Duratrax Onyx 245 Dual with Balancing User Manual

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DTXP4245

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

The Onyx 245 charger is two chargers in one! Identical twin outputs make the 245 an excellent choice for models that use

two battery packs or modelers who rotate through multiple batteries at home or at the track. A built-in balancer for each port optimizes charging of lithium packs, including LiPo and LiFe cells such as LiFeSource™ brand packs. It’s also compatible with NiCd and NiMH batteries. AC/DC ﬂ exibility, plus the advanced LCD with backlight, simple menus and controls make it super-easy for anyone to use anytime, anywhere. Its tremendous ﬂ exibility, small size and weight, yet high power give racers another advantage on race day!

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

WARNING!! Charging lithium-based rechargeable batteries poses a risk of FIRE! NEVER treat lithium-based batteries in the same manner as other battery types. NEVER leave lithium batteries unattended while being charged! ALWAYS charge lithium-based batteries in a ﬁ reproof location! Failure to follow all care and handling instructions contained in this manual could result in quick, severe, permanent damage to the batteries and all surroundings!! Follow all safety precautions when using such batteries, as listed on page 3 of this manual!

INDEX

Speciﬁ cations and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Glossary of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Input Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Controls and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Battery Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Battery Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Starting Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Charge Complete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Care and Handling of Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Cooling Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Error Messages and Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

SPECIFICATIONS

AC Input: 110V AC 60Hz DC Input: 11-15V DC, built in lead with alligator clips Protective Devices: Solid state reverse polarity and current overload Case Size: 7.95 x 6.1 x 1.77” (202 x 156 x 45mm) Weight: 28.2 oz. (801g)

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EACH OUTPUT:

Battery Types: 4-8 NiCd/NiMH (4.8-9.6V) 1-3 LiPo/LiFe/LiIon (3.3 – 11.1V)

Battery Capacity Range: 100-7500mAh Fast Charge Current: 0.8A, 1.5A, 3.0A, 5.0A Fast Charge Termination: Peak detection for NiCd/NiMH, CC/CV for Lithiums Fast Charge Safety Timer: 90 minutes NiCd/NiMH Peak Sensitivity: 8mV for NiCd, 5mV for NiMH NiCd/NiMH Trickle Charge Current: Auto (50, 100, 150, 250mA) Lithium Balancing Accuracy: 5mV per cell Lithium Balancing Socket: JST EH Included Balancing Adapters: ElectriFly® & FlightPower®/Thunder Power™ adapter board Lithium Max. Node Current: 200mA Controls: 3 Pushbuttons Display Type: 7 Segment custom LCD with backlight Audible Melodies Indicates start, stop, errors Output Connections Built-in banana jacks

Built in jack for 4-5 cell RX/TX packs

Included Output Adapters Banana to standard Banana to Deans® Ultra Plug Banana to Traxxas

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!

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

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

● LiPo/LiFe compatibility with built-in balancing each output.

● A built in jack for charging 4-5 cell Rx packs or even Tx packs – each output.

● Easy to read blue backlit LCD shows battery voltage, charge current, time and capacity – each output.

● A custom cc/cv algorithm carefully charges lithium-polymer, lithium-ion or lithium ferrite-phosphate (such as

LiFeSource™) batteries fully and safely!

● A precise peak detection system with automatic trickle charge ﬁ lls NiCd/NiMH packs completely, for optimum battery voltage and run time.

● Push button controls and audible tones make for easy setup and control.

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

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

● Do not leave the charger unattended while in use.

● Disconnect the battery and remove input power from the charger immediately if the charger

or battery 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 fan or 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 overcharge batteries as permanent damage could result. Do not use a charge current rate which exceeds the

safe level of the battery.

● 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 connect the charger to AC and DC inputs at the same time.

● Allow the charger and battery to cool down between charges.

● Always disconnect the charger from the 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  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  1hr = 650 mAh). A 3200mAh battery can deliver 3200mA (3.2A) of current for one hour (3200mA  1hr = 3200 mAh), 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  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 U.S. 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 per 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 AND CONNECTIONS

SETTING BUTTON: For selecting NiCd, NiMH, LiPo, LiFe and Li-Ion battery type,

110V AC Input

DATA BUTTON: For selecting different data

Output 2 Banana Jacks

12V DC Input

and the charge current rate.

to be viewed on the LCD.

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

Output 1 Banana Jacks

Setting

electric vehicle batteries, ﬁ nd a charge lead that best matches the type of battery you are charging. Look for these and other charge adapters at your local retailer:

Data

Start

OUTPUT BANANA JACKS: For connection of any of a wide variety of battery charge leads/adapters. Adapters with standard connector, Deans Ultra Plug connector and Traxxas connectors is included. For small

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