Great Planes GPMM3010 User Manual

Input voltage: 11-15V DC
Fuse type: 7.5A, Automotive blade type
Battery types, # cells: 1-3 lithium-polymer cells

(3.6 - 11.1V Li-Po)
Fast charge current: 250, 500, 1000mA
Fast charge termination: constant current / constant

voltage
Status indicators: hi-intensity blue LED,

audible buzzer
Input connectors: alligator clips
Output connectors: red 2-pin connector
Case size: 2.2 x 0.9 x 3.5in

[55 x 23 x 88mm]
Weight: 4.35oz. [123.3g]

• A very economical and simple way to charge

Li-Po batteries

• Specifically designed for 1-3 cell lithium-

polymer batteries only (not for Li-Ion)

• Great for customers with small electrics – park

flyers, small-to-medium 3D airplanes or heli’s

• Used the “constant current / constant voltage”

charge method

• Automatically starts charge upon connection

of battery

• 250, 500 and 1000mA selectable charge current

• High intensity blue status LED and audible

buzzer indicator

• Warning indications for input voltage errors,

output reverse polarity and open circuit errors

• Very small and lightweight for portability

• Charge only lithium-polymer (Li-Po) rechargeable

batteries.Do NO T attempt to charge other types of
rechargeable batteries as permanent damage to
the battery and charger could result.

• Do not leave the charger unattended while

charging. Disconnect the battery and
remove input power from charger
immediately if it becomes hot!! Allow the

charger to cool down before reconnecting.

• Disconnect the battery from the charger

immediately if the battery begins to swell
or smoke!!

• 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 specifications.

• Do not place the charger or any battery on a

flammable surface or near a combustible
material while in use. Do not charge or
discharge on a carpet, cluttered workbench,

paper, plastic, vinyl, leather, and wood, inside
an R/C model or full-sized automobile!

• Always disconnect from input power when not
in use.

• 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 attempt to charge a battery if it
is swollen or hot.

• Keep out of reach of children.

IMPORTANT!! Lithium-polymer batteries are a
revolutionary new rechargeable battery
technology for electric R/C flight, offering a
variety of significant advantages over NiCd,
NiMH and Li-Ion batteries. It is very important
to have a good understanding of the operating
characteristics of Li-Po batteries – especially
their exact rated voltage and maximum
acceptable charge current. Always read the
specifications printed on the label of your
Li-Po battery prior to use, and read this
instruction sheet in its entirety.

WARNING!Lithium-Polymer batteries are ENTIRELY

DIFFERENT than NiCd and NiMH batteries and must
be handled differently as well!! Great Planes will not
be held responsible for any and all incidental
damages and bodily harm that may result from
improper use of ElectriFly™brand lithium-polymer
batteries. Failure to follow the care and handling
instructions can quickly result in severe, permanent
damage to the batteries and its surroundings and
even start a FIRE!

IMMEDIATELY remove a Li-Po battery from a
model if it is involved in a crash in any way.
Carefully inspect the battery for even the smallest
of dents, cracks, splits, punctures or damage to the
wiring and connectors. CAUTION! Cells may be
hot! DO NOT allow the battery’s internal electrolyte
to get in the eyes or on skin – wash affected areas
immediately if they come in contact with the
electrolyte. A Li-Po battery might not appear to be
damaged after a crash, but it could smolder over a
short amount of time and suddenly catch fire
unexpectedly. If in doubt, place the battery in a
Fireproof location indefinitely.

The PolyCharge Li-Po Battery Charger only
accepts DC input power which could come from a
power supply or 12V automotive battery. Do not
attempt to apply more than 15V to the input, as
permanent damage to the charger could result and
void the warranty. Applying less than 11V to the
inputs will not be sufficient power to allow the
charger to work properly. Securely connect the
charger’s red alligator clip to the positive (+)
terminal on the power source, and the black

alligator clip to the negative (-) terminal. It’s best to
use a clean DC power source whose output is
filtered to remove unwanted electrical noise. To
achieve maximum potential, the power source
must be capable of delivering at least 2.0 amps of
current while maintaining 12 volts DC. Disconnect
the charger when not in use.

WARNING!Make sure the charger’ s positive (+)
and negative (-) input connections are never
accidentally shorted together when connected
to 12V DC power. Failure to do so could result
in permanent damage to the power source and
the charger.

Input Power and Connector: Connect the

charger to the desired power source using the
alligator clips on the input lead as described
above. There is no on/off power switch on this
charger.Therefore, once connected to input power
the charger is active and in “idle mode,” ready to be
connected to a battery. The bright blue LED will
flash once every 3 seconds and the buzzer will
beep briefly to indicate that power is applied.

Output Connector: The PolyCharge Li-Po Battery
Charger is equipped with a red 2-pin battery
connector on the output. Securely connect the
battery to be charged to the output connector. Pay
special attention to ensure that the desired battery
polarities are the same as the charger.The battery’s
positive (+) battery lead (red) connects to the
charger’s red wire, and the battery’s negative lead
connects to the charger’s black wire. 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
connections, as permanent damage to the
battery and/or the charger could result and
void your warranty.

Controls: The PolyCharge Li-Po Battery Charger

includes one charge current selection switch which
determines how much current should be delivered
to the battery during charge. Again, there is no
on/off power switch. And, there is no button or

BATTERY CONNECTION AND

CHARGER CONTROLS

INPUT POWER

LITHIUM-POLYMER BATTERY SAFETY AND

HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

SPECIAL FEATURES

SPECIFICATIONS

The PolyCharge™Lithium-Polymer Battery Charger is great for simple, precise charging of lithium-polymer batteries for small electric aircraft at the flight line.
Capable of charging 1 to 3 cell Li-Po batteries with three charge current rates of 250mA, 500mA and 1000mA, this small, lightweight charger is good for entry­level uses.Do NOT attempt to use this charger with NiCd,NiMH or Lithium-Ion batteries as they are not compatible! Read this entire instruction sheet

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

™

™

switch which begins the charge process (as soon
as a battery is connected to the charger’s output,
the charge process begins automatically).

This charger is capable of charging batteries
containing from 1 to 3 Li-Po cells which are wired

in series

. Check your battery’s label or supplier to

fully understand the configuration of your battery.

IMPORTANT!! ALWAYS charge a Li-Po battery
in a location that is fireproof, which could be a
container made of metal (such as an
ammunition box) or ceramic tile. Always
monitor the area with a smoke or fire alarm,
and have an “ABC type” fire extinguisher
available at all times. NEVER leave the battery
unattended while being charged!

To charge a battery:

1. Set the charger’s current adjustment switch to
the appropriate setting to match the battery.
Consult your battery supplier if there is any
question as to what is the appropriate setting for
your battery. It is highly recommended NOT TO
EXCEED a “1C” charge current setting for your
battery. “1C” equals the rated capacity of the
battery. So, a 1200mAh battery should not be
charged at a current greater than (1200mAh x 1)
1200mA.A 650mAh battery should not be charged
at a current in excess of (650mAh x 1) 650mA, and
so on. Never attempt to charge batteries at

excessive rates, as permanent damage could
result to the battery, charger and the
surrounding area!

2. The PolyCharge can charge Li-Po packs
consisting of 1, 2 or 3 cells wired in series.
However, it is not necessar y to set the battery’s
voltage on this charger as it will be identified
automatically. (The charger’s intelligent circuitry
can automatically detect the number of cells
connected to the output by monitoring the slope of
the battery’s increasing voltage during the initial
stages of charge.)

3. Connect the battery to the charger. The quick
charge process will start automatically, as
indicated by the blue LED illuminating and the
buzzer will emit one tone. There is no button to
press to start charge.

WARNING! It is normal for batteries to become
slightly warm during charge. Disconnect
batteries from the charger IMMEDIATELY if
they become very warm or hot or begin to swell
at any time! Li-Po cells which reach greater
than 140°F [60°C] can and USUALLY WILL
become damaged physically and could
possibly catch FIRE!! Always pr o vide adequate
ventilation around Li-Po batteries while being
charged. If a battery heats excessively or
swells, place the battery in a fireproof location
and let it rest for 30 minutes.

4. If it is necessary or desirable to stop the charge
process after it has already begun, simply
disconnect the battery from the charger, at which
time the charger will return to idle mode.

5.When the battery is fully charged, the blue LED
will blink twice per second, and the tone will beep
for 15 seconds.This charger does NOT include a
trickle charge function, as it is unnecessary to
trickle charge Li-Po batteries. Remove the battery
from the charger at this time.

The PolyCharge Li-Po Charger will emit visual and
audible indications to warn if problems exist when
attempting to charge a battery (refer to the

“Error

Indicator Chart”

above).While a batter y is being
charged, if the LED flashes and the buzzer
continually emits an audible tone it is an indication
that either:

A. The input voltage to the charger is below 11V

or 15V DC. Re-check the input voltage and
make sure it meets specifications.

B. The battery somehow has become

disconnected from the charger while it was in
the charge process.

C. The batter y was accidentally connected to the

output connector in reverse polarity.

In any case, re-check to make sure the battery is
connected to the output connector properly as
explained above. Check to make sure the charge
lead is making good contact with the charger’s
output connector, and with the battery to be charged,
and that proper polarity is being observed.

The PolyCharge Li-Po Battery Charger uses solid­state and fused circuitry to protect against
potential damage which could be caused by short­circuit or reverse polarity conditions.

Reverse Input Polarity: If input power to the
charger is connected in reverse polarity, the
charger will be protected from damage by blowing
the external 7.5A fuse. Re-check all input
connections and the power source to ensure the
proper power and polarities are observed.

Current Overload: If for some reason a short
circuit condition exists on the input or output, the

7.5A spade (auto) fuse located on the left side of
the charger might blow .In this case, make sure the
charger is disconnected from the power supply,
BEFORE attempting to remove the fuse. Remove
and inspect the fuse. If the fuse is blown, replace
with another fuse of the exact same rating.

PROBLEM: Charger doesn’t recognize battery.
CAUSES AND CURES:

1) Battery may be connected backwards.Connect
battery leads properly.

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

PROBLEM: Battery voltage low after charge
(below 4.2V per cell).

CAUSES AND CURES:

1) Battery connected in reverse. Connect battery
leads properly.

2) Defective battery needs to be replaced.

PROBLEM: LED, buzzer or controls do not
function properly.

CAUSES AND CURES:

1) Battery possibly connected backwards.Connect
battery leads properly.

2) Fuse is blown or missing.Replace fuse with correct
type or contact

Hobby Services

for further details.

Great Planes®warrants this product to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a period
of one (1) year from the date of purchase. During
that period, Great Planes 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, Great Planes
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 Great Planes product,
warranty or non-warranty, send it post-paid and
insured to:

HOBBY SERVICES

3002 N. Apollo Dr., 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.greatplanes.com

www.electrifly.com

1-YEAR WARRANTY – *USA and Canada Only

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

SOLID-STATE CURRENT OVERLOAD AND

REVERSE POLARITY PROTECTION

SAFETY FEATURES

CHARGING BATTERIES

GPMZ0249 for GPMM3010 V1.0Entire Contents © Copyright 2004 Made in Korea

ERROR INDICATOR CHART