Duratrax ONYX DTXC2005 Instructions Manual

IMPORTANT!! Great care should be observed when
handling lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries as they

are entirely di erent than NiCd or NiMH batteries!!
Read all included instructions to ensure the proper operation,
and avoid all possible causes of failure!

These batteries are intended for use with radio controlled models
only. R/C applications vary too greatly to cover every possible use
in these instructions. The user must accept the responsibility to
make smart and safe decisions about their desired application to
avoid possible abuse and misuse. Non-R/C uses are not intended
nor approved.

By purchasing this product you agree that you have read and
understood the safety precautions printed here and on each
product, and agree to bear full responsibility for any injury, loss
or damage resulting from all circumstances surrounding your
use or misuse of this product. You agree not to hold DuraTrax, its
distributors (owners and employees) and/or retailers responsible
for any accidents, injury to persons, or property damage. You
accept the responsibility for inspecting and detecting any signs
of damage or defect before and after use and prior to charging
and to discontinue use immediately if any such issue arises. If you
do not agree to these terms of use, return the item in its original
condition to the place of purchase.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

When Handling LiPo Batteries

LiPo batteries can be damaged and CATCH FIRE

if overcharged, shorted, damaged physically, or

over-discharged!

■ Over-charging, using an incompatible charger, or charging

a battery that was previously damaged either physically or
electrically can result in a catastrophic failure of the battery in
the form of swelling, emission of smoke, and FIRE.

■ Over-discharging a LiPo (to a voltage lower than its rated

minimum voltage) can damage a LiPo internally – even without
the damage being visible in any way. Yet, a catastrophic failure
(FIRE) could occur when attempting to re-charge the battery later.

■ LiPo failures are often a result of human error. Reading and

understanding these instructions is CRUCIAL for avoiding
problems, and to ensure personal safety and the protection
of the surroundings.

Glossary – Understanding Terms

PACK: Multiple battery cells connected together electronically
form a pack.

VOLTAGE: A way to rate a battery’s energy potential. Individual
LiPo cells have a nominal voltage rating of 3.70V per cell, with a
maximum charge voltage of 4.20V per cell. A pack marked “11.1V”
has a nominal voltage rating of 11.1V, etc. The more cells wired in
series, the higher the voltage. See page 2 for a listing of di erent
size LiPo packs and voltages.

CAPACITY: A way to rate a battery’s maximum energy storage limit,
typically listed in “mAh” (milliamp-hours) and being the amount
of energy the battery can deliver constantly over a period of one
hour. Capacity rating is typically a way to gauge how much run
time a battery can provide. The greater the rated capacity, the
longer the run time.

C-RATING: A multiple of the battery’s capacity rating, calculated
as the battery’s rated milliamp-hours (mAh) divided by 1000.
C-ratings are used to establish various limits for a LiPo battery,
such as a battery’s maximum charge and discharge current values.
A battery rated at 2100mAh (1C = 2.1A) with a maximum charge
rating of 3C could be charged at (2.1A x 3) 6.3 amps. A battery rated
at 3200mAh with a maximum discharge rating of “25C” should be
able to deliver (3.2A x 25) 80 amps of current during discharge.

7.4 V 5000mAh

7.4 V 5000mAh

Series Connection:

Example total = 14.8V 5000 mAh

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SERIES PACK CONFIGURATIONS “S”: Electrically connecting
multiple cells end-to-end places cells in “series”, with the resulting
total pack voltage being the SUM of all cell voltages. Connecting
packs in series is usually done to deliver more power (torque and/
or speed) to the motor. A 3-series LiPo pack (3S) would have a total
nominal voltage of (3 x 3.7V) 11.1V. A 4S pack has a total nominal
pack voltage of (4 x 3.7V) 14.8V, etc. Connecting two 7.4V batteries
in series will result in an overall voltage of 14.8V. Do not connect
multiple packs together in series unless each has the same rated
capacity (regardless of the rated voltage of each pack).

14.8V 420 0 mAh

14.8V 420 0 mAh

Parallel Connection:

Example total = 14.8V 8400 mAh

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PARALLEL PACK CONFIGURATIONS “P”: Electrically connecting
multiple cells side-by-side places cells in “parallel”, with the resulting
total pack voltage being identical to the rated voltage of each
individual battery (not the sum of all battery voltages). However,
the resulting total CAPACITY is the sum of all battery capacities.
Connecting two 14.8V 4200mAh packs in parallel would result in
a total voltage of 14.8V (same as each pack), but the total capacity
would be 8400 mAh (total of both pack capacities). Connecting
packs in parallel is usually done to lengthen the run-time of the
model. Do not connect packs of di erent voltage ratings together
in parallel.

