Great Planes GPMM3155 User Manual

™

INTRODUCTION

TritonEQ™ offers all of the speciﬁ cations and features of the original Triton Jr., and adds a built-in AC power supply, lithium balancing circuit, and a new reversed LCD with adjustable view angle. The range of currents and cell counts make TritonEQ great for smaller sized electric ﬂ ight applications. But it can still be used in various other applications, such as for Tx and Rx batteries, ﬁ eld batteries, and more. TritonEQ can charge, discharge, and cycle multiple types of rechargeable batteries with high output power. A Quick Reference Guide, plus state-of-the ar t programming and ﬂ owcharts make TritonEQ easy to understand and use. Its very small size and light weight make Tr itonEQ extremely easy to transport.

It is strongly recommended to completely read this manual bef ore use! Dama ge resulting fr om misuse or modiﬁ cation will void your warranty.

WARNING!! Charging lithium-based rechargeable batteries poses a risk of FIRE! NEVER treat lithium-based batteries in the same manner as other battery types. NEVER leave lithium batteries unattended while being charged! ALWAYS charge lithium-based batteries in a ﬁ reproof location! Failure to follow all care and handling instructions contained in this manual could result in quick, severe, permanent damage to the batteries and all surroundings!! Follow all safety precautions when using such batteries, as listed on pages 9-12 of this manual!

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

1. Connect TritonEQ to the AC or DC input power source. (See page 3 for details)

2. Find the programming ﬂ owcharts included in the package.

3. Press BATT TYPE to ﬁ nd the screen which matches your battery type. (See page 5 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. For NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 5. b. For lithium based batteries see page 11. c. For lead-acid (Pb) batteries see page 12.

6. To discharge: a. For NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 7. b. For lithium based batteries see page 12. c. For lead-acid (Pb) batteries see page 13.

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

INDEX

Speciﬁ cations .........................................................................2

Special Features and Functions ...........................................2

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

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

Input Power – Connection, Protections and Limitations ....3

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

Determining Battery Type and Speciﬁ cations......................5

Getting Started – Main Menu .................................................5

Care and Handling Instructions for NiMH Batteries ...............5

Charging NiCd or NiMH Batteries .........................................5

Discharging NiCd and NiMH Batteries .................................7

Cycling NiCd and NiMH Batteries .........................................8

Important Care and Handling Instructions for

Lithium-Polymer Batteries .....................................................9

Selecting LiPo, Li-Ion or LiFe Battery Types ......................10

Balanced vs. Non-balanced Lithium Packs ........................10

Charging LiPo, Li-Ion, or LiFe Batteries .............................11

Discharging LiPo, Li-Ion, or LiFe Batteries ........................12

Care and Handling for Lead-Acid (Pb) Batteries ...............12

Charging Pb (Lead-Acid) Batteries .....................................12

Discharging Pb Batteries .....................................................13

Miscellaneous Functions .....................................................13

Data Vie w Screens – Charge, Disc har ge and Cycle Data .....14

Heat Ventilation .....................................................................15

Errors Indications and Safety Features ..............................15

Troubleshooting Guide ........................................................15

1-Year Limited Warranty – U.S.A. and Canada Only ..........16

SPECIFICATIONS

AC input voltage: 110V 60Hz – 240V 50Hz (detachable AC cord) DC input: 11-15.0V DC, with large alligator clips Number of outputs: one, banana jacks Battery types, # cells: 1-14 NiCd, NiMH 1-6 LiPo, Li-Ion, or LiFe (3.6, 3.7 or 3.3V cells) 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12V Pb (2V per cell) Fast charge current: 0.1-5.0A (1C maximum for lithiums) 63W max DC, 50W max AC Fast charge termination: peak detection NiCd, NiMH cc/cv for Pb and lithiums Trickle current: chg current / 20 (NiCd/MH only) Peak sensitivity: 8mV NiCd, 5mV NiMH (NiCd/MH only) Peak delay at start: 3 minutes (NiCd/MH only) Fast charge safety timer: NiCd/NiMH 1.5 hours, lithiums 3 hours, or turn off

Lithium balancing accuracy: 5mV per cell Lithium balancing connector: FlightPower and ElectriFly adapters included Lithium max. node current: 300mA Discharge current: 0.1-1.0A (5W max) Discharge cutoff voltage: NiCd, NiMH 0.1-16.8V LiPo, Li-Ion 3.0V per cell LiFe 2.5V per cell Pb 1.8V per cell Cycle count: 1-5 cycles (NiCd, NiMH only) Battery memories: one Programming controls: membrane touchpad, 4 buttons Display type: 2x16 reversed LCD w/backlight and adjustable angle Audible indicators: beeper Case material: aluminum and ABS plastic Safety devices: solid-state reverse polarity and overload Case size: 5.9 x 6.0 x 2.3 in [150 x 153 x 58mm] Weight: 23.8 oz [675g, w/o AC power cord]

SPECIAL FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS

• Includes a tiny, lightweight built-in switching AC power supply

• A new easy to see 2x16 reversed LCD with backlight and 0-45° adjustable view angle

• Built-in balancing for 1-6S LiPo, LI-Ion, or LiFe (A123) cells, with FlightPower and ElectriFly adapters included

• Durable membrane touchpad input controls, and very simple programming menu

• Handles 1- 14 nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) cells, 1-6 lithium-polymer (LiPo), lithium-ion cells (Li-Ion), or lithium ferrite nanophosphate (LiFe) cells, 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 lithium based batteries

• 0.1 – 5.0A adjustable charge current

• Automatically sets trickle charge current for NiCd and NiMH batteries

• 0.1 – 1.0A adjustable discharge current

• Adjustable discharge cutoff voltages for NiCd/NiMH

• Cycle NiCd and NiMH batteries one to ﬁ ve times

• Displays input and output volts, peak v olts, avg 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 notiﬁ es of function changes.

• Safety features include fast charge safety timer, current overload and reverse polarity protection.

• Small and lightweight, with a rugged aluminum case for long-lasting durability and excellent heat dissipation.

IMPORT ANT W ARNINGS

Disconnect the battery and remove input power from the charger immediately if the charger or battery become hot!! Allow the charger or battery to cool down before reconnecting.

• 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 speciﬁ cations

• NEVER leave the room where a battery is being charged or discharged.

• NEVER place the charger or battery on a ﬂ ammable surface or near a ﬂ ammable object while in use. K eep a wa y 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 AL WAYS 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.

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 deﬁ ned 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 lead-acid ﬁ eld batteries, are usually rated in “Ah” or amp-hours. A “12V 7A” ﬁ eld 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.

INPUT POWER – CONNECTION, PROTECTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

AC Input: For indoor use, this charger includes a built-in switching AC power supply that delivers power by connecting the included AC power cord to a common 110V AC outlet. This built-in power supply is also compatible with 220V 50Hz sources (220V input power cord not included).

DC Input: This charger can also be powered by a por table 12V DC power source for use at the ﬁ eld. It’s best to use a clean DC power source whose output is ﬁ ltered to remove unwanted electrical noise. Do NOT use an automobile battery charger as a power source. On the left side of the charger, connect the DC power cord’s alligator clips directly to the output terminals on the 12V DC power source. Always match polarities (red lead to red “+” terminal, black lead to black “-” terminal). To utilize the charger’s absolute maximum power capabilities the DC power source must be capable of delivering at least 7.2A while maintaining 11 volts DC.

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

TritonEQ has a maximum overall pow er rating of 63 watts with DC input, and 50 w atts with AC input. If charging a battery with high voltage at high current, or if the input voltage is low, the charger might limit the output current as a result of the charger’s maximum power rating. This is normal.

The charger will be on at all times when connected to input power. Disconnect the charger from input power when not in use.

CHARGER CONTROLS AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

BATT TYPE button: To change batter y type, move to the right through all menus, and to ﬁ nd the data screens.

INC button: To increase values on-screen and move upwards through menus.

DEC button: To decrease values on-screen and move downward through menus.

ENTER/START button: To conﬁ rm settings, and to start and manually stop functions.

Lithium Balancing Jack: To connect an adapter for balancing of LiPo batteries. See page 10.

Banana Jacks: Main output for charging, discharging, and cycling. For best performance it’ s recommended to use pre-assembled leads

to connect batteries to the charger. Alwa ys connect the charge lead to the charger FIRST. Then connect the battery to the charge lead. Always match polarities from the battery’s lead to the banana jac ks (red positive (+) lead to red banana jack, black negative (-) lead to the black banana jack).

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 batter y and/or the charger and void your warranty.

Great Planes offers a large variety of charge leads which can be found at most hobby retailers nationwide:

Part Number Description

GPMM3105 charge lead – banana plug to 2-pin connector

GPMM3148 charge lead – banana plugs to Deans GPMM3149 charge lead – banana plugs to Deans

Ultra® male

micro GPMM3200 Balancing lead – 1-6S ElectriFly LiPos GPMM3201 Balancing lead – 1-6S FlightPower, Thunder Power LiPos 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/Spektrum 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)

DETERMINING BATTERY TYPE AND SPECIFICATIONS

IMPORTANT: It is always CRUCIAL to know your battery’s exact type, rated voltage and capacity!! To avoid causing permanent damage to your battery, carefully read your battery’s label and/or instruction sheet or consult your battery supplier and determine:

1. Type: Is the battery a nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-polymer (LiPo), lithium-ion (Li-

Ion), lithium ferrite nanophosphate (LiFe), or lead-acid (Pb)?

