Optimate

[robertjt]

I've just received an Optimate 4 for my birthday. It can switch between CAN-BUS and standard. I think my bike (S1000R) has a CAN-BUS connector, but can I attach the Optimate directly to the battery terminals? Should I disconnect the battery first?

[RK6]

Optimates usually come with a couple of waterproof connector cables so you can hook up a permanent charging point to your bike which saves the hassle of removing your seat every time you want to plug your bike in.

If you don't fancy that, you can of course just use the croc clips to charge the battery (in or out of the bike).

Good luck.

[al]

http://optimate.co.uk/Optimate%204%20Du ... ctions.pdf

[Gazza]

I always put the permanent connections on and plug the bike in as soon as I get home.

My Ducati 998s original battery (renowned as being shizzle) was still working fine when I sold it after 5 years.

[robertjt]

Cheers folks. I'm not going to fry any wiring if I connect it straight to the terminals with the battery in situ?

[al]

Cheers folks. I'm not going to fry any wiring if I connect it straight to the terminals with the battery in situ?

.. as long as you stick the optimate into CAN bus compatible mode as you would if you were using the flying lead. The CAN mode limits the charging current to avoid damaging any of the CAN electronics that might still be connected to the electrics.

If in doubt, disconnect the battery completely than use the charger in full power mode.

The CAN bus works by superimposing a data stream over the power cables so in theory all the parts of the system only require two wires. This, however means that all the devices that are hooked onto the bus contain electronics and are not just simple lights and switches. Good in some ways but bad in others.

Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian).