Great Planes GPMM3153 User Manual

Triton2 is the sequel to ElectriFly’s revolutionary Triton charger. In addition to all existing features found on the original, Triton2
includes several feature upgrades and improvements. Maximum charge current has been increased to 7A. The LCD now
includes a blue backlight f or easy viewing e ven in poorly lit areas.T2 can handle LiPo packs having up to 5 cells wired in series.
The input lead has pre-installed banana plugs, and large alligator clips are included which can be mated directly to the banana
plugs for easy connection to different types of supply terminals.The rotating dial has been modified for easier control. Plus,
the instructions have been completely re-formatted for ease of use. All of this, while maintaining the same great quality and
performance that made Triton famous.

IT’S STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TO READ THIS MANU AL ENTIRELY,AS IT CONT AINS IMPOR TANT PROGRAMMING AND
SAFETY AND HANDLING INFORMATION. DAMAGE RESULTING FROM MISUSE OR MODIFICATION OF THIS CHARGER
WILL VOID Y OUR WARRANTY.

1. Connect Triton2 to a 12V DC power source. Obser ve proper polarity.(See page 3 for details)

2. Find the programming flowchar ts included in the package.

3. At the default “Memory” screen, press BATT TYPE to find the screen which matches y our battery type:NiCd, NiMH, LiPo/Li­Ion, or Pb (lead-acid). (See page 4 for details)

4. Connect the proper charge adapter to the output banana jacks (See page 4 for a list of adapters). Connect the battery to
the charge lead, observing proper polarity.

5.To charge:

a. For NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 6.
b.For LiPo and Li-Ion batteries see page 9.
c. For lead-acid (Pb) batteries see page 10.

6.To discharge:

a. For NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 7.
b.For LiPo and Li-Ion batteries see page 10.
c. For lead-acid (Pb) batteries see page 11.

7. For cycling of NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 8.

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

™

Computerized Charger, Discharger, Cycler

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Specifications and Features.................................................2

Important Warnings..............................................................2

Glossary of Terms................................................................3

Input Power – Connection, Protection, Limitations ..............3

Controls and Output Connections ........................................4

Determining Battery Type and Specifications ......................4

Menu Structure.....................................................................4

Getting Started – Main Menu and Battery Memor ies ..........5

Charging, Discharging, Cycling NiCd or NiMH Batteries.....6

Selecting LiPo or Li-Ion Battery Type...................................9

LiPo Batteries – Balanced vs.Non-balanced.......................9

Charging and Discharging LiPo/Ion Batteries......................9

Charging and Discharging Pb Batteries.............................10

Setup Menu ........................................................................11

Data View Screens – Charge, Discharge, Cycle Data.......12

Errors and Safety Features ................................................13

Troubleshooting Guide.......................................................13

Maximum Power Char t.......................................................15

SPECIAL FEATURES

• 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 f oreign objects into the charger.

• NEVER block the air intake holes or fan 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.

• NEVER place the charger or battery on a flammable surface or near a flammable object while in use. Keep away from
carpets, wood, plastic, paper, 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, a severe and dangerous short-circuit condition will result.

IMPORT ANT W ARNINGS

SPECIFICATIONS

2

•

Updated control dial and re-formatted instructions for
easier programming

•

Handles 1-5 lithium-polymer or lithium-ion cells in series

•

0.1 – 7.0A adjustable charge current

•

LCD includes a blue back-light

•

Banana plugs on input connector, and includes mating
gator clips

• Precision “zero deltaV” peak detection with adjustable
sensitivity for NiCd and NiMH batteries

• “Constant current / constant voltage” charge method for
Pb and LiPo/Ion batteries

• Fast charge thermal cutoff (GPMM3151 thermal probe
available separately)

• Top-off charge f eature fully charges NiMHs without o verheating

• 0–250mA adjustable trickle charge current (NiCd and NiMH only)

• 0.1–3.0A adjustable discharge current

• Adjustable discharge cutoff voltages for NiCd/MH (pre-set
voltages for Pb and LiPo/Ion).

• Perform 1 to 10 cycles (NiCd/MH only)

• Recall data for 10 full cycles

• Configure up to 10 batteries in memory for instant, easy
re-call and charger setup

• Displays input and output volts, peak charge volts, average
discharge volts, charge and discharge capacities, currents
and time, error messages

• Audible sound cues aid in programming and notification of
function changes.

