Duratrax Piranha DC Peak User Manual

Thank you for purchasing the DuraTrax®Piranha™DC Peak
Charger. Capable of charging nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and
nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, the DuraTrax Piranha DC
Peak Charger is specifically designed for charging 6 or 7-cell
sub-C battery packs at approximately 4 amps maximum from a
12 volt DC power source. Piranha’s highly accurate peak detection
circuitry ensures that batteries reach full charge every time. This
is a major advantage over traditional “wind-up” chargers, taking
all of the guess-work out of battery charging at the track. The
simple push of a button is all the control that is needed, and two
status LEDs aid in monitoring charge progress.

Read this entire instruction manual to learn about specific
functions and features and safety information. Damage
resulting from misuse or modification of this charger will void
your warranty.

Input Voltage: 11-15V DC
Battery Types: nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and

nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)

Number Cells: 6 or 7
Battery Capacities: 1200-3600mAh
Max. Fast Charge Current: 4.0 amps fixed
Fast Charge Termination: -deltaV peak detection
Trickle Charge Current: approx. 50mA
Output Connectors: lead with standard plug
Fuse: internal
Case Size: 4.0 x 3.0 x 1.625" (102 x 76 x 42mm)
Weight: 0.44 lb (196g)

• Incredibly simple, accurate, compact, lightweight and
affordable!

• Charges 6 or 7-cell NiCd or NiMH battery packs

• Pushbutton start

• Linear charge current fixed at approximately 4.0 amps

• Automatic trickle charge fixed at approx. 50mA

• Twin LEDs indicate fast charge and trickle charge

• Capable of charging batteries rated at 1200–3600mAh capacity

• Includes 80 minute safety timeout

• Output short-circuit fuse protection

• Input and output reverse polarity protection

• Five year warranty

• Charge only nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride rechargeable
batteries. Do NOT attempt to charge other types of rechargeable
batteries as permanent damage to the battery and charger
could result.

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

• Do not attempt to use batteries with more/fewer cells or total
voltage than listed in the specifications.

• Do not leave the charger unattended while charging. Disconnect

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

or battery to cool down before reconnecting.

• Do not place the charger or battery on a flammable surface or
near a flammable object while in use. Keep away from carpets,
cluttered workbenches, etc.

• Do not block the vent holes located on the rear and bottom of
the charger. Place the charger on a hard, flat surface and keep
objects clear of the rear of the case to allow proper heat
ventilation.

• Do not use automotive battery chargers as a power supply for
this charger.

• Always disconnect from input power when not in use.

• Do not overcharge batteries as permanent damage could result.
Do not attempt to charge a battery if it is hot.

• Keep out of reach of children.

While similar in appearance to NiCd batteries and having the
same 1.2V rating per cell, NiMH cells contain a different chemical
makeup which requires different care and handling.

• Do not to allow NiMH batteries to overheat at any time.
Heat can adversely affect the performance of NiMH batteries. If
overheating is observed, disconnect the battery from the
charger immediately and allow to cool down! Reduce charge
current rate for future charges.

• Store NiMH packs with some voltage remaining on the cells.

• Use a NiMH battery pack no more than three cycles per day,
with a two to three hour break in-between for cooling. More
frequent use is likely to overheat the pack.

• NiMH cells have a self-discharge rage of approximately 20–25%
(compared to 15% for NiCd batteries). Thus, if NiMH batteries
have been inactive for more than a few days it is important to
recharge them immediately prior to use.

The DuraTrax Piranha DC Peak Charger only accepts DC input
power, which can be supplied by a 12V DC automotive battery or
power supply. Included with this charger is an adapter cable
having a small white plug on one end and alligator clips on the
opposite end. This is used to connect the charger to the input
battery or power supply. Connect the input power cable to the
charger by inserting the small white connector into the rear, left
hand side of the charger. Next, connect the charger’s red alligator
clip to the positive (+) terminal on the 12V input battery or power
supply, and the black alligator clip to the negative (-) terminal on
the battery or power supply. When using a power supply on the
input, it is best to use one whose output is filtered to remove
unwanted electrical noise. To achieve the maximum potential with
this charger, the source battery must be capable of delivering at
least 6 amps of current while maintaining 12V DC.

INPUT POWER

CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR

NiMH BATTERIES

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

SPECIAL FEATURES

SPECIFICATIONS

INTRODUCTION

™

®

DC Peak Charger

Power: Connect the charger to the desired power source. No LED

will illuminate until a battery is connected to the charger’s output.

Charge Connector: This charger is equipped with a standard
battery connector on the output. Securely connect the battery to
be charged to the output connector. Pay special attention to
ensure that the battery’s polarities match the polarities on the
charger’s output. The red, positive (+) battery lead should be
connected to the charger’s red, positive (+) output lead, and the
black, negative (-) battery lead should be connected to the
charger’s black, negative (-) charge lead. It is highly recommended
to use pre-assembled battery leads to avoid possible erroneous
operation as a result of using poor quality connections.

WARNING! Do not short the battery’s positive and negative
connections, as permanent damage to the battery and/or the
charger will result and void your warranty.

Controls: This charger includes one push button, which will

begin the “PEAK” charge function.

Cell Numbers and Size: This charger is capable of charging 6 or
7-cell “sub-C” NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) or NiCd (nickel­cadmium) batteries. Sub-C size cells can easily handle Piranha’s
4 amps of charge current, but battery temperature should be
monitored during the charge process to make sure the battery
does not overheat. This charger should not be used to charge any
cells which are smaller in size than sub-C.

NiCd and NiMH Batteries: Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal
hydride batteries are fully charged every time, easily, and
automatically with Piranha’s highly accurate peak detection
technology. This method can result in a battery safely receiving
approximately 95–98% full charge, after which time the charger
will automatically switch to a gentle trickle charge current. Trickle
charge will help the battery safely reach its 100% full charge
potential.

To Charge a Battery: Connect the desired battery pack to the
standard connector on the charger’s output. The “TRICKLE” LED
will begin to flash, indicating the charger recognizes the battery is
connected to the output and a trickle charge is being delivered to
the battery. Press the “START” button located on the front of the
charger to initiate the “PEAK” charge process, which will cause
the “FAST” LED to illuminate. The charger will remain in the
“PEAK” charge state until the battery has reached peak charge, or
until the battery is disconnected from the charger.

WARNING! It is normal for batteries to become warm during
charge. Disconnect batteries IMMEDIATELY if they become
hot at any time! Extra caution must be observed with NiMH
batteries as any heating will reduce the lifespan of the
battery. In such case, it may be necessary to reduce the fast
charge current to lower the possibility of heating. Never
attempt to charge batteries at excessive rates, as permanent
damage could result.

Trickle Charge: This charger will automatically supply trickle

charge current to NiCd and NiMH batteries immediately after
peak charge has ended. The trickle charge current rate is fixed at
approximately 50mA. This charger will indicate that peak charge
has ended and trickle charge has begun by flashing the
“TRICKLE” LED. The charger will remain in the trickle charge
state until the battery is disconnected from the charger.

Safety Timer: This charger has a built-in safety timer which
provides another level of protection for your battery. If for some
reason your battery is unable to reach peak charge, the Piranha

charger will automatically shut down the peak charge process
after 80 minutes, and go directly to trickle charge. If this occurs,
it is recommended to cycle your battery to see if it is still in
useable condition.

PROBLEM: LEDs do not illuminate.
CAUSES AND CURES:

1. Input or output battery may be connected backwards.

Connect battery leads properly.

2. Defective cell in the pack. Replace battery pack or cell.

3. Input power supply may be turned “off,” or input battery may

be discharged. Check input power supply.

PROBLEM: LED and controls do not function properly.
CAUSES AND CURES:

1. Battery possibly connected backwards. Connect battery leads

properly, or contact Hobby Services for further details.

PROBLEM: Trickle charge functions, but will not lock into peak
charge mode.

CAUSES AND CURES:

1. Output battery in unsatisfactory condition. Replace battery.

2. Poor output connections. Re-check all connections.

PROBLEM: Short run-time after battery has been peak charged.
CAUSES AND CURES:

1. Output battery in unsatisfactory condition. Replace battery.

2. Input power battery had low capacity. Re-charge input

battery and re-charge.

3. Poor output connections. Re-check all connections.

4. Possible internal problem. Contact Hobby Services.

DuraTrax warrants this product to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the
date of purchase. During that period, DuraTrax will, at its option,
repair or replace without service charge any product deemed
defective due to those causes. You will be required to provide
proof of purchase (invoice or receipt). This warranty does not
cover damage caused by abuse, misuse, alteration or accident. If
there is damage stemming from these causes within the stated
warranty period, DuraTrax will, at its option, repair or replace it
for a service charge not greater than 50% of its then current retail
list price. Be sure to include your daytime telephone number in
case we need to contact you about your repair. This warranty
gives you specific rights. You may also have other rights, which
vary from state to state.

For service on your DuraTrax product, warranty or non-warranty,
send it post-paid and insured to:

HOBBY SERVICES

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

[phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

*For warranty and service information if purchased outside the
USA or Canada, see the additional warranty information insert (if
applicable) or ask your retailer for more information.

www.duratrax.com

5-YEAR WARRANTY – *USA & CANADA

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

CHARGING BATTERIES

BATTERY CONNECTION

& CHARGER CONTROLS

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