BatteryMINDer 28252-AA User Manual

BatteryMINDer

®

Model 28252-AA-Series

(With Desulfation)

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

28-Volt @ 25 Amp

Avionic Power Supply / Charger -

Desulfator

FOR 24-V LEAD-ACID AIRCRAFT BATTERY ONLY.

Contact VDC Electronics for any other resets needed

Dip Switch Settings

Standard Aviation

1 8

432

765

Gill 7000 Series, Odyssey & Hawker

1 8

432

765

Huntington, NY 11743 U.S.A.

[e-mail]

1 8

VDC Electronics, Inc.

147D Woodbury Road

www.BatteryMINDers.com

Outside of US & Canada,

see page 35 for contact

information

READ AND SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

See Page 12 for Simplified Operating Instructions

Concorde Aviation

432

765

Rev. I-100511 P/N VDC28252-AA-Series-MNL

BatteryMINDer

®

Model 28252-AA-Series

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cautions and Features 4

Required Safety Instructions 6

Never Charge a Frozen Battery 7

Unit Location 7

DC Connection Precautions 7

A Spark Near the Battery May Cause Battery Explosion 8

Testing a Filler Cap Lead Acid Battery 9

Qualifying Your Battery 9 - 10

Specific Gravity – Capacity 10

Testing a Sealed, AGM, Lead Acid Battery 11

Use a Digital Voltmeter Only 11

Open Circuit No Load Voltage Table 11

Operating Instructions (Simplified) 12

Control and Indicators 13

Battery Connectors (Included & Optional) 14

Temp Sensor & A2GPU 15

Dip Switch Instructions 15

Operating Instructions (Detailed) 16 - 18

Display (LCD) Error Code Table 17

Temperature Sensor ABS-2825 Instructions 19

LED Indicator Functions 20

Effects of Temperature on Battery Life 21

AGM and Flooded Charge & Float Voltages at Various
Temperature Ranges 22

Troubleshooting 23

Detailed Specifications 24

AC Power Input Characteristics 25

Factory Preset Table 26 - 27

Rev. I-100511 Page 2 P/N VDC28252-AA-Series-MNL

BatteryMINDer

®

Model 28252-AA-Series

TABLE OF CONTENTS (con’t.)

Power Supply Mode Selected Table 28
Safety and Protection Table 28

Electrical Cable and Physical Parameters 29

Desulfator Wave 30

Top View and Dimensions 31

LED Aviation Display Table 32

Your Notes 33

Repair or Replacement (US & Canada) 34

Repair or Replacement (Outside US & Canada) 35

Warranty 36

Rev. I-100511 Page 3 P/N VDC28252-AA-Series-MNL

BatteryMINDer

®

Model 28252-AA-Series

CAUTIONS: READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND BEFORE
OPERATING. Contact VDC Electronics if uncertain about
any settings or operation.

BatteryMINDer® Charger / Power Supply / Desulfator /

V-balancer

Switching mode with Microprocessor-controlled

Input: 100-240Vac / Output: 24Vdc 25Amp

User’s Manual and Important Safety Information

Model: 28252-AA-Series

FEATURES

Congratulations on purchasing VDC Electronic’s new generation
switching mode Battery Charger - Power Supply - HF Pulse-Type
Desulfator.
This BatteryMINDer® comprises both patented technology
and patent pending technology and incorporates the following
features:

High frequency switching mode = reduced weight, size and higher

•
(>85%)

Microprocessor controlled - ensures precise voltage, current and time

•

related functions
Auto universal AC input with Power Factor Correction (PFC) control

•

- no manual switching = error free match to input power source world­wide
High efficiency with low input current allow use of AC extension cable

•

(up to 250’-16AWG)
Aviation specific charging modes - ensures full compliance with major

•

aviation battery manufacturer’s specifications
V-balancing mode provides individual battery voltage balancing (2 x

•

12-V battery connected in series) and battery internal cells balancing
(US Patent Pending). Requires VDC Authorized reset and

additional Temp-Voltage Sensor.

Manual button select power supply output for “no battery drain”

•

when powering avionics-electronics.
Manual button select for high power Desulfation pulse output to

•

prolong battery life- (USA Patented and Patent pending).
LCD meter- display shows charging status and function settings.

•

Rev. I-100511 Page 4 P/N VDC28252-AA-Series-MNL

BatteryMINDer

Displays charging current, voltage, charging time, charging AH,

•

®

Model 28252-AA-Series

output power, battery temperature.
Displays function settings: Power supply, Charge, Maintenance,

•

Desulfation.
Dip switch resets for different transition current and charging voltage

•

levels.
Detachable AC input cord receptacle for IEC world wide safety

•

approved cord sets.
14’ DC output cable with Heavy duty Anderson connector.

