Great video, I think I'm gonna get one of these chargers for my wifes X3M-C Just a suggestion, you could have just told us the analysis takes about 2 minutes instead of making us just sit and watch for 2 minutes, but no big deal, some might want to see it ... I get it. Thanks for posting.
I have the Optima Digital 1200. The Optima red top battery on one of my Jeeps failed to start the vehicle. I hooked the Digital 1200 up overnight hoping it would be okay by the morning. This Jeep does sit for extended periods. When I checked on it the next day it was only at 30 % but of deeper concern was that the battery was so hot I could hardly touch it with my bare hands. I have to think had I waited longer to check it may have started a fire. Do you have any comments on that? Now I am hesitant to use this device as a tender.
So I've had my yellow top for 5 years. Never used a charger or needed a jump. Use the truck every day put 80 to 100 miles on it on a single day. What's the real purpose of this? Never had a need for it. Or thought I'd have a need for it. Is it a gimmick??
If you drive it everyday and put 80-100 miles, you will probably never need to use a charger. A battery charger is more for people who let their cars sit for 3-4+ days. A lot of cars have so many electronics they have a small drain on the battery even when off. These chargers help negate that drain.
I’ve been using the 400 for some time now and no think it cooked my battery because it always says 100% but my battery isn’t strong enough to crank it, so I have to jump it every time and it pisses me off! So I went and bought the 1200 to see if it helps because I understand the 400 isn’t a maintainer, it just charges which makes me wonder if it’s been overcharged
Hello again. Optima manual claims this charger does battery conditioning as one of the last stages. Do you know what is "conditioning"? Is it some sort of pulse charge desulfator stage? I downloaded the manual but I'm unclear about this "conditioning" stage. Thanks.
Thank you for your time I have two questions: 1) does this charger has a repair mode (pulse charging) ? If yes, how to use it. If it doesn't, I wonder if repair mode is really necessary? Cheaper chargers have repair mode. My second question is 2) what is the pre charge mode all about?
Hey Carlos, I could paraphrase, but I think the FAQs at the bottom of this link will help more than me: www.optimabatteries.com/products/chargers/digital-400
Hello! I ordered a Optima yellow top from Autozone and this charger from Amazon. I want to put the charger on the battery 🔋 to analyze it. Does it have to be in the car installed to analyze it. Will I be ok just doing positive and negative connectors straight on the battery? Thanks!
Hmm, depends on the life of the battery. I only put my car on the charger if I know I will not drive it in 3+ days. I have a healthy battery and I know it will not die in 3 days, but keeping it on devices like this keeps your battery healthy.
I have the 1200 and it was good until it crapped out after a few years. Gives a "reverse polarity" warning no matter what you do even on a new battery. Optima says, "probably bad you'll need to get a new one". With that attitude from Optima I would trust any of these expensive chargers to last and their support sucks.
If it is going to sit for more than 3 days, I just throw it on the charger. This Optima charger has nice long cables. You can literally leave it on one side of your garage, pop your hood, and connect it up.
Buyer be aware!! Just to let everyone to now this. I have the digital 1200 battery charger. It fell of the stand the other day and the plastic handle broke. I called optima to buy a new handle and they DO NOT SELL PARTS FOR for me to fix it. It's so great having a expensive charger and can't fix it!
@@DannyDrives yeah but it's not the easiest thing to carry without a handle. I pay extra attention with this charger because it cost so much and I don't want to drop it . You would think they would have basic parts for a person to fix it.
Under normal starting conditions, an OPTIMA battery should never experience at-rest voltages below 12. Most 12-volt chargers and alternators have no problem recharging an OPTIMA if it has an at-rest voltage of 10.5 or greater. The magic threshold - 10.5 volts. The charging scenario for a deeply discharged AGM battery, one that's dipped below 10.5 volts, may be slightly different. The OPTIMA Digital 1200 can recover batteries that have been discharged as low as 1.25 volts. Other charger tips for recovering a deeply discharged AGM battery can be found in OPTIMA's tech tip, How to Resuscitate a Deeply Discharged AGM Battery.
