Great Planes GPMM3150 User Manual

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Note: This Quick Reference Guide is a condensed version of only some of the information
given in this manual. It is STRONGLY recommended to read this entire manual before
operating your Triton charger. Refer to the MAIN MENU page of the included programming
flowcharts.

1. Connect Triton to a 12V DC power supply, observing proper polarity.

2. Connect the battery to Triton’s output jacks, observing proper polarity.

3. Determine which battery TYPE you have (NiCd, NiMH, Li-Ion/Li-Po, or Pb).

4. Press the BATT TYPE button to find the correct “charge” screen to match your battery type.

5. To charge a battery:

a. Note: See SETUP MENU on page 13 to make sure all misc. charge parameters are properly

set.

b. Determine the appropriate charge current. See “Charging Batteries” on page 8 and the

“R/C Battery Charge / Discharge Chart,” or consult your battery supplier.

c. Press the round dial then rotate to the appropriate charge current. Re-press dial to

confirm setting.

d. *For Li-Ion/Li-Po and Pb batteries only, rotate the dial to the rated voltage of the

battery being charged (check battery label). Re-press dial to confirm setting.

e. Press and hold the dial for 3 seconds to begin charge.

6. To discharge a battery:

a. Determine the appropriate discharge current and cutoff voltage. See “Discharge

Current & Cutoff Voltage” on page 11 and the “R/C Battery Charge / Discharge Chart,”
or consult your battery supplier.

b. While in the “charge” screen for the appropriate battery type, rotate the dial to the

“discharge” screen.

c. Press the dial then rotate to the appropriate discharge current. Re-press dial to

confirm setting.

d. Rotate the dial to set the battery’s appropriate discharge voltage cutoff. Re-press dial

to confirm setting.

e. Press and hold the dial for 3 seconds to start the discharge process.

7. For cycling functions, see the “Charge-To-Discharge and Discharge-To-Charge” section of
this manual.

GMPZ0276 for GPMM3150Entire Contents Copyright © 2003 V1.1

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Computerized Charger,
Discharger and Cycler

Input Voltage: 10.5 – 15.0V DC
Battery Types, # cells: 1-24 Nickel-Cadmium cells (1.2 – 28.8V NiCd)

1-24 Nickel-Metal Hydride cells (1.2 – 28.8V

NiMH)
1-4 Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Polymer cells
(3.6 – 14.8V Li-Ion/Li-Po)
3, 6, 12 Lead-Acid cells (6, 12, 24V Pb)

Fast Charge Current: 0.1 – 5.0A linear (2.5A maximum for Li-Ion/Li-Po)
Fast Charge Termination: “zero deltaV” peak detection for NiCd and NiMH

(0∆V)

“constant current / constant voltage” for Pb and
Li-Ion/Li-Po (cc/cv)
*optional thermal cutoff for all battery types

Trickle Charge Current: 0 – 250mA (n/a for Pb and Li-Ion/Li-Po)
Discharge Current: 0.1 – 3.0A (2.5A maximum for Li-Ion/Li-Po)
Discharge Cutoff Voltage: 0.5 – 1.2V per cell NiCd & NiMH (0.8V/cell fixed

during cycle)
Pb fixed at 1.8V per cell
Li-Ion/Li-Po fixed at 3.0V per cell

Cycle Count: one to ten cycles (n/a for Pb and Li-Ion/Li-Po)
Battery Memories: ten battery parameter storage memories
Display Type: 2-line, 32 character LCD
Output Connectors: banana jacks
Case Size: 6.2 x 4.0 x 2.0 in (157 x 102 x 51mm)
Weight: 16.4 oz. (466g)

* Requires thermal probe – GPMM3151

• Great for tiny park flyers, large scale electrics, Tx and Rx batteries, field

batteries, and R/C car batteries!

• Handles 1- 24 NiCd or NiMH cells, 1-4 Lithium-Ion or Lithium-Polymer cells

(Li-Ion/Li-Po), or 6, 12, and 24V lead-acid batteries (Pb).

• “Zero deltaV” peak detection with adjustable sensitivity for NiCd and NiMH

batteries.

