HITEC X1 MF AC-DC User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................

SPECIAL FEATURES.............................................................................................

WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES.........................................................................

LITHIUM

BATTERYCONNECTIONDIAGRAM ....................................................

PROGRAM FLOW CHART......................................................................................

OPERATION................

............................................................................................

LITHIUM BATTERY PROGRAM.................................(LiPo/LiFe/LiIon) ..................

Charging of Lithium Batteries in Balance Mode ........................................................

Charging of Lithium Batteries ..................................................................

‘FAST' Charging of Lithium Batteries ........................................................

'STORAGE' Control of Lithium Batteries ...................................................................

Discharging Lithium Batteries ...................................................................................

.................

................

NIMH/NICD BATTERY PROGRAM.......... ..............................................................

Charging of NiMH/NiCd Batteries ............................................................................

Charging NiMH/NiCd Batteries in AUTO Charge Mode............................................

Discharging of NiMH/NiCd Batteries........................................................................

01
03
06
10
12
14

15
15

16
17
18
19
20
20
20

21

Charging NiMH/NiCd Batteries in Re-Peak Charge Mode......................

Charge/Discharge & Discharge/Charge Cycle of NiMH/NiCd Batteries .....

.................

..............

PB (LEAD -ACID) BATTERY PROGRAM..............................................................

Charging of Pb Batteries .........................................................................................

Discharging of Pb Batteries ...................................................................

...................

USING THE HITEC CHARGE MASTER SOFTWARE...........................................

BATTERY MEMORY SETUP.................................................................................

LITHIUM BATTERY METER..................................................................................

MOTOR RPM TESTER

..........................................................................................

SERVO TESTER....................................................................................................

SYSTEM SET UP....................................................................................................

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DURING PROCESSES..........................................

WARNING AND ERROR MESSAGES.................................................................

SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES........................................................................

21
22
23
23
23

24
25
27
28
29
30
32
33
34
35

LIABILITYEXCLUSION.......................................................................................

CONFORMITYDECLARATION.............................................................................

WARRANTY AND SERVICE.................................................................................

36
36
37

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your choice of the Hitec X1 MF digital intelligent
charger from Hitec RCD USA.

This unit is simple to use, but the operation of a sophisticated automatic
charger such as the Hitec X1 MF does require some knowledge on behalf
of the operator. These operating instructions are designed to ensure that
you quickly become familiar with its functions. It is important that you read
the Operating Instructions and Warning and Safety Notes before you
attempt to use your new automatic charger for the first time. The X1 MF is
manufactured with the highest quality components for years of reliable
operation, if used properly.

The Hitec X1 MF is a high-performance, microprocessor controlled
charge/discharge station with battery management suitable for use with all
current battery types. The X1 MF also features integrated balancing for
six-cell, Lithium-Polymer (LiPo), Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFe/A123) and
Lithium-Ion (LiIon) batteries.

Maximum 10A charge current; maximum 80W charge power; can be
powered by a 12VDC car battery or 100V-240VAC via the built-in switch­mode power supply.

When a Nickel battery is fully charged, the X1 MF terminates the process
using the Delta-Peak method. Lithium and lead (Pb) batteries are charged
using the Constant Current/Constant Voltage (CC-CV) method.

The system cooling fan operates via an internal temperature sensor,
automatically adjusting its speed for maximum efficiency. The X1 MF also
features a lithium Battery Meter, Motor RPM Tester and Servo Tester. The
LCD display keeps users informed of all the pertinent information during all
functions. Improper use of batteries or chargers is dangerous and can
result in accident, injury, and fire. Please BE SURE to read these
INSTRUCTIONS, WARNING and SAFETY NOTES before you use the
charger for the first time.

X1 MF

01

INTRODUCTION

Please read this entire operating manual before using the X1 MF. If you
are unsure of it’s proper operation after reading the manual, please seek
advice from an experienced hobbyist or someone familiar with proper
battery charging procedures.

LCD Screen

Enter/Start
Rotary Dial

Temp.

Sensor

DC Input

Power Cable

11-18V AC

AC Input

Power Port

100-240V AC

Balance Socket

r

t Pitch=2.54mm

Po

Charging Lead
Outputs

Mode/Stop Button

Servo/ESC Port

Brushless Motor
Sensor Port

USB Port for PC
Control & Firmware
Upgrade

02

X1 MF

SPECIAL FEATURES

Optimized Operating Software

The Hitec X1 MF features an AUTO function that automatically adjusts the
current during charging or discharging operations. Especially for lithium
batteries, it can prevent overcharging which may lead to an explosion due
to improper parameters set by the user. The X1 MF will disconnect the
circuit automatically and produce an audible alarm upon detection of
abnormal voltage or current loads. The X1 MF is designed to increase
operator safety by monitoring the voltage and current activity throughout
the charge or discharge processes.

Internal Independent Lithium Battery Balancer

The Hitec X1 MF employs an individual cell voltage balancer . It isn't neces­sary to connect a third party balancer for balance charging, simply use the
included Universal Balancing Board when connecting Lithium packs.