Hi I’m thinking about getting this 400 charger for my yellow top battery 🔋 so can I use it as a battery tender ? Couse I’m going to put my car away for the winter and I have sub and amp and after market head unit . So would it be safe to leave it on a low charge through the winter ? Thanks
Since I have one of those Yellow AGM Batteries from Optima and I just got mine replaced after a year and a half, I didn't have one of these charger......should I check the battery every 6 months or so just to be sure it wont crap out on me......I live in Florida, so I know it is VERY hot and I know that batteries don't last as long.....just don't want to spend another $275, despite getting the replacement battery for free under the warrenty
@@DannyDrives That makes sense.....Now that i work from home and not going out as much due to COVID i can definitely do that...just ordered it on Amazon today!!!! thanks for the insight
I have a dead red top in my race truck I don't drive all the time and can't get it to take a charge off the regular and I understand I need one of these or the 1200 but is there a trinkel charge were it when it just setting for months or is it only a deep charge only if so will you help me on what I'm needing please sir
It is a smart charger. It does a scan of the battery when you turn it on to see what the battery needs. It does not just throw all the electricity to your battery either. I have never had it on the charger for months, but with the current times it has sat on there for 3 weeks.
@@DannyDrives would it be better to get the 1200 over the 400 tho money isnt a issue really and if it can't bring it back what battery should I run in my 06 silverado its a big turbo with a shot of nitrous in case moments lol but just want to have enuff battery at the same time
@@DannyDrives I've had my new charger connected for over an hour and it still doesn't go to 100%. I'll stop by a repair shop and get a professional assessment.
Thank you for your work detailing the Optima 600. Do you think there would be ANY advantage to having the more expensive Optima 1200 over the Optima 400 for maintaining a single battery? Regardless of price, I want to get the best charger to overcome my battery killing situation. I have an Odyssey PC 1350 battery. It is my third expensive battery because I have a van with handicapped equipment and a safety interlock system that is meant to prevent the lift from operating when the van is started but this constantly-on device eventually kills even the best batteries. I do my best to keep the battery charged with a Genius 3500 trickle charger but there are time when I am not able to plug it in and after a year or so a battery eventually needs to be taken in for extra help. I live in the city and run an extension cord out the window to plug it in. I could put a larger charger like the Optima 1200 inside the vehicle because the battery is between the front seats on in the floor. After my latest Odyssey required a professional reconditioning. I was told I should get a charger more suited to this type of AGM battery, which led me to the Optima battery chargers and your two videos on these chargers. Thank you again. Do you think I would do well to get their more expensive Optima 1200 or should I go with the lighter weight and less expensive Optima 400? I only have this one type of battery so I wouldn’t need the variations which might be possible with the Optima 1200. I am wondering if you think there might be any kind of battery cycling or software differences in the more expensive version that would condition and keep this battery healthier in the long run?
I would just buy a fleet of Optima 400s. 1200 is great if you have a shop and have a garage cart or something. The 400 is perfect for weekend warriors.
I’d like to chime in here… I’m also looking to get the 1200 Bc on the Optima website I believe* I read that it charge a dead* battery, or one that can’t be brought back to life using a standard charger/Maintainer
@@KINGNITTI Under normal starting conditions, an OPTIMA battery should never experience at-rest voltages below 12. Most 12-volt chargers and alternators have no problem recharging an OPTIMA if it has an at-rest voltage of 10.5 or greater. The magic threshold - 10.5 volts. The charging scenario for a deeply discharged AGM battery, one that's dipped below 10.5 volts, may be slightly different. The OPTIMA Digital 1200 can recover batteries that have been discharged as low as 1.25 volts. Other charger tips for recovering a deeply discharged AGM battery can be found in OPTIMA's tech tip, How to Resuscitate a Deeply Discharged AGM Battery.
Your supposed to hook up the negative first on all batteries, it also has a hook on the back to hang it on the hood latch but not above the battery, knowing that some batteries can give off toxic fumes that can hurt the plastic on the charger
I agree with all that, the fumes on the charger is a stretch though. In theory the charger shouldn't be there 365 or else what is the point of having the car. Many cars the battery is in the trunk while the hook ups are in the front.
excuse me, but you a re reading totally different instructions from t he ones with Optima or any charger i've ever had. They always say positive first,t hen negative- unless you have an unusual battery. Especially if the battery is hooked up in the car, it's normally positive first then negative onto chassis..
Good charger, display doesn't work when it's cold. Once warm display works.
Thanks for the info. How cold is cold?
while it's analyzing it is charging ..this was from optima battery guy
thanks for the details!
Great video but the price is currently listed $130 so you may want to update if still worth that price or just update the video itself.
Whoa, when did that happen lol
It looks like the 400 doesn’t state if it can recover a battery discharged to 1.25 v
Is this true?
Others can comment better than I
Great video, I think I'm gonna get one of these chargers for my wifes X3M-C Just a suggestion, you could have just told us the analysis takes about 2 minutes instead of making us just sit and watch for 2 minutes, but no big deal, some might want to see it ... I get it. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for suggestion, I don't think it has a set time. It does its analysis then immediately charges.
Wow, that's a really nice charger! Thanks for the informative video!
glad you liked!
I have the Optima Digital 1200. The Optima red top battery on one of my Jeeps failed to start the vehicle. I hooked the Digital 1200 up overnight hoping it would be okay by the morning. This Jeep does sit for extended periods. When I checked on it the next day it was only at 30 % but of deeper concern was that the battery was so hot I could hardly touch it with my bare hands. I have to think had I waited longer to check it may have started a fire. Do you have any comments on that? Now I am hesitant to use this device as a tender.
I have never heard of that being a problem. Glad you caught it before being a problem though!
So I've had my yellow top for 5 years. Never used a charger or needed a jump. Use the truck every day put 80 to 100 miles on it on a single day. What's the real purpose of this? Never had a need for it. Or thought I'd have a need for it. Is it a gimmick??
If you drive it everyday and put 80-100 miles, you will probably never need to use a charger. A battery charger is more for people who let their cars sit for 3-4+ days. A lot of cars have so many electronics they have a small drain on the battery even when off. These chargers help negate that drain.
I’ve been using this charger for over 5 years. Best you can buy, AND by bolting it to the wall, no one can borrow it!
Yep, I have the mount on the wall, but it gets so often it stays plugged in basically.
I’ve been using the 400 for some time now and no think it cooked my battery because it always says 100% but my battery isn’t strong enough to crank it, so I have to jump it every time and it pisses me off! So I went and bought the 1200 to see if it helps because I understand the 400 isn’t a maintainer, it just charges which makes me wonder if it’s been overcharged
I leave my M3 on the 400 every week.
@@DannyDrives well idk then
Hello again. Optima manual claims this charger does battery conditioning as one of the last stages. Do you know what is "conditioning"? Is it some sort of pulse charge desulfator stage? I downloaded the manual but I'm unclear about this "conditioning" stage. Thanks.
Battery conditioners restore the capacity of lead acid batteries by targeting lead-sulphur deposits which reduce the battery's ability to hold charge.
Can I have connect this battery charger for a week or after the battery is fully charge I have to disconnect
I have mine connected for weeks, sometimes a month.
Thank you for your time I have two questions: 1) does this charger has a repair mode (pulse charging) ? If yes, how to use it. If it doesn't, I wonder if repair mode is really necessary? Cheaper chargers have repair mode.
My second question is 2) what is the pre charge mode all about?
Hey Carlos, I could paraphrase, but I think the FAQs at the bottom of this link will help more than me: www.optimabatteries.com/products/chargers/digital-400
Hello! I ordered a Optima yellow top from Autozone and this charger from Amazon. I want to put the charger on the battery 🔋 to analyze it. Does it have to be in the car installed to analyze it. Will I be ok just doing positive and negative connectors straight on the battery? Thanks!