•

AC On / Off power switch Plug ‘n Run simplified operation.

•

Dip switch setting for equalization mode.

•

Output short circuit and reverse polarity protection.

•

Internal over-heat protection.

•

Severe battery plate sulfation diagnostics.

•

Battery Charging temperature compensation (At the Battery).

•

Battery thermal run-away protection (DI/Dt).

•

Charging time management for each charging stage.

•

RS232 interface connector provided for data communication with

•

PC (Future Option Date TBD).
Remote LCD display provided-(Future Option date TBD).

•

Designed to UL/cUL, CE, FCC, EMC safety certification standards.

•

* Contact VDC Electronics Tech Support ([e-mail]) /
800-379-5579 (ET) for instructions on this subject

Rev. I-100511 Page 5 P/N VDC28252-AA-Series-MNL

BatteryMINDer

®

Model 28252-AA-Series

REQUIRED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY

TOPERSON, OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:

This unit is designed for protected use and should never be exposed

•

to rain.
Do not attempt to use the unit if it has been dropped or damaged.

•

Never attempt to charge a damaged battery, frozen battery or non-

•

rechargeable battery.
Do not use the unit in a closed area or poorly-ventilated area.

•

Never smoke, use an open flame, or create sparks near a battery

•

or unit during charging operation as this may cause an explosion /
explosive gas.
Do not operate the unit if the cord or plug is damaged.

•

Do not disassemble. VDC Electronics MUST be contacted for repair,

•

replacement or analysis. Keep away from infants, children and pets.
Switch off or remove AC power before connecting or disconnecting

•

to battery.
Refer to the battery Manufacturer’s specific recommended values

•

to determine if standard unit settings are correct. Contact VDC
Electronics Tech Support before making any changes
Check Battery Manufacturer’s specific precautions - such as removing

•

or not removing battery from aircraft before charging.
Always remove battery from aircraft before equalizing or desulfating.

•

Someone should be within range of your voice or close enough to

•

come to your aid if working near a lead-acid battery.
Wear protective goggles and turn your face away when connecting or

•

disconnecting a battery.
If battery acid contacts your skin or clothing, wash immediately with

•

soap and water. If acid enters your eye, immediately flush the eye
with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical
attention immediately.
To reduce risk of damaging the Battery, avoid dropping any metal

•

tools onto the battery.
Never rest the Battery being charged on top of your Battery

•

Charger.
The Battery Charger / power supply should be kept as far away from

•

the Battery as the output cables permit.
When using the Temperature Sensor at any location other then on a

•

battery the ring terminal must be insulated.

Rev. I-100511 Page 6 P/N VDC28252-AA-Series-MNL

BatteryMINDer

®

Model 28252-AA-Series

Always follow battery manufacturer’s strict
instructions for proper care, charging and testing of
battery. Always use their FAA Approved “Instructions
for Continued Airworthiness” (ICA). Questions
relating to the subject should be referred directly
to the battery manufacturer to be certain of current
requirements that may have been added to or changed
since publication of their instructions.

NEVER CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY OR ONE AT A
TEMPERATURE ABOVE 123° F.
PREPARING TO CHARGE

Always remove ground wire first.

a.

Be sure area around battery is well ventilated while battery is

b.

being charged. Force gas vapors away by using a fan.
Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from

c.

contacting eyes.
Study all battery manufacturer’s specific instructions such as

d.

recommended charge rates.
Determine condition of battery, by referring to instructions

e.

herein, before ever attempting to charge or desulfate any /
all batteries.
Make sure unit is as far away from battery as output cables

f.

permit.
Never place unit directly above battery being charged; gases

g.

from battery will corrode and damage unit.
Do not operate unit in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation

h.

in any way.
Do not set battery on top of unit.

i.

DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS

Note: Steps to be done in a well-ventilated area.
a. Connect and disconnect DC output clips from battery only

after removing unit power cord from outlet.

b. Attach clips to battery posts and twist or rock back and forth

several times to make good contact. This tends to keep clips
from slipping off terminals and reduces risk of sparking.

Rev. I-100511 Page 7 P/N VDC28252-AA-Series-MNL

BatteryMINDer

®

Model 28252-AA-Series

UNIT LOCATION

A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE BATTERY
EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR
BATTERY:

a. Connect (RED) charger clip to (POS+) post of battery.
b. Position yourself and free end of cable as far away from
battery as possible, then connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger
clip to free end of cable.
c. Do not face battery when making final connections.
d. When disconnecting unit, always do so in reverse sequence
of connecting procedure and break first connection while as far
away from battery as practical. Do not attempt to permanently
install unit not specifically designed-approved for permanent
installation, especially in a wet high moisture environment.

