Great Planes GPMM3156 User Manual

™

INTRODUCTION

Triton2™ EQ offers all of the features of the original Triton2, and adds a built-in AC power supply, lithium balancing circuit, higher maximum charge current (up to 8 amps!), and a new reversed LCD with adjustable view angle. The huge charge current range plus a wide range of battery types and voltages make Triton2 EQ one of the most versatile chargers available for R/C. It’s perfect for NiCd and NiMH Tx and Rx batteries and power batteries, lithium-ion, lithiumpolymer, and lithium-ferrite nanophosphate power batteries, and lead-acid ﬁ eld batteries. The built-in lithium balancing function is perfect for today’s electric ﬂ ight applications. A Quick Reference Guide, plus state-of-the art programming and ﬂ o wcharts make Triton2 EQ easy to understand and use. Its small size and light weight make Triton2 EQ 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 10-13 of this manual!

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

1. Connect Triton2 EQ 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 7. b. For lithium based batteries see page 12. c. For lead-acid (Pb) batteries see page 13.

6. To discharge: a. For NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 8. b. For lithium based batteries see page 12. c. For lead-acid (Pb) batteries see page 14.

7. For cycling of NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 9.

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

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

Important Warnings ................................................................3

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

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

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

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

Menu Structure .......................................................................5

Getting Started .......................................................................6

Care and Handling Instructions for NiMH Batteries ...............7

Charging NiCd or NiMH Batteries .........................................7

Discharging NiCd and NiMH Batteries .................................8

Cycling NiCd and NiMH Batteries .........................................9

Important Care and Handling Instructions for

Lithium-Polymer Batteries ...................................................10

INDEX

Selecting LiPo, Li-Ion or LiFe Battery Types ......................11

Balanced vs. Non-balanced Lithium Packs ........................11

Charging LiPo, Li-Ion, or LiFe Battery Types .....................12

Discharging LiPo, Li-Ion, or LiFe Battery Types ................12

Care and Handling for Lead-Acid (Pb) Batteries ...............13

Charging Lead-Acid (Pb) Batteries .....................................13

Discharging Pb Batteries .....................................................14

Setup Menu ...........................................................................14

Data Vie w Screens – Charge, Disc har ge and Cycle Data .....16

Cooling Fan ...........................................................................16

Errors Indications and Safety Warnings .............................17

Troubleshooting Guide ........................................................17

1-Year Limited Warranty – U.S.A. and Canada Only ..........18

SPECIFICATIONS

AC input voltage: 110V 60Hz – 240V 50Hz (detachable AC cord) DC input: 11-15.0V, banana plugs with mating gator clips included Number of outputs: one Battery types, # cells: 1-24 NiCd, NiMH (1.2-28.8V) 1-6 LiPo, Li-Ion, LiFe (3.3, 3.6 or 3.7V cells) 6, 12, 24V Pb (2V per cell) Fast charge current: 0.1-8.0A (1C max for lithiums) 120W max DC, 100W max AC Fast charge termination: peak detection NiCd, NiMH cc/cv for Pb and lithiums Trickle current: 0-300mA (NiCd/MH only) Peak sensitivity: NiCd 5-20mV, NiMH 3-15mV (NiCd/MH only) Peak delay at start: 0-60 minutes (NiCd/MH only) Fast charge safety timer: 0-990 minutes NiMH max. charge cap: 0-9900mAh NiMH top off charge: 0-1000mA Lithium balancing accuracy: 5mV per cell Lithium balancing connector: ElectriFly and FlightPower adapters included Lithium max. node current: 300mA

*Thermal cutoff: 50-150°F (10-65°C) Discharge current: 0.1-3.0A Discharge cutoff voltage: NiCd, NiMH 0.5-1.2V per cell LiPo and Li-Ion 3.0V per cell LiFe 2.5V per cell Pb ﬁ xed at 1.8V per cell Cycle count (NiCd/MH only): 1-10 cycles Cycle time delay: 1-60 minutes (NiCd/MH only): Battery memories: 10 battery memories Programming controls: dial and 2 pushbuttons Display type: 2x16 reversed LCD with backlight and adjustable view angle Audible indicators: 10 melodies, on/off Main output connection: banana jacks Case material: aluminum Cooling system: built-in fan Current overload: solid state Case size: 7.2 x 7.0 x 2.44 in. [184 x 178 x 62mm] Weight: 54.5 oz. [1546g, w/o AC power cord]

*GPMM3151 – Triton Thermal Probe available separately

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, FlightPower and ElectriFly adapters included

• Tons of power, capable of up to 8 amps of charge current, and 24 NiMH cells or 6S LiPo packs

• Precision peak detection with adjustable sensitivity for NiCd and NiMH batts

• Constant current / constant voltage charge method for Pb and lithiums

• Temperature sensing capabilities (GPMM3151 Thermal Probe available separately)

• Top-off charge feature fully charges NiMHs without overheating

• 0.1-3.0A adjustable discharge current

• Adjustable discharge cutoff voltages for NiCd/MH, pre-set voltages for Pb and lithiums

• Perform 1 to 10 cycles (NiCd/MH only), and recall all data

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

• Banana plugs on DC input, mating gator clips included

• Displays input and output volts, peak volts, avg dsch volts, chg and dsch capacity, currents and time, data for 10 cycles, errors, and individual lithium cell voltages

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

• Warning messages for improper input voltage, poor connections, unsuitab le battery condition, rev erse polarity on output

• Safety features include cool-off time delay, maximum NiMH charge input, fast charge safety timer, current overload and reverse polarity protection

• A super-sturdy aluminum case for rugged durability

• Built-in cooling fan, for better charge efﬁ ciency and extends life of charger

• Full 1 year warranty

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 or fan as this 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 aw ay from carpets, wood, paper, plastic, 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.