The car doesn't have to be connected to the battery to charge the battery.
Danny Korecki Thanks 🚙💨
Do I need one of these if I have a car I only drive once or twice a week?
Hmm, depends on the life of the battery. I only put my car on the charger if I know I will not drive it in 3+ days. I have a healthy battery and I know it will not die in 3 days, but keeping it on devices like this keeps your battery healthy.
I have the 1200 and it was good until it crapped out after a few years. Gives a "reverse polarity" warning no matter what you do even on a new battery. Optima says, "probably bad you'll need to get a new one". With that attitude from Optima I would trust any of these expensive chargers to last and their support sucks.
what do you use now?
@@DannyDrives I am using a Genius10.
can i have connect for long time ? or after fully charge i have to disconnect
I have mine connected for weeks, sometimes a month.
What is the power input for that charger?
Is it 110-240 v?
Or 110 v only
standard plug
hello i was wondering if i could use the deep cycle mode with a red top?
Not sure, I haven't thought to try it. Only red top I have is in a car I am selling this week
How often do you plug it up to charge the battery?
If it is going to sit for more than 3 days, I just throw it on the charger. This Optima charger has nice long cables. You can literally leave it on one side of your garage, pop your hood, and connect it up.
Buyer be aware!! Just to let everyone to now this. I have the digital 1200 battery charger. It fell of the stand the other day and the plastic handle broke. I called optima to buy a new handle and they DO NOT SELL PARTS FOR for me to fix it. It's so great having a expensive charger and can't fix it!
I am sorry it happened to you. If its just the handle sounds like you can still use it?
@@DannyDrives yeah but it's not the easiest thing to carry without a handle. I pay extra attention with this charger because it cost so much and I don't want to drop it . You would think they would have basic parts for a person to fix it.
Under normal starting conditions, an OPTIMA battery
should never experience at-rest voltages below 12.
Most 12-volt chargers and alternators have no problem
recharging an OPTIMA if it has an at-rest voltage of
10.5 or greater.
The magic threshold - 10.5 volts. The charging
scenario for a deeply discharged AGM battery, one
that's dipped below 10.5 volts, may be slightly different.
The OPTIMA Digital 1200 can recover batteries that
have been discharged as low as 1.25 volts. Other
charger tips for recovering a deeply discharged AGM
battery can be found in OPTIMA's tech tip, How to
Resuscitate a Deeply Discharged AGM Battery.
thanks for getting the details
How many batteries can you charge?
I just use it to charge my car.
Hi I’m thinking about getting this 400 charger for my yellow top battery 🔋 so can I use it as a battery tender ? Couse I’m going to put my car away for the winter and I have sub and amp and after market head unit . So would it be safe to leave it on a low charge through the winter ? Thanks
It is the best Optima battery charger, but also works for non Optima batteries. I leave mine on the charger during winter months especially.
one reason t hey have those long cables-- they want you to keep t hat charger as far from the battery as possible. And they say so in the manual.
Gotcha, for the record. The battery is in the trunk, so the charger is just near the engine bay pick up points.
Since I have one of those Yellow AGM Batteries from Optima and I just got mine replaced after a year and a half, I didn't have one of these charger......should I check the battery every 6 months or so just to be sure it wont crap out on me......I live in Florida, so I know it is VERY hot and I know that batteries don't last as long.....just don't want to spend another $275, despite getting the replacement battery for free under the warrenty
I wouldn't say check the battery, just keep it on the charger anytime you let it sit for more than 3+ days. That is what I do.
@@DannyDrives That makes sense.....Now that i work from home and not going out as much due to COVID i can definitely do that...just ordered it on Amazon today!!!! thanks for the insight
glad I could help, my car has been on it all throughout COVID
Can i use this for regular batterys and smaller quad batterys for tender use use aswell
You should be able to, but chose one of the other options on the settings. Not sure which though.
