Great Planes GPMM3152 User Manual
™
Computerized Charger, Discharger, Cycler
INSTRUCTIONS
Based on the industry-leading original Triton™charger from ElectriFly™, Triton Jr. offers most of the key specifications and
features, plus the same great performance, reliability, and accuracy at a more economical price. The range of currents and
cell counts make Triton Jr. great for smaller sized electric flight applications. But it can still be used in various other
applications, such as for Tx and Rx batteries, field batteries, and more. Triton Jr. can charge, discharge, and cycle multiple
types of rechargeable batteries with high output power and a customized LCD with easy-to-see blue backlighting. A Quick
Reference Guide, plus state-of-the art programming and flowcharts make Triton Jr. easy to understand and use. Its very small
size and light weight make Triton Jr. extremely easy to transport.
IT’S STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TO READ THIS MANUAL ENTIRELY, AS IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT PROGRAMMING
AND SAFETY AND HANDLING INFORMATION. DAMAGE RESULTING FROM MISUSE OR MODIFICATION OF THIS
CHARGER WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
1. Connect Triton Jr. to a 12V DC power source. Observe
proper polarity. (See page 5 for details)
2. Find the programming flowcharts included in the package.
3. Press BATT TYPE to find the screen which matches your
battery type: NiCd, NiMH, LiPo/Li-Ion, or Pb (lead-acid).
(See page 7 for details)
4. Connect the proper charge adapter to the “Output” jacks.
Connect the battery to the charge lead, observing
proper polarity.
5. To charge:
A. NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 9.
B. LiPo and Li-Ion batteries see page 15.
C. Lead-acid (Pb) batteries see page 17.
6. To discharge:
A. NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 11.
B. LiPo and Li-Ion batteries see page 16.
C. Lead-acid (Pb) batteries see page 18.
7. For cycling of NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 12.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Specifications and special features .......................................2
Important warnings ................................................................3
Glossary of terms ..................................................................4
Input power............................................................................5
Controls and connections......................................................6
Determining battery type and specs .....................................7
Getting started – main menu.................................................8
Charging, discharging, cycling NiCd or NiMH batteries ........9
SPECIFICATIONS
Input voltage: 11.0 – 15.0V DC
Input connections: large alligator clips
Number of outputs: one
Battery types, # cells: 1-14 NiCd/MH
1-4 LiPo or Li-Ion (3.6 or 3.7V cells)
2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12V Pb (2V per cell)
Fast charge current: 0.1-5.0A NiCd/MH (0.1A step,
63W max.)
1C rating LiPo/Li-Ion (63W max.)
Fast charge termination: “zero deltaV” peak detection
NiCd/MH
“cc/cv” for Pb and LiPo/Li-Ion
Peak sensitivity: 8mV fixed NiCd, 5mV fixed NiMH
Peak delay at start: 3 minutes fixed
Trickle charge current: charge current/20 (NiCd/MH only)
Fast charge safety timer: NiCd/MH 1.5 hours, LiPo 2hour
Discharge current: 0.1-1.0A (0.10 step, 5W max)
Selecting LiPo or Li-Ion battery type ...................................14
LiPo batteries – balance vs. non-balanced..........................14
Charging and discharging LiPo/Ion batteries ......................15
Charging and discharging Pb batteries ...............................17
Miscellaneous functions ......................................................19
Data view screens ...............................................................20
Error indications and safety features...................................21
Troubleshooting guide .........................................................22
Discharge cutoff NiCd/MH 0.1-16.8V (0.1 step)
voltage: Pb fixed at 1.8V per cell
LiPo/Ion fixed at 3.0V per cell
Cycle count: 1 to 5 times
Controls membrane touchpad, 4 buttons
Display type: 2x16 LCD w/custom blue backlight
Displayed info: input and output volts, peak volts,
ave dsch volts, chg and dsch
capacity, currents and time, errors
Audible indicators: beeper
Output connectors: banana jacks
Case material: extruded aluminum
Current overload: 10A spade fuse
Case size: 4.7 x 3.6 x 1.2 in (118 x 92 x 30mm)
Weight: 13.1 oz (371g)
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SPECIAL FEATURES & FUNCTIONS
• Durable membrane touchpad input controls, and very simple programming menu.
• Handles 1- 14 nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) cells, 1-4 lithium-polymer (LiPo) or lithium-ion
cells (Li-Ion), or 2-12V lead-acid batteries (Pb).
• Precision “zero deltaV” peak detection for NiCd and NiMH batteries.
• “Constant current / constant voltage” charge method for Pb and LiPo/Li-Ion batteries.
• 0.1 – 5.0A adjustable charge current.
• Automatically sets trickle charge current (fast charge current divided by 20, NiCd/MH only).
• 0.1 – 1.0A adjustable discharge current.
• Adjustable discharge cutoff voltages for NiCd/MH (during discharge mode only)
• Cycle NiCd and NiMH batteries one to five times
• Easy to see, 32 character (2x16) LCD with blue back-lighting.
• Displays input and output volts, peak volts, ave dsch volts, chg and dsch capacity, currents and time, error messages.
• Status screen constantly updates capacity, battery voltage, current, and time during use.
• Audible beeper aids in programming and notifies of function changes.
• Safety features include fast charge safety timer, current overload and reverse polarity protection.
• Small and lightweight, with a rugged extruded aluminum case for long-lasting durability and excellent heat dissipation.
IMPORTANT WARNINGS
• NEVER attempt to charge incompatible types of rechargeable batteries as permanent damage to the battery and
charger could result.
• NEVER use automotive type battery chargers to power the charger.
• NEVER allow water, moisture or foreign objects into the charger.
• NEVER block the air intake holes which could cause the charger to overheat.
• NEVER attempt to use batteries with more cells or total voltage than listed in the specifications
• NEVER 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.
3
• NEVER place the charger or battery on a flammable surface or near a flammable object while in use. Keep away from
carpets, cluttered workbenches, etc.
• NEVER 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.
• ALWAYS disconnect from power source when not in use.
• ALWAYS keep out of reach of children.
• ALWAYS connect the charge lead to the charger before connecting the battery to the lead. And ALWAYS disconnect the
battery from the charge lead BEFORE disconnecting the charge lead from the charger. Otherwise, if the ends of the charge
lead touch each other while the battery is still connected it will cause a severe and dangerous short-circuit condition.
G
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Amps (A): The unit of measure for charge or discharge current.
Milli-amps (mA): A unit of measure for current, being amps (A) multiplied by 1000 and listed as “mA”. So 2.5A is the same
as 2500mA (2.5 x 1000). Or, to convert mA to amps, divide the mA number by 1000. So 25mA is the same as 0.025A (25
divided by 1000).
Capacity, milli-amp hours (mAh), and amp-hours (Ah): Charge energy stored by a battery is called capacity, which is
defined as how much current a battery can supply in one hour of time. Most hobby batteries are rated for capacity in “mAh”
or milli-amp hours. A 650mAh battery can deliver 650mA of current for one hour (650mA x 1hr = 650mAh). A 3200mAh
battery can deliver 3200mA (3.2A) of current for one hour (3200mA x 1hr = 3200mAh), etc. Very large batteries, such as leadacid field batteries, are usually rated in “Ah” or amp-hours. A “12V 7A” field battery can deliver 7 amps of current for one
hour (7A x 1hr = 7Ah).
“C” rating: Capacity is also referred to as the “C” rating. Some battery suppliers recommend charge and discharge currents
based on the battery’s “C” rating. A battery’s “1C” current value is the same number as the battery’s rated capacity number,
but noted in mA or amps. A 600mAh battery has a 1C current value of 600mA…a 3C current value of (3 x 600mA) 1800mA.
The 1C current value for a 3200mAh battery would be 3200mA (3.2A), etc.
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INPUT POWER - CONNECTION, PROTECTIONS & LIMITATIONS
Triton Jr. only accepts DC input power which could come from a 12V power supply or 12V automotive battery. It’s best to use
a clean DC power source whose output is filtered to remove unwanted electrical noise. Do NOT use an automobile battery
charger as a power source. To achieve the absolute maximum output power, the power source must be capable of delivering
at least 6.5 amps of current while maintaining 12 volts DC.
The input power lead is located on the left side of the charger. 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. WARNING! NEVER allow the red
and black input connections to touch each other while connected to 12V DC power. Failure to do so could result in
permanent damage to the power source and the charger. It’s recommended to disconnect the charger from input
power when not in use.
