Minelab IMC Instruction Manual

Battery Charger

Instruction Manual

IMC

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,
2 Second Avenue,
Mawson Lakes SA 5095,
Australia

1Contents

Introduction to the Intelligent Multi Charger

List of Parts

Battery Charging Modes

Set-Up Procedures for Charging Batteries

Battery Charging Procedure - Rapid

Battery Charging Procedure - Soft

Battery Conditioning Procedure

Features and Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Rechargeable Battery Management Guidelines

Rechargeable Battery Management Procedures for
Countermine Users

Warranty and Product Information

Cautions

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

10

11

12

14

16

17

Item Number: 4901-0111-3

2

Introduction to the
Intelligent Multi Charger

The Intelligent Multi Charger (IMC) is a robust, intelligent, fast charging device
designed to charge ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘AAA’ and ‘AA’ cell rechargeable batteries. The user
initiated conditioning (discharge before charge) facility allows the cycling of
batteries if required.

The IMC has been designed for global portability, and can operate from a wide
range of power sources. Automatic detection of input power allows the IMC to run
from 100 V to 240 V AC mains and generator supplies without the need for user
intervention.

Figure 1 - Intelligent Multi Charger (IMC)

IMPORTANT

Always remove charger from carry bag before use.

3

The Minelab Intelligent Multi Charger comprises the following parts:

Description Qty Minelab Part No

1. Intelligent Multi Charger with Power Supply Module 1 0302-0087

2. Intelligent Multi Charger Carry Bag 1 3001-0067

3. Intelligent Multi Charger Instruction Manual 1 49 01- 0111

4. Mains Power Cable 1

US Mains Cable, or 67-90202

AUS Mains Cable, or 67-90200

EURO Mains Cable, or 67-90203

UK Mains Cable 67-90201

Optional:

Battery NiCd ‘D’ Cell 4.5Ah 0303-0010

Battery NiMH ‘C’ Cell 0303-0035

Figure 2 - Parts for the IMC

List of Parts

4

This section explains various charging modes and
when to use them.

Rapid Charging Mode (Default)

Rapid Charging Mode is the default setting and offers
the shortest recharging time (approximately one to
three hours for ‘C’ cell and one to five hours for ‘D’
cell).

Soft Charging Mode

Soft Charging Mode maximizes battery life and
performance. It is suitable for most batteries and is
recommended if recharging time is not critical.

Conditioning Mode

Conditioning Mode is a special mode which
rejuvenates and cycles batteries. It applies a special
initial charge, discharge and recharge cycle which
restores battery performance (requires up to 30 hours
for ‘C/D’ cell batteries).

The conditioning cycle can be used to recondition
degraded batteries and exercise infrequently used
batteries. It is recommended for use once every
ten normal charges for NiMH batteries to ensure
performance.

Battery Charging
Modes

Note: In all modes, the
backlight on the LCD will
remain on until the charger
is disconnected from the
mains supply.

5

Set-Up Procedures for
Charging Batteries

AC Mains and Generator

Using automatic supply voltage detection, the IMC can operate from most AC Mains
supplies around the world. AC power will also be accepted from most portable
generator sets.

A generator capable of supplying a nominal 100 V or 240 V is suitable as a source
of power for the IMC. It is important that only self-regulating generators are used.
A generator that has to have its speed manually adjusted as different loads are
connected and disconnected is unsuitable for use with the IMC.

To charge batteries:

1. Remove the charger and power supply module from the carry bag.

2. Connect one end of the supplied AC power lead to the AC socket located on the

end of the power supply module (refer Figure 3).

3. Connect the other end of the power lead to the AC power outlet or mains or a
generator.

Figure 3 - AC Power Supply Module

On application of power, each symbol (shown on the LCD display) from right to left
will be displayed for approximately 0.5 second. Once this test is complete and there
are no batteries in the charger, the display will go blank. The IMC is now ready for
use.

6 Battery Charging

Procedure - Rapid

Note: As rechargeable
batteries can only be fast
charged between 0°C and
+45°C, direct exposure
to sunlight, snow or ice
could prevent the IMC from
entering fast charge mode.
Ensure the IMC is protected
from rain, snow or any other
liquid.

Note: Rechargeable
batteries gradually become
warmer whilst being
charged. Therefore, if warm
batteries are inserted into
the IMC, the charger may
establish, after only a short
time, that the batteries have
received a full charge. To
avoid premature charge
termination, allow the
batteries to cool to the same
temperature as the IMC
before inserting into the
battery slots.