Rev. I-100511 Page 8 P/N VDC28252-AA-Series-MNL

BatteryMINDer

®

Model 28252-AA-Series

QUALIFYING YOUR BATTERY:

Preliminary Requirements
NOTE: The BatteryMINDer has no electrical output unless it is
connected to a healthy battery. Testing the BatteryMINDer with
a volt or an Amp meter without the unit being connected across a
good battery will result in a false reading. If you experience any
problems, or are not sure of how to properly use or connect your
BatteryMINDer, please e-mail our Tech Support Dept. at:
[e-mail] or call our toll-free technical
support line 800-379-5579 x206 (Eastern Time) (USA & Canada
ONLY). Be certain to leave your phone number with the area
code, time zone and the best time to call.
To gain the best result from your unit and to maximize the life and
performance of your batteries we strongly recommend you qualify
(test) your batteries before attempting to either charge-maintain
or desulfate them. Remember, even if you just purchased a
“new” battery it may have been subjected to conditions that
have caused “sulfation” such as an extended period at high
temperature (>=80°F).
NOTE: If your battery is new and you are certain it was
not subject to conditions that could have caused sulfation*,
even before you purchased it, then you can disregard our
recommendations for qualifying / testing your battery, before
using the BatteryMINDer.
* Such as high temperature storage (=/> 80°F) and/or allowed to
self-discharge to 24.8 Volts or lower.

Testing a Filler Cap Lead Acid Battery

1. Carefully remove all filler caps from your battery.

2. Check the water-liquid electrolyte level. If the level is low or

has ever been below top of plates, severe lead plate sulfation
has taken place. Significant recharge/reconditioning time is
needed to restore these plates to a condition where the battery
can be expected to function normally.

3. Refill each cell with distilled water only to the liquid level

indicator found in each cell. Before proceeding further you must

Rev. I-100511 Page 9 P/N VDC28252-AA-Series-MNL

BatteryMINDer

®

Model 28252-AA-Series

be thoroughly familiar with the safety and operating instructions.

4. Recharge the battery with the BatteryMINDer to ensure that

it is slowly and completely charged before you determine its
condition. Allow battery to “rest”* overnight or momentarily apply
a small load to remove the “surface” charge which creates false
voltage readings.

* “RESTED” = a battery that has been as fully charged as possible and left

disconnected from charger or any type load overnight. Apply a small load to

remove surface charge effect.

Specific Gravity – Capacity

Temp. Compensated Hydrometer

- meter or 4 ball type

1.285 100%

1.245 75%

1.210 50%

1.175

1.140
May denote shorted cell or battery
that has been severely discharged
and may not be recoverable

Full Capacity

Percentage

25%

0%

TABLE 1

Rev. I-100511 Page 10 P/N VDC28252-AA-Series-MNL

BatteryMINDer

®

Model 28252-AA-Series

TESTING A SEALED, AGM

LEAD ACID BATTERY

These batteries have no filler caps or manifold-type covers. Because you
cannot gain access to the interior of your battery you cannot test it with a
hydrometer.

USE A DIGITAL VOLTMETER ONLY:

1. Recharge the battery with the BatteryMINDer to ensure it is as

completely charged as possible, before you determine its condition. Allow
battery to “rest” (see pg. 9) overnight before testing with a digital voltmeter
only.
Failure to test a “rested” (see pg. 9) battery will cause false readings. Be
certain to read and understand all safety related instructions (pages 3 to

7) before proceeding further.

2. Measure battery’s voltage, without any load attached. If the voltage

is less than 25.2 volts (Typically 75% of charge) the battery may be too
heavily sulfated to be fully recoverable. If voltage is 25.2-V or higher
recovery can be expected, given sufficient time.

3. Press desulfation button to start process of dissolving sulfate crystals.

Ensure battery is removed from aircraft prior to desulfation. Continue

in this mode for 72 hours. Stop process by pressing desulfation button.
Test battery voltage and compare to table 2 below. If voltage is not in the
full capacity range restart the desulfation process and continue for an
additional 72 hours before retesting. Continue repeating this procedure
until no further increase in battery voltage is observed.

Note: Do not expect to completely dissolve sulfate in a day. Long
established sulfate will require a longer period to be fully dissolved. Be
patient and you will be rewarded with a “sulfate-free” battery. If not
seriously damaged by sulfate, battery has a very good chance of meeting
80% Cap (Airworthy) Test.

OCV - “Rested”

Voltage

OCV=Open Circuit
No Load Voltage

TABLE 2

Rev. I-100511 Page 11 P/N VDC28252-AA-Series-MNL

25.8 - 26.2 Volts 100%

25.2 - 25.8 Volts 75%

24.8 - 25.2 Volts 50%

24.4 - 24.8 Volts 25%

24.0 - 24.4 Volts 0%

<22 Volts

= shorted

Full Capacity

Percentage