The charger is always on when connected to the power source (there isn’t any ON/OFF power switch). Therefore, disconnect
the charger from input power when not in use. If input power is below 11.0V or above 15.0V, the display will show an “Input
voltage” error. If this occurs, re-check the input power supply to ensure adequate power is present.
A 10 amp auto, or spade type fuse is located on the left side of the charger, and is used to protect the charger’s input. If you
suspect the fuse has blown, be sure to first disconnect the charger from input power. Then, remove and inspect the element
inside the fuse. If the element is burnt, replace the fuse with a new fuse of the exact same rating. Do NOT use a fuse with
rating greater than 10A.
Triton Jr. has a maximum overall power rating of 63 watts. If trying to charge a high voltage battery at high current, the charger
might deliberately reduce the output current to keep the output power under the maximum level. This is normal, and designed
to protect the charger.
5
CHARGER CONTROLS & OUTPUT CONNECTION
“The “INC+” button is used to increase
values in the programming, and navigate
upwards through menus.
The “ENTER/START” button is used to
confirm settings, and to start and
manually stop functions.
“The “DEC-“ button is used to decrease
values in the programming, and navigate
downward through menus.
Part Number Description
GPMM3148 Charge Adapter - Banana plugs to Deans®Ultra Male
GPMM3149 Charge Adapter - Banana plugs to Deans®Micro
HCAP0101 Futaba J Tx and Rx charge leads, except 9VAP
HCAP0102 Futaba J Tx and Rx charge leads, 9VAP only
HCAP0104 Airtronics/Sanwa Tx and Rx charge leads
HCAP0105 JR Tx and Rx charge leads
HCAP0106 Hitec Tx and Rx charge leads
HCAP0108 Charge leads, banana plugs to alligator clips
HCAP0110 9V-style Tx connector, Futaba-J Rx charge lead
HCAP0310 Banana Plugs (3 pair)
HCAP0320 Heavy Duty Banana Plugs (2 pair)
“The “BATT TYPE” button is
used to change battery type,
navigate to the right through
all menus, and to find the
Data View screens.
Banana Jacks
Use pre-assembled charge
leads to connect batteries to
the banana jacks. See below
for a list of different ElectriFly
and Hobbico brand charge
leads which can be purchased
through many hobby retailers.
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DETERMINING BATTERY TYPE & SPECIFICATIONS
It is always CRUCIAL to know your battery’s exact type, rated voltage and capacity!!
Failure to know these points is one
of the biggest reasons why batteries fail. A few short minutes learning the basics of battery care can easily prevent
unnecessary crashes (and lost money!). Carefully read your battery’s label and/or instruction sheet or consult your battery
supplier and determine:
1. Is the battery
type
nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-polymer (LiPo), lithium-ion (Li-Ion), or lead-
acid (Pb)?
2. What is the battery’s
total rated capacity
? The mAh or Ah rating should be listed directly on the battery’s label. If not,
consult your battery supplier.
3. What is the battery’s
nominal rated voltage
? NEVER guess the rated voltage of a LiPo or Li-Ion battery! If not printed
on the battery’s label, consult your battery supplier or determine pack voltage as follows:
A. NiCd and NiMH: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 1.20. A 6-cell pack will have a nominal voltage of
7.20 volts (6 x 1.20). An 8-cell pack will have a nominal voltage of 9.60 volts (8 x 1.20), etc.
B. LiPo: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.70. A 2-cell LiPo wired in series will have a nominal voltage
of 7.4V (3.7 x 2). A 3-cell LiPo wired in series will have a nominal voltage of 11.1 volts (3 x 3.70), etc.
C. Li-Ion: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.60. A 2-cell Li-Ion wired in series will have a nominal voltage
of 7.20 volts (2 x 3.60). A 3-cell Li-Ion wired in series will have a nominal voltage of 10.8 volts (3 x 3.60), etc.
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GETTING STARTED - MAIN MENU
All main functions (charge, discharge, cycle) for all battery types are conveniently found in the Main Menu. Starting all
functions is done within this menu as well. Refer to the included flowchart when using the Main Menu. Going left to right, this
menu includes all functions for NiCd batteries, then NiMH, LiPo (and Li-Ion), and lead-acid batteries (Pb). More specific
information about settings for each battery type is included in separate flowcharts for each battery type (which are still part of
the Main Menu).