• “Constant current / constant voltage” charge method for Pb and Li-Ion/Li-Po

batteries.

• Optional thermal cutoff for fast charge (thermal probe not included).

• 0.1 - 5.0A adjustable charge current (2.5 amps maximum. for Li-Ion/Li-Po).

• Top-off charge feature fully charges NiMHs without overheating.

•

0 - 250mA self-adjusting trickle charge current (NiCd and NiMH only).

• 0.1 - 3.0A adjustable discharge current (2.5A maximum for Li-Ion/Li-Po).

• Adjustable discharge cutoff voltage (fixed for Pb and Li-Ion/Li-Po).

•

Charge and discharge currents adjustable in 0.1A (100mA) increments.

•

Store parameters for up to 10 batteries in memory.

SPECIAL FEATURES

SPECIFICATIONS

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• Perform 1 to 10 cycles for battery conditioning and evaluation (NiCd and

NiMH only).

• Recall data for 10 full cycles on a two-line, 32 character LCD.

• Displays input and output voltage, and memorizes peak and average battery

voltages.

• Status screen constantly updates capacity, battery voltage, current, and time

during use.

• Adjustable sound cues.

• Warning messages for improper input voltage, poor connections, unsuitable

battery condition, reverse polarity on output.

• Safety features include cool-off time delay, maximum NiMH charge input, fast

charge safety timer, current overload and reverse polarity protection.

• Built-in cooling fan, for better charge efficiency and extended charger life.

• 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 air intake holes or the fan vent, 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 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.

• Always disconnect from power source when not in use.

•

Do not overcharge batteries as permanent damage could result. Do not use a
charge or discharge current rate which exceeds the safe level of the battery. Do
not attempt to charge or discharge 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!

CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR

NIMH BATTERIES

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

3

• Do not deep cycle NiMH batteries as permanent damage could result.

• Do not attempt to use Triton’s NiCd, Pb, or Li-Ion/Li-Po functions with NiMH

batteries.

• NiMH cells do not exhibit the “memory effect” like NiCd cells, so little cycling is

needed.

• Store NiMH packs with some voltage remaining on the cells (refer to battery

supplier).

• NiMH cells have a self-discharge rate of approximately 20–25% (compared to

15% for NiCd batteries). It is important to recharge NiMH batteries immediately
prior to use.

Never attempt to care for lithium-ion (Li-Ion) or lithium-polymer (Li-Po) cells in
the same way as other battery types! Li-Ion and Li-Po cells have characteristics

which greatly differ from NiCd, NiMH, or Pb batteries, and thus have different care
and handling requirements. Since all “lithium” batteries are not identical, it is
important to know exactly which specific lithium type cells you have. While different
in physical form, lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries do have almost identical
operational characteristics and can be cared for the same way. However, do not
mistake these cell types for lithium-metal or other lithium hybrids, as different care
and handling techniques apply.

• Do not attempt to use Triton’s NiCd, NiMH, or Pb functions with Li-Ion or Li-Po

batteries.

• The Li-Ion/Li-Po chemistry is a very volatile mixture. Misuse can quickly

result in Li-Ion/Li-Po cells getting hot, exploding, or igniting, which could
lead to serious damage or personal injury.

•

Li-Ion/Li-Po cells have an 8% self discharge rate, meaning they can hold charge
very well. Thus, there is no need to trickle charge Li-Ion/Li-Po cells.

• Do NOT continue to charge or use Li-Ion/Li-Po cells if they do not recharge

within the specified charging time. Failure to follow this guideline could cause
the battery to become hot, explode, or ignite.

• Li-Ion/Li-Po cells should be charged about once per year at a minimum to

prevent over-discharge.

• Do not discharge Li-Ion/Li-Po cells lower than 3.0V per cell.

• Li-Ion/Li-Po cells have no “memory” effect so little cycling is needed.

• Li-Ion/Li-Po batteries should be stored with about 30%–50% of capacity.

• If Li-Ion/Li-Po cells leak fluid, rinse the affected area well with water and seek

immediate medical care.

• Do NOT continue to charge or discharge a lithium-polymer battery if it overheats

or begins to swell.

WARNING: The Li-Ion/Li-Po chemistry is a very volatile mixture. Misuse and
overcharge can quickly result in Li-Ion/Li-Po cells getting hot, which could lead
to violent explosion and/or fire and serious property damage or personal injury.

CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR

LITHIUM-ION AND LITHIUM-POLYMER BATTERIES

4

It is strongly recommended to only use lithium-ion/lithium-polymer cells which have
obtained UL1642 approval to ensure they have been produced in accordance with
specific safety criteria. It is also strongly recommended to use UL approved cells
which have been assembled with a charge protection circuit built into the pack. Such
circuits help to regulate cell operation to make sure they operate within specified
current and voltage limits. Batteries not containing a built-in regulative circuit can
accidently be overcharged, thus posing significant risk of fire and/or explosion.

Consult your battery supplier if you are unsure if your lithium-ion/lithium­polymer battery has UL1642 approval or includes a built-in protection circuit.

It is strongly recommended to use the Triton Thermal Probe (GPMM3151) anytime
when using a lithium-ion/lithium-polymer battery on the Triton charger. Failure to
do so, and failure to properly program Triton to charge lithium-ion/lithium-polymer
batteries with proper current and temperature cutoff can result in overcharging the
battery. A maximum “temperature cutoff” setting of 100°F (37°C) is recommended.

It is strongly recommended to set Triton’s lithium-ion/lithium-polymer charge
current at a LOW value for safety purposes. Set Triton’s lithium-ion charge current
to NO GREATER than 500mA for initial charges. Closely monitor the temperature of
the lithium-ion/lithium-polymer cells during charge. If cells become excessively

warm to the touch during charge remove them from the charger immediately,

and reduce the level of charge current for future charges to prevent cells from
overheating.

Never attempt to care for Lead-acid (Pb) batteries in the same way as other
battery types! Lead-acid batteries commonly used in R/C hobby field boxes require

unique care and handling methods as they contain different characteristics than
other battery types.

•

Do not attempt to use Triton’s NiCd, NiMH, or Li-Ion/Li-Po functions on Pb
batteries.

• Do not exceed 14.7V maximum charge voltage for batteries rated at 12V.

• Pb batteries have a self-discharge rate of 5–10%, meaning they hold charge very

well. Thus, there is no need trickle charge to Pb batteries.

• Pb batteries do not exhibit the “memory effect” like NiCd cells, and therefore little

cycling is needed.

• Do not leave Pb batteries in the full discharge condition, which could cause the

battery to lose its ability to regain full charge.

Triton only accepts DC input power which could come from a power supply or 12V
automotive battery. To achieve Triton’s maximum potential, the power source must
be capable of delivering at least 13 amps of current while maintaining 12 volts DC.

INPUT POWER

CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR

LEAD-ACID BATTERIES (Pb)

5

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. Triton will
display an “Input voltage” error message if the input is below 10.5V or above 15.0V.
If this occurs, re-check the input power supply to ensure adequate power is present.
It’s best to use a clean DC power source whose output is filtered to remove unwanted
electrical noise. It’s recommended to disconnect the charger from input power when
not in use.

WARNING! Never accidentally short together the positive (+) and negative (-)
input connections when connected to 12V DC power. Failure to heed this
warning could result in permanent damage to the power source and the charger.

Two banana jacks are located on the right side of the charger for connecting batteries.
Securely connect the battery charge lead to these jacks with the positive (+) lead
connected to the red jack, and the negative (-) lead to the black jack. It is highly
recommended to use pre-assembled charge leads to avoid possible erroneous
operation or data as a result of using poor quality connections. “No battery” will be
displayed if attempting to start a function without a battery connected to Triton’s
output. “Open circuit” will be displayed if the battery becomes disconnected while a
function is in progress. “Reverse polarity” will be displayed if the battery is connected
to Triton’s output backwards.

WARNING! Do not short the battery connections, as permanent damage to the
battery and/or the charger could result and void your warranty.