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-hour s. 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 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 or 1.8A. 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 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 portable 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 NO T use an automobile battery charger as a power source. On the left side of the charger, connect the DC power cord to a 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 pow er source must be capab le of deliv ering at least 12 amps while maintaining 12 volts DC.

For connection to power sources not having banana jacks, ﬁ nd a unique set of alligator clip adapters included with the charger. A female banana jack is built into the handle of each clip . Slide each clip onto the charger’s input banana plugs (matching colors). Securely connect the charger’ s red clip to the positive (+) terminal on the power source, and the black clip to the negative (-) terminal.

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.

Triton2 EQ has a maximum overall power rating of 120 watts with DC input, and 100 watts 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. Refer to the “Maximum Power Chart” included for more details about current limitations for higher voltage batteries.

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

MENU button: To change between the Main and Setup menus.

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

DIAL: Turn or press to scroll through menus, adjust values, or start functions.

Lithium balancing jack: To connect an adapter for balancing of lithium batteries. See page 5.

Banana jacks: Main output for charging, discharging, and cycling.

Thermal probe jack: Use ONLY for connecting an optional Thermal Probe (GPMM3151). Do NOT connect batteries to this jack!

For best performance it’s recommended to use pre-assembled leads to connect batteries to the charger. Alw ays connect the charge lead to the charger FIRST . Then connect the battery to the charge lead. Alwa ys match polarities from the battery’s lead to the banana jacks (red positive (+) lead to red banana jack, b lac k 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® Ultra® male GPMM3149 charge lead – banana plugs to Deans® 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 voltage 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.

MENU STRUCTURE

Triton2 EQ contains three different menus. Refer to the included ﬂ owcharts 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 battery memory 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, cycle and balancing functions are displayed here, as well as input,

output, peak charge, and average discharge voltages and battery temperatures.

GETTING STARTED

All main functions (charge, discharge, cycle) for all battery types are found in the Main Menu. Setting the battery type, charge, discharge, and cycle currents and voltages, etc. are found here as well. When power is applied the ﬁ rst time, the charger will automatically default to the “Memory (01) NiCd” screen as sho wn along the top of the Main Men u. 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!!

1. If your battery type does not match that shown on-screen, press BATT TYPE until the proper battery type is found (moving right across the programming ﬂ owchart).

2. Turn the dial to move up and down a menu. To adjust values on-screen, press the dial and the adjustable feature will ﬂ ash. Tur n the dial to adjust the setting, then re-press the dial to conﬁ rm the selection. If a screen shows two adjustable values, repeatedly press the dial to select the value to be adjusted.

3. Battery Memories: Skip to step 4 if you do not wish to use a memory.

Memory Screens

Memory (01) NiCd

4.8V / 650mAh

TURN DIAL

Battery type NiCd

Total pack volts

4.8 volts

Battery capacity 650mAh

Charge current

1.0A

Discharge current

1.5A

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

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 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

Dschg cutoff voltage 4.4V

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

“Discharge Cutoff Settings - NiCd and NiMH” chart to determine the proper voltage. Press dial to confirm. (Screen not shown for lithium or lead-acid batteries.)

Once all settings in a memory are selected, choosing that memory number will recall all such settings automatically. Setting any of the ten memories is done as explained in the diagram above.

Each memory is factory pre-programmed, as shown in the included BATTERY MEMOR Y CHAR TS . If y ou wish to modify any memory, use the blank chart provided to record all settings. All memory settings will hold until changed again manually.

4. Setting Battery Type: If you do not wish to use the memories, press BATT TYPE to ﬁ nd the battery type on-screen which EXACTLY matches your battery. Select from NiCd, NiMH, LiPo (see the “Selecting LiPo, Li-Ion, and LiFe Battery Type” section for how to change to Li-Ion or LiFe), or 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.

CARE AND HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR NiMH BATTERIES

• NEVER allow NiMH batteries to overheat, as this could adv ersely aff ect their performance 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 AND NiMH BATTERIES

1. In the Main Menu press BATT TYPE to ﬁ nd the “NiCd CHARGE” screen to charge a NiCd battery, or ﬁ nd the “NiMH CHARGE” screen to charge a NiMH battery.

2. To change the charge current, press the dial to cause the value to ﬂ ash. Turn the dial to ﬁ nd the desired charge current. See the separate Triton2 EQ CURRENT CHART for recommended settings. A setting of “0.2A” is the same as 200mA, “0.7A” is the same as 700mA, etc. Press the dial to conﬁ rm the selection. Note: Rotating the dial fully to either direction will cause “auto” to show. See the “Notes” section below for details on the auto function.

3. To START PEAK CHARGE, press and hold the dial for 2 seconds. “BATTERY CHECK” will show while the charger evaluates the condition of the battery. If the battery is ready, peak charge will start automatically at which time you’ll see a screen like shown here.

Battery

Type

NiMH Chg 03291

13.54V 3.2A 061m

Output

Voltage

WARNING! It is normal for NiCd and NiMH batteries to become warm during 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 r ates as permanent damage could result!

4. 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 notes section on the next page for details), but the battery should now be ready for use. Other data measured during charge can be viewed in the DATA VIEW screens as shown on page 16.

CHG = charging

Charge Current

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).

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

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Great Planes GPMM3156 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual