Review on ⚡️ Optima Digital 400 12V Performance Maintainer and Battery Charger - The Ultimate Power Solution by Ari Tanner

I bought this charger in early January 2013 and had enough time to try it. After about two months of use, the display began to lose individual segments, after which the device stopped working. This was an early production issue that appears to have been fixed. Warranty service was disappointing as Optima reps kept pointing out that they had not received my email attachments or my faxes with receipts needed to fulfill the warranty. After several frustrating weeks and escalations, I was finally sent a new Optima 1200 with a pre-paid return label for the defective unit. The replacement device works perfectly so far. A few weeks ago, the side panel where the USB port and the socket for the mount are located fell off. It looks like the plastic surrounding the mounting screws is thin and crumbly. I don't abuse my gear, and given the original history of my Optima charger, I treated it with kid gloves. Rather than do another warranty test, I decided to repair the unit myself by changing the side panel fasteners, using longer screws and standoffs, and modifying the internal bracket that holds a small circuit board with a USB power supply and charger output . Wiring, connectors and LEDs. This should be a permanent fix, time will tell if I have other issues. Internally, the 1200 is pretty solid and technically sound with a pretty impressive overall design. As a charger it works very well and is quite versatile with all the different charging modes. AGM (Optima) modes give batteries a longer bulk charge than normal settings by keeping the peak voltage slightly lower to prevent cell outgassing. AGM batteries, particularly deep-cycle options, tend to suffer from under-discharge during normal cycling, which builds up over time, resulting in seemingly "dead" batteries that are simply under-charged. The 1200's charge current goes up to 12 amps, which is more than enough to safely bring a dead battery back to life in about 15 minutes if you've only left the lights on and barely revved the engine. Deeply discharged batteries require an overnight session with the Optima. The charger can be left connected indefinitely after charging is complete, as the charger will enter maintenance mode after completion. Reloading is not possible. There is an internal fan that turns on when charging at higher currents, the charger can get a little warm under heavy use. The 1200's optional battery maintenance feature is a welcome addition. Compatible with (and supplied with) conventional SAE "on-board" charging cables that come with most service tools such as Battery Tender, BatteryMINDer, CTEK and other brands. Please note that the supplied cable that connects to the charger has a patented female end that connects to the socket on the charger, which is not standard. You need the supplied cable to connect it to the charging cable. However, standard SAE two-prong extension cables and accessories can be connected to the cable. Don't lose the rope! The service function has a maximum output current of 4 amps, giving the Optima the ability to both charge and service, unlike small format servicers that are 1 amp or less. It also works well for large batteries such as those found in RVs, boats and diesel trucks where small maintenance personnel may not be able to break them. Multiple battery types, an integrated mount with dedicated cable or charging clips, and an LED indicator on the positive clip make for a versatile and easy-to-use charger. The case is very solidly built, the included cable storage is a nice touch, and the case profile, which supports the six-pack Optima form factor, makes the product attractive. Aside from the original display issue and recent accessory panel failure, the charger worked for me. My list of criticisms is mostly short, the LEDs that indicate the selected functions and the operating status are not very bright, with the exception of the blue power indicator and a very bright white backlight, the rest of the indicators are difficult to see, especially in even moderate sunlight. The main power/charging board is mounted very low in the base of the charger, so it doesn't take a lot of standing water to get into the lower vents and cause potential problems. The fan inlet is actually hidden between the main body and the charging cable compartment. Do not place the charger on a soft surface, otherwise the bottom vents will be blocked and the charger will be hotter than normal during use. I doubt this will cause a crash as the circuit includes overheat protection features. The delay between plugging in the charger and selecting the charge mode for the charger to actually start charging seems a little longer than necessary. The charger will read the battery's initial voltage and give the battery a little charge to see what it's facing before it starts charging, so patience is required. The power cord seems a bit short, I found that a few extra feet would make the difference between a necessity and an extension cord or not. In summary, I had high hopes for the Optima 1200. I own several vehicles, as well as outdoor equipment and a mobile home that need a charging station from time to time, as well as my workshop job. I've also had issues with newer vintage Optima batteries not being to the standards I'm used to from previous examples so I found some other (Deka, Odyssey) AGM replacements but I still have three Optimas. also in use. Initial failure, return issues that were eventually resolved, and a recent side glass that fell apart dampened my initial enthusiasm, especially given the rather high price paid for the Optima. I'll recommend it, but after a little more growing pains it wears off.