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 Beware-- SEM-1562A does NOT have float mode! Jul 30, 2010
Beware-- the Schumacher SEM-1562A does NOT have a float mode and will NOT safely maintain stored batteries. The manufacturer has invented the phrase "float mode monitoring" to mislead buyers. To "float" a battery means to prevent it from discharging by applying a steady voltage at very low amperage. When a battery charger is in "float mode" the battery neither charges nor discharges, so it will last a long time because batteries age and wear out with each discharge-recharge cycle. The Schumacher SEM-1562A does NOT have a float mode. Instead, according to the documentation packaged with it, the SEM-1562A charges up any attached battery then turns off the charging voltage. The device then monitors the battery's own voltage until that falls significantly (indicating partial discharge), at which point the SEM-1562A re-charges the battery. That is to say, according to Schumacher, the SEM-1562A device CYCLES the battery. Instead of extending the battery's life, this process will SHORTEN THE LIFE OF THE BATTERY. Since true "float mode" chargers are most desirable and the SEM-1562A lacks float mode, Schumacher has evidently decided to mislead buyers by redefining the technical term "float" to mean "discharge" in the phrase "float [discharge] mode monitoring."
If you want a small charger with a proper float mode, consider the Battery Tender 021-0128 Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger.
1 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Dissapointed Jun 11, 2010
Inexpensive to buy, but this unit had a faulty cord that prevented the battery from charging. Called the manuf after playing wit it for two weeks and found out if you can't show a receipt of purchase they won't stand behind the warranty. You get what you pay for I guess
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Won't charge a dead battery May 25, 2010
It is a maintainer, not a charger. This unit is great for topping off a battery, and/or maintaining one in storage. No issue with that, but it will not charge a dead battery. At a very low battery voltage like 10.6V, it simply turns on its RED LED and shuts off - no go, unusable. That was on an unusually small car battery, for a Prius. I think it is cooling problem, because in final desperation, I set it up on end, with LED at bottom, and hot transformer at top, then it managed to work. Set it back flat, and it turns off.
Disappointed.. risk is that it may not be there for me when I most need it.
 They work great for me May 02, 2010
I bought 2 of these chargers and they have worked great on the batteries in my boat, 4-wheeler, scooter, motorcyles, garden tractors, and stored car. I haven't used it on a 6V battery yet so I don't know how the auto select feature works. I wish they included more plugs for all my vehicles.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Hook it up and forget about it. Mar 11, 2010
This battery tender has worked fine for my motorcycle and auto batteries. I like that fact that it includes both a slow (1.5 amp) charge mode and a monitor mode so you can hook it up to a slightly under charged battery and forget about it. It will charge the remaining capacity and then switch to maintenance mode. Has worked fine so far.
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