Schumacher Electric Fully Automatic Car Battery Charger & Engine Starter - 6V / 12V Battery Charger & Maintainer - for Standard, AGM, Gel & Deep-Cycle Batteries - Reverse Hook-Up Protection - SC1281

This is an affordable, easy to use battery charger with a jump start feature. Both options work well. I mainly use the 3 amp trickle charge. The jump starter works well too if you need it. Good brand. I have had several and they last a long time.

This charger was easy to use and worked perfectly. My truck doesn't get used much in the winter and the battery was dead this spring. When I put this charger on it, it read 19% charged and started charging. Within 15 minutes, the bad battery light came on and the charger automatically when in to repair mode showing SUL for Desulfurization. The directions said this could take 8-10 hours so I left it on overnight. When I checked it in the morning it showed that the battery was at 100% and there was a green light for fully charged. Worked great!

Works really good for a S5 80 Mercedes keeps the battery. My charge really good and very reliable.

UPDATE:DO NOT USE AS CONTINUOUS battery "tender" because there is no way to change the default setting it uses when it is initially plugged into the wall.NOT recommended because if you have a power failure in your house, when your electricity comes back on, this thing begins charging at high current, selected for an AGM type of battery. Does not matter if you previously set it to low power/"GelCell," for example, as a trickle-type charger. The risk is that you will cook a smaller battery, or one that is a traditional Sealed Lead Acid like most vehicles run, because this unit defaults to the higher voltage and current of an AGM.Previous review follows.This model has a few problems, starting with a bad cooling fan or a bad thermal sensor that allowed the unit to overheat. The blower failed to come on, and the plastic housing got very warm on the bottom, although the charging took place as normal. I returned it for an exact replacement. On the substitute one, the fan turns on when the inside needs cooling. The fan will shut off unless needed. The date code on the defective fan was 2022, and the replacement is 2023.Next up, I consider the level of automation a problem.I wish it had a "manual" mode that would let the user select and match some specific charging functions. For example, when first turned on, the unit defaults to an "AGM" type of battery at the unit's maximum 15 Amp charging rate. This could be a problem, because it's possible the user intends to charge a small AGM, gel cell, or a small lead-acid battery, for which the high current is not appropriate.The default should be on the safer, lower current setting, or it should be programmable by the user as the "default."The directions do not explain how the automatic "desulfation" function is initialized. The user must assume the automatic charger simply analyzes and "knows" a desulfation is needed. With no indicator to tell the user the function is underway, I don't trust that it is, or is not, being done.A query to the manufacturer was not answered. Earlier, instead of answering my question of how the cooling fan is turned on, I was told it was against the law to open the case. (not true)Design problem is next:The digital display is incomplete while charging. It will show a generic "12V" setting when that voltage of battery is connected, but fails to show the actual voltage measured at the clamps. There does not seem to be a way to have the display alternate between actual voltage and the percentage of charge that has been reached. The unit has the ability to measure the real voltage, and does so when initially powered up. It should be easy to assign the real voltage to the display while charging is underway, instead of a dummy "12V"The older model SC-1200A is much better. I have opened and repaired my 2009 example of the SC-1200A after a noisy fan bearing started acting up every cold winter. A $8.00 replacement fan from Amazon, mounted inside on the circuit board and frame, like the original, and it's back in service. When power is lost to the SC-1200A, it does NOTHING but come on and display the actual voltage at the battery clamps. It waits for you to initiate the charge rate and type of battery by pushing the selected buttons. Very nice & safe.The SC-1200A is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, if you can find one.

Durable battery charger works fast good price.

Great unit, beats the heck out of the just trickle chargers that cost the same and don't last.

I have found this battery charger, with it's extra fuctions, is a terrific tool for any home shop. It is somewhat pricier that other brands, but for the extra money, it does a number of functions. I am pleased with it and would recommend this battery charger for all the functions it will perform.

I am in no way a mechanic, but I like to read and try to solve my problems if possible. I've had some issues with my foot and have not been able to drive for several months. While I was in the hospital my battery completely died. I have been experiencing issues each winter with the cold since I park outside and the cold weather drains the battery. Previously I was able to jump start the battery without issue.My soon to be son-in-law installed a new battery and I would start my car every couple of days. In the last cold stretch I did not make it out to start my car for a week and the battery died again. I did my research and found that the Schumacher Electric SC1281 would recharge my battery and also test out my alternator. I found this helpful although I did not expect my alternator to need replacing since it has not been that long since it was replaced.The Schumacher Electric SC1281 was a little heavy to carry if you are a smaller person, but the case has a handle so it is kind of a wash for the portability. Make sure to have a long extension cord as you will need to plug in the charger to an outlet. The clamps are marked with the positive and negative symbols so it is easy for a novice to use. Turn on the charger and the device will automatically detect the battery type that needs the charge.The user guide was helpful, and explained the charging process and how long I needed to wait and what the various indicator lights mean during the charging process. The Schumacher Electric SC1281 has an automatic shutoff which is helpful for the novice user and prevents damage to the battery from overcharging.Also, the Schumacher Electric SC1281 solves my cold weather problem in the winter. The device also provides a trickle charge if plugged in overnight in cold weather. From what I have read, in simple terms a trickle charge means the device will give the battery enough of a charge to prevent dying in cold weather. Of course, I might win the lottery and move to Arizona before the next winter hits. Hey, a person can dream right?In summary, the Schumacher Electric SC1281 brought back my relatively new battery from the dead after a cold spell and I can use this to make my life a bit easier in the cold weather from this point forward. The cost was worth it to me as I can use this as long as I park outside in the colder months and not worry about a jump start.