Three controls make it extremely easy to scroll through menus and select functions.
Under the LCD, the right-hand button marked “BATT TYPE” is typically used to scroll
horizontally in the MAIN MENU to set the battery type. The left-hand “MENU” button
is typically used to jump between the programming menus. The large dial located on
the right side has two modes of operation: rotating the dial in both directions will
scroll through menus and adjust parameters quickly and easily, and pressing down
on the center of the dial acts as another pushbutton which is often used to select
objects on-screen.

Triton contains three menus, each with specific functions. Refer to the quick
reference flowcharts for these menus included with this manual when programming
the charger.

MENU STRUCTURE

CHARGER CONTROLS

OUTPUT BATTERY CONNECTIONS

6

1. The MAIN MENU is where selecting the battery type, charge currents and

voltages, discharge currents and voltages, and cycling parameters are found.
Adjusting and starting any such function is also performed in this menu. The battery
memory storage locations are also in the MAIN MENU where setup parameters for 10
batteries can be stored for easy re-call and charger setup.

2. The SETUP MENU is where many different features that support the charge,
discharge, and cycle functions can be found and adjusted. Safety features, time
delays, cycle counts, peak detection sensitivity, etc. are some of the adjustable
parameters found in this menu.

3. The DATA VIEW MENU is where results of charge and discharge functions are
displayed, as well as input, output, peak, and average voltages. This is also where
Triton contains and displays data stored in the 10 cycle memories.

Note: If an LCD screen which is NOT described in this manual or shown in the
included programming flowcharts becomes accessed accidentally, do NOT attempt to
adjust any values whatsoever. Simply remove and then re-connect power on Triton’s
input. If the same problem repeats itself, or if values in any such unlisted screens are
adjusted by accident, call Hobby Services for further instructions at [phone]
before proceeding.

This menu is divided horizontally into five sections. All functions for NiCd batteries
are located in the left-most vertical column, followed by functions for NiMH, Pb, and
Li-Ion/Li-Po batteries, with the battery memory screens in the right-hand column.

1. BATTERY TYPE: The first and most important step is to select the proper
battery chemistry. Triton will then automatically adjust all other MAIN and SETUP

MENU screens according to which battery type has been selected. When power is
applied, Triton will default to the “NiCd charge” screen (top-left of flowchart). Press
the BATT TYPE button to scroll horizontally across the MAIN MENU to select the
proper battery type; “NiMH charge,” “Pb charge,” “Li-Ion charge,”(which should be
used for Li-Po batteries also), “Battery Memory,” or back to “NiCd charge.”

IMPORTANT: Different parameters exist for each battery type, so it is important
to select the proper battery type.

2. NiCd AND NiMH FUNCTIONS: When either the “NiCd charge” or “NiMH charge”

screen is shown, rotate the dial to scroll vertically through the “discharge,” “charge­to-discharge” cycle, “discharge-to-charge” cycle, and back to peak “charge” functions.

3. Pb AND Li-Ion/Li-Po FUNCTIONS: When the “Pb charge” or “Li-Ion charge”
screen is shown, rotate the dial to scroll vertically through the full “charge” and
“discharge” functions. Cycling functions are not available for Pb or Li-Ion/Li-Po
batteries.

MAIN MENU

7

4. BATTERY MEMORIES: Triton includes memory locations for storing specific

parameters for up to 10 different batteries. When the “Memory (10) NiCd” screen is
shown, press the dial briefly to cause the memory number within the parentheses to
flash, then rotate the dial to scroll through other battery memory locations. When the
desired memory is found, re-press the dial to confirm the selection. Next, rotate the
dial to scroll vertically through the following screens for the selected memory: battery
type, number of cells, battery capacity, charge current, discharge current, and
discharge volts/cell. Adjust any such parameter as needed to match the battery type.
When the desired battery memory has been properly adjusted / selected, press MENU
and Triton will automatically return to the appropriate “charge” screen for the battery
type selected. Starting any function cannot be accomplished in the battery memory
screens. Triton must be in one of the screens described in points 2 and 3 above to
start any function. Note: It is not necessary to program batteries into memory. This
is merely a convenience if you do not wish to re-configure the charger each time you
change batteries.

