Hitec RDX2 PRO User manual
HIGH-POWER, DUAL PORT
AC/DC CHARGER
Balance Charger/Discharger/Power Supply
WARNING: THE CHARGING AND DISCHARGING OF RC HOBBY BATTERIES CAN BE DANGEROUS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW
THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE AND/OR LOSS OF LIFE.
1
1
1
Table of Contents
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................3
Warnings and Safety Notes.......................................................................................................................4
Contents of Charger Package.....................................................................................................................7
Charger Layout/Speci cations..................................................................................................................8
Features....................................................................................................................................................9
Charger Connections...............................................................................................................................11
Getting Started.......................................................................................................................................12
Operating the Charger.............................................................................................................................14
NiMH Battery Program............................................................................................................................17
Pb-Lead Acid Battery Program................................................................................................................22
DC Power Supply....................................................................................................................................24
Battery Memory Set & Call Out...............................................................................................................25
System Settings......................................................................................................................................28
Battery Voltage Meter.............................................................................................................................30
Battery Resistance Meter........................................................................................................................31
Warning & Error Messages......................................................................................................................32
Regulatory Information..........................................................................................................................34
Disposal and Proposition 65 Warning......................................................................................................34
Warranty and Service..............................................................................................................................35
2
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing Hitec’s RDX2 Pro Dual Balance Charger. The RDX2 Pro features independent
circuits allowing you to charge two batteries simultaneously, regardless of chemistry or capacity. The
RDX2 Pro also features integrated balancing for six-cell Lithium-Polymer (LiPo), Lithium-Ferrite (LiFe) and
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), as well as the latest high voltage Lithium-Polymer (LiHV) batteries.
Although simple to use, the RDX2 Pro does require some basic knowledge for successful
and safe operation. The operating instructions included here are designed to ensure that you quickly
become familiar with its functions. It is important that you read through the Operating Instructions,
Warning and Safety Notes attentively and in full before attempting to use your new charger for the rst
time.
Please read this entire operating manual before using the RDX2 Pro Charger. If you are
unsure of its proper operation after reading the manual, please seek advice from an
experienced hobbyist or someone familiar with proper battery charging procedures.
THE CHARGING AND DISCHARGING OF RC HOBBY BATTERIES CAN BE DANGEROUS.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE EXPLICIT WARNINGS CAN RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE
Warning
AND/OR LOSS OF LIFE.
A NEVER LEAVE YOUR CHARGER UNATTENDED WHILE IN OPERATION.
A NEVER CHARGE ON OR AROUND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.
A NEVER CHARGE A DAMAGED BATTERY PACK.
A LOW COST, NO-NAME BATTERY PACKS POSE THE MOST DANGER. WE RECOMMEND YOU ONLY
USE BATTERY PACKS THAT ARE SOLD AND WARRANTIED BY A REPUTABLE COMPANY.
A IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU UTILIZE A SAFETY DEVICE SUCH
AS A STEEL CASE OR LIPO SACK™ WHILE CHARGING LITHIUM CHEMISTRY BATTERIES.
A IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU KEEP AN OPERABLE “CLASS A” FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN
THE CHARGING AREA.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS CAN BE CONSIDERED NEGLIGENCE BY THE OPERATOR
AND MAY NEGATE ANY CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES INCURRED.
3
Warnings and Safety Notes
Hitec RCD will not be held responsible for any damages or injuries that may occur by persons who fail to
follow these warnings or who fail to properly follow the instructions in this manual.
Be sure to read this section for your own safety.
Warning:
Caution: Be sure to read this section to prevent accidents and damage to your charger.
Warning
Note
These warnings and safety notes are of the utmost importance. You must follow these instructions for
maximum safety. Failure to do so can damage the charger and the battery and in the worst cases, may
cause a re.
Warning
Tip
Tip: This section will help you maximize the performance of your charger.
Note: This section will provide more detailed explanations.
Caution
NEVER LEAVE THE CHARGER UNATTENDED WHILE IT IS CONNECTED TO ITS POWER
SOURCE. IF ANY MALFUNCTION IS FOUND, TERMINATE THE PROCESS AT ONCE AND
REFER TO THE OPERATION MANUAL.
A The allowable AC input voltage is 100 - 240V AC
A The allowable DC input voltage is 11-18V DC.
A Keep the charger away from dust, damp, rain, heat, direct sunlight and exces-
sive vibration.
A If the charger is dropped or su ers any type of impact, it should be inspected by
an authorized service station before using it again.
A This charger and the battery should be put on a heat-resistant, non- ammable
and non-conductive surface.
A Never place a charger on a car seat, carpet or similar surface. Keep all ammable
volatile materials away from the operating area.
