Duratrax Onyx 210 User Manual

DURATRAX Onyx 210 Peak Charger Manual

®

™

It is strongly recommended to completely read this manual before use! Damage resulting from misuse
or modifi cation will void your warranty.

INDEX

SPECIFICATIONS

AC input: 110V AC 60Hz
DC input: 11 to 15V DC, built-in lead with alligator clips
Battery types: 4 to 8 NiCd or NiMH (4.8 to 9.6V)
Battery capacity range: 750 to 7500mAh
Fast charge current: 0.8A, 1.5A, 3A, 5A linear (40W)
Fast charge termination: peak detection
Fast charge safety timer: 90 minutes
Peak sensitivity: 8mV for NiCd, 4mV for NiMH
Auto-trickle current: 1/20 fast charge setting
Controls: 3 push buttons
Display type: 7-segment custom LCD with blue backlight
Audible tones: indicate start, stop, errors
* Output connections: built-in lead with standard connector, built-in jack for charging 4 or 5 cell Rx packs

or Tx packs
Protective devices: solid-state reverse polarity and current overload
Case size: 5.75" x 5.25" x 1.81" [146 x 133 x 46mm]
Weight: 19.2 oz. [543g]

* Adapter - Standard to Deans® Ultra® male available separately (GPMM3131)
* Adapter - Standard to Vendetta, MiniQuake, RS4 Battery available separately (DTXC2210)

SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................... 1

SPECIAL FEATURES ..................................................... 2

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS ........................................ 2

GLOSSARY OF TERMS................................................. 2

INPUT POWER .............................................................. 3

CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS ..................................... 3

DETERMING BATTERY TYPE & SPECIFICATIONS ..... 4

GETTING STARTED ...................................................... 4

STARTING CHARGE...................................................... 5

CHARGE COMPLETE – TRICKLE CHARGE ................ 5

VIEW DATA SCREENS .................................................. 6

RESETTING THE CHARGER ........................................6

CARE & HANDLING OF NiMH BATTERIES .................. 6

ERROR INDICATORS & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ..... 6

5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY – U.S.A. & CANADA ONLY .......7

The DuraTrax

®

Onyx™ 210 charger is great for a wide variety
of applications! Charge current options of 800mA, 1.5A,
3A, and 5 amps, plus 4 to 8 cell NiCd or NiMH compatibility
makes this charger great for batteries for 1/18th to 1/8th
scale electrics, nitro receiver packs, and transmitter
batteries. A tiny built-in switching AC power supply plus DC
input capability is perfect for use at home or the track. A
custom LCD with blue backlight is great for viewing various
types of charge data in any lighting condition. A unique jack
is built-in which is handy for charging 4 to 5 cell nitro Rx
batteries or transmitter packs.

2

SPECIAL FEATURES

• A tiny, lightweight built-in switching AC power supply is great for portability and cramped pit areas, yet can still deliver
up to 5 amps charge current!

• Selectable charge currents of 800mA, 1.5A, 3A, and 5 amps.

• A custom peak detection system for NiCd and NiMH batteries, with auto-trickle.

• Pushbutton controls, audible tones, and a custom LCD with backlight aid in setup and use.

• LCD shows battery voltage, charge current, time, and capacity, battery type, and more.

• A built-in jack is included for charging 4 or 5 cell NiCd or NiMH receiver batteries for nitro models – even transmitter packs!

• A DC power lead with alligator clips easily connects to many 12V DC power sources.

• Solid-state reverse polarity and current overload protection ensure trouble-free operation.

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

Disconnect the battery and remove input power from the charger immediately if the charger becomes hot!!

• Do not attempt to charge incompatible types of rechargeable batteries as permanent damage to the battery and
charger could result.

• Do not use automotive type battery chargers to power the charger.

• Do not allow water, moisture or foreign objects into the charger.

• Do not block the air intake holes, which could cause the charger to overheat.

• Do not attempt to use batteries with more cells or total voltage than listed in the specifi cations.

• Do not leave the charger unattended while in use.

• Do not place the charger or battery on fl ammable surfaces or near combustible material while in use such as a carpet,
cluttered workbench, paper, plastic, vinyl, leather, and wood, inside an R/C model or full sized automobile!

• Do not overcharge batteries as permanent damage could result. Do not use a charge current that exceeds the safe
level of the battery.

• Do NOT connect the charger’s AC and DC input connectors to any power source at the same time.

• Allow the charger or battery to cool down before reconnecting.

• Always disconnect from power source when not in use.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Amps (A): The unit of measure for charge current.

Milli-amps (mA): A unit of measure for current, being amps (A) multiplied by 1000 and listed as “mA”. So 2.5A is the

same as 2500mA (2.5 x 1000). To convert mA to amps, divide the mA number by 1000. So 25mA is the same as 0.025A
(25 divided by 1000).

Capacity and milli-amp hours (mAh): The amount of energy a battery can store is called its capacity, which is defi ned
as how much current a battery can supply constantly over one hour of time. Most hobby batteries are rated for capacity
in “mAh” or milli-amp hours. A 650mAh battery can deliver 650mA of current for one hour (650mA x 1hr = 650mAh).
A 3200mAh battery can deliver 3200mA (3.2A) of current for one hour (3200mA x 1hr = 3200mAh), etc.

“C” rating: Capacity is also referred to as the “C” rating. Some battery suppliers recommend charge currents based on
the battery’s “C” rating. A battery’s “1C” current is the same number as the battery’s rated capacity number, but noted
in mA or amps. A 600mAh battery has a 1C current value of 600mA, and a 3C current value of (3 x 600mA) 1800mA or

1.8A. The 1C current value for a 3200mAh battery would be 3200mA (3.2A), etc.