Great Planes GPMM3015 User Manual

Thank you for purchasing the PolyCharge4 lithium-polymer
charger! Capable of charging 4 separate lithium-polymer packs
simultaneously, the PolyCharge4 charger is specially designed
for today’s electric flight modeler. Adjustable capacities from 300
to 3000mAh, tri-color LED indicators and ease of use make this
a must-have item! Audio sound cues indicate charge completion
and errors, while each individual port’s status can be read at a
glance by the LED. Do NOT attempt to use this charger with

NiCd, NiMH or Lithium-Ion batteries as they are not
compatible! Please read this entire manual to learn about
specific functions and features as well as safety
information. Damage resulting from misuse or modification
of this charger will void your warranty.

Input V oltage: 12.0 - 15.0V DC
Number of Outputs: Four
Specifications for EACH Output:

Battery Types: Lithium-Polymer Only
Number Cells: 1 to 4 Cells (3.7-14.8V)
Charge Control: Pushbutton Start
Fast Charge Termination: Constant Current/

Constant V oltage

Max. Cell Capacity: 300mAh to 3000mAh
Charge Current: 300mA to 3.0A
Safety Timer: 3 Hours Maximum Charge Time
Output Connectors: Banana Jacks
Status Indicators: Tri-Colored LED and

Audible Buzzer

Input Connectors: Alligator Clips
Fuse: 20A Replaceable Spade Fuse

(Auto Type)

Case Size: 8.19"x1.50"x4.96" (208x38x126mm)
Weight: 21.8 oz. (617g)

• Four independent outputs—like having four chargers in one!

• Charge up to four 4-cell LiPo packs simultaneously

• Input voltage boost circuitry to handle 3 and 4-cell packs
with ease.

• Set the battery capacity on each output with an adjustment
dial, 300mAh to 3000mAh

• Charge current sets automatically, based on battery mAh
selection, 300mA to 3.0 amps

• Automatically detects the number of cells on each output—
no switch to set

• Pushbutton start for each output

• Uses the constant-current/constant-voltage charge
technique for each output

• Each output has a built-in 3 hour safety timer

• Tri-color LED and audible indicators for each output
indicates charge status, as well as for improper input
voltage, output reverse polarity, open-circuit, and more

• Built-in fan keeps charger cool for efficient operation and
extended lifetime

• Rugged metal case for durability.

• Reverse polarity and current overload protection on input
(20A spade fuse included)

• 12V DC only input

• Charge ONLY lithium-polymer rechargeable batteries. Do
not attempt to charge other types of rechargeable
batteries—including different types of lithium batteries—as
permanent damage to the battery, charger and surrounding
environment could result!

• NEVER leave the charger unattended while in use!!

• IMMEDIATELY disconnect the battery from the charger

if it begins to swell, emits smoke, or is warm to the
touch! Place warm or hot batteries in a fire-safe location,

such as a container made of metal (such as an empty
ammunition box) or ceramic. Always monitor the area with
a smoke or fire alarm, and have an “ABC type” fire
extinguisher available at all times.

• DO NO Tset the battery capacity dial to a value g reater than
the battery’s 1C value as permanent damage could result.

• DO NOT allow LiPo cells to overheat at any time! Cells
which reach greater than 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60°C)
can and USUALLY WILL become damaged physically and
could possibly catch FIRE!! Always inspect a battery which
has previously overheated for potential damage, and do not
re-use if you suspect it has been damaged in any way.

• ALWAYS provide adequate ventilation around Li-Po batteries
during charge, discharge, while in use, and during storage. If
a battery becomes overheated, remove it from the charger
IMMEDIA TELY and place it in a fire-proof location until it cools.

• Use a charge lead that is directly compatible with the
“charge” connector on the Li-Po battery. It is strongly
recommended to use pre-assembled charge leads which can
be found at most hobby retailers .Great Planes’2-Pin/Banana
Plug Charge Adapter (GPMM3105) is directly compatible
with ElectriFly Li-Po battery charge leads, having banana
plugs on the opposite end for connection to the charger.

• Do not use automotive type chargers to power charger.

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

• Do not block the air intake holes or fan, which could cause
the charger to overheat.

• Do not attempt to charge packs containing more than 4
cells wired in series.

• Always disconnect the charger from the input power source
when not in use.

• Keep out of reach of children.

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

SPECIAL FEATURES

SPECIFICATIONS

INTRODUCTION

INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING!! Never attempt to care for lithium-polymer
(Li-Po) cells in the same way as other battery types!! 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. Great Planes will not be held responsible
for any and all incidental damages and bodily harm that may
result from improper use of lithium-polymer batteries with this
charger. 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!

Do not mistaken lithium-polymer cells for other lithium-based cell
types (such as lithium-metal, lithium-phosphate, etc.), as other
lithium hybrids have different care and handling characteristics
as well. All “lithium” based batteries types are NOT the same.

It is strongly recommended to use packs which have been
assembled with a built-in charge protection circuit.Such circuits
help to regulate the maximum voltage per cell in the pack to
ensure that that they do not accidentally become overcharged.
The PolyCharge4 charger is designed to detect the proper
voltages for Li-Po batteries, but it is always a good idea to have
a second level of protection on the batteries as well.

IMMEDIATELY remove a Li-Po batter y from a model if it is
involved in a cr ash in any w a y. 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 fire-proof
location indefinitely.

The PolyCharge4 charger only accepts 12 to 15V DC input
power .The charger will not function properly if the input voltage
exceeds this range. Input power could come from a dedicated
AC/DC power supply or automotive type battery. Due to the
larger potential currents when charging high capacity packs, a
12V hobby field battery may not be suitable for all-day usage.
An AC/DC power supply or 12V automotive battery may be
needed in these applications. The power supply chosen must
be able to supply 14A at 12V DC in order to achieve the
maximum potential from the charger. Applying less than 12V
may result in errors indicated by audio alerts as well as flashing
orange LEDs. It is best to use a clean DC source which has a
filtered output to reduce noise, and high quality connections.

INPUT POWER LEAD: The input power lead is located on
top-rear of the charger.

FOUR OUTPUTS: The PolyCharge4 is equipped with four
separate outputs, each being totally independent of the others.
This means that each output should be handled as one single
charger.Each output is rated to deliver a maximum of 30 watts of
power .It is possible that for batteries with high cell counts (3 or 4
cells) and high capacity ratings (over 2.0 amps), the maximum
current actually delivered to the battery might be limited due to
the maximum power rating of the output.This is normal.

There is never a need to be concerned with the setup of one
output in respect to another output. For simplicity, each output is
color coded.The controls and jacks for output 1 are colored in red,
output 2 is is black, output 3 is in yellow, and output 4 is in blue.

Each output consists of (a) one set of banana jacks, (b) a dial
by which to set the rated capacity of the battery to be
charged, (c) a pushbutton, and (d) a tri-colored LED.

FUSE: The over-current protection fuse is located on the left side
of the charger.This charger requires an “ATO” fuse, sometimes
referred to an “auto”or “spade” type fuse.The rating of the fuse is
20A (amps) at 32V (volts).Do NOT replace with a fuse of a higher
current rating than 20A, as it could result in damage to the charger
if an over-current condition occurs! Using a fuse with a rating of
less than 20A might cause the fuse to blow too easily.

F AN:The internal fan is located on the upper-left side of the face
of the charger. The fan helps to keep all internal components
cool during operation.This will help extend the service life of the
charger, as well as allo w the charger to function more accurately
and efficiently.The fan will turn on anytime a load is present on
the charger’s output.Do not block the cooling fan and other

vent holes as it could cause an overheating condition to
occur,possibly causing permanent damage to the charger!

1. CONNECTING INPUT POWER: Connect the input power

lead to 12V DC input power. Connect the red, positive (+)
lead to the power source’s positive (+) terminal, and the
black, negative (–) lead to the power source’s negative (–)
terminal. Note that there is no ON/OFF power control
switch.Once connected, the charger is always “on”.Always
disconnect the charger from input power when not in use.

2. CHOOSE AN OUTPUT: Determine which one of the four

outputs which will be used to charge a battery. It is not
necessary to use the outputs in any specific order.One battery
only can be charged on any output, two batteries can be
charged simultaneously on any two outputs, four batteries
simultaneously, etc.

CHARGING A BATTERY PACK

CONTROLS AND BATTERY CONNECTIONS

WARNING! Ne ver 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.

INPUT POWER

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS FOR

HANDLING LITHIUM-POLYMER BATTERIES