Test d'un chargeur de batterie TecMate Optimate 6 Ampmatic TM180

Let's not beat around the bush: the Tecmate Optimate 6 is THE benchmark charger for 12V batteries. This charger has been around since 1994 and has undergone numerous technological and price improvements. Its 9-stage operation allows it to breathe new life into a deeply discharged or even sulfated battery, using reactivation pulses. The charging and optimization stages are interspersed with test phases that verify whether the battery holds a charge or not. It is essential to have read and fully understood the instructions; otherwise, it is impossible to interpret the color codes on the device. This is, in fact, one of my two criticisms of this charger. Before using the Tecmate Optimate 6, I had a Dunlop 12V battery charger. Made in China, this device is much more basic, as it simply charges the battery without any testing, reactivation, or optimization cycles. The Optimate 6 is twice as heavy and bulky as the Dunlop, but this is understandable given its capabilities. In practice, the Dunlop indicated after only 20 minutes of charging that an old 12V quad battery was operational—which was clearly not the case—whereas the Tecmate runs a testing and charging cycle lasting over 24 hours. Ultimately, my old battery regained its charge thanks to the Optimate, and I now use it as a backup battery. The Tecmate Optimate 6 comes with two types of connectors: clamps and ring terminals. The clamps offer a good grip on the battery terminals, and the cables are of good quality. These chargers are equipped with rubber tips to prevent moisture damage to the connectors. This battery charger sells for around €110, and that's where the problem lies. In 2010, I bought an Optimate 4 for €49.50… ten years later, the price has more than doubled! Now, this charger costs more than a high-end 12V motorcycle battery (a Yuasa costs between €70 and €80). In conclusion, this 6th edition of the Optimate is incredibly efficient and remains a benchmark. However, I find its price far too high. Unless you're wealthy, buying this charger is only justified if you have at least two or even three vehicle batteries to maintain. Positive points: Efficient Build quality Robustness Recovers sulfated batteries Negative points: Poorly displayed charging steps Expensive Price has doubled in 10 years Climaxe This TecMate Optimate 6 Ampmatic TM180 battery charger is available here: https://amzn.to/3fpDscj