battery, shaking loose and dissolving the crystals. This slowly (over 24 hours) removes the insulating
buildup from the plates so the battery can hold a full charge. Most automotive batteries (50 to 70AH) can
be treated once to reduce the lead sulfate buildup. Smaller 12 volt batteries, such as found in jump
starters can be treated for 12 hours. However depending on the severity of lead sulfate buildup and a
larger size of the battery, up to five 24 hour treatments may be necessary. Battery Restore mode
automatically operates and then times out after 24 hours. When a smaller battery is treated, Battery
Restore mode can be manually stopped after 12 hours of treatment.
To start the BATTERY RECO NDITIO N MO DE, press Battery Recondition, the first 5 seconds the display
will show dES then change to moving bars for the reminder of the timing period. After 24 hours the timer
will stop the operation. The digital display will show the circulating pattern. If the battery is not fully
charged, charge the battery until FUL is displayed on the digital display.
NO TE: Battery Recondition Mode can treat a severely sulfated battery up to five times. If performance of
the battery does not improve, recycle the battery.
VEC088
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ALTERNATOR VOLTAGE CHECK
NO TE: This check may not be accurate for every make, manufacturer and model of vehicle. There is
wide variation in user-controlled electrical loads, alternator output, and wiring. O ther factors include
battery condition, temperature, and engine idle speed. it is recommended to check your alternator when
it is known to be operating properly to verify that this check is valid for your particular vehicle. Check
only 12V systems. Checking 24 or 36V systems will damage the charger.
The ALTERNATO R VO LTAGE CHECK measures a defined range of voltage that is available from the
fully charged battery. The user must allow the engine to warm to normal operating temperature and
achieve a normal idle speed. As many appliances as possible are turned off for the first part of the check
to allow the battery to reach it*s highest voltage level.
The ALTERNATO R VO LTAGE CHECK is only activated after 10 to 30 minutes of engine idle. if the
ALTERNATO R GO O D LED lights, then the O N/O FF button is pressed to stop the check. Alternator
Check is then repeated after many appliances are turned on to check the alternator output under a
greater load, if the first (unloaded) and second (loaded) checks indicate the alternator is good, then the
entire procedure should be repeated again, if after all appliances are turned on (except for air
conditioning and defroster), and the check shows Alternator Good LED lights, it is likely that the
alternator is good.
NO TE: Do not turn on air conditioning, or the defroster system to load the alternator. These appliances
may start operating in the middle of a measurement cycle and give an invalid results.
if the first check indicates the alternator is good, and the second or third repeat of the check indicates
the alternator is bad, there probably is some problem in the system. Problems can range from loose fan
belts to a diode going bad in the alternator. To begin the check press Alternator and to stop the check
press O N/O FF. Note that the FAULT light will light when the Alternator is bad; a good Alternator will
light the Alternator Good LED.
NO TE: Do not charge the battery while waiting for the engine to warm. This will invalidate any
alternator check. The Digital Display should show the circulating pattern while the engine is warming.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
With only minimal maintenance, this Vector 2/6/12A Smart Battery Charger will deliver years of
dependable service. Follow these simple steps to maintain the charger in optimum condition:
! After each use, clean the battery charger clamps be sure to remove any battery fluid that will cause
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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. Do not use
the charger if cords or clamps have been damaged in any way call Vector Technical Support
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Department toll-free at (866) 584-5504 for details on replacing cords and clamps.
VEC088
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TROUBLESHOOTING FAULT LED LIT
-
NO TE: Batteries below 4.0 Volts will not allow the charger to operate. if a 12 Volt battery is below 4.0
Volts it is probably either shorted, open or sulfated. Replace the battery.
The following conditions may light the FAULT LED:
! Poor connection to battery (or frame)
! Charging too fast -Decrease Charge Rate - Press 2/6/12A button to select lower rate.
! Charging too slowly - Battery is large and did not complete charging in 18 hours Press 2/6/12A to
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charge at a faster rate
! Shorted battery cell
-
Re p lace battery (F01)
Replace battery (F03)
have battery serviced or replace battery (F03)
! O pen battery Cell
! Battery sulfated
-
-
! Reverse Polarity LED Lit - disconnect AC then reverse clam p locations on battery and frame.
! Internal over-heat in charger-make sure fan is not blocked. (F05)
Try charging another battery, if the FAULT LED does not light, then one of the above problems exists.
Charger will not charge and the fan will not operate if there is a fault. Call Vector Technical Support at
(866) 584.5504
SULFATED BATTERY(F03)
When batteries are left in a discharged state for a long period of time, they become “sulfated”. Sulfated
batteries cannot accept a high rate of charge since the internal plates are coated with lead sulfate. To
see if a battery in this condition can be “saved”, follow the instructions in battery recondition.
INTERNAL SHO RT CELL BATTER(YF01)
! If the battery being charged has internal short cell, the FAULT LED will light.
! Using a voltmeter, determine the voltage of the battery and if it is under 12 volts, the battery is
probably beyond repair or recharging, and will need to be replaced.
! If the voltage is over 12 volts, made sure there is no loading on the battery, resume the process
again.
BATTERY NO T ACCEPTING A CHARGE
! Make sure that the charger is plugged into a “live” 110/120 volt AC outlet.
! Unplug charger and check battery connections ensure that there is a good connection with the
-
battery terminal and/or vehicle chassis.
! Check to be sure that the battery is not sulfated.
! Check that the correct charge rate has been selected for the battery being charged.
! Ensure that enough charging time has been allowed for-check table in Appendix A for approximate
charging times.
VERY CO LD BATTERY
If the battery to be charged is extremely cold (in temperatures less than freezing -0o C/32o F) it cannot
accept a high rate of charge, so the initial charge rate will be slow. The rate of charge will increase as
the battery warms.
WARNING: DO NO Tattempt to charge a frozen battery.
VEC088
10
APPENDIX A CHARGING TIMES
—
To calculate the approximate charging time required to fully charge a battery, it is necessary to
determine the specific gravity (or, percent of battery charge) using a hydrometer. Use this technique if
battery vent caps can be removed. Check each cell. if there is one cell with a very low specific gravity
compared to the other cells, there is probably a shorted cell in the battery. Replace the battery.
The following chart converts hydrometer readings into percent of charge values.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
PERCENT OF CHARGE PERCENT OF CHARGE NEEDED
(HYDROMETER READING)
IN BATTERY
100%
75%
BY BATTERY
1.265
1.225
1.190
1.155
1.120
0%
25%
50%
50%
25%
0%
75%
100%
Refer to the chart below for approximate charging times.
PERCENT OF CHARGE 75%
50%
13 HRS N.R*
2.5 HRS 5 HRS 7 HRS
25%
0%
N.R*
9 HRS
2 AMPS
6 AMPS
12 AMPS
7 HRS
1.2 HRS 2.5 HRS 3.2 HRS 4.6 HRS
* Not Recommended because over 18 hrs charging time.
The times shown in the chart above are approximate and refer to an average automotive battery. For
smaller batteries, the charge time should be adjusted using the formula shown below and adding 1 hour
to the time calculated.
To estimate charging time for a discharged battery, divide the AH rating of the battery by the charge rate
selected. This is the number of hours required to recharge the battery. For example, a 50 AH (12 volt)
battery is discharged (10 volts). How long should it be charged at the 12 Amp rate. Divide the 50 AH by
12. The answer is approximately 4.2 hours. Always round up the charge time by 10% to ensure full
charge. In most cases, battery recharge times will vary depending on the age and condition of the
battery. Smaller batteries should be charged at a lower rate (2 Amps) and add an extra hour to charge
time.
VEC088
11
VECTOR 5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM
This limited warranty pro ram is the only one that a p plies to this product, and it sets forth all the responsibilities
of Vector Manufacturing, Lt regarding this product. There is no other warranty, other than described herein.
!,
This Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. product is warranted, to the original purchaser only, to be free of defects in
materials and workmanship for five years from the date of purchase without additional charge. The warranty does
not extend to subsequent purchasers or users. Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. will not be responsible for any amount
of damage in excess of the retail purchase price of the product under any circumstances. Incidental and
consequential damages are specifically excluded from coverage under this warranty.
This product is not intended for commercial use. This warranty does not apply to accessories or damage to units
from misuse or incorrect installation. Misuse includes wiring or connecting to improper polarity power sources.
RETURN/REPAIR POLICY: Defective products, other than accessories, may be returned postage prepaid to Vector
Manufacturing. Any defective product, other than accessories, that is returned to Vector Manufacturing within 30
days of the date of purchase will be replaced free of charge. if such a product is returned more than 30 days but
less than five year from the purchase date, Vector Manufacturing will repair the unit or, at its option, replace it
free of charge.
if the unit is repaired, new or reconditioned replacement parts may be used, at Vector Manufacturing*s option. A
unit may be replaced with a new or reconditioned unit of the same or comparable 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 after 30 days. During the warranty period, Vector
Manufacturing, Ltd. will be responsible for the return shipping charges.
LIMITATIONS: This warranty does not cover accessories, bulbs, fuses and batteries, defects resulting from normal
wear and tear (including chips, scratches, abrasions, discoloration or fading due to usage or exposure to
sunlight), accidents, damage during shipping to our service facility, alterations, unauthorized use or repair,
neglect, misuse, abuse, failure to follow instructions for care and maintenance, fire, flood and Acts of God.
if your problem is not covered by this warranty, call our Technical Support Department at (954) 584-4446 or toll
free at (866)584-5504 for general repair information and charges if applicable. You may also contact us
through our website at www.vectormfg.com.
STATE LAW RIGHTS: This warranty gives you specific legal rights. Some states do not allow limitations on how long
an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the exclusions
or limitations stated herein may not apply. This warranty gives the purchaser specific legal rights; other rights,
which vary from state to state, may apply.
TO REQUEST WARRANTY SERVICE FOR THIS PRODUCT: Contact Vector Manufacturing Technical Sup port by
telephone, fax or mail. We suggest that you keep the original packaging in case you need to ship the unit. When
returning a product, include your name, address, phone number dated sales receipt (or copy) and a description
of the reason for return and product serial number. After repairing or replacing the unit, we will make every effort
to return it to you within four weeks.
WARRANTY ACTIVATION: Please complete Warranty Activation Card and mail to Vector Manufacturing. Enter
“VEC088” as Model and 12V Automatic Battery Charger 2/6/12 Amp as “Product Type”. All Vector
Manufacturing, Ltd. products must be registered within 10 days of purchase to activate this warranty. Mail the
completed registration form, along with a copy of the original sales receipt to:
ATTN.: CUSTOMER SERVICE / VECTOR MANUFACTURING, Ltd.
4140 SW 28th Way, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
PH: 954-584-4446 ! TOLL FREE: 866-584-5504 ! Fax: 954-584-5556.
WARRANTY IS NO N-TRANSFERABLE AND NO N-REFUNDABLE.
VEC088
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