CTEK battery charger

[Graham]

Hello all,

My CTEK charger seems to be playing up so I thought I'd treat myself to a new one. I've visited their site and there seems to be quite a few variants. I was wondering if any other members used CTEK and if so which models they use or recommend?

If not CTEK, any other recommendations? I've just looked on Amazon and the choice is overwhelming.

Regards

Graham

[Pride]

Hello all,

My CTEK charger seems to be playing up so I thought I'd treat myself to a new one. I've visited their site and there seems to be quite a few variants. I was wondering if any other members used CTEK and if so which models they use or recommend?

If not CTEK, any other recommendations? I've just looked on Amazon and the choice is overwhelming.

Regards

Graham

The MXS 5 is the one I use, perfect for the NSX IMHO.

https://www.ctek.com/products/vehicle/mxs-5-0

[Kaz-kzukNA1]

Hi, Graham.

What kind of issue are you experiencing with your CTEK?
Is it out of warranty?

Majority of sophisticated conditioners will have minimum voltage threshold that if the battery was drained too low, it may not start charging.
For example, CTEK MXS 5.0 requires 2.0V minimum to start the conditioning cycle to kick in.
Not sure it's the same for all models but the CTEK ones that I bought came with the 5 years warranty.

Alternative to CTEK, OptiMate/AccuMate is well known to the Racing teams and also to the motorcycle world.
I have been using Accumate 6V/12V for well over 10 years.
I forgot the max current spec but I'm quite sure it was lower than the MXS 5.0 but not a problem for the NSX battery size.
It requires minimum of about 3.0V for the AccuMate to kick in.

OptiMate is more of same base technology sold under different branding name.
For the capacity of NSX battery, I think you will need OptiMate 5 or higher model but please select the appropriate one for your NSX and other cars, motorcycle, caravan, marine, etc you have.


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I have 2 x CTEK MXS 5.0 and AccuMate 6V/12V.
All working for years without any issues.

For the price and what you get, MXS 5.0 is well balanced in my view.
You can go for the much more expensive models or even the cheaper ones within the CTEK family depending on what you want.

You can distinguish the generation and different version of the MXS 5.0 by the colour of the 'MODE' switch, etc.
The earlier generation with the Black Mode sw and the later version with the Red one.
There are other 5.0 models with different Mode sw colour as well as the body colour.

Personally, I felt the build quality of CTEK models were far better with the early models than the later ones but still OK.
There could be fake products circulating so please make sure to order from the official distributor.
If using amazon, safer to go with the one dispatched from and sold by amazon.

Kaz

[Graham]

Thanks both of you for the advice.

My charger is several years old (Multi XS 3600) so I doubt it's under any warranty. The problem is that when I press the mode switch it goes straight from the bike symbol to the cold symbol (snow flake) missing out the car symbol. I'm sure it still charges but it didn't use to do this so it's past its best. Can't seem to add a photo.

Anyway, that's two votes for the MXS 5.0 so I'll get one on order from Amazon.

Thanks again.

Graham

[duncan]

The switch failing is a reported failing of CTEK chargers, a mechanical rather than electronic problem. A search in YouTube/ the web suggests opening the unit, pulling the circuit board out, rolling the circuit over and using switch cleaner on the switch, until then keep repressing the switch until it ‘stops’ at your setting.

[Pride]

Thanks both of you for the advice.

My charger is several years old (Multi XS 3600) so I doubt it's under any warranty. The problem is that when I press the mode switch it goes straight from the bike symbol to the cold symbol (snow flake) missing out the car symbol. I'm sure it still charges but it didn't use to do this so it's past its best. Can't seem to add a photo.

Anyway, that's two votes for the MXS 5.0 so I'll get one on order from Amazon.

Thanks again.

Graham

I used to sell the old Multi XS3600 you have when I had my car stereo business many years ago and I had quiet a few returned to me not working correctly. So you've done well if you've had a good few years.

[Nick Graves]

Mine was doing weird things until I replaced the plug-in adaptor to the car's fuse box.

Suspect the old one got corroded/damaged.