OptiMate

[steveab]

Hi, Anyone got an OptiMate optimiser fitted? I don''t have a manual for it, but it started beeping at me today (I thought the beeping could be the alarm, but it came from behind me - boot, and all the alarm stuff is at the front of the car, oh and it definitley wasn''t the stereo) Cheers Steve

[GrahamSaunders]

Steve - I've used an Optimate for the past 3 years on an S2 and now on a 4.0 Chimp. Never had any problems and Optimate confirmed that it was OK to use permanently on an alarmed TVR.

[steveab]

Graham, I'm convinced there's no problem with the unit. But is there some audible warning when the charge level drops too low? It hasn't occurred for a while. But interesting my cars been parked outside on the drive alarmed for over a week, and the battery seems happy enough. Usually (ie not in the summer!) the car lives in the garage and is always on charge, since the I alarm the car even if its in the garage. I'll give the manufacture a call again to see if I can obtain a manual! Steve

[fordy]

whats an optimate optimiser and what does it do???

[steveab]

It's essentially a trickle charger. Mines all nicley wired into the boot with the battery wiring hiden. The only thing you seen is a small box (about the size of a large mobile phone) and a standard mains plug. Simply plug in the optimate and it keeps the battery topped up with charge. OK with alarms I understand, good really since I always leave it alarmed even in the garage. Worth investing in one if your car is not driven much (less than once a week), or it does low milages. One word of caution, DON'T get a dealer to fit one. Fortunatley mine was fitted with the car, but HH quoted about £170 for the unit fitted. A friend of mine is a biker and says they're common place for bikes. They can be bought from about £40 from a bike dealer (like Carnells etc). I'm no expert but I would say its about a 2 hour job, taking your time. Worst part would be laying the cables neatly, ie removing facia and the center console. Steve

[GrahamSaunders]

Fordy - dead simple installation, just like on a bike battery. Unit comes with a two terminal connector jack which bolts onto battery terminals. Leave lead slightly out of carpet in footwell and connect when required to Optimate unit. Thin cable easily fits between window glass and seal. 15 mins max and a strained neck!

[fordy]

thanks. I was just curious. i dont think ill need one, i use my Chim every day as its my only car, and havnt yet had a problem with a flat battery. cheers chris