IMPORTANT: Different parameters exist for each battery types, so it‘s CRUCIAL to use functions in the menu which
are marked for your exact battery type!!
When power is applied, Triton Jr. will automatically default to the “NiCd CHARGE” screen (top-left of Main Menu flowchart). To
change battery types, press BATT TYPE until the proper battery type is found (moving right across the flowchart). Select from
NiMH, LiPo (Li-Ion settings are found in this screen also), and Pb (lead-acid).
ALWAYS connect the charge lead to the charger FIRST, with the red positive (+) lead connected to the red jack, and the black negative
(-) lead to the black jack. Then, connect the battery to the charge lead. See the ERROR INDICATIONS AND SAFETY FEATURES
section at the rear of this manual if errors are indicated regarding the connection of the battery to the charger’s output.
WARNING! NEVER allow the positive and negative output connections to touch while a battery is connected to the
output. Failure to do so could result in permanent damage to the battery and/or the charger and void your warranty.
CARE AND HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR NIMH BATTERIES
CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR NiMH BATTERIES
• NEVER allow NiMH batteries to overheat, as this could adversely affect their performance. If this happens, disconnect
the battery from the charger immediately and allow to cool!
• NEVER deep cycle NiMH batteries as permanent damage could result.
• NEVER attempt to use the NiCd, Pb, or lithium functions with NiMH batteries.
• Store NiMH packs with some voltage remaining on the cells (refer to battery supplier).
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CHARGING NiCd OR NiMH BATTERIES
1. In the MAIN MENU, the default “NiCd
CHARGE” screen should be showing if the
charger was just connected to power. Use this
screen to charge a NiCd battery and skip to
step 3.
2. To charge a NiMH battery, press BATT TYPE
twice to find the “NiMH CHARGE” screen.
Press ENTER to confirm this battery type, or
wait 5 seconds and Triton Jr. will automatically
confirm this selection.
3. To change the charge current, press ENTER to
cause the value to flash. Press INC+ or DECto find the desired charge current (0.1 – 5.0
amps). See the chart at right for recommended
current settings. Note that “0.1A” is the same
as 100mA… “0.8A” is the same as 800mA, etc.
Press ENTER, or wait 5 seconds and Triton Jr.
will automatically confirm this selection.
4. To START PEAK CHARGE, press and hold
START for 2 seconds. The “BATTERY CHECK,
PLEASE WAIT…” display will show briefly as
Triton Jr. evaluates the condition of the battery.
If the battery is ready, the charge process will
start automatically at which time you’ll see a
screen like shown below.
NiCd and NiMH CHARGE AND DISCHARGE CURRENT CHART
Battery 2 Hour 1 Hour
CHARGE TIPS:
Using a current which could
fully charge an empty pack in 1
to 2 hours should avoid
overheating of the battery. This
table shows recommended 1
and 2 hour charge current
settings for batteries of different
rated capacities.
DISCHARGE TIPS:
More accurate mAh
measurements can be achieved
when using a current which can
discharge the pack in 1 or 2
hours, as shown in this table.
Note: The maximum discharge
current is 1 amp. And, the
maximum power dissipation
during discharge is 5 watts,
which might cause discharge
currents to automatically be
limited for packs having
high voltage.
Capacity (mAh) Currents Currents
100-200 0.1A 0.2A
300-400 0.2A 0.4A
500-600 0.3A 0.6A
700-800 0.4A 0.8A
900-1000 0.5A 1.0A
1100-1200 0.6A 1.2A
1300-1400 0.7A 1.4A
1500-1600 0.8A 1.6A
1700-1800 0.9A 1.8A
1900-2000 1.0A 2.0A
2100-2200 1.1A 2.2A
2300-2400 1.2A 2.4A
2500-2600 1.3A 2.6A
2700-2800 1.4A 2.8A
2900-3000 1.5A 3.0A
3100-3300 1.7A 3.3A
3400-3600 1.8A 3.6A
3700-4000 1.9A 4.0A
4100-4300 2.1A 4.3A
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