Rapid Charging Mode (Default)

1. Insert batteries. For best performance insert

batteries from left to right. Note that each battery
slot will only support ONE battery at a time. Do
not attempt to insert more than one battery in any
given slot.

If a battery cannot be detected, make sure that the
battery is inserted all the way and try changing
the slot. If it still cannot be recognized, the battery
may not be accepting a charge and may need to be
replaced.

Figure 4 - Insert Batteries from Left to Right

2. When the battery is correctly inserted, charging
will commence for that slot. The IMC is equipped
with a four-level battery gauge which displays the
charging progress for each slot.

Flashing

Flashing Flashing

DONE

Solid

Figure 5 - Status of Battery Charger Rapid Charging Mode
(Default)

7

Soft Charging Mode

1. Remove all batteries from the IMC.

2. Insert one battery into the leftmost slot.

3. Within five seconds, press and hold the ‘SOFT’

button until the ‘Soft Charging’ symbol is displayed
on the LCD.

Figure 6 - Soft Charging Procedure

4. Insert the remaining batteries.

5. Soft Charging Mode will remain activated as long as

there are batteries in the charger (even if charging is
completed). The charger will reset to Rapid Charge
Mode (Soft Charging symbol disappears) when all
batteries are removed.

Battery Charging
Procedure - Soft

Note: Soft Charging is
activated for all battery
slots simultaneously and
cannot be activated for
each individual battery.

8 Battery Conditioning

Procedure

Minelab supplied batteries do not require discharge
before recharging. However, if cycling of a set
of batteries is required, the IMC can be used to
automatically conduct a discharge-before-charge
cycle once initiated by the user. Conditioning a set of
batteries in an IMC will take up to 30 hours.

Ensure that the set-up procedure has been
completed.

1. Remove the charger from the carry bag.

2. Remove all batteries from the charger.

3. Insert ONE battery into the leftmost slot.

4. Within five seconds, press and hold the

‘CONDITION’ button until the ‘Condition’ symbol is
displayed on the LCD screen.

Figure 7 - Conditioning Mode Procedure

Note: Conditioning is
activated for all battery
slots simultaneously and
cannot be activated for
each individual battery.

Tip: If ‘Conditioning’
and ‘Soft Charging’ are
desired simultaneously,
insert the first battery and
press the ‘Soft Charging’
button first, followed
immediately by the
‘Conditioning’ button.

THIS CAN TAKE UP TO
60 HOURS FOR HIGH
CAPACITY BATTERIES.

9

5. Insert the remaining batteries.

6. The condition cycle will apply an initial charge, then

discharge and recharge the batteries.

7. The status of the conditioning procedure is shown
on the LCD (refer Figure 8).

DONE

Initial

Charging

Discharging Recharging

OR Standby

for Charging

Done

Figure 8 - Charging and Discharging symbols

Additional Notes:

It is normal for all symbols to disappear from one or
more slots toward the end of discharge. This indicates
that discharging is nearly completed and recharging
will commence soon.

During discharging, batteries that finish before
others will show ‘CHARGE’ symbols. However, actual
charging will not commence until all batteries have
finished discharging.

Conditioning mode will remain activated as long as
there are batteries in the charger (even if charging is
completed). The charger will reset to ‘Rapid Charge’
mode (the Conditioning symbol disappears) when all
batteries are removed.

IMPORTANT

Always remove charger from carry bag before use.

10

Features and
Specifications

Features

• Eight independent charging slots. Charges 1-8 AA, AAA, C or D NiMH/NiCd
batteries

• Selectable ‘Rapid Charge’ and ‘Soft Charge’ modes

• Ultra fast recharging time

• Selectable conditioning/rejuvenation cycle

• Worldwide power supply

Electrical

Rapid Charge Current

2.0 A (AA, C, D) 0.7 A (AAA)

Microprocessor

Eighth generation MH-NM7008 Powerex Precision
Microprocessor

Charge Time*

• AA/AAA: 1 hour (Rapid), 2 hours (Soft)

• C: 1 to 3 hours (Rapid) 2 to 6 hours (Soft)

• D: 1 to 5 hour (Rapid), 5 to 10 hours (Soft)

*Charge time will vary depending upon the brand, capacity and

condition of batteries being charged.