I have a dead red top in my race truck I don't drive all the time and can't get it to take a charge off the regular and I understand I need one of these or the 1200 but is there a trinkel charge were it when it just setting for months or is it only a deep charge only if so will you help me on what I'm needing please sir
It is a smart charger. It does a scan of the battery when you turn it on to see what the battery needs. It does not just throw all the electricity to your battery either. I have never had it on the charger for months, but with the current times it has sat on there for 3 weeks.
@@DannyDrives would it be better to get the 1200 over the 400 tho money isnt a issue really and if it can't bring it back what battery should I run in my 06 silverado its a big turbo with a shot of nitrous in case moments lol but just want to have enuff battery at the same time
Money no issue, sure the 1200 is a better charger, but if the truck sits outside the 400 is easier to jam up in the engine bay and close the hood.
Question, does the charger eventually go to 100% on your BMW?
Yep, does yours not go to 100%? If so, might be problem with battery's life.
@@DannyDrives I've had my new charger connected for over an hour and it still doesn't go to 100%. I'll stop by a repair shop and get a professional assessment.
Any update?
Thank you for your work detailing the Optima 600. Do you think there would be ANY advantage to having the more expensive Optima 1200 over the Optima 400 for maintaining a single battery? Regardless of price, I want to get the best charger to overcome my battery killing situation. I have an Odyssey PC 1350 battery. It is my third expensive battery because I have a van with handicapped equipment and a safety interlock system that is meant to prevent the lift from operating when the van is started but this constantly-on device eventually kills even the best batteries. I do my best to keep the battery charged with a Genius 3500 trickle charger but there are time when I am not able to plug it in and after a year or so a battery eventually needs to be taken in for extra help. I live in the city and run an extension cord out the window to plug it in. I could put a larger charger like the Optima 1200 inside the vehicle because the battery is between the front seats on in the floor. After my latest Odyssey required a professional reconditioning. I was told I should get a charger more suited to this type of AGM battery, which led me to the Optima battery chargers and your two videos on these chargers. Thank you again. Do you think I would do well to get their more expensive Optima 1200 or should I go with the lighter weight and less expensive Optima 400? I only have this one type of battery so I wouldn’t need the variations which might be possible with the Optima 1200. I am wondering if you think there might be any kind of battery cycling or software differences in the more expensive version that would condition and keep this battery healthier in the long run?
I would just buy a fleet of Optima 400s. 1200 is great if you have a shop and have a garage cart or something. The 400 is perfect for weekend warriors.
I’d like to chime in here… I’m also looking to get the 1200 Bc on the Optima website I believe* I read that it charge a dead* battery, or one that can’t be brought back to life using a standard charger/Maintainer
@@KINGNITTI Under normal starting conditions, an OPTIMA battery
should never experience at-rest voltages below 12.
Most 12-volt chargers and alternators have no problem
recharging an OPTIMA if it has an at-rest voltage of
10.5 or greater.
The magic threshold - 10.5 volts. The charging
scenario for a deeply discharged AGM battery, one
that's dipped below 10.5 volts, may be slightly different.
The OPTIMA Digital 1200 can recover batteries that
have been discharged as low as 1.25 volts. Other
charger tips for recovering a deeply discharged AGM
battery can be found in OPTIMA's tech tip, How to
Resuscitate a Deeply Discharged AGM Battery.
@@paulramski7989 thank you for that info!
Your supposed to hook up the negative first on all batteries, it also has a hook on the back to hang it on the hood latch but not above the battery, knowing that some batteries can give off toxic fumes that can hurt the plastic on the charger
I agree with all that, the fumes on the charger is a stretch though. In theory the charger shouldn't be there 365 or else what is the point of having the car. Many cars the battery is in the trunk while the hook ups are in the front.
excuse me, but you a re reading totally different instructions from t he ones with Optima or any charger i've ever had. They always say positive first,t hen negative- unless you have an unusual battery. Especially if the battery is hooked up in the car, it's normally positive first then negative onto chassis..