Duratrax Onyx 240 Dual User Manual

The DuraTrax

Onyx™ 240 charger is two chargers in

™

one! It’s an excellent choice for electric powered models which use two NiCd or NiMH batteries simultaneously, or modelers who rotate through multiple batteries while at the ﬁ eld or the track. Charge current options of 800mA,

1.5A, 3A, and 5 amps – plus 4 to 8 cell NiCd or NiMH compatibility for each output makes this charger great for batteries for 1/18th to 1/8th scale electrics, nitro receiver packs, and transmitter batteries. A tiny AC power supply is built-in, plus DC input capability and twin LCDs with blue backlights make this charger easy to transport and use in any environment.

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

INDEX

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

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

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

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

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

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

ERROR MESSAGES & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ...... 6

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

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

SPECIFICATIONS

AC input: 110V AC 60Hz DC input: 11 to 15V DC, built-in lead with alligator clips Protective devices: solid-state reverse polarity and current overload Case size: 7.95" x 6" x 1.97" [202 x 153 x 50mm] Weight: 27.8 oz. [789g]

Speciﬁ cations for Each Output

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 *Output connections: built-in lead with standard connector, built-in jack for 4 to 5 cell Rx packs or Tx packs Audible tones: indicates start, stop, errors

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

SPECIAL FEATURES

• TWO independent outputs, each with identical features and functions.

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

of charge current for each output!

• Selectable charge currents of 800mA, 1.5A, 3A, and 5 amps, with auto-trickle – each output.

• NiCd and NiMH compatibility, with custom peak detection and automatic trickle charge – each output.

• A unique built-in jack is included for charging 4 to 5 cell Rx packs for nitro models, even Tx packs – each output.

• Custom LCD with blue backlight shows battery voltage, charge current, time, and capacity – one for each output.

• Simple push button controls and audible tones aid in setup and use – each output.

• 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 materials 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). Or, 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.

INPUT POWER

AC Input: For indoor use, this charger includes a built-in switching AC power supply that delivers power by connecting the AC power cord to a common 110V AC outlet.

DC Input: This charger can be powered by a portable 12V DC power source for use at the track. On the left side of the charger, connect the DC power cord’s alligator clips directly to the output terminals on the 12V DC power source. Always match polarities (red lead to red “+” terminal, black lead to black “-“ terminal). To utilize the charger’s absolute maximum power capabilities the DC power source must be capable of delivering at least 12 amps while maintaining 12 volts DC.

WARNING! Never accidentally short together the positive (+) and negative (-) input connections when

connected to 12V DC power. Failure to do so could result in permanent damage to the power source and the charger.

This charger is rated for a maximum output power of 40 watts for each output. Depending on certain conditions (if charge current is set to maximum, the maximum number of cells are connected to the output, and input voltage is low), the actual current delivered to the battery might be slightly less than the setting. This is normal.

The charger will be on at all times when connected to input power. Disconnect the charger from input power when not in use.

CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS

The Onyx 240 charger is two independent chargers in one case. Each output has its own set of controls, output connections, and LCD. No function which occurs with Output 1 will affect the function of Output 2 in any way, and vise-versa. Output 1 is on the left half of the charger. Output 2 is on the right half of the charger.

OUTPUT LEAD: The standard connector is compatible with most R/C car batteries. See the SPECIFICATIONS chart on page 1 for a list of additional adapters for charging battery types with different connectors.

SETTING BUTTON: For selecting NiCd or NiMH battery type, and the charge current rate.

DATA BUTTON: For selecting different data to be viewed on the LCD.

START BUTTON: For starting charge. Also for manually stopping charge.

RADIO BATTERY JACK: A unique jack is located on the front edge of the charger, for charging of NiCd or NiMH 4 or 5 cell receiver batteries for nitro vehicles, or even 8 cell transmitter batteries! One jack is included for each output. This jack is universal – compatible with Futaba-J, Airtronics-Z, Hitec, JR, and Spektrum receiver battery connectors, and BEC type connectors.

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