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IMPORTANT!! READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO USE.
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO PERSONS
AND PROPERTY.
Thank you for purchasing Hobbico’s®Quick Field Charger MkII™.
Capable of charging nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride
(NiMH), lithium-polymer (LiPo) and lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries,
Quick Field Charger MkII is specifically designed for convenience
and flexibility for charging radio batteries at the flight line. It can even
charge park flyer type aircraft batteries! Two independent charge
circuits can each charge transmitter or receiver batteries – even
single cells! Adjustable current ranging from 200mA to 2.0A for each
charge circuit is great for custom matching the charger to your
battery’s needs.Three-color LEDs, sound cues and built-in voltmeter
monitoring jacks aid in setting up and monitoring charge progress.
Damage resulting from misuse or modification of this charger
will void your warranty.
Input Voltage: 10-15V DC
Battery Types (each port): Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd)
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)
Lithium-Polymer (LiPo)
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Number Cells (each port): 1-8 NiCd or NiMH, 1-3 LiPo or Li-Ion
Fast Charge Current (each port): 0.2A-2.0A linear(1A max for LiPo)
Fast Charge Termination (each port): Peak Detection (NiCd & NiMH)
CC/CV (LiPo/Li-Ion)
Trickle charge current (each port): 0, 50mA, 85mA & 100mA
(NiCd & NiMH only)
Output connectors: Banana Jacks
Fuse: 7.5A spade (auto)
Case size: 6.25 x 4.0 x 1.5 in [159 x 102 x 38mm]
Weight: 12.0 oz. [342g]
Safety Timer: 120 minutes - NiCd/NiMH
180 minutes - LiPo/Li-Ion
• Perfect for Tx and Rx batteries. Also good for single cell glow
ignitors, even park flyer batteries!
• EACH port handles 1-8 NiCd or NiMH cells and 1-3 LiPo/Li-Ion cells.
• EACH port offers 0.2A-2.0A of adjustable, linear charge current
(1A max for LiPo/Li-Ion).
• EACH port offers 0, 50mA, 85mA and 100mA trickle charge
currents (NiCd and NiMH only).
• EACH port includes tri-color LEDs and sound cues, for ease of
setup and operation.
• EACH PORT includes built-in jacks for monitoring battery voltage
externally with a voltmeter.
• Peak detection charge method for NiCd and NiMH batteries.
• CC/CV charge method for LiPo/Li-Ion batteries.
• Visual and audible error messages reverse polarity on input or
output and poor output connections.
• Other safety features include time-out charge termination, fused
current overload and reverse polarity protection.
• Same size as regular power panels, for easy mounting in field boxes.
• Rear enclosure included for use as a stand-alone charger.
• Charge only nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, lithium-polymer
or lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Do NOT attempt to charge
other types of rechargeable batteries as permanent damage to the
battery and charger could result.
• Do not use automotive type battery chargers to power the charger.
• Do not allow water, moisture or foreign objects into the charger.
• Do not attempt to use batteries with more cells or total voltage than
listed in the specifications.
• DO NOT 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.
• Do not place the charger or battery on a flammable surface or near
a flammable object while in use. Keep away from carpets, cluttered
workbenches, etc.
• Always turn off the power switch when not in use.
• Do not 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.
• Keep out of reach of children.
While similar in appearance to NiCd batteries and having the same
1.2V rating per cell, NiMH cells contain a different chemical makeup
which requires different care and handling.
• Do not allow NiMH batteries to overheat at any time. Heat can
adversely affect the performance of NiMH batteries. If overheating is
observed, disconnect the battery from the charger immediately and
allow to cool! Reduce charge current rate for future charges.
• Do not attempt to use the NiCd or LiPo/Li-Ion charge function with
NiMH batteries.
• Store NiMH packs with some voltage remaining on the cells.
• Use a NiMH battery pack no more than three cycles per day, with
a two to three hour break in-between for cooling. More frequent
use is likely to overheat the pack.
• NiMH cells have a self-discharge range of approximately 20-25%
(compared to 15% for NiCd batteries). Thus, if NiMH batteries have
been inactive for more than a few days it is important to recharge
them immediately prior to use.
