I noticed that my Schumacher SC-12000A Speed Charger (40/15 amp multi-stage fast charge; 2 amp slow charger; 120 amp engine start) for 6 or 12 volt batteries (programmed for all types) also was dropped from the market this year. Their current batch of multi-stage chargers have a lower maximum rated amps for fast charging, and of course a lower price.
It was their heavy-duty competition for the BD (Vector) charger. I purchased mine in 2006 when the list price $230. I did get it on sale.
I suppose both manufacturers dropped them because of low sales (limited market) and the rather high price for them. For automotive use and charging single batteries they are serious "over-kill". The programming used will cut back on the highest charging rates to the point that a much cheaper charger doing 15 amps would get the job (full charge) in a similar time.
I suppose those of us using them the way they work best for large enough battery-banks are a very small percentage of the buying market.
There is also the possibility that the higher voltage used to finish the charging cycle has the legal department worried since newer vehicles have sensitive electronics which the uninformed could possibly damage by not isolating the battery(s) being charged with these units. That would just be a guess on my part.
Mark & Jan "Old age & treachery win over youth & enthusiasm"
2003 Fleetwood Jamboree 29
