If one is good, more must be better, and so goes the mantra hot rodders live by. It really is surprising to find out just how many projects we hot rodders have, but what's truly amazing to find out is just how many batteries all of us try to keep charged. Not all of these batteries are exclusively in cars; remember we have motorcycles and a various assortment of other battery digesting projects. (Throw in my tractor, two old trucks, and one running hot rod and I look like a battery service station.)
According to PulseTech, the average lead acid battery lifespan can range from as little as six months to 48 months, however, only 30 percent of the batteries sold today will ever see their third birthday. Extremes of heat and cold, parasitic drains for onboard electronics, and just poor maintenance are the main reasons for subpar performance and early onset battery failure. One way to get the most out of your battery is to properly engage maintenance charging and by doing so you can greatly extend your battery's lifespan up to five times normal performance.
Having a garage full of chargers can become both expensive and cumbersome so we have PulseTech to thank for coming up with a handy Xtreme Charge 12V Battery Maintenance Charger ($99.95) and the QuadLink ($99.95). Couple these two devices and you can properly maintain four individual batteries—simultaneously.
XC100-P Xtreme Charge
The XC100-P Xtreme Charge (PN 100X010) will evaluate and test 12V lead-acid batteries; VRLA, AGM, or flooded. It's an ideal tool for both charging and maintaining a battery. It's true plug-and-go technology; you don't need to select the battery type or the proper charge rate for your battery to avoid the risk of unsafe or improper charging. There's no guesswork because the fuse-protected, spark-proof Xtreme Charge works on any type of 12V lead-acid battery.
The quick disconnect feature allows you to permanently attach lugs to the battery and easily switch between lugs and clamps. The status light column shows you when the unit power is on, pulsing, and charging. The battery light column indicates the percentage of the battery's state of charge; 25, 50, 75, or 100 percent.
QuadLink
Their creation is the QuadLink (PN 100X004 and Model No. XC-QL4), a four-way switcher that turns any brand 6V or 12V DC battery maintenance charger up to 8 amps (using the standard two-prong output connector) into a four-station battery maintenance charger, automatically splitting and distributing all of the maintenance charger's capabilities into 10-minute sequencing charge segments. QuadLink comes with necessary hardware that will allow you to hook up to four batters via permanent eyelet lugs. (Should you have the common alligator clip leads they will work as well.) It also has four, 5-foot extension leads; there are optional 5- and 25-foot extensions.
With the QuadLink there's no longer a reason to use multiple battery maintenance chargers on vehicles or batteries in storage. Since most battery maintenance chargers are in float mode 95 percent of the time, QuadLink's unique ability to switch back and forth between batteries allows a single battery maintenance charger the ability to charge and maintain up to four batteries. It's a simple plug-and-go application with a microprocessor that automatically adapts to the number of batteries actually connected.
It doesn't get much easier than this. Around my shop I've found that pulling batteries from their normal resting place and putting them on workbench and then hooking up the QuadLink is another ideal and easy way to maintain charge on multiple batteries.
1. An ideal charging/maintenance system for your various battery needs is the Xtreme Charger coupled with the QuadLink four-channel battery charger multiplier; works on 6V or 12V systems.">
<strong>1</strong>. An ideal charging/maintenance system for your various battery needs is the Xtreme Charger coupled with the QuadLink four-channel battery charger multiplier; works on 6V or 12V systems.
2. The Xtreme Charge Battery Charger & Desulfator evaluates and tests 12V lead-acid batteries—VRLA, AGM or flooded.">
<strong>2</strong>. The Xtreme Charge Battery Charger & Desulfator evaluates and tests 12V lead-acid batteries—VRLA, AGM or flooded.
3. The QuadLink is one of the better ideas to come along for the home shop where multiple batteries (up to four) need to be maintained. Compatible with all chargers that use the standard two-pin power output connector.">
<strong>3</strong>. The QuadLink is one of the better ideas to come along for the home shop where multiple batteries (up to four) need to be maintained. Compatible with all chargers that use the standard two-pin power output connector.
4. Connections can be made using the common quick-connect clips (alligator clips) to attach to battery terminals but the QuadLink comes with "leave-on" eyelet lugs that remain in place on battery terminals when not in use. These also come with a 7.5-amp fuse protected.">
<strong>4</strong>. Connections can be made using the common quick-connect clips (alligator clips) to attach to battery terminals but the QuadLink comes with "leave-on" eyelet lugs that remain in place on battery terminals when not in use. These also come with a 7.5-amp fuse protected.
5. The QuadLink has four ends for up to four batteries. Green LED lights tell you which battery is being charged and if you use less than the four connections the device automatically adapts to the number of batteries connected.">
<strong>5</strong>. The QuadLink has four ends for up to four batteries. Green LED lights tell you which battery is being charged and if you use less than the four connections the device automatically adapts to the number of batteries connected.
