Which Battery Charger for Tuning

[Mugatu]

I just got the IE tune and I know I need to have a battery charger to safeguard while it gets applied to the car.

I asked IE, and they just recommended any charger that puts out at least 10 amps, and to be sure its an actual charger and not a trickle charger or jump box.

Can anyone recommend a battery charger they used for their tune that worked without a hitch?

[sd->dc]

Don’t need a charger, trickle will do. I use a ctek trickle charger I paid about $80 from Amazon for

[kuroitenpi2]

This one works great!

https://a.co/d/1iTAna6

Sent from my CPH2437 using Audizine Forum mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

[bluonyx]

I bought this one on Amazon, since I flash quite a few cars. Stays at a constant 14.2V for flashing. Tried the ctek trickles but they only put out 4amps and when flashing for sometimes an hour I want that extra security.

https://a.co/d/1lgBK2s

INC100 DSR ProSeries Battery Charger Flash Reprogrammer, and Power Supply with Battery Support - 100A, 12V, Black

[JohnEnglish]

This one works great!

https://a.co/d/1iTAna6

Sent from my CPH2437 using Audizine Forum mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)This is the one most people use and the one 034 recommends.

[Redblueblur]

I bought the Clore Automotive PL2320 from Amazon. Pretty sure I got the recommendation from someone on this forum. It has a “power supply” mode specifically for when doing things that create a huge draw on your battery.

Clore Automotive PL2320 20-Amp Fully-Automatic Smart Charger, 6V and 12V Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer, and Stable Power Supply with Temperature Compensation https://a.co/d/5TrNvkN


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

[SlowRolla]

Another vote for the Clore PL2320 20-Amp.

[iReminisce]

I used this one from Harbor Freight for both my S5 with an 034 tune and my RS5 with an IE tune in 15A mode.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2815-amp-automatic-microprocessor-controlled-battery-charger-56796.html

[Smac770]

I doubt the B9 draws any less power than my B8 at base minimum, which is 10A just sitting there with everything disabled I can (doors closed, climate system off, DRLs off, audio muted, etc).

AZ a.co links suck; the redirect just keeps ending at superoffers.com. The CTEK 20A unit (CS Free) is $300. I assume this is the one linked since 034 says 20A+ and CTEK. The CTEK 25A is $500.

The Clore sounds likes a good unit, full featured charger with power supply mode up to 20A. But I find this statement in the manual odd: "Also, this operational mode is intended for use in a wide variety of repair applications, but is not intended for use when flash reprogramming vehicle modules – such reprogramming requires amperages great than the output of this charger." Appears power supply mode is a fixed target of 14.1V. Which matches up to Clore's document for flashing voltage: https://cloreautomotive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12-Volt-100A-Flashing-Power-Supply-and-604010A-Battery-Charger-3.pdf Of course they have a unit they recommend for flash activities, PL6100, at quite a few hundred dollars, and requires a 20A 120V circuit.

Seems brands known for power supplies to support vehicles during flashing/programming include Midtronics, IOTA, Fronius, Ateq, Schumacher. And seems 50A is the starting point for a flash supporting power supply. Probably why Clore's statement. But damn, you're at $300 and up for that kind of supply. Midtronics MSP-070 starting at $800 and up.
https://mhhauto.com/Thread-WHICH-BATTERY-CHARGER-IS-BEST-4-ECU-FLASH-REPROGRAMMING-IN-ABSENCE-OF-MIDTRONICS

Needing 70-100A for a programming event sounds nuts to me. Sounds like 20A seems reasonable. It would be interesting to know what specs the dealerships use when doing ECU, TCU, and MMI updates. Some of that MMI stuff can take over an hour.
The one on the audi.snapon.com is a Schumacher, 65A, https://audi.snapon.com/SpecialToolsDetail.aspx?itemId=66210163

[Hostile]

This is the one most people use and the one 034 recommends.

I have only ever heard 034 recommend CTEK- on their livestreams, here in Audizine and on their product websites.

[LYKUNO]

Recently got a CTEK Multi US 7002. Made in China (what isn't!) but good quality and design features. Here's a pic of what it comes with (https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/984990-Battery-Charging-and-Maintaining-with-CTEK-etc?p=15026136&viewfull=1#post15026136). I used the alligator clips for awhile but then hardwired the ring terminal leads (provided with the charger) to the positive charging and ground posts under the hood. Makes hooking the charger up fast and easy.

[wwhan]

The battery charger connected to the vehicle for flashing does not need to support full load, it just needs to prevent the storage battery from excessive discharge & keep the voltage droop to a minimum.

[Code]

I use the Noco Genius G1100. Works like a charm.