Never attempt to care for lithium-polymer (LiPo) or lithium-ion (LiIon) cells in the same way as other battery types! LiPo/Li-Ion cells
have design and operational characteristics which greatly differ from
NiCd and NiMH batteries and thus have different care and handling
requirements. In addition, do not mistake LiPo or Li-Ion cells for other
lithium-based cell types (such as lithium-metal, etc.), as other lithium
hybrids have different care and handling characteristics as well. All
“lithium” based batteries types are NOT the same.
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THE NICD OR NIMH CHARGE
FUNCTIONS WITH LIPO OR LI-ION BATTERIES!
• THE LIPO/LI-ION CHEMISTRY IS A VERY VOLATILE MIXTURE.
MISUSE CAN QUICKLY RESULT IN CELLS GETTING HOT,
EXPLODING, OR IGNITING WHICH COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS
DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
• LiPo/Li-Ion cells have an 8% self discharge rate, meaning they can
hold charge very well. Thus, there is no need to trickle charge
LiPo/Li-Ion cells.
CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
LITHIUM-POLYMER AND LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR NIMH BATTERIES
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
SPECIAL FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS
INTRODUCTION
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• Do NOT continue to charge LiPo/Li-Ion cells if they do not recharge
within the specified charging time. Failure to follow this guideline
could cause the battery to become hot, explode, or ignite.
• LiPo/Li-Ion cells should be charged about once per year at a
minimum to prevent over-discharge.
• LiPo/Li-Ion batteries should be stored with about 30%-50%
of capacity.
It is strongly recommended to only use LiPo/Li-Ion cells which have
obtained UL1642 approval to ensure they have been produced in
accordance with specific safety criteria. It is also strongly
recommended to use UL approved cells which have been assembled
with a charge protection circuit built into the pack. Such circuits help
to regulate cell operation to make sure they operate within specified
current and voltage limits. Batteries not containing a built-in regulative
circuit can accidently be overcharged, thus posing significant risk of
fire and/or explosion. Consult your battery supplier if you are
unsure if your LiPo/Li-Ion battery has UL1642 approval or
includes a built-in protection circuit.
It is strongly recommended to set the charge current at a LOW
value for LiPo/Li-Ion batteries for safety purposes. Set the
charge current to NO GREATER than the battery’s 1C rating.
For example, charge a 600mAh battery at 0.6A, a 900mAh
battery at 0.9A, etc. Closely monitor the temperature of the
cells during charge. If cells become excessively warm to the
touch or begin to swell during charge remove them from the
charger immediately, and reduce the level of charge current for
future charges to prevent cells from overheating.
If desired to use as a stand-alone charger, a rear enclosure is included
with Quick Field Charger MkII to protect all internal circuitry from
possible damage from external forces.The physical shape and size of
Quick Field Charger MkII’s faceplate match that of a regular power
panel. This makes it very easy for mounting the charger directly into a
field box. Before removing the rear enclosure for field box mounting,
please remove the fuse from the rear enclosure. Next simply remove
the rear enclosure from Quick Field Charger MkII, then mount the face
panel directly into the pre-cut power panel hole on the field box (minor
adjustments to field box may be necessary). Remember to insert the
fuse back into the face panel once the Quick Field Charger MkII has
been properly mounted in the field box. Failure to replace the fuse will
cause the Quick Field Charger MkII to be inoperable.
Quick Field Charger MkII only accepts DC input power which could
come from a power supply or 12V automotive battery. Do not
attempt to apply more than 15V to the input, as permanent damage
to the charger could result and void the warranty. Applying less than
11V to the inputs will not be sufficient power to allow the charger to
work properly. Securely connect the charger’s red alligator clip to the
positive (+) terminal on the power source and the black alligator clip
to the negative (-) terminal. It’s best to use a clean DC power source
whose output is filtered to remove unwanted electrical noise. To
achieve maximum potential, the power source must be capable of
delivering at least 3 amps of current while maintaining 12 volts DC.
Turn off the power switch when not in use.
WARNING! Make sure the charger’s positive (+) and negative (-)
input connections are never accidentally shorted together
when connected to 12V DC power. Failure to do so could result
in permanent damage to the power source and the charger.
Power: The main on/off POWER button is located on the far left. The
red LED will illuminate when the switch is turned to the “ON” position.