5. ADJUSTING VALUES: To adjust a value in any screen, briefly press the dial and
the adjustable parameter will flash. Rotate the dial to adjust the parameter to the
desired value. Re-press the dial to confirm the selection (will stop flashing). If two
adjustable parameters show on a single screen, repeatedly press the dial to select the
appropriate parameter to be adjusted.

6. STARTING A FUNCTION: To start the function which is displayed on-screen
(except while in the “Battery Memory” screens), press and hold the dial (do not rotate)
for 2 seconds. Triton will perform a brief “Battery Check” to ensure the battery is in
suitable condition before proceeding.

Carefully read the following sections for detailed descriptions for all functions within
the MAIN MENU. Pressing both the MENU and BATT TYPE buttons simultaneously
at any time while in the MAIN MENU will jump to the DATA VIEW MENU.

“NiCd charge” and “NiMH charge:” Triton utilizes the “zero deltaV” peak detection
method to charge NiCd and NiMH batteries with linear current. This method can
result in a battery safely reaching 95 to 98% full charge, after which time Triton will
automatically switch to a gentle trickle charge current. Trickle charge will help the
battery safely reach its 100% full charge potential.

Triton will supply trickle charge current to NiCd and NiMH batteries only after an
individual peak charge – not after discharge or cycle. Trickle charge rates vary from
0 – 250mA, and are automatically set by Triton (not user adjustable). The trickle
charge rate is based on the fast charge current setting and the condition of the
battery being charged, and should be as follows:

CHARGING BATTERIES

8

It’s a good idea to properly discharge NiCd batteries before charging. If a NiCd battery
is only partially discharged on a regular basis it can develop a so-called “memory
effect,” where it will only be capable of storing part of its maximum rated capacity. It
is difficult to reverse the memory effect and battery replacement is usually necessary.
NiMH batteries do not exhibit the memory effect and typically have a high self­discharge rate, so discharging before charging is not necessary.

Sub-C NiCd and NiMH cells used for powering DC motors can withstand peak charge
currents up to 5.0 amps with little heat generation. “A” or “AA” cells typically used for
radios should not be subjected to such high currents. Many chargers are designed to
safely peak charge “A” and “AA” size radio batteries at currents of 2.0 amps or less.
Exceeding this rate is not typically recommended. “AAA” and smaller cells (such as
“N” size) should be charged at even lower rates to avoid permanent damage from
overheating. Consult your battery supplier for proper charge current

information.

In either the “NiCd charge” or “NiMH charge” screens, press the dial to select the
current level, then rotate the dial to adjust this level from 0.1 – 5.0 amps. Re-press
the dial to confirm the selection. Low charge currents are more gentle on batteries
and tend to result in more accurate, full charges but take longer to fully charge
batteries. High charge currents result in much quicker charge times, but are more
stressful on batteries and can shorten their overall lifespan. Press and hold the dial
for 2 seconds to start peak charge. Note: When charging NiCd or NiMH packs
containing greater than 20 cells, or charging lead-acid batteries rated at 12V or
greater, the actual amount of current delivered to the battery might not exceed 3.5A.
This is normal, and can be attributed to a variety of different circumstances such as
the condition of the input power supply, battery being charged, charge
connector/connection, etc.

Auto-Mode: If pre-set charge currents are not entered in the menu before attempting
to charge a battery, Triton’s circuitry will automatically set the appropriate charge
current to match the battery. Once the battery is connected and the charge process
has been started, Triton will monitor and evaluate the condition of the battery and
automatically set a charge current. Because the effectiveness of the auto-mode is
dependent on many variables relative to the battery being charged (how much charge
currently exists, age and quality of the cells, quality of the charge leads, etc.), Triton
will likely produce better results when programmed manually. This, and learning how
to specifically care for your batteries will ultimately lead to better performance.
Because of their small size (which is directly proportional to their high internal
impedance and natural tendency to overheat easily), it is recommended NOT to use
the auto-mode for charging small park-flyer type batteries (cells smaller than “AA”).
Using the auto-mode for NiCds with a rated capacity of 600-2400mAh, or NiMHs with
a rated capacity of 1000-3000mAh is acceptable.

9