[initiala4]

I doubt the B9 draws any less power than my B8 at base minimum, which is 10A just sitting there with everything disabled I can (doors closed, climate system off, DRLs off, audio muted, etc).

AZ a.co links suck; the redirect just keeps ending at superoffers.com. The CTEK 20A unit (CS Free) is $300. I assume this is the one linked since 034 says 20A+ and CTEK. The CTEK 25A is $500.

The Clore sounds likes a good unit, full featured charger with power supply mode up to 20A. But I find this statement in the manual odd: "Also, this operational mode is intended for use in a wide variety of repair applications, but is not intended for use when flash reprogramming vehicle modules – such reprogramming requires amperages great than the output of this charger." Appears power supply mode is a fixed target of 14.1V. Which matches up to Clore's document for flashing voltage: https://cloreautomotive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12-Volt-100A-Flashing-Power-Supply-and-604010A-Battery-Charger-3.pdf Of course they have a unit they recommend for flash activities, PL6100, at quite a few hundred dollars, and requires a 20A 120V circuit.

Seems brands known for power supplies to support vehicles during flashing/programming include Midtronics, IOTA, Fronius, Ateq, Schumacher. And seems 50A is the starting point for a flash supporting power supply. Probably why Clore's statement. But damn, you're at $300 and up for that kind of supply. Midtronics MSP-070 starting at $800 and up.
https://mhhauto.com/Thread-WHICH-BATTERY-CHARGER-IS-BEST-4-ECU-FLASH-REPROGRAMMING-IN-ABSENCE-OF-MIDTRONICS

Needing 70-100A for a programming event sounds nuts to me. Sounds like 20A seems reasonable. It would be interesting to know what specs the dealerships use when doing ECU, TCU, and MMI updates. Some of that MMI stuff can take over an hour.
The one on the audi.snapon.com is a Schumacher, 65A, https://audi.snapon.com/SpecialToolsDetail.aspx?itemId=66210163

The local dealer here uses CTEK or Deutronic for flashing updates.

[wwhan]

Another option is the Schumacher SC1281 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Charger, Engine Starter, Boost Maintainer and Auto Desulfator with Advanced Diagnostic Testing- 100 Amp/30 Amp: https://www.schumacherelectric.com/products/6-2-30-100a-6v-12v-charger-engine-starter/

https://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-SC1281-Automatic-Battery-Charger/dp/B07BLLRM8R

About the Mfr: https://www.schumacherelectric.com/about-us/

[Lensch09]

My car chills out on the Ctek MULTI US 7002. I would use that for tuning as well. Works great, and can also re-condition AGM batteries if need be.

-DL

[Sean@TAG]

We live off the CTEK products here at TAG :) Let us know if ya need one, we can get you some good pricing on them!

[wwhan]

We live off the CTEK products here at TAG :) Let us know if ya need one, we can get you some good pricing on them!

So many options;

CTEK - 40-206 MXS 5.0 Fully Automatic 4.3 amp, Battery Charger and Maintainer 12V, $94.95

CTEK (56-353) MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Battery Charger, 7A, $177.49

CTEK (56-959) Silver MUS 4.3 TEST & CHARGE 12 Volt, 4.3A, Fully Automatic Charger and Tester, $124.99

CTEK (56-958) MUS 4.3 POLAR 12 Volt Fully Automatic Extreme Climate 8 Step Battery Charger, $109.99

[sroutray1286]

Which mode on the battery charger should I choose prior to tuning? AGM? Standard? Gel?

[wwhan]

Which mode on the battery charger should I choose prior to tuning? AGM? Standard? Gel?

My 2019 RS5 came with an OEM AGM battery (noted as Fleece on VCDS). Isn't your battery an AGM?

Old OEM AGM battery was Varta 7P0915105A, replacement AGM battery was Audi # 000-915-089-BD

[c99]

Every tuner recommends 100A charger for safety reason, minimum is 30A, for chiptuning of ECU over OBD
It isn't necessary for common battery charging.

[Smac770]

The Audi recall notice for some ECM updates for emissions compliance for recent A3 states "Battery Tester/Charger capable of minimum 90 Amp continuous supply" under required tools.

[Volvo_Expert]

Every tuner recommends 100A charger for safety reason.

This isnt just a tuner thing. This was required by Volvo and at Audi (when i worked there for a 6 month stint in 2018). Your off the shelf walmart battery tender does not provide consistent and filtered smooth power that our $500-$1000 dealership battery maintainers do. Will the walmart work? Sure, until it doesnt and your car ends up a brick. I have bricked a few Volvo's in my career and i know many many techs that have too by being lazy and not using a proper battery maintainer. That is why i bought and own this https://b2b.snapon.com/productDetails/EEBC500B-INT/2