DTXC2005

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2

Charging LiPo Batteries

WARNING!! Charging LiPo batteries poses a risk of
FIRE! NEVER treat LiPo batteries in the same manner

as other battery types. Misuse and overcharge can
quickly result in LiPo cells swelling and/or getting hot which could
lead to VIOLENT EXPLOSION, FIRE, PERSONAL INJURY, AND/OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE! NEVER leave lithium batteries unattended
while being charged! It’s strongly recommended to have a Class
“D”  re extinguisher nearby when charging a LiPo battery. Do
NOT use water or  re extinguishers other than a “class D” to put
out a burning LiPo battery. Failure to follow all care and handling
instructions properly could result in quick, severe, permanent
damage to the batteries and all surroundings!! ALWAYS make
sure batteries are physically and electrically undamaged before
charge or discharge.

1. IMPORTANT! Choose an isolated,  reproof area to charge

the battery. NEVER place the charger or battery on or near
flammable or combustible objects during the charge
process. Keep away from carpets, wood, paper, plastic,
cluttered workbenches, etc. Do NOT charge batteries in
the model, nor inside an automobile. Placing batteries
inside an army surplus ammunition can, ceramic  ower
pot, or on a large concrete surface is recommended.

2. Use a LiPo compatible

charger that includes
balancing capabilities,
or use a LiPo compatible
charger in conjunction
with a separate LiPo
balancer. NEVER use a
NiCd or NiMH charger on
LiPo batteries!

3. Set the charger’s output voltage to EXACTLY match the nominal

rated voltage shown on the battery label.

4. Depending on the charger, set the charger’s charge current or

pack capacity to the appropriate level:

a. Some chargers require the setting of the actual charge

current. It’s recommended to charge Onyx LiPos at the 1C
level as shown below. WARNING: Make sure to heed all

warnings listed in these instructions if charging at
currents greater than 1C.

b. Instead of entering the

actual charge current
value, some chargers
require entering the
rated capacity of the
battery pack to be
charged into the
charger’s programming,
whereby the charger will then automatically set the charge
current value.

WARNING!! NEVER enter a capacity or voltage value
into the charger that is higher than the value speci ed

for the battery! Failure to follow this warning can cause
permanent damage to the battery, charger, and the surroundings
as a result of FIRE, and cause personal injury!!!

5. If possible, as another extra safety measure, use a charger that

also includes a temperature monitoring function that can stop
charge if the battery exceeds a speci ed temperature. Set the
charger’s maximum temperature to 115°F (46°C).

6. Connect the battery’s main lead and balancing lead to the
charger as described in the charger’s instructions. ALWAYS
connect a charge adapter lead to the charger BEFORE
connecting the battery to the charger.

2S−4S Hardwired LiPo Packs

Power wires

XT90 Connector

Balance Lead

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2S-4S Hardwired LiPo Packs: For charging 2S-4S hardwired
LiPo batteries, the balance lead will need to be connected to
the proper balance adapter and the power wires will need to
be connected to the charger. It is imperative that the proper
balance adapter is chosen for charging.

7. NEVER leave the room where the battery is until charge has
 nished.

IMPORTANT: NEVER allow a battery’s positive and
negative leads to accidentally touch each other as a

short-circuit condition will result and permanently
damage the battery and/or charger. Disconnect the battery and
remove input power from the charger immediately if the battery
begins to swell or becomes hot!! Be sure to wear protective gloves
when moving the battery in case it has become hot.

IMPORTANT WARNINGS FOR CHARGING LIPO BATTERIES:

■ NEVER allow a LiPo cell to exceed 4.20V maximum at
any time.

■ NEVER allow LiPo cells to exceed 140°F (60°C) during
charge, as they can and USUALLY WILL become
damaged and possibly catch FIRE!!

■ NEVER allow a LiPo to continue charging if the battery
begins to swell or smoke begins to emit from the pack,
as this is an indication the pack is damaged and a
catastrophic failure could occur soon. Disconnect the
battery and leave it in a safe,  reproof location for
approximately 1 hour.

■ NEVER allow a LiPo to continue with the charge process
if the charger fails to recognize full charge. Disconnect
the battery immediately, as pack failure could result.

■ NEVER attempt to charge a battery that has previously
overheated, discharged below 2.50V, or which has been
damaged in any other way. Dispose of the battery.

■ LiPo cells should be charged about once per year at a
minimum to prevent over-discharge.

■ LiPo batteries should be stored with about 30%-50%
of capacity.

■ ALWAYS keep out of reach of children.

Battery

Nominal

Volt age

*Maximum

Charge

Volt age

2S
3S
4S
5S
6S

7.4 V

11.1 V

14. 8 V

18. 5 V

22.2 V

8.4 V

12.6 V

16.8 V

21.0 V

25.2 V

* Recommended, based on 4.2 V per cell

Rated

Capacity1CCharge Current

4200 mAh
5000 mAh
5600 mAh
5800 mAh

4.2 amps

5.0 amps

5.6 amps

5.8 amps