
P0564-B
DISCHARGE
Ready
Power
Charging
Discharging
F-SERIES
CHARGER
MINELAB
DISCHARGE
Ready
Power
Charging
Discharging

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
3
WARNING
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS
MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LIMITED
RIGHTS TECHNICAL DATA OR
RESTRICTED RIGHTS DATA OR BOTH.
Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd
This work is copyright. Apart from any use
as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968,
no part may be reproduced by any process
without written permission from
Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd,
118 Hayward Avenue,
Torrensville, SA 5031,
Australia.
DISCLAIMER
Certain descriptions and illustrations contained in this manual may
differ from the exact model purchased. In addition, Minelab reserves
the right to respond to ongoing technical progress by introducing
changes in design, appearance, equipment and technical features at
any time.

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
5
The F Series Battery Charger
Operations Manual
CONTENTS
Page No
1. Introduction............................................................................... 6
2. List of Parts............................................................................... 7
3. Using a DC Source to Charge Batteries.................................... 8
4. Using Mains AC to Charge Batteries......................................... 9
5. Using an AC Generator to Charge Batteries ........................... 10
6. Using an AC Source and a DC Source to Charge Batteries.... 10
7. Set-Up Procedure to Charge Batteries.................................... 11
8. Battery Charging Procedure ................................................... 12
9. Battery Discharging Procedure ............................................... 14
10. Specifications ......................................................................... 16
11. Trouble Shooting Guide.......................................................... 17
12. Internal Fuse Replacement..................................................... 19
13. Warranty Information .............................................................. 21
14. Product Information ................................................................ 21
15. Rechargeable Battery Management Guidelines...................... 22

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
1. Introduction
The F Series Battery Charger is a robust, intelligent, fast charging device
designed to charge Minelab 4.5 Ah 'D' cell rechargeable batteries. The
Charger can charge two sets of four batteries in approximately three hours. A
user initiated discharge-before-charge facility is provided to allow cycling of the
batteries if required.
The Charger has been designed for global portability, and as such can operate
from a wide range of power sources. Automatic detection of input power allows
the Charger to run from 12V or 24V DC automotive supplies, or from 85V to
250V AC Mains and Generator supplies without the need for user intervention.
Figure 1. F Series Battery Charger Unit

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
7
2. List of Parts
The Minelab F Series Battery Charger comprises the following parts:
Minelab
Description Qty Part No
1. F Series Battery Charger Unit 1 0302-0039
2. Bag F Series Battery Charger 1 3001-0035
3. F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual 1 4901-0039
4. DC Power Cable 4 pin/Alligator 1 3011-0048
5. Mains Power Cable
US Mains Cable, or 1 3011-0056
AUS Mains Cable, or 1 3011-0038
EURO Mains Cable 1 3011-0045
Optional:
Battery NiCad ‘D’ Cell 4.5Ah 0303-0010
MINELAB
DISCHARGE
Ready
Power
Charging
Discharging
DISCHARGE
Ready
Power
Charging
Discharging
F-SERIES
CHARGER
P0567-C
1
2
3
4
5
Figure 2. F Series Battery Charger Kit

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
3. Using a DC Source to Charge Batteries
12V or 24V systems such as vehicle power outlets and lead acid batteries are
acceptable sources of power for the Charger. Power sources other than
nominal 12V or 24V cannot be used.
The DC supply to be used must be capable of supplying sufficient current to
operate the number of Chargers connected to it. As each Charger can draw
up to 4 Amps (when charging two sets of batteries), a 12V vehicle battery
system requires the DC supply wiring to be capable of supplying 4 amps for
each Charger.
To avoid completely discharging a vehicle’s battery, an inbuilt feature of the
Charger will suspend charging if the power source voltage drops below a
preset level. As each Charger can draw substantial amounts of power from a
vehicle’s battery, Minelab recommends charging no more than 2 sets of 4
batteries while the vehicle’s engine is switched off. Charging more than this
could result in difficulties when starting the engine.
If the Charger has suspended charging due to low input voltage, normal
operation will resume once the voltage has returned to normal (eg. by starting
the vehicle engine). Similarly, if the power source voltage is too high, the
Charger will suspend charging until the voltage returns to normal.
Insert the four-pin plug of the DC Crocodile Clip lead into the four-pin socket
on the rear panel of the Charger (refer Figure 3). Tighten the plug-retaining
nut to prevent the cable becoming loose – finger tight only.
Next, attach the Red clip to the positive (+) terminal of the battery, and the
Black clip to the negative (-) terminal. Ensure each clip is making good
contact by cleaning the battery terminals first. A poor connection could be
caused by dirt or corrosion.

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
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4. Using Mains AC to Charge Batteries
Using automatic supply voltage detection, the Charger can operate from most
AC Mains supplies around the world. AC power will also be accepted from
most portable generator sets.
Warning: When using Mains AC, ensure the Charger is connected to an
earth socket outlet. If a non-grounded AC supply is to be used, ensure
the Ground terminal on the rear panel of the Charger is connected to a
Ground stake. A qualified person should do this.
To charge using Mains AC connect one end of the supplied AC Power Lead to
the AC socket located on the rear panel of the Charger (refer Figure 3), and
the other end to the AC power outlet.
P0566-C
DC INPUT VOLTAGE
+12V DC to +15V DC
+24V DC to +30V DC
CAUTION
Risk of electric shock.
Dry location use only.
AC INPUT VOLTAGE
85 - 250 VAC
50 - 60Hz
GROUND TERMINAL
CLASS 2 BATTERY
CHARGER
FUSES 2A (In Holder)
Max Power 60VA
MINELAB
SN 00000
MN 0302-0039
Figure 3. F Series Battery Charger Rear Panel
DC Input