Comparison Maxinter PLUS-20CT vs Forte CD-120

— Charger. In accordance with the name, such devices are designed to charge discharged batteries. In standard mode car batteries are recharged from the car's on-board power supply when the engine is running, but this option does not give sufficient guarantees: the battery can be discharged from a long staying in the garage, from being in the cold, due to headlights left on, etc. Chargers allow you to bring the battery back to normal in case of such troubles: they convert alternating current from a 230 V to direct current, with the parameters necessary for charging.

— Starting device (booster). Devices designed to start the engine when it is impossible to use the battery for this — if it is discharged or out of order. Such devices will be useful in cases where there is no time or opportunity to charge a standard battery (in particular, when “you need to go right now”). Typically, the booster has its own battery or supercapacitor, which allows such devices to be used regardless of sockets (see "Built-in battery capacity"). Also note that some “launchers” also provide use as a charger for various gadgets and are equipped with the appropriate connectors — USB or DC (for both, see below).

— Charger and jump starter. This category includes models that combine the capabilities of the types described above and are able to work both in the charger mode and in the starter mode. Such units are th...e most versatile, however, they usually cost accordingly.

— Automatic battery charger. A specific type of chargers (see above) based on advanced control circuits using microprocessors. This design gives much more features than in the usual "charger". So, automatic chargers can be produced based on specific types of batteries that have special requirements for the charging procedure. Some models allow the connection of two energy sources at once, with automatic selection of the best option; this possibility is indispensable when using alternative energy sources, the power specifications of which can constantly change (for example, solar panels or wind generators). The design may even include temperature sensors that optimize the operation mode depending on the ambient temperature. The main disadvantage of automatic chargers is their high cost (despite the fact that for most classic car batteries, these advantages are not particularly important).

— Transformer. The design of such devices is based on a transformer with a rectifier, operating on the principle of electromagnetic induction. It converts alternating power from the network into a small direct power for charging the battery. Transformer chargers are distinguished by increased reliability, simple design and low cost. At the same time, they have large dimensions and solid weight.

— Pulse (inverter). Pulse (inverter) chargers affect the battery by supplying high-frequency pulses of low-amperage power. Using pulse chargers, it is possible to supply both direct and alternating power; sometimes they are used for mixed or combined charging of batteries. The vast majority of such chargers operate in an autonomous mode with automatic parameter control. Also, pulse chargers are many times more compact and lighter than transformer counterparts, but they are more expensive.

The parameter determines compatibility with batteries, that is, with what types of batteries a charger or start-charger or a car booster can be used. Incorrect charger operation mode promises overcharging of the battery, its swelling and failure.

WET / EFB (Lead-Acid). The abbreviation WET is used to designate traditional lead-acid batteries with a liquid electrolyte. EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) is their improved subtype with thicker pure lead plates and a positive electrode in a special microfiber envelope. Both transformer devices and most impulse batteries are suitable for charging acid batteries.

AGM. In the design of AGM batteries, the electrolyte is in an absorbed state: the compartments of such a battery are filled with porous fiberglass material, which contains acid. This type of battery is particularly sensitive to overcharging - it is necessary to select a suitable charger with a certain set of automatic functions for it.

gel. In gel batteries, the electrolyte is brought to a jelly-like state with the help of special thickeners. The key to choosing the right GEL battery charger is the ability to vary the amount of charging current depending on how badly the battery is discharged.

LifePO4. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are charged with constant voltage an...d current. As the voltage in the battery approaches the maximum value, the charge current should decrease, and after the end of the charging process, its supply should stop completely. To keep LiFePO4 batteries in good shape, devices with appropriate automatic functions are suitable.

Li-Ion. Lithium-ion Li-Ion batteries are charged in the same way as lithium-iron-phosphate counterparts. For them, you will need to pick up an automatic device with the ability to supply constant voltage and current.

The nominal voltage of the batteries that the device can work with. For boosters (see "Type"), in this case, the voltage that the "starter" can output at the output in the engine start mode is indicated.

- 6 V. Voltage found in some motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and similar vehicles.

- 12 V. Standard voltage of batteries (and on-board networks) for passenger cars, as well as light trucks and minibuses.

- 24 V. Voltage used mainly in trucks, buses and other heavy equipment. Also found in some heavy SUVs.

Rated starting current of the starter or booster (see "Type").

In this case, we mean the current that the device in the engine start mode can produce for a relatively long time (at least 30 s, or even more). This indicator must not be lower than the rated starting current consumed by the starter of the car — otherwise the device simply does not have enough power to effectively scroll the starter and start the engine. Information about the required starting current can be clarified by the documentation for the machine, or by the characteristics of the battery that is used in it as standard. For most passenger cars, this figure lies in the range from 200 to 400 A ; less powerful starting devices are intended mainly for motorcycles and other similar vehicles, and more powerful ones for buses, trucks and other heavy equipment, among such “starters” there are models for 400 – 600 A and even more.

The smallest current that the charger can provide in charging mode. See "Maximum charging current.

This parameter in our catalog is indicated only for those models that have several current adjustments (see below).

The highest current that the charger can provide in charging mode. For models with one current adjustment (see below), its value is also indicated in this paragraph.

Different battery models may differ in charging parameters, including over the optimum current range. Accordingly, it is worth choosing a charger in such a way that it matches this range. Detailed selection recommendations can be found in special sources — in particular, documentation for batteries.

The number of adjustments (fixed settings) of the current strength provided in the design of the charging device.

One adjustment means that the device is capable of delivering a strictly fixed current. And if there are several adjustments, then the more there are, the more accurately you can adjust the operating parameters for a specific battery, the less likely it is that the optimal current value will fall between two adjustments.

In addition, there are two specific types of adjustment — automatic and smooth. Smooth adjustment allows you to select almost any value of current strength within the adjustment range; in this case, the tuning accuracy can reach tenths or even hundredths of an ampere. On the other hand, such an adjustment is the most demanding on the knowledge and skills of the user: you need to know exactly the parameters of the battery being charged and strictly monitor the observance of the charging mode. The opposite option is automatic adjustment — when the charger independently determines and sets the required current value. This option is as convenient and simple as possible — only some basic settings may be required from the user, for example, specifying the type of battery being charged. At the same time, in some models, automation can not only initially set the optimal current strength, but also...regulate it during the charging process depending on the state of the battery, providing the most efficient and gentle charging mode.

The capacity of batteries with an operating voltage of 12 V, for which a starter charger can be used. As a rule, modern units are not designed for one specific value, but for a range of capacities, which greatly facilitates the search filter according to the required parameters.

Note that although the discrepancy between the rechargeable battery in terms of capacity is not as critical as in terms of current or voltage, this does not mean that this parameter should not be paid attention to. Both too capacious and too “small” a battery will cause the charger to work in an off-design mode, which is harmful to both the “charger” and the battery, and can even lead to accidents.