Balancing of Individual Lithium Cells

The Hitec X1 MF can monitor and balance each cell individually while
charging or discharging the battery. Error messages will be displayed on
the LCD screen and the process will be terminated automatically if the
voltage of any single cell is abnormal.

Accommodates Various Types of Lithium Batteries

The Hitec X1 MF is adaptable to various types of lithium batteries, such as
LiPo, LiIon and the new LiFe series of batteries.

Fast and Storage Modes for Lithium Batteries

The X1 MF also features Fast and Storage modes for lithium charging.
Fast mode reduces the overall charge time for quick turnaround at the field
or track, keeping in mind that standard charging will result in a more
complete charge at full capacity. Storage Mode allows for safe, longer
term storage of lithium batteries. Storing LiPos at full charge can increase
the probability of cell damage and pack “puffing.”

Cyclic Charging/Discharging

Continuous charge>discharge or discharge>charge functions are
available to refresh or restore NiCd and NiMH battery capacity and perfor­mance. These cycles can be set to automatically repeat from 1 to 5 times.

X1 MF

03

SPECIAL FEATURES

Data Store/Load

The charger can store up to 10 different charge/discharge profiles for
your convenience. Each profile can store settings for battery type and
charge/discharge parameters. You can easily recall these saved profiles
to increase simplicity and efficiency of common processes.

Termination Voltage Control

The end charge voltage can be adjusted for each type of battery
chemistry up to the maximum safe limit.

LiPo Battery Meter

Displays total battery voltage, each cell's voltage, and the highest and
lowest cell voltages.

Motor RPM Tester

ESCs equipped with motor RPM sensor ports can connect to the X1 MF
to display real-time motor RPM.

Servo Tester

The X1 MF can test most analog or digital servos by connecting them to
the servo/esc port on the charger and adjusting the pulse width value.

Re-Peak Mode of NiMH/NiCd Battery

In re-peak charge mode, the charger can peak charge the battery once,
twice or three times in a row automatically. This is good for making
certain the battery is fully charged, and for checking how well the battery
receives fast charges.

Delta-peak Sensitivity for NiMH/NiCd

Delta-peak charging for NiMH and NiCd batteries monitors the cells
voltage and terminates the charge when the pack reaches full capacity.

(see page 29 for details)

(see page 28 for details)

You can adjust the peak mV setting to either increase or decrease the
charger’s sensitivity to the voltage drop that occurs when the pack nears
full capacity. Note: a lower mV setting is more sensitive and will

terminate the charge process earlier than a higher mV setting.

04

X1 MF

SPECIAL FEATURES

Automatic Charging Current Limit

You can set the upper limit of the charging current when charging your
NiMH or NiCd batteries. This is useful for NiMH batteries of low
impedance and capacity when charging in the 'AUTO' charging mode.

Capacity Limit

The charging capacity is always calculated as the charging current
multiplied by time. If the charging capacity exceeds the limit, the process
will be terminated automatically when you set the maximum value.

Temperature Threshold
NiCd and NiMH batteries become warm as the charge process
completes. This is a normal condition and should be expected as the
Delta Peak charge process completes the charging cycle. If the user
inadvertently sets the mV sensitivity to an abnormally high value or if
there is a problem with the battery (i.e, one or more bad cells in the
pack) the battery temperature could exceed safe limits. If the external
temperature limit option is enabled and the optional temperature sensor
is installed and placed on the battery, the charge process will terminate
if the user-set temperature limit is reached. Note: Lithium and Pb
batteries should NEVER get warm during the charge process.

Processing Time Limit

Maximum charge and discharge process time limits can be set to
protect against possible battery defects.

(requires optional temperature sensor, PN# 44159)

Hitec Charge Master Software

The free “Hitec Charge Master” software gives you unparalleled ability
to operate the charger through the computer. You can monitor pack
voltage, cell voltage and other data during charging and view charge
data in real-time graphs. You can also initiate processes, control
charging and update firmware from the “Hitec Charge Master” software.

X1 MF

05

WARNINGS AND SAFETY NOTES

These warnings and safety notes are particularly important. Please
follow the instructions for maximum safety; otherwise the charger and
the battery can be damaged or may cause a fire.

The allowable DC input voltage is 11-18V DC.
The allowable AC input voltage is 100-240V AC.

Never leave the charger unattended when it is connected to its power
supply. If any malfunction is found, TERMINAT E THE PROCESS AT
ONCE and refer to the operation manual.

Keep the charger well away from dust, damp, rain, heat, direct
sunshine and vibration. Never drop it.

This charger and the battery should be put on a heat-resistant,
non-flammable and non-conductive surface. Never place them on a
car seat, carpet or similar surface. Keep all flammable volatile materi­als away from the operating area.

Make sure you know the specifications of the battery to be charged or
discharged to ensure it meets the requirements of this charger. If the
program is set up incorrectly, the battery and charger may be
damaged. Fire or explosion can occur due to overcharging. This
warranty is not valid for any damage or subsequent damage arising as
a result of a misuse or failure to observe the procedures outlined in
this manual.