A Make sure you know the speci cations of the battery to be charged or dis-
charged to ensure it meets the requirements of this charger. If the program is
set up incorrectly, the battery and charger can be damaged.
A Fire or explosion can occur due to overcharging.
A Never attempt to charge or discharge the following types of batteries:
• A battery tted with an integral charge circuit or a protection circuit
4
• A battery pack which consists of di erent types of cells (including di erent manufacturer’s
cells)
Warnings and Safety Notes
• A battery that is non-rechargeable (these pose an explosion hazard)
• A faulty or damaged battery
• Batteries installed in a device or which are electrically linked to other components
• Batteries that are not expressly stated by the manufacturer to be suitable for the currents
the charger delivers during the charge process
PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THE FOLLOWING POINTS BEFORE YOU COMMENCE CHARGING:
• Did you select the appropriate program suitable for the type of battery you are charging?
• Did you set up the adequate current for charging or discharging?
• Have you checked the battery voltage? Lithium battery packs can be wired in parallel and in
series, i.e. a 2-cell pack can be 3.7V (in parallel) or 7.4V (in series).
• Have you checked that all connections are rm and secure?
• Make sure there are no intermittent contacts at any point in the circuit.
Standard Battery Parameters
Nominal
Vol ta ge
Max. Charge
Vol ta ge
Storage
Vol ta ge
Allowable Fast
Charge
Min. Discharge
Vol ta ge
LiPo LiPo HV LiIon LiFe NiCd NiMH Pb
3.7V/cell 3.8V/cell 3.6V/cell 3.3V/cell 1.2V/cell 1.2V/cell 2.0V/cell
4.2V/cell 4.35V/cell 4.1V/cell 3.6V/cell 1.5V/cell 1.5V/cell 2.46V/cell
3.8V/cell 3.85V/cell 3.7V/cell 3.3V/cell n/a n/a n/a
≤ 1C ≤ 1C ≤ 1C ≤ 4C ≤ 1-2C ≤ 1-2C ≤ 0.4C
3.0-3.3V/cell 3.1-3.4V/cell 2.9-3.2V/cell 2.6-2.9V/cell 0.1-1.1V/cell 0.1-1.1V/cell 1.8V/cell
Warning
WHEN ADJUSTING YOUR RDX2 PRO CHARGING PARAMETERS, BE SURE YOU
SELECT THE PROPER BATTERY TYPE AND CELL VOLTAGE FOR THE TYPE OF CELL
YOU ARE CHARGING. CHARGING BATTERIES WITH THE WRONG SETTINGS MAY
CAUSE THE CELLS TO BURST, CATCH FIRE OR EXPLODE.
5
Warnings and Safety Notes
Charging
Before charging your batteries, it is critical that you determine the maximum allowable charge rate for
your batteries. The RDX2 Pro is capable of charging at high rates that may not be suitable or safe for your
particular batteries. For example, Lithium cells are typically safe to charge at 1C, or the total mAh÷1000.
A 1200mAh battery would have a 1C charge rate of 1.2 amps. A 4200mAh battery would have a 1C charge
rate of 4.2 amps. Some manufacturers are o ering Lithium cells that can be charged at greater than 1C but
this should ALWAYS be veri ed before charging a Lithium battery at rates higher than 1C. Voltage is just
as critical as the charging amperage rate and this is determined by the number of cells in series, or “S”. For
example, a 3S LiPo is rated at 11.1 volts (“S” multiplied by a single LiPo cell with a nominal voltage of 3.7
volts DC. 3 cells x 3.7 volts each equals 11.1 volts DC).
Connect the battery’s main leads to the charger output: red is positive and black is negative. Keep in
mind that the gauge or thickness of your charging leads from the RDX2 Pro to your battery must be of
an acceptable current rating to handle the applied charge current. For maximum safety and charging
e ectiveness, always match or exceed the main battery lead rating when assembling or selecting your
charging leads. If you charge a battery at a high current rate (amperage) with a charging lead not rated for
the chosen amperage, the wire could get hot, catch re, short out and/or potentially destroy your battery
and the charger. When in doubt, always use a higher gauge wire (lower AWG number). It is common to see
charging leads constructed of 14AWG, 16AWG or 18AWG wire.
Always refer to recommendations from your battery manufacturer for your speci c battery type and size
before initiating a charge or discharge process.
Do not attempt to disassemble or modify ANY battery packs.
Discharging
The RDX2 Pro discharging functions are for two speci c purposes:
• Refreshing the capacity of a Nickel-based battery that has lost capacity over time (NiMH or NiCd).
• Reducing the voltage of a Lithium battery for safe storage.