• W arning messages f or improper input v oltage, 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
extends life of charger

• Small and lightweight, with a super-sturdy aluminum case
for rugged durability

Input voltage: 11.0–15.0V DC
Input connections: banana plugs with mating

gator clips

Number of outputs: one
Battery types, # cells: 1-24 NiCd/MH (1.2 - 28.0V)

1-5 LiPo or Li-Ion (3.6, 3.7,

7.2, 7.4, 10.8, 11.1, 14.4,

14.8, 18.0, and 18.5V)
6, 12, 24V Pb (2V per cell)

Fast charge current: 0.1-7.0A linear NiCd/MH

(0.1A step, 90W max.)
1C rating for LiPo/Li-Ion

Fast charge termination: “zero deltaV” peak detection

for NiCd/MH
“cc/cv” for Pb and LiPo/Ion
* optional thermal cutoff

Peak sensitivity: NiCd 5-20mV, NiMH 3-15mV
Peak delay at start: 0-60 minutes (NiCd/MH only)
Trickle charge current: 0 - 300mA (NiCd/MH only)
Fast charge safety timer: 0-990 minutes

* requires optional thermal probe – GPMM3151

NiMH max. charge cap: 0-9900mAh
NiMH top off charge: 0-1000mA
Thermal cutoff: * 50-150°F (10-65°C)
Discharge current: 0.1-3.0A (20W max.)
Discharge cutoff voltage: NiCd/MH 0.5-1.20V per cell

(0.9V/cell fixed during cycle)
LiPo/Ion fixed at 3.0V per cell
Pb fixed at 1.8V per cell

Cycle count: 1-10 cycles (NiCd/MH only)
Cycle time delay: 1-60 minutes
Battery memories: 10 memories
Programming controls: modified jog dial, 2 pushbuttons
Display type: 2 x 16 LCD with blue backlight
Audible indicators: 10 melodies, on/off
Output connectors: banana jacks
Case material: extruded aluminum
Cooling system: built-in fan
Current overload: solid state
Case size: 6.2 x 4 x 2 in (157x102x51mm)
Weight: 16.4 oz. (466g)

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). If a
current value is below 1.0A, the display will still show the current in amps, not milli-amps. For example, a current of 800mA will be
displayed as 0.8A.A current of 100mA will actually be shown as 0.1A, etc.

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 constantly over 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 lead-acid field batteries, are
usually rated in “Ah”or amp-hours. A “12V 7Ah” 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 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, and a 3C current value of (3 x 600mA) 1800mA or 1.8A.The 1C current value for a
3200mAh battery would be 3200mA (3.2A), etc.

Triton2 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 unw anted electrical noise.Do NOT use an automobile battery charger as a power
source.To achieve the absolute maximum output power, the input power source must be capable of delivering at least 10 amps of
current while maintaining 12 volts DC.If input power is below 11.0V or above 15.0V the display will show an “Input voltage”error, at
which time you should re-check the input to ensure adequate power is present.

The input power lead is located on the left side of the charger.
Note the unique set of alligator clip adapters that are included,
and the female banana jack b uilt into the handle of each c lip.If
your power source requires alligator clips, slide the banana plugs
on the input lead into the female jacks on the alligator clips
(matching colors of banana plugs and alligator clips). Securely
connect the charger’s red lead to the positive (+) ter minal on the
power source, and the black lead 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.

Triton2 has a maximum overall pow er rating of 90 w atts during charge, and 20 watts during discharge.If trying to charge or discharge
a battery which has over 12 volts the charger might deliberately limit the output current so not to exceed its maximum rated output
power. Refer to the “Maximum Power Chart” included for more details about current limitations for higher voltage batteries.

Triton2 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.T2’s input is protected from rev erse polarity and ov ercurrent by solid state protectiv e
circuits, and does not include a fuse. If you suspect an error occurred with the input power and T2 will not function properly
after correcting the input power problem, refer to the Troubleshooting Guide for details.

INPUT POWER - CONNECTION, PROTECTIONS & LIMITATIONS

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

3

It is always CRUCIAL to kno w 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 batter y’s label and/or instruction sheet or consult your batter y
supplier and determine:

1.Is the battery

type

nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nick el-metal h ydride (NiMH), lithium-polymer (LiP o), 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 pr inted 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 1.2.A 6-cell pack will hav e a nominal v oltage of 7.2 volts

(6 x 1.2). An 8-cell pack will have a nominal voltage of 9.6 volts (8 x 1.2), etc.

B. LiPo:multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.7.A 2-cell LiPo wired in series will hav e a nominal voltage of 7.4V

(2 x 3.7). A 3-cell LiPo wired in series will have a nominal voltage of 11.1 volts (3 x 3.7), etc.

C. Li-Ion: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.6. A 2-cell Li-Ion wired in series will have a nominal voltage of

7.2 volts (2 x 3.6). A 3-cell Li-Ion wired in series will have a nominal voltage of 10.8 volts (3 x 3.6), etc.

Triton2 contains three different menus.Refer to the included flowcharts when programming the charger.
Main Menu: For setting battery type, charge and discharge currents and voltages, and cycling currents. Starting charge,

discharge, and cycles are done in this menu. Setting a batter y memor y is also done in the Main Menu.
Setup Menu: Various customizable features which support charge, discharge, and cycle are found in the Setup Menu, such

as safety timers, time delays, thermal probe temperature settings, peak detection sensitivity, etc.
Data View Menu: Results of charge, discharge, and cycle functions are displayed here, as well as input, output, peak charge,

and average discharge voltages and batter y temperatures (See page 4).

