Tejera Microsystems Engineering ATA-CX3 User Manual
AUTO-TRICKLE ADAPTER
USER’S MANUAL MODEL ATA-CX3
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations for having purchased the AUTO-
TRICKLE ADAPTER III (ATA) by Tejera Microsystems Engineering, Inc. . You are now
the owner of the best and most cost effective way of keeping your NiCd batteries safely and
automatically in a constant state of readiness. The ATA’s unique microprocessor circuitry
works with your existing overnight charger(s) to prevent overcharging. It also safely
maintains the charge on your batteries indefinitely by converting your charger into a pulse
trickle charger. The gentle pulse trickle effect not only gives you a visual indicator but tests
have proven it is actually better for your NiCd battery’s life than conventional trickle
charging. The ATA is simple to use since there is nothing else to buy and no soldering is
required. Simply plug it in and go! For obtaining the maximum benefit from this product
please read the following instructions very carefully.
I. INSTRUCTIONS
INSURING COMPATIBILITY - PLEASE READ
The AUTO-TRICKLE ADAPTER has been tested and IS COMPATIBLE with most
inexpensive overnight chargers.
To insure compatibility prior to use, the following test must be made. Note that this
test does not require the use of the Auto-Trickle Adapter.
STEP 1. Fully charge your batteries in the normal fashion.
STEP 2. Unplug the battery charger from the wall while leaving the batteries connected
to the charger.
STEP 3. On a daily basis for the next seven days, test the batteries by temporarily
connecting them to your equipment and verifying normal operation. If after seven days your
batteries still have adequate capacity to operate your equipment, the charger may be safely
used with the Auto-Trickle Adapter.
The reason for this test is that some charger designs can actually DISCHARGE the
batteries when unplugged from the AC outlet. The AUTO-TRICKLE ADAPTER uses an on /
off technique to create a pulse trickle effect. Chargers that load down (discharge) your
batteries may not effectively produce enough charge to maintain an effective trickle. A diode
may easily be added to your charger to rectify this problem if necessary. For more information
on this visit our web site at “www.TMEnet.com”
IMPORTANT NOTE:
DO NOT PLUG ANY SURGE PROTECTING POWER STRIPS (REGULAR POWER STRIPS
WITH BREAKERS ARE OK), INTO THE AUTO-TRICKLE ADAPTER. This AUTO-TRICKLE
ADAPTOR is designed to work ONLY with STANDARD OVERNIGHT NiCd BATTERY
CHARGERS that operate at a CI10 rate (14-16 hour rate). Make sure you have matched the
charger to the battery so that it will require a 14-16 hr. charge. Example: Use a 50ma. charger
for 500 mah batteries, a 120ma charger for 1200 mah , a 25 ma charger for 250mah, etc. DO
NOT USE the AUTO-TRICKLE ADAPTER with: other types of Auto-trickle chargers, nonmechanical battery cyclers, fast chargers, peak chargers, or trickle only chargers.
Switchable rate chargers must be set at the appropriate overnight charge rate.
OPERATION
STEP 1 Plug the unit into a standard 120 Volt 60 hertz receptacle. ( A surge protected
power strip here is OK too. ) You may then plug your overnight NiCd chargers into the unit as
provided. If you wish to plug in more chargers you will need to provide a power strip (breaker
and switch OK) or a multiple extension cord. (Make sure this power strip does not have surge
protection circuitry as this will damage your ATA.) Be careful not to exceed the maximum load
of 120 Watts. (Simply add up the wattage ratings of all connected chargers, make sure it’s less
than 120 Watts) Now connect your batteries to your existing charger(s) as you have always
done.
When first powered up, the ATA will place your charger into a pulse trickle mode.
Notice that the charger’s light will flash approximately once per second. This shows your
charger is now providing a trickle rate to the batteries.
STEP 2 When you are ready to give your batteries a complete overnight charge, simply
push the “START” button on the front panel of the ATA. The light should stop flashing and
remain constantly on. This steady light tells you your charger is now providing a normal full
overnight charge to the batteries.
In 16 hours the unit will automatically change back to the trickle mode. This will be
indicated by the flashing light on