LITHIUM CHEMISTRY BATTERY PACKS SHOULD ONLY BE DISCHARGED TO THEIR
MINIMUM SAFE VOLTAGE, NO LOWER. DEEP DISCHARGING A LITHIUM CELL WILL DO
PERMANENT DAMAGE. REFER TO THE STANDARD BATTERY PARAMETERS TABLE ON
Warning
PAGE 5 OF THIS MANUAL FOR MINIMUM DISCHARGE VOLTAGES.
LiPo & LiHV Charge/Discharge Cycling
Lithium batteries are known to reach full capacity after a break-in period of about 10 charge/discharge
cycles. We do not recommend you use the RDX2 Pro charger to do this; normal use and recharging will
achieve the same results. If you wish to perform a Lithium break-in on the bench with the RDX2 Pro,
discharging to minimum acceptable voltages and performing a balance charge at 1C maximum rate is
6
recommended. If you choose to break in your Lithium batteries under normal use, charging at only 1C for
the rst ten cycles will help ensure full performance and service life from your Lithium cells.
Contents of Charger Package
1
1. RDX2 Pro Charger
2. DC Cable with Clips
3. XT60 to T-Type Adapter x 2
2
3
4
Input Buttons
4. Universal Balance Board
5. Balance Board Lead
6. XT60 to RX Battery Adapter
7. AC Cable
ENTER/START
Push the Jog Dial to ENTER a menu
or store a setting. Push and hold the
Jog Dial for 3 seconds to START a
charge process, activate the Power
Supply or to reset to Factory Default
in System Settings.
INCREASE/DECREASE
Turn the Jog Dial to SCROLL
through the menus, increase
or decrease a value, or change
a parameter as needed.
Tip: For a more detailed
description of using the
Jog Dial, refer to “Charger
Tip
Operations” on page 14.
CHANNEL MODE/STOP
Switch from Channel A to B
or from Channel B to A.
Stop the progress of the
current action or cycle back
to the previous step / screen.
7
Charger Layout | Speci cations
M
ICRO USB PORT FOR PC LINK
AND
FIRMWARE UPGRADE
JOG DIAL (PUSH TO ENTER/START
& I
LCD DISPLAY (128
X64)
OUTPUT SOCKET
XT60 PLUG
ALANCE LEAD SOCKET
B
CHANNEL BUTTON (SWITCH FROM
CHANNEL A TO B & B TO A)
M
HARGE
C
NY
A
TOP
/ S
ENU
M
P
ROCESS
)
BALANCE LEAD SOCKET
AIN
M
HROUGH
T
CROLL
(S
UTTON
B
TOP
/S
ODE
Input Voltage AC 100-240V/DC 11-18V
Charge Circuit Power 130W x 2 (260 Watts total)
Discharge Circuit Power 10W x 2
Charge Current Range 0.1-14A x 2
Discharge Current Range 0.1-2A x 2
Current Drain for Balancing Port
Max. 500mA/cell
DC Power Supply Output 5-25V/130W x 2
LiPo/LiFe/Lilon/LiHV Battery Cell Count 1-6S
Pb Battery Voltage 2-20V
NiMH/NiCd Battery Cell Count 1-15S
Dimension 6.1 x 5.9 x 2.7 in.
Net Weight 2.13 lbs.
8
NC. OR DEC. PARAMETERS)
C
DC INPUT: 11-18V
OUTPUT SOCKET
XT60 PLUG
OOLING FAN
USB PORT
Features
Battery Memory (Data Store/Load):
The RDX2 Pro can store up to 10 di erent charge pro les per por t for your convenience. Users can keep
the data pertaining to any program setting for any battery to facilitate seamless charging or discharging.
Saved pro les can be accessed and recalled, as necessary.
Terminal Voltage Control (TVC):
For experienced users ONLY, the charger’s end voltage can be reset up to 0.05v/cell higher.
Default setting is recommended. ONLY change in a controlled environment.
ALWAYS monitor the battery during the charge process.
Warning
Twin-Channel Charger:
Hitec’s RDX2 Pro allows you to plug two batteries into the charger simultaneously. The batteries being
charged do not need to have the same con guration. You can connect di erent battery chemistries (NiMH/
NiCd/LiPo/LiFe/Lilo/LiHV/Pb) into any of the charging ports.
Internal Independent Lithium Battery Balancer:
The RDX2 Pro employs an individual-cell-voltage balancer. It is not necessary to connect an external
balancer for balance charging.
Independent Cell Balancing While Discharging:
During the discharge process, the RDX2 Pro can monitor and balance each cell of the battery individually. If
the voltage of any single cell reads abnormally, an error message will display and end the process automatically.
Adaptable to Various Types of Lithium Batteries:
The RDX2 Pro will charge a variety of Lithium batteries such as LiPo, LiFe, LiIo and the new higher
voltage LiHV batteries.
Multiple Lithium Battery Charge Modes:
Balance Charge:
In this mode, each cell is monitored and if some are at higher voltages than the others, they are
discharged to equalize the voltage between all the cells and keep the pack in optimum condition. We highly
recommend using Balance Charge as it is the safest and best way to charge Lithium batteries.
Charge:
This mode charges the pack without balancing the cells. Connecting the balance lead is still recommended
so you can monitor each cells voltage manually by scrolling to the left with the Jog Dial. Note: If the cells are
more than 0.02v o from each other, Balance Charge should be used to equalize the pack.
Fast Charge:
This mode reduces the charge time by approximately 25% as the charge process stops after the terminal
voltage is reached. This will provide about 85% -90% of the rated capacity.
Storage:
This mode charges or discharges the pack to 50% capacity so that it can be safely stored when not in
normal use. If you do NOT plan on using your Lithium pack within 24-48 hours of being fully charged or fully
discharged, Storage Mode is recommended to optimize maximum lifespan and performance and reduce the
risk of the gasses forming, causing the pack to pu .
9
Features
Re-Peak Mode of NiMH/NiCd Batteries:
In Re-Peak charge mode, the charger can peak charge the battery once, twice, or three times in a
row automatically. This function is useful for ensuring a full battery charge.
Cyclic Charging / Discharging:
A battery can be cycled 1 to 5 times consecutively. This process is normally used for NiCd or NiMH
packs that have lost capacity over time. It is not recommended for Lithium packs.
NiMH / NiCd Auto Charging:
Charging current is determined by the charger up to the maximum set by the user by evaluating the
internal resistance of the pack so as not to charge at too high of a rate. This mode is recommended
when charging NiMH or NiCd batteries where you are unsure of the optimal rate at which to charge.
Delta-Peak Sensitivity for NiMH/NiCd:
This function determines the amount of voltage drop in MV that must be achieved for the Delta-Peak
algorithm to automatically terminate the charge process. This can be raised for packs that have a
tendency to “False Peak” at the default setting.
Battery Meter:
The user can check not only the MAIN pack voltage, but the highest and lowest voltage is also stored,
as well as each individual cell.
Battery Resistance:
The user can also check the battery’s total internal resistance and the internal resistance of each cell.
This is helpful when determining the health of a pack.
Capacity Cut-O Limit:
This feature allows the user to set a limit for the maximum mAh’s that can be put into the pack. Once
this limit is reached, the charge process will automatically terminate, and “OVER CHARGE CAPACITY
LIMIT” will be displayed. Default is 5000mAh, so set this accordingly to the rated capacity of the
pack. To ensure the pack gets fully charged, this setting should be at least 10% higher than the rated
capacity on the pack or turned to o .
Safety Timer:
Protect your battery by setting a maximum time limit for charging. Once this limit is reached, the
charge process will automatically terminate, and “OVER TIME LIMIT” will be displayed. Default is 120
minutes, so adjust as needed depending on the charge rate and capacity of the pack.
USB Power 5V/2.1A:
You can charge your phone, tablet or any other USB-powered devices using the built-in USB port.
Battery Charge Percentage:
The battery charge percentage is displayed in real time once you are charging. To view, SCROLL to the
left with the Jog Dial to monitor.
Power Supply:
With the built in Power Supply function, you can power devices with up to 25V @130W.
NOTE: IF THE POWER SUPPLY FUNCTION IS ACTIVATED, CHARGING IS DISABLED.
Note
10
Charger Connections
1.) Connecting to a power source
The Hitec RDX2 Pro features a built-in switching power supply. You can connect the AC power cord
directly to an AC socket (100-240V AC) or use an 11-18V DC power source (such as an automotive
battery or 12 Volt power supply).
2.) Connecting the battery
NOTE: Before connecting any battery, it is absolutely essential to check one last time
that the parameters were set correctly. If the settings are incorrect, the battery may
Note
be damaged and, in worse case scenarios, could even burst into ames or explode.
3.) Balance Socket
The balance wire attached to the battery must be connected to the charger, with the black wire
aligned with the negative marking. Take care to maintain correct polarity. (See photo below)
This photo shows the correct way to connect your battery to the Hitec RDX2 Pro when charging in the
balance charge program mode.
FAILURE TO CONNECT AS SHOWN IN THIS
PHOTO WILL DAMAGE YOUR CHARGER.
TO AVOID A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN
THE CHARGE LEAD, ALWAYS CONNECT THE
Warning
CHARGE CABLE TO THE CHARGER FIRST,
THEN CONNECT THE BATTERY. REVERSE THE
SEQUENCE WHEN DISCONNECTING.
THE NEGATIVE BLACK LEADS SHOULD
ALWAYS BE JUSTIFIED TO THE RIGHT OF THE
Note
CONNECTION.
11
Loading...