Input Voltage

AC 100-240 V 50-60 Hz

Environmental

Temperature

• Operation: 0 to +45°C

• Storage: -20 to + 65°C

Humidity

• Operation: 0 to 95% (non-condensing)

• Storage: 0 to 95% (non-condensing)

Vibration

Will withstand vibration consistent with normal road transport
conditions without damage.

Physical

Size

47 cm (W) x 20 cm (D) x 11.5 cm (H) (in carry bag)

Weight

1.75 kg (charger and bag, without batteries)

11Frequently Asked

Questions

Q: The IMC does not
recognize my battery.

First, make sure the battery is properly seated. Insert the battery
so that the negative terminal touches the charging contacts
first, then tilt it forward until it clicks. Also try removing the
battery and inserting it into another slot. If the battery still
cannot be recognized, it might no longer accept a charge and
should be replaced.

Q: In ‘Condition’ mode, the
batteries appear to charge
for a very long period of
time.

During discharging (the second phase of ‘Conditioning’),
batteries that finish before others will show ‘CHARGE’ symbols.
However, actual charging will not commence until all batteries
have finished discharging. In this case the CHARGE symbols
shown indicate ‘STANDBY’ for charging.

This feature is designed to allow a rest period between battery
discharging and charging, which improves battery performance.

Q: The IMC makes a faint
clicking sound.

This is pulse charging at work, and is normal.

Q: What is the difference
between a solid ‘DONE’ and
a flashing ‘DONE’.

A flashing ‘DONE’ indicates that charging for that slot was
terminated by high voltage. It is common for certain batteries to
terminate this way and does not harm the health of the battery.

Q: During discharging ,
the right side of the IMC
becomes warm. Is this
normal?

This is normal. The energy drained from the batteries is
dissipated as heat. The circuit is located at the right side of the
IMC.

Q: Why can’t I charge lower
capacity batteries?

The batteries, not the charger, determine whether they can be
rapid charged.

For normal charging mode (Rapid): ‘AAA’ capacity greater than
700 mAh, all others greater than 2000 mAh.

For soft charging mode: ‘AAA’ capacity greater than 350 mAh, all
others greater than 1000 mAh.

12

Rechargeable Battery Management
Guidelines

Battery Management

Ideally, rechargeable batteries should be used
frequently to get maximum life from them. If charged
and used correctly (regularly fully discharged to
‘Battery Low’), a life of two to five years can be
realistically expected.

All references to NiCd batteries in the following text
also apply to NiMH batteries.

Batteries must be kept in the same sets of four during
charge and use. This is the single most important
factor for efficient rechargeable battery management.
(This can be easily accomplished by numbering the
batteries by set.) If batteries with unequal levels of
charge are mixed, the following problem can be
expected:

During use, after the battery with the least charge is
fully discharged, power is drawn from the remaining
batteries until the detector low battery alarm is
triggered. During this period, power passing through
the discharged battery may force it into reverse
polarity, and some damage to the battery will occur.

Every time a battery is overcharged or discharged to
the point of reverse polarity, some damage will occur.
Therefore, if batteries are continuously mismanaged,
their working life will be significantly shortened.
Storage and use in very hot (over 40 degrees C), or
very cold (less than 5 degrees C) temperatures will
also shorten battery working life.

All supplied batteries should be fully discharged at
least once a month. This can be achieved by using
them in the detector until the ‘Battery Low’ alarm is
triggered, or by using the discharge function on the
IMC.

13

Additional Notes

Self discharge: Rechargeable batteries slowly lose
their charge during storage. The rate of self discharge
depends on the following:

• Environmental temperature conditions

• Condition of the battery (new or well managed
batteries will self discharge more slowly)

• Charge state of the batteries (fully charged
batteries will discharge more quickly)

Batteries should be recharged before use if they
have been stored for more than 4 or 5 days and a full
charge is required.

Storage: Ideally, batteries should be stored at
temperatures between 5 and 30 degrees C, with
relative humidity between 5 and 60%. When stored
under these conditions, shelf life can be measured in
years. Shelf life is not affected by the charge state of
the batteries when put into storage.

14

Suggested Battery Management Procedures

On receipt of new batteries:

1. Divide batteries into sets of four.

2. Number each battery in the set with the same

unique number (for example each number can start
at 0 01).

3. Make up battery carry boxes (with compartments
and lids) to hold enough sets of four batteries (refer
Figure 9).

Figure 9 - Examples of Battery Carry Boxes

Battery Management Routine

Start of day:

• Team leaders or logistics staff hand each deminer
one set of batteries at the start of the day.

• Team leaders or logistics staff check that all
batteries in the set have the same number.

End of day:

• Deminers return the set of batteries to team
leaders or logistic staff.

• Team leaders or logistics staff check that all
batteries in the set have the same number and
insert into storage box.

Note: New batteries should
be put through two charge
discharge cycles before use.

Rechargeable Battery Management
Procedures for Countermine Users

15

Discharge/Charge Cycle

Each set of batteries should be given one discharge/
charge cycle at least once a month as follows:

1. Operator takes one set of four batteries from
a compartment in the box and checks that all
batteries in the set have the same number.

2. Insert ONE battery in the leftmost slot of the IMC.

3. Within five seconds, press and hold the

‘CONDITION’ button until the ‘CONDITION’ symbol
is displayed on the LCD screen.

4. Insert the remaining batteries.

5. When the word ‘DONE’ appears on the LCD screen,

remove the charged batteries and place them into
the box.

Data Recording

All battery sets should be listed to ensure that each
set is given at least one discharge/cycle per month.

Action to be taken when one set of batteries is
defective:

1. Determine which battery is faulty (multi-meter can
be used – one battery will probably have a different
voltage to the other three; this will be the defective
battery).

2. Replace faulty battery with battery from spares.

3. Number new battery with same number as the

other three.

4. Put this set of batteries through two discharge/
charge cycles before use.

Note: One full discharge/
charge cycle takes up to 30
hours.

16

Warranty and Safety

Warranty

For service or repairs the

Charger must be returned, with

cables, to the nearest Minelab

Office or a Minelab authorised

repair centre. This Warranty

does not cover damage

to the Charger or injury to

persons due to accident,

deliberate misuse, alteration,

modification, or unauthorised

use of this product.

Product Information

This product is distributed by:

Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd,

2 Second Avenue,

Mawson Lakes SA 5095,

Australia.

Minelab is an ISO9001

endorsed company, and hence

all areas of product quality

are carefully controlled and

monitored. In order to ensure

the product works reliably

throughout its operational life,

the user must adhere to the

following cautions to prevent

damage to the product, or

injury to themselves or others.

• Risk of electric shock if opened.

• This appliance is not intended for use by young
children or infirm persons unless they have been
adequately supervised by a responsible person to
ensure that they can use the appliance safely.

• Do not expose to liquid, vapour or rain.

• Do not charge battery cells other than NiMH or
NiCd. ‘AA’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ batteries must be able to
accept a 2.0A (Rapid Mode)/1.0A (Soft Mode)
charge current. ‘AAA’ batteries must be able to
accept a 0.7 (Rapid)/0.35A (Soft) charge current.

• To charge ‘AA/C/D’ batteries rated under 2000
mAh, always use the ‘Soft Charging’ mode.

• Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture due to
the risk of fire.

• Do not operate the charger if it appears damaged
in any way.

• Always place the battery cells with positive tip
facing the top. Incorrect polarity may cause fire or
explosion. Observe polarity diagrams located on
the charger.

• Do not allow the unit to be exposed to direct
sunlight. Operate in well ventilated areas.

• Do not allow the battery terminals to become
shorted.

• Do not operate charger inside the carry case.

Caution

THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH
PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES

Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Disclaimer:

Certain descriptions and illustrations
contained in this manual may dif fer 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.

Working for a Cleaner,
Greener Future

For Consumers within the European
Union: Do not dispose of this equipment
in general household waste.

The crossed wheeled bin symbol on this
equipment indicates this unit should not
be disposed of in general household waste,
but recycled in compliance with local
government regulations and environmental
requirements.

Please dispose of this equipment via a
recycling service or centre, or by returning
the unit to the respective Minelab outlet
as appropriate for your unit. This will enable
the equipment to be disposed of in an
environmentally safe manner.

Disposal of unwanted electronic equipment
in land filled waste may contribute to
adverse long term environmental effect due
to the leaching of contaminating and toxic
substances contained within some electronic
equipment.

Item Number: 4901-0111-3

Par t No: 4 901- 0111

Australia & Asia Pacic

+ 61 8 8238 0888

Europe & Russia

[phone]

North, South & Central America

[phone]

Middle East & Africa

[phone]

[e-mail]