Black and Decker Vector "smart" charger

Gjac wrote:
I have the 40 amp B&D charger also, paid $50 for it 10 years ago on closeout and it works well for charging my 2 6v GC batteries. I have noticed it has throw that F2 code when it was extremely cold and the battery was severely discharged, cells started to freeze(slushy). When I reduced it to 2 amp setting it took the charge then went to 40 amp and all was well again. I also noticed that when it says full it is not fully charged. Once it says FUL I turn it off and use the on board Magnatek 950 charger for several days to fully charge the batteries. I notice I can go 2 more days dry camping charging this way.

You should use an hydrometer to confirm that converter float finishes the recharge. Probably not. Need to get them up in SG before going to float.

ISTR the older model Vector 1093A had a 2 amp setting and R but no E. Max v was 14.6. The later model Vector 1093D ( from about 2005) had a 4 amp as its low and has both the R and the E (poke hole and green flashing light) Max amps 14.8 but 15.7 for the E. Also temp comp. B&D took over Vector and that model became the VEC1093DBD

I always run the E on a full recharge once it gets down below 4 amps on the first run. Stop the run, restart at the 4 amp and poke the hole to get the green light flashing and let it do that. With 6s that should get them up to proper SG. Then find another charger or the rig's converter to do the Float.

With my older 35 amp Vector 1092A, there is a 2 amp low setting and R but no E. Instructions say after the first run to FUL, you can swap to the 2 amp setting and do another run at that setting. This will bring the SG farther up, but it stays at 14.6v.

BTW my AGMs specify charging at 14.8ish so I do them at the WET battery setting not the lower voltage AGM setting. Lifeline AGMs at 14.4 would be different of course. You have to go by the actual battery specs, not just "AGM" Same thing with solar controllers.