Two Charge Ports: Each of Quick Field Charger MkII’s charge
circuits or “ports” contain two sets of banana jacks. One set of jacks
is marked “BATT” for connection of the battery to be charged. The
second set of jacks marked “METER” is for connecting an external
voltmeter for monitoring battery voltage during charge if so desired.
Controls: Each charge port includes one red current adjustment dial
and one yellow pushbutton. Each red dial adjusts the charge current
for its respective charge port. Each pushbutton is used to initiate the
charge process for its respective port and can be used to manually
halt a charge process that is currently under way (if desired).
Two totally independent charge circuits are built into this charger,
noted as “CHARGER 1” and “CHARGER 2.” Each port is capable of
charging batteries containing from 1 to 8 NiCd or NiMH cells in
series, or 1-3 LiPo or Li-Ion cells in series.Therefore, both ports can
charge 4 or 5 cell receiver batteries, 8 cell transmitter batteries,
single cell glow ignitor batteries – even 6 or 7 cell batteries for park
flyer aircraft. This convenient feature means that no one port is
dedicated strictly for transmitter or receiver batteries.
Each port has adjustable current ranging from 200mA (great for
charging small cells) up to 2.0 amps (for charging larger size cells).
Low charge currents are more gentle on batteries and tend to result
in more accurate, full charges but take longer to fully charge
batteries. Smaller cells, such as “AAA” size cells and smaller can
easily overheat when charged with excessive charge currents and
therefore should only be charged at low rates. High charge currents
result in much quicker charge times, but are more stressful on
batteries which can shorten their overall lifespan. Larger cells, such
as “AA” and “A” size can handle higher charge currents, but battery
temperature should be monitored during the charge process to
make sure the battery does not overheat.
NiCd and NiMH Batteries: Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride
batteries are charged using the peak detection method. This method
is more reliable than the “peak prediction” technique used by some
chargers and can result in a battery safely receiving approximately
95-98% full charge, after which time the charger will automatically
switch to a gentle trickle charge current. Trickle charge will help the
battery safely reach its 100% full charge potential.
LiPo and Li-Ion Batteries: The “constant current/constant voltage”
method is used for charging LiPo and Li-Ion batteries. As the battery
approaches full charge the charger will recognize a reduction in charge
current – which is how LiPo/Li-Ion batteries naturally react when fully
charged – and will halt the fast charge process. Battery manufacturers
do not recommend applying a trickle charge to LiPo/Li-Ion batteries,
thus no trickle charge is available. See the
“Important Warnings
Concerning Use Of Lithium-Polymer And Lithium-Ion Batteries”
section on this page before charging LiPo/Li-Ion packs.
TO CHARGE A BATTERY:
It is highly recommended to use pre-assembled charge leads to
avoid possible erroneous operation as a result of using poor quality
connections. Always connect the charge lead to the charger first.
Then connect the battery to the charge lead.
WARNING! Do not short the battery connections, as
permanent damage to the battery and/or the charger could
result and void your warranty. Do not attempt to charge a
battery through the meter jacks.
Select a charge port. Securely connect the battery to be charged to the
“BATT” jacks, with the positive (+) battery lead connected to the red
jack and the negative (-) battery lead to the charger’s black jack. Set
CHARGING BATTERIES
BATTERY CONNECTION AND CHARGER CONTROLS
INPUT POWER
MOUNTING
IMPORTANT WARNINGS CONCERNING USE OF
LITHIUM-POLYMER AND LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
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that port’s red current adjustment dial to the appropriate charge current
setting to match the battery (consult your battery supplier if there is any
question as to what is the appropriate setting). If charging a battery
inside a Tx, or one which is inside a model connected to a switch
harness, make sure the power switch is in the “off” position. The LED
will NOT do anything at this time – this is normal.
Push this port’s yellow pushbutton in the sequence listed below to
initiate the quick charge process:
NiCd BATTERIES: Press the yellow pushbutton ONCE to charge
NiCd batteries. The LED above the charge jacks will flash RED 3
times, then change to a constant red glow to indicate the peak
detection quick charge of NiCd batteries is in progress.
NiMH BATTERIES: Press the yellow pushbutton TWICE to charge
NiMH batteries. The LED above the charge jacks will flash AMBER
3 times, then change to a constant AMBER glow to indicate the
peak detection quick charge of NiMH batteries is in progress.
LiPo/Li-Ion BATTERIES: Press the yellow pushbutton THREE
TIMES to charge LiPo/Li-Ion batteries. The LED above the charge
jacks will flash GREEN 3 times, then change to a constant green
glow to indicate the “cc/cv” quick charge of LiPo/Li-Ion batteries is in
progress. Note: The maximum charge current for LiPo/Li-Ion
batteries on each port is 1 amp. When charging LiPo/Li-Ion cells,
turning the current adjustment past “1.0” will NOT increase the
charge current more than 1.0 amp.
If it is necessary or desirable to stop the charge process after it has
already begun, simply re-press the respective yellow button which
will cause the LED to completely dim indicating the quick charge
process has been halted.
WARNING!
It is normal for batteries to become warm during
charge. Disconnect batteries
IMMEDIATELY
if they become hot
at any time! Extra caution must be observed with NiMH and
LiPo/Li-Ion batteries as any heating will reduce the lifespan of
the battery. In such case, it may be necessary to reduce the fast
charge current to lower the possibility of heating. Never
attempt to charge batteries at excessive rates, as permanent
damage could result.
To charge another battery on Quick Field Charger MkII’s second
charge circuit while another is being charged on the first circuit,
simply follow the above directions for the second circuit. In effect,
Quick Field Charger MkII is two completely independent chargers in
one. It is not necessary to start both charge circuits simultaneously.
One charge circuit does not effect the other charge circuit in any way.
Quick Field Charger MkII will automatically supply trickle charge
current to NiCd and NiMH batteries immediately after quick charge
has ended. No trickle charge feature exists for LiPo/Li-Ion batteries.
The trickle charge current is determined by the setting of the fast
charge current dial. The trickle charge rates are as follows:
F
ast Charge Setting T
rickle Charge Rate
Less than 500mA 0mA (no trickle)
500mA - 1.0A 50mA
1.0A - 1.5A 85mA
1.5 - 2.0A 100mA
Quick Field Charger MkII will indicate that fast charge has ended
and trickle charge has begun by emitting an audible tone seven
times and the LED will flash four times. The charger will remain in
the trickle charge state until the battery is removed from the charger,
or another input command is given to the charger.
It may be desirable to monitor a battery’s voltage with a voltmeter
while it is being charged. Quick Field Charger MkII offers one set of
voltmeter jacks for each charge port. To monitor a battery with a
voltmeter during charge:
1. Select a voltmeter which has a selectable load, such as the Hobbico
Digital Voltmeter MkIII (HCAP0356) or a standard digital voltmeter.
2. Set the voltmeter to the proper scale, making sure the meter’s internal
load is turned off (if possible). Do NOT use an expanded scale
voltmeter (ESV) because it’s on-board load will steal current from
the battery being charged.
3. Connect the voltmeter to the appropriate METER jacks, following
proper polarity.
Do NOT attempt to charge batteries through Quick Field
Charger MkII’s METER jacks.
Quick Field Charger MkII utilizes a unique and handy safety feature
to warn if problems exist when attempting to quick charge a battery.
If a charge port’s LED alternately flashes red and green and is
accompanied by an audible warning tone, it is an indication that one
of three potential problems exists, as follows:
A. The battery was not properly connected to the output before
the charge button was pressed.
B. The battery somehow becomes disconnected from the charger
while it was in the charge process.
C. If the battery was accidentally connected to the output jacks in
reverse polarity.
In any case, re-check to make sure the battery is connected to the output
jacks properly as explained above. Check to make sure the charge lead
is making good contact with the charger’s output jacks and with the
battery to be charged and that proper polarity is being observed.
SAFETY FEATURES
CONNECTING A VOLTMETER
TRICKLE CHARGE
WARNING! Lithium-polymer and Lithium-ion cells are
VERY
sensitive and volatile. Do
NOT
attempt to charge
LiPo/Li-Ion cells at excessive currents or temperatures.
