Schumacher SE-82-6 Dual Rate Manual Battery Charger #SE-82-6

I only received this a couple of days or so ago. I tested it out and it worked fine. I tested it on a not quite fully charged battery. I had one of these for many years until Sandy took it away. It works the same as my old one so far. Upon connecting using the 6 amp setting, the meter went to 8 for a second or two, then gradually dropped to ~ 3 amps. I unplugged it, then set it to 2 amps and plugged it again. The lower gauge went to ~2 amps for a second or so, then dropped just below that. That is exactly the way my old one did. Same metal case and heavy transformer. It only remains to be seen if it will last as long.To the other reviewers that panned this for a lack of automatic shutoff or a fully charged light, please buy an automatic model. I used the previous version of this to charge batteries that are very dead from lights left on, long storage, etc. An automatic model probably will not read enough voltage to start charging. I also used this to put a; "Top off charge" into my boat batteries, My automatic charger used to shut off just below fully charged.

This 2 amp 6 amp battery charger functions perfectly. I had a new discharged 12 v interstate car battery sitting in the elements for a year, and was wondering if it had sulfated due to non use. I hooked it up to my Schumacher, and warmed it on the 2 amp setting for a few hours, then switched to the 6 amp for a few hours till I was sure it was really taking a good charge (the display is easier to read in 6amp setting) then put it on 2 amp until I was sure the charge was complete. It took me a day and a half, but the battery is still well over 12 volts two days later, and cranks the auto just fine. A new batt. is over a hundred dollars, but this unit is a real bargain.

Received this from Amazon and put it right to work attempting to revive a battery that went dead over the winter. As I waited for the battery to charge, I noticed the sealed battery had vented itself through its safety valve several times. The battery also became quite hot, more than what was expected. Almost hot enough to be uncomfortable to hold. Upon checking the battery with a multimeter, the multimeter displayed a negative voltage. I spent the next hour double checking everything, trying different batteries, etc. Still showed negative voltage while charging. I decided to inspect the unit (4x torx 15 security screws) and lo and behold, the clamp wires were incorrectly connected INSIDE THE UNIT. It is clearly marked "(-) out" and "(+) out" on the board inside.It seemed to me when I unboxed the unit, that it may have been opened before. However, after reading some of the 1-star reviews here, I am beginning to think it really is a case of extremely poor quality control. This issue would explain a majority of the problems many others have given about shorting out, killing batteries, etc. I'm surprised there isn't a recall on this item. I would never think I would need to check a new item to make sure it was assembled correctly, given other older Schumacher products I own. The unit seems to work correctly after swapping the blade connectors to the proper locations. Time will tell if the battery is destroyed and if the unit lasts much longer.

I originally purchased this charger to be used for electrolysis rust removal.I have two 12v batteries that I use when camping, one deep cycle and one standard automotive, and both got rejected by my 2 "smart" chargers even though they both were showing at least 10 volts.I figured there was nothing to loose trying this new Schumacher out on them.Set at 12v 6amps I was able to recharge/recover both batteries in a 12 hour charge, and was then able put them on a electronic charger for a 24 hr pulse desulphate cycle.Days later both batteries are still holding a solid 12+ volts.FYI this charger is not meant as a battery maintainer and can boil out a battery if just left on for days on end... But, it may be just what you are looking for if you have a battery(s) that a electronic/smart charger will not charge.

It worked alright for electrolysis for a while, but then it flashed/popped and quit working after about two weeks. Wasted my money on this one. If you want to use for electrolysis, I would look elsewhere.

Very good, time tested unit. Has a auto re-setting circuit breaker in the event of a short circuit. One caution, if you want to use this on smaller 6 volt batteries, such as an antique motorcycle battery, as I did, the 6 volt charging rate starts out at 6 amps, which may be too much for that type of battery. The charge rate does taper off to approx. 2 amps. It doesn't automatically shut off when the battery is fully charged like a battery tender does. I've used it on my tall 6 volt Harley battery but it requires close monitoring that the battery doesn't over heat or boil itself dry.