Getting Tough With The Oxford Maximiser 360T
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The Optimiser has a seven stage charging system which ensures that the battery is in tip-top condition.
The Maximiser promotes all of these key technologies…
Polarity Test
Upon connection to the battery Maximiser it conducts a polarity check to ensure that the connection are correct. Should something be connected wrongly a flashing warning light will appear on the digital display.
Analyse
A fast analysis of the battery condition is preformed to establish if the battery is lightly discharged, deeply discharged (sulphated) or permanently damaged / short-circuited through internal deterioration/battery damage. Should the battery be permanently damaged or will not accept a charge, the Maximiser will return to the standby mode.
Recover
If the battery is deeply discharged, the Maximiser will perform a recovery that dispenses a special high voltage (20V) and a very low fixed current. This action stimulates the battery and is preformed for a period of up-to two hours.
Bulk Charge
This is used to charge a discharged battery at a constant current of either 0.6 amps or 3.6 amps depending on the charging mode selected. This is ideal for quick charging batteries and it is advised that this is only done for 80-90% of the overall charge.
Voltage Retention Check
Over a 60 minute period the Maximiser will cut the charging current and will monitor the battery voltage to identify if the battery is able to retain a full charge. This test is very useful when the battery remains connected to a vehicle as it may indicated that a small current drain exists, therefore possibly identifying wiring deficiency.
Advise Battery Condition
If during the Voltage Retention Check the voltage falls below 12.35V, then a weak battery indication light is displayed alerting you to the fact that the battery is unable to retain a charge. The Maximiser will continue to charge the battery up-to 200mA/hr until the battery is able to hold a charge. This gentle repairing action allows the battery condition to be optimised in a safe and controlled way.
Maintenance / Float Charge
The Maximiser will maintain and optimise the battery indefinitely so long as it remains connected to the battery. Hourly tests and voltage monitoring determines the battery condition and charge requirements. Should the battery’s voltage drop, the Maximiser will adjust the charging rate accordingly to ensure that the battery is brought back to full charge. If the hourly charge finds that the battery is still fully charged, the Maximiser will stop charging the battery, hence there is no fear of over-charging the battery.
The Maximiser also boasts the following unique features:
- Charge Mode Option allows you, at the press of a button, to choose between 3 charge rates for Motorcycle (600mA), Car/Boat (3600mA) and Boost (for AGM batteries and cold weather charging).
- Backlit LCD Display shows real-time charging rate. It shows both battery charge voltage and amperage.
- Battery Condition Adviser shows if the battery is able to hold charge or is in need of replacement.
- Wall Bracket and extra long cables make for ease-of-use in your garage.
The Testing
As with all London Bikers Reviews we try and put the products that we are offered to the full test, and the Oxford Maximiser 360T is no different. For this testing we are going to attempt to charge a Wind FB4L-B taken from an old S’reg motorcycle which has not been used for many, many years. The battery is in poor condition and is totally dead!
After removing the battery from the motorcycle I connected the Oxford Maximiser to the terminals via the permanent ring-lead connectors, which are attached using the batteries screws in the same way as the bike is attached.
Instantly the Maximiser was giving me a reading on the LCD display, this was the status of the battery condition. It told me exactly how many volts were in the battery.
Now time for some power... as we have a UK version of the Maximiser it came with a standard three-pin plug, however a European version is also available.
Upon plugging it in, the unit switches itself to standby, where you then have to press the power/mode button to turn the Maximiser on. The backlight then comes on and starts charging the battery which is indicated by a blue lit charge sign at the top of the unit.
It took about three hours for the Maximiser to say that our battery was charged but the real test comes when we connect it to a bike!
Our test bike for this experiment was a Piaggio Liberty 50. After connecting the battery things were looking good, the Datatool alarm has ‘bleeped’ into action and the headlights came on...pressed the button and hey-presto all’s working!
To summarise we have successfully recovered a battery which otherwise would have been thrown away and now it is fully functional. The Oxford Maximiser 360T has utilised all of the built-in technology to regenerate life in this battery and possibly could save people lots of money usually spent on new batteries.
We have thoroughly enjoyed testing the Oxford Maximiser 360T, which has really opened our eyes to what can be done through the power of technology...we only wish that I had the unit years ago!
We would like to thank Luke Brackenbury (Performance PR) and Oxford Products for allowing us to review this very useful product.
For more information on the Oxford Maximiser 360T or to find you nearest dealer please telephone (01993) 862 300 or e-mail maximiser@oxprod.com.