MENU STRUCTURE

DETERMINING BATTERY TYPE & SPECIFICATIONS

CONTROLS & OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

4

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

NUMBER DESCRIPTION

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 THERMAL PROBE jack is ONLY used for connecting
an optional thermal probe (GPMM3151). Do NOT connect
batteries to this jack. Refer to the “Temperature Cut-off”
section of the Setup Menu.

• Use pre-assembled charge leads to connect batteries to the
banana jacks.See the following list of different ElectriFly and

Hobbico

®

brand charge leads which can be purchased

through many hobby retailers.

• Custom 32-character LCD with blue back-light.

• The MENU CHANGE button jumps between the Main and
Setup menus.

• The BATT TYPE button changes battery types in the Main Menu.

• Press BATT TYPE and MENU CHANGE simultaneously
to find the Data View Menu.

• The dial is used for scrolling through menus and adjusting
values on-screen; it acts like a pushbutton to confirm
items on-screen.

The Main Menu is where all main functions (charge, discharge, cycle) are located and started, as well as where to select the
battery type, charge, discharge, and cycle currents and voltages.When power is applied the first time, Triton2 will automatically
default to the “Memory (01) NiCd”screen shown on the left side of the Main Menu flowchart. It is strongly recommended to

have all flowcharts handy as it will greatly simplify and quicken the process of learning to use the charger.

1. ALWAYS connect the battery adapter lead to the charger BEFORE connecting the batter y to the adapter. Make sure to observe
proper polarities for all connections, with the red positive (+) leads connected to each other , and the b lack negativ e (-) leads connected
to each other.WARNING! NEVER allow the positive and negative output connections to touch while a battery is connected.

Failure to do so could result in permanent damage to the battery and/or the charger and void your warranty.

2.Rotate the dial to move up and down a menu.To adjust values on-screen, press the dial and the adjustable feature will flash.
Rotate the dial to find desired value, then re-press the dial to confirm the selection. If a screen shows two adjustable values,
repeatedly press the dial to select the value to be adjusted.

3. BATTERY MEMORIES: If you don’t
wish to use a battery memory, skip to
step 4. Using the memories prevents
you from having to manually change
all settings each time you change
batteries. Once set, simply select the
memory number that matches the
corresponding battery. You can
customize any of the ten memories as
you wish, as explained in the diagr am
at right.Or, you can use one of the ten
factory programmed memories if the
settings match your battery type. See
the included BATTERY MEMORY
CHARTS for the factory programmed
memories, and a blank chart where
you can record customized memory
settings. All memor y settings will hold
even if po wer is removed, until they’re
changed again manually.
Note: You cannot start any charge,
discharge, or cycle function from the
memory screens. You must press
MENU CHANGE to confirm all
memory settings and move to the
appropriate “charge” screen for the
selected battery type.

4.SETTING BATTERY TYPE:If not using a memory, press BATT TYPE to find the battery type which EXACTLY matches your
battery. Referring to the Main Menu flowchart, select from NiCd, NiMH, LiPo (use this for Li-Ion batteries also – see the
“Selecting LiPo or Li-Ion Battery Type” section for details), and Pb (lead-acid).

5. STARTING CHARGE, DISCHARGE, OR CYCLE: Read the sections below for how to set values for the selected battery
type, and how to start charge, discharge, or a cycle.

• NEVER allow NiMH batteries to overheat, as this could adversely affect their perfor mance. 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).

CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR NiMH BATTERIES

GETTING STARTED - MAIN MENU & BATTERY MEMORIES

5

Memory Screens

Memory (01) NiCd

4.8V / 650mAh

ROTATE DIAL

Battery type

NiCd

Total pack volts

4.8 volts

Battery capacity

650mAh

Charge current

1.0A

Discharge current

1.5A

Dschg cutoff

Voltage 4.4V

Once all memory settings have been entered, press "MENU CHANGE" to confirm all settings. Triton2
will automatically jump to the appropriate "charge" screen for the selected battery type.

Press the dial, then rotate to select a memory (1-10). Re-press dial to
confirm memory selection.

IMPORTANT! Press, then rotate dial to find the EXACT battery type to
match your battery. Press dial to confirm.

Press, then rotate dial to find the voltage which EXACTLY matches the
nominal voltage shown on the battery pack. Press dial to confirm.

Press, then rotate dial to find the capacity value which MOST CLOSELY
matches the capacity shown on the battery pack. Press dial to confirm.

Press, then rotate dial to find the desired charge current. Refer to the
"NiCd and NiMH Charge and Discharge Current" chart for
recommendations. Press dial to confirm. (Screen not shown for lithium
batteries, as current will automatically be set to the battery's 1C value).

Press, then rotate dial to find the discharge current value. Refer to the
NiCd and "NiMH Charge and Discharge Current" chart to determine the
proper current. Press dial to confirm.

Press, then rotate dial to find the discharge cut-off voltage. Refer to the
"Discharge Cutoff Settings - NiCd and NiMH" chart on page 7 to
determine the proper voltage. Press dial to confirm. (Screen not shown
for lithium or lead-acid batteries.)