Failure to do so could result in bodily harm and/or
permanent damage to the cells as the LiPo/Li-Ion chemistry
can be very explosive. Make sure the GREEN LED is lit when
charging LiPo/Li-Ion batteries. Disconnect LiPo/Li-Ion
batteries from the charger
IMMEDIATELY
if they begin to
swell or become very warm to the touch. It is strongly
recommended to
ONLY
use packs consisting of LiPo/Li-Ion
cells which also contain a built-in protective circuitry which
will protect the pack in the event of excessive conditions. Do
Not charge LiPo/Li-Ion cells at greater than their 1C rating.
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Quick Field Charger MkII uses solid-state and fused overload circuitries
to protect against potential damage which could be caused by shortcircuit or reverse polarity conditions and provides a backup safety timer.
Reverse Input Polarity: If input power to the charger is connected
in reverse polarity, the charger will be protected from damage but will
not function. Re-check all input connections and the power source to
ensure the proper power and polarities are observed.
Battery Condition Pre-Check: Any time a command is given to
begin charging a battery, the charger will check the condition of the
battery and determine if it is suitable for charging. If an error exists
on either output, the respective LED will flash red and green
alternately, accompanied by audible tones to note the error.This can
occur when a battery is connected to the output in reverse polarity,
or if the charger does not recognize a solid electrical connection to
the battery on the output. The charger will be protected from
damage in either case. Make sure the battery is solidly connected to
the output in proper polarity.
Current Overload: If for some reason a short circuit condition exists
on the input or output, the 7.5A spade (auto) fuse located on the left
side of the charger might blow. In this case, make sure the charger’s
power switch is in the “off” position. Remove and inspect the fuse. If
the fuse is blown, replace with another fuse of the exact same rating.
Backup Safety Timer: If for some reason the charger does not
recognize that the battery has reached full charge, a backup safety
timer will automatically stop charge to prevent damage from
occurring to the pack. The safety time is 2 hours for NiCd and NiMH
batteries, and 3 hours for LiPo/Li-Ion batteries.
PROBLEM:
Charger doesn’t recognize battery.
CAUSES AND CURES:
1) Battery may be connected backwards.Connect battery leads properly.
2) Faulty connection or wiring. Correct or replace charge lead.
3) Defective cell in the pack. Replace battery pack or cell.
PROBLEM:
Does not automatically terminate peak charge of NiCd
or NiMH batteries after 2 hours, or terminate quick charge of LiPo/Liion batteries after 3 hours.
CAUSE AND CURE:
Internal problem with charger. Disconnect
battery immediately and contact Hobby Services for further details.
PROBLEM:
Battery voltage low after charge (below 1.2V per cell for
NiCd and NiMH batteries, or below 3.6V for LiPo/Li-Ion batteries).
CAUSES AND CURES:
1) Charge rate setting too low. See
“Charging Batteries.”
2) Battery connected in reverse. Connect battery leads properly.
3) Defective battery, needs to be replaced.
PROBLEM:
LEDs and controls do not function properly.
CAUSE AND CURES:
Battery possibly connected backwards. Connect
battery leads properly, or contact Hobby Services for further details.
Hobbico offers a variety of charge leads to match any radio system
you may have. These items may be purchased through your local
hobby shop.
Part # Item Description
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 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)
Hobbico warrants this product to be free from defects in materials
and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of
purchase. During that period, Hobbico will, at its option, repair or
replace without service charge any product deemed defective due to
those causes. You will be required to provide proof of purchase
(invoice or receipt).This warranty does not cover damage caused by
abuse, misuse, alteration or accident. If there is damage stemming
from these causes within the stated warranty period, Hobbico will, at
its option, repair or replace it for a service charge not greater than
50% of its then current retail list price. Be sure to include your
daytime telephone number in case we need to contact you about
your repair. This warranty gives you specific rights. You may also
have other rights, which vary from state to state.
For service on your Hobbico product, warranty or non-warranty,
send it post-paid and insured to:
HOBBY SERVICES
3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite #1
Champaign, IL 61822
(217) 398-0007
*For warranty and service information if purchased outside the USA or
Canada, see the additional warranty information insert (if applicable)
or ask your retailer for more information.
www.hobbico.com
Made in Korea ENTIRE CONTENTS © Copyright 2005 HCAZ3014 for HCAP0290 V1.2
2-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
(
U.S.A. & CANADA ONLY*
)
CHARGE LEADS
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
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