To avoid short circuiting between the charge lead, always connect the
charge cable to the charger first, then connect the battery . Reverse the
sequence when disconnecting.

Never attempt to charge or discharge the following types
of batteries:
A battery fitted with an integral charge circuit or a protection circuit
A battery pack which consists of different types of cells (including

06

different manufacturers)
A battery that is already fully charged or just slightly discharged
Non-rechargeable batteries (pose an explosion hazard)
A faulty or damaged battery

X1 MF

WARNINGS AND SAFETY NOTES

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 commencing
charging:

Did you select the appropriate program suitable for the type of
battery you are charging?
Did you set up 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 firm and secure?
Make sure there are no intermittent contacts at any point in the
circuit.

Standard Battery Parameters

LiPo

Nominal
Voltage

Max Charge
Voltage

Storage
Voltage

Allowable
Fast Charge

Min. Discharge
Voltage

3.7V/cell

4.2V/cell

3.8V/cell

1C

3.0-3.3V/cell

LiIon

3.6V/cell

4.1V/cell

3.7V/cell

1C

2.9-3.2V/cell 2.6-2.9V/cell 0.1-1.1V/cell 0.1-1.1V/cell

LiFe

3.3V/cell

3.6V/cell

3.3V/cell

4C

NiCd

1.2V/cell

1.5V/cell

n/a

1C-2C

MiMH

1.2V/cell

1.5V/cell

n/a

1C-2C

Pb

2.0V/cell

2.46V/cell

n/a

0.4C

1.8V/cell

CAUTION! When adjusting your X1 MF 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.

X1 MF

07

WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES

Charging

Before charging your batteries, it is critical that you determine the
maximum allowable charge rate for your batteries. The X1 MF has the
capability to charge 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 offering Lithium
cells that can be charged at greater than 1C but this should ALWAYS
be verified 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 voltage
of 3.7 VDC. 3 cells x 3.7 volts each equals 11.1 volts).

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 X1 MF to your battery must be of an
acceptable current rating to handle the applied charge current. For
maximum safety and charging effectiveness, always match or exceed
the main battery lead rating when assembling or selecting your
charging leads. Simply put, if you charge a battery at a high current
rate (amperage rate) with a charging lead not rated for the chosen
amperage, the wire could get hot, catch fire, short out, and potentially
destroy your battery and the charger. When in doubt, a higher gauge
wire (lower AWG number) is always safest! It’s common practice to
see charging leads constructed of 14AWG, 16AWG or 18AWG wire.

Always refer to recommendations from your battery manufacturer for
your specific battery type and size before initiating a charge or
discharge process.

Do not attempt to disassemble or modify Lithium or Lead-Acid battery
packs.

08

X1 MF

WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES

Note: Lithium battery packs can be purchased with some cells in
series and others in parallel. Parallel wired cells (indicated on the
pack by the letter “P”) maintain a single cell’s voltage but increase
capacity with each cell added. For example, 3 LiPo cells rated for
800mAh capacity each, wired in parallel would produce a pack rated
for 3.7 Volts and 2400mAh.

Discharging

The X1 MF discharging functions are for two specific 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 or
*cycling for initial use.

Warning! Lithium packs should only be discharged to their minimum
safe voltage and no lower. Deep discharging a Lithium cell will do
permanent damage. Refer to the Standard Battery Parameters table
on page 7 of this manual for Minimum Discharge Voltages.

*LiPo charge/discharge cycling – Lithium batteries are known to reach
full capacity after a break-in period of about 10 charge/discharge
cycles. You do not have to do this with the X1 MF; normal use and
recharging will achieve the same results. If you wish to perform a
Lithium break-in on the bench with the X1 MF, discharging to minimum
acceptable voltages and performing a balance charge at 1C maximum
rate is recommended. If you choose to break in your Lithium batteries
under normal use, charging at only 1C for the first ten cycles will help
insure full performance and service life from your Lithium cells.

X1 MF

09

LITHIUM BATTERY CONNECTION DIAGRAM

The X1 MF can be powered either from a wall outlet supplying
100-240V AC (50-60Hz) or from a 12VDC automotive battery. Make sure
a 12VDC source battery is fully charged before using the X1 MF. A fully
charged 12VDC automotive battery should read about 13.8V.

NOTE:

DC INPUT: The maximum charge circuit power is 80W.
AC INPUT: The maximum charge circuit power is 50W.

Using terminal
clips attached
to a car battery

CONNECTING THE BATTERY

Important! Prior to connecting your battery to the X1 MF, verify that you

have chosen the correct battery type, pack voltage, and safe charging
amperage rate. If the settings are incorrect, the battery may be
damaged, catch fire, or explode during the charging process. NEVER
CHARGE A BATTERY UNNATTENDED!!! Always connect the banana
plugs to the charger first and the battery second. Disconnect the battery
connection first after charge is complete, then remove the banana plugs.

10

X1 MF