2. Rated capacity: This should be listed on the battery’s label in “mAh” (“milli-amp hours”). Capacity is also referred to

as the “C” rating. Charge and discharge currents are also expressed as a function of this “C” rating. For example, a 2100mAh battery would have a “1C” charge or discharge current rate of 2100mA or 2.1 amps . This battery’s 2C rating would be (2.1 x 2) 4.2 amps, etc.

3. Rated voltage: NEVER guess the rated v oltage of a lithium battery! If not printed on the battery’s outer label, consult

your battery supplier or determine pack voltage as follows:

a. NiMH and NiCd batteries: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 1.20. b. LiPo batteries: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.70. c. Li-Ion batteries: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.60. d. LiFe batteries (A123): multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.30. e. Lead-acid (Pb): multiply the total number of cells in the battery by 2.0.

GETTING STARTED – MAIN MENU

All main functions (charge, discharge, cycle) for all battery types are found in the Main Men u. When pow er is applied, the charger will start at one of the “CHARGE” screens as seen along the top of the Main Menu. More speciﬁ c details about all settings for all battery types can be found in the included ﬂ owcharts.

IMPORTANT: Different parameters exist for each battery type. It‘s CRUCIAL to use functions in the menu which are marked for your exact battery type!!

To change battery types, press BATT TYPE until the proper battery type is found (moving right across the programming ﬂ owchart).

CARE AND HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR NiMH BATTERIES

• NEVER allow NiMH batteries to overheat, as this could adversely aff ect their perf ormance or damage the cells. 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).

CHARGING NiCd or NiMH BATTERIES

1. In the MAIN MENU, ﬁ nd the “NiCd CHARGE” screen to charge a NiCd battery and skip to step 3.

2. To charge a NiMH battery, press BATT TYPE until the “NiMH CHARGE” screen is found. Press ENTER to conﬁ rm

this battery type.

3. To change the charge current, press ENTER to cause the value to ﬂ ash. Press INC or DEC to ﬁ nd the desired

charge current (0.1 – 5.0 amps). See the chart on the next page 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 TritonEQ will automatically conﬁ rm this selection.

NiCd and NiMH CHARGE AND DISCHARGE CURRENT CHART

CHARGE TIPS: Using a

current which could fully charge an empty pack in 1 or 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 the 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.

Battery

Capacity (mAh)

100-200 300-400 500-600 700-800

900-1000 1100-1200 1300-1400 1500-1600 1700-1800 1900-2000 2100-2200 2300-2400 2500-2600 2700-2800 2900-3000 3100-3300 3400-3600 3700-4000 4100-4300

2 Hour

Currents

0.1A

0.2A

0.3A

0.4A

0.5A

0.6A

0.7A

0.8A

0.9A

1.0A

1.1A

1.2A

1.3A

1.4A

1.5A

1.7A

1.8A

1.9A

2.1A

1 Hour

Currents

0.2A

0.4A

0.6A

0.8A

1.0A

1.2A

1.4A

1.6A

1.8A

2.0A

2.2A

2.4A

2.6A

2.8A

3.0A

3.3A

3.6A

4.0A

4.3A

4. To START PEAK CHARGE, press and hold ENTER for 2 seconds. “BATTERY CHECK, PLEASE WAIT…” will show brieﬂ y as TritonEQ evaluates the condition of the battery. If the battery is ready, the charge process will star t automatically at which time you’ll see a screen like shown below.

Battery

Type

CHG = charging

Charge capacity: This is how much capacity (energy , in “mAh”) has been delivered to the pack during charge. For a battery which previously had some charge, this number could be low. For a battery which had little or no charge, this number should be higher (ideally within 10% of the battery’s own mAh rating).

NiMH CHG 02492

10.08V 1.4A 107m

Elapsed charge time: This is the number of minutes the battery has been on charge. For a battery which previously has some charge, this number could be low. For a

Output

Voltage

Charge Current

battery which previously had little charge, this number should be larger .

WARNING! It is normal for NiCd and NiMH batteries to become warm dur ing charge. Disconnect batteries IMMEDIATELY if they become hot at any time! If batteries become overheated, it may be necessary to use a lower charge current in the future. Never attempt to charge batteries at excessiv e rates , as permanent damage could result.

5. When peak charge is ﬁ nished, the screen will show “END” and tones will sound for 10 seconds. The charger will automatically go to trickle charge at this time (see the section below for details), b ut the battery should now be ready for use. Other data measured during charge can be vie w ed in the DATA VIEW screens, as shown on page 14.

+ 14 hidden pages

Great Planes GPMM3155 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual