Buy Schumacher SC-8000A Speedcharge Charger/MaintainerSchumacher SC-8000A Speedcharge Charger/Maintainer Product Description:
- 30-amp rapid charge and 12-amp fast charge features self adjustment and adjusts charge rate to prevent battery damage
- Compatible with virtually every type of automotive or light marine battery
- 80-amp engine start provides quick power to crank the engine
- 2-amp slow charge for small batteries and large battery maintenance
- 100-amp clamps for top and side-mounted battery posts
Product Description
This speedcharge charger has computer control to enhance the charge rate and it also monitors the battery condition to insure that the battery is not overcharged. With this charger, your batteries will be fully charged quicker than with conventional chargers. This charger is designed for use with 6-volt and 12-volt, deep cycle, gel cell and absorbed glass mat batteries. It also features a black and gray polypropylene case with retractable handle and push button controls to select and display charge rates.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
40 of 44 people found the following review helpful.
By WDT3
The meter accuracy on the SC-800A was within 0.05 volts, and the charging algorithms appear to work well, although they are not described in the instructions.I observed that the voltage was generally limited to 15.5 for regular, 16.0 for deep cycle, and 14.7 for AGM batteries. The 30 amp capability is in the form of a long timed pulse of about 2 minutes followed by 12 amps for a similar time period, then repeating until the voltage has risen enough that it isn't required. The amperage isn't constant, it tapers down to limit the voltage in typical CC/CV fashion, although the algorithm appears to actually be more complex. For instance, on a particular AGM battery it went to 15.5 volts near the end of the charge (95%) with current at about 1.5 amps for about 30 minutes and then stopped (completed). I suspect that this was an automatic attempt to condition the battery. A DieHard 71227 charger (Schumacher makes the DieHard 71227 charger) did the same thing. After three discharge cycles, it stoped doing the "high-voltage treatment". Also, in AGM mode it went to 15.5 volts briefly during one of the 40 amp cycles. Although the instructions for DieHard Platinum and Odyssey batteries say to choose a charger with <14.8 volts, this charger was obviously designed with these batteries in mind.Two small negative notes. If a battery has voltage close to zero, the safety features won't let it operate. Also, if the AC power cycles, it will come back on as a charger set for 2 amps in regular battery mode after 15 minutes. I wouldn't recommend leaving an AGM battery connected in maintenance mode. It's odd that the charger doesn't store the last used settings in the microprocessor's eeprom, or just use battery power to keep the processor running.Overall, it's a nice charger. I hope some of the tech info above helps.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful.
By Pascoes
Good charger. Well built except for the two flimsy plastic cable retaining posts on the back. I will probably make some modifications after the warranty is over. I've been wrapping the power cord on the rear posts & wrapping the hook-up cables around the top handle (the instructions don't mention that option). The charge percentage reading is very helpful but not always accurate (can be fixed by unplugging & starting charge process over if you are not sure the reading is correct). I haven't used the alternator check yet. I found the start feature to have too short of duration... just a few seconds then the charger has to cool down for several minutes before you can use the start feature again. Overall I am please with my purchase.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful.
By Chris J. W.
Schumacher SC-8000A Speedcharge Charger/MaintainerI have had various 12v battery chargers. The ones that I have usually bought were trickle charge types. My first one did not have a sensor and I blame that for killing a 1 year old garden tractor battery. My second unit that I bought for $30 or so had a sensor to avoid overcharging. It lasted 10-15 years but it started to have problems. It just seems to stopped charging altogether when its 'trouble' light came on. It started becoming frustrating when all my automotive batteries started to die about the same time and the charge just did not work. Thank the lord that I now have what appears to be a really good unit.So far I have successfully used the Schumacher SC-8000A to trickle charge my garden tractor battery, jump start my car, rapid charge my diesel truck (which as diesel owners know, has two batteries), and rapid charge an auxiliary battery (an Optima YellowTop). I did try to jump start my diesel truck and it did not work. I only tried to crank it once and I wasn't sure that it would work. Once you crank it, the unit prevents you from trying again for several minutes. I was not in a hurry so I rapid charged it myself. So far I am satisfied. I am hoping that it continues to work well and lasts a long time. Time will only tell.
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