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Which of these 2 trickle chargers is better for Prius III 2011?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by krazypriuslady, Nov 27, 2012.

  1. krazypriuslady

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2012
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    Location:
    metro Wash DC
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I already have the deltran (still in its packaging) but ordered the shumacher too bec it was such a good deal :( I think the schumacher has temp control and desuflation that the deltran doesn't have. not sure what kind of battery we have- AGM, GEL, etc?? Any thoughts? I think the charging method, microprocessor, multi-step, etc are similar??
    Thx

    1. $15 (was on cyber monday deal)

      The Schumacher SEM-1562A 1.5 Amp Speed Charge Maintainer is a unique AC powered automatic charging accessory for use with everything from smaller batteries designed for motorcycles, tractors and mowers, to standard car / truck batteries and marine / deep cycle batteries. Designed around an internal microprocessor which constantly collects information from the battery that the unit is attached to, the SEM-1562A effortlessly and quickly ensures that your 6 and 12-volt batteries are maintained at optimal levels, and does so in the fastest and most convenient means possible.
      The Schumacher SEM-1562A 1.5 Amp Speed Charge Maintainer with battery connection options An easy to monitor control panel makes charging effortless.

      Microprocessor controlled charging and maintenance is simply the easiest way to keep batteries at optimal power levels. This convenience and speed is experienced from the moment that the SEM-1562A is connected. First, the unit utilizes the user's choice of either easy-to-connect and remove battery clips, or permanent ring terminals (both included), each of which allows for charging or maintaining of batteries whether they be in or out of vehicles. The SEM-1562A also features automatic voltage detection which allows it to automatically determine whether the connected cell is a 6-volt battery or a 12-volt variety. This eliminates the possibility of damaging a battery due to choosing the wrong charging settings. Once your battery type has been identifified, a multi-phase charging process kicks in which plays out via the unit's automatic Charge / Maintain modes. Tipped off by the data analyzed by the onboard microprocessor, your battery is supplied with a constant charge until it reaches a preset level - at which point charging ceases. Eventually, if the charge falls below a certain level the SEM-1562A automatically transitions into Maintain Mode, delivering a small, safe charge that will raise the battery's level back to where it should be.
      Estimated charge times for various battery types using the Schumacher SEM-1562A 1.5 Amp Speed Charge Maintainer
      Fast recharging of multiple battery types and sizes (50% depletion assumed).

      The Schumacher SEM-1562A 1.5 Amp Speed Charge Maintainer in use under the hood
      Ease of use both in or away from your vehicle.


      In addition, because of the constant monitoring the battery, the SEM-1562A can react to charging needs swiftly, efficiently and accurately, allowing charging cycles to click on and off in the same way. Because of this, batteries can be left attached to the SEM-1562A indefinately for storage without the risk of overcharging and/or damage. Additional features include: automatic temperature compensation which adjusts the maximum charge voltage and maximum maintain voltage based on the ambient air temperature; thermal runaway, which automatically reduces the current if it detects the battery may be getting too hot; an auto-start feature that keeps power from flowing unless a proper connection exists, or in the case of a reverse hook-up; and a Desulphation mode for charging batteries left discharged for an extended period of time.
      Specifications

      Charger Type - Fully Automatic Microprocessor Controlled
      Input Voltage - 120 VAC
      Input Current Cont: 0.41A / 0.32A
      Output Current Rating - 12V / 6V @ 1.5A
      Maximum Charge Voltage - 12V – 14.8V / 6V – 7.4V
      Dimensions - 2⅝" H x 6" W x 3" D
      Product Weight - 2.5 lbs.

      What's in the Box

      Schumacher SEM-1562A 1.5-amp Speed Charge Maintainer
      Battery Clip Cable Assembly
      Ring Terminal Cable Assembly
      Users manual and warranty information

      Two-Year Limited Warranty

      Schumacher Electric Corporation (the "Manufacturer") warrants this battery charger for two (2) years from the date of purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship that may occur under normal use and care. If your unit is not free from defective material or workmanship, Manufacturer's obligation under this warranty is solely to repair or replace your product with a new or reconditioned unit at the option of the Manufacturer. It is the obligation of the purchaser to forward the unit, along with mailing charges prepaid to the Manufacturer or its authorized representatives in order for repair or replacement to occur.
      About Schumacher Electric Corporation

      Since 1947, Schumacher Electric Corporation has been leading change and driving performance to exceed its customers' expectations. Engineered patent pending technologies and award winning marketing allows Schumacher to be the brand of choice when it comes to portable power and battery charger/jump starter/maintainer/tester needs. Passion and commitment is the Schumacher way which shows as they are official supplier for chargers, jump starters and inverters for NASCAR.
      Product Description
      Schumacher's Speed Charge Maintainer maintains both 6-volt and 12-volt batteries, keeping them at full charge using float-mode monitoring. The unit will automatically switch from full-charge to float-mode monitoring when the battery is charged to prevent damage. Smart display LEDs indicate whether the unit is in charged, charging, or trouble modes. The SEM-1562A is perfect for charging small batteries, maintaining small and large batteries kept in storage, and batteries for motorcycles, classic cars, ATVs, and boats. It features a quick disconnect harness for easy removal, and reverse hookup protection in case the clamps are accidentally connected to the wrong terminals. In cold climates, this unit is indispensable for keeping batteries warm overnight and ready for starting.


    or

    2. $23

    The Battery Tender Junior 12-volt/.75-amp battery charger is the small and simple solution to the challenge of keeping vehicle batteries optimally powered when not in use. It is able to charge any lead-acid battery, including standard and sealed AGM and GEL Cell battery types and is also designed to be easy to use in small spaces, to utilize a 4-step charging program and safely function in a fully automatic mode. Taken together this makes the Battery Tender Junior 12-volt charger an excellent means of ensuring that your battery is fully charged and ready to go when you are.



    Safe, 4-step Battery Charging
    The Battery Tender Junior 12-volt charger is much more than a trickle charger. It has a "brain". Utilizing a 4-step charging program (initialization, bulk charge, absorption mode and float mode), it allows you to simply connect the charger to a battery, either in or out of a vehicle, and forget about it until you are ready to put the battery to work. Like all Battery Tender chargers, at the end of the regular charger cycle it automatically switches its output voltage to a safe, storage or float level that eliminates the need to worry about the damaging effects of overcharging, and the resulting need to check on the condition of the battery. If/when the battery voltage drops too far under load, output power resumes and the charging cycle begins again. The unit also features sparkproof connectors, short circuit and reverse polarity protection, an easy to understand charging status indicator consisting of a single LED, and almost no current draw from batteries connected to it.
    Key Features:
    • Perfect for all lead-acid, flooded or sealed maintenance free batteries (AGM and gel cell).
    • Complete 4-step charging program (initialization, bulk charge, absorption mode and float mode).
    • Automatically switches to float / maintenance voltage after fully charging the battery.
    • If the battery voltage drops too far under load, full charger output power resumes.
    • Solid state two color LED indicates stage of charger.
    • Spark proof and reverse polarity protected.
    • 12' output cord.
    • 5 year warranty.


    Five-year Limited Warranty
    Deltran provides a limited five-year warranty on its Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger to the original purchaser based on defective material or workmanship. Warranty is void in cases of product misuse, disassembly or modification. Other details regarding warranty limitations and procedures are contained in the Deltran Battery Tender Charger's general limited warranty information sheet enclosed with this product.


    Product Description

    Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger is much more than a trickle charger. It has a brain, is lightweight, compact, fully automatic and very easy to use especially in small spaces. This battery charger will keep the battery fully charged so that it is ready to go always. It has a microprocessor controlled fully automatic charger and maintainer and is designed to extend the life of any lead acid battery commonly used in automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, RVs, boats, airplanes, golf carts, back-up generator systems, etc. Any vehicle or battery-operated piece of equipment not used on a daily or regular basis is a candidate for a Battery Tender charger. The advanced technology will bring the battery back to a full charge without overcharging and then float or maintain the battery for an indefinite period of time. The Battery Tender Junior comes equipped with alligator clips and ring terminals for easy hook up. An optional 25 feet extension cord (part number 081-0148-25) is sold separately.
     
  2. Danger

    Danger Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2011
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    Location:
    Frisco
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I have the Schumacher SC-600A. I used it for a motorcycle battery I had laying around for months. And it made the battery come back to life. Same goes for my girlfriends dads car which is a Porsche 924. His car isn't used for 6 months. When we set the battery charger for maybe a few hours the car starts right back up.
     
    WE0H likes this.
  3. johnjamis

    johnjamis Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 4, 2009
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    Location:
    KY
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Check the Amazon 1 star comments about the Schumacher SEM-1562A charger. Evidently there are some issues with this unit.
     
  4. has been

    has been vote for anyone except Trump

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2012
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    Location:
    pacific n'west
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Both the Battery Tender and Schumacher are big/well known names in the battery biz.
    Almost all of the higher quality microprocessor controllers are the same anymore.
    They work for all situations, batteries, voltages, post arrangements, temps.
    If your town has a battery shop they probly sell one that works great and you can talk to them about what your needs are.
    Just make sure that if you run a cord of any great length TO the charger that is of proper wire size.

    Good luck. Have fun.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Everybody tends to be enthusiastic about their purchase, guess I'm no exception. I picked up a CTEK 3300 a few years back, and have found it very handy. I'll use it after an accidental battery drain, and just periodically, to keep batteries in-the-pink.

    It's a 3.3 amp charger, does an intitial desulphation state, then goes through a multi-step charging process. There's rudimentary indicator lights to let you know it's hooked up correctly, charging, and done (or trouble). When it's finished charging it falls back to a "maintenance" mode, that can be left on indefinitely.

    A typical complete charge session is overnight, ie: if I plug it in say around dinner time, it might still be going by bedtime, but by the next morning it's done.

    It's a very compact, solid unit, comes with with a bag that holds the unit, cables and documentation. If you check their site you'll see more models; some of the others might be worth checking out. The 3300 seems a decent choice though, and is readily available.

    It's a little pricey, think I got mine on sale for around $60.
     
  6. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    I've used the Battery Tender brand for almost 10 years now for my motorcycle, Jetski, and boat... have never had a problem with them. I have one hooked to our Expedition that we only use occasionally now.
     
  7. has been

    has been vote for anyone except Trump

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2012
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    Location:
    pacific n'west
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Find a local dealer: The Battery Store, Battery Mart, Batteries Plus, BatteryVille, Battery Town or whatever the name, close to you.
    Batteries Plus has about 7 stores located in MD and VA that may be close to your locale.
    Though many of the products may be made elsewhere, buy them from a store in your hometown.
    Somebody in your community needs that job.
    Stop for a cup of coffee, go into a local Batteries Plus, shake a hand, talk with someone, buy their product.
    You'll feel good about it.
    Good luck. Have fun.
     
    pineappleman likes this.
  8. krazypriuslady

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2012
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    Location:
    metro Wash DC
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    yeah, pretty scary! Convinced me to return that and stick with the Deltran.
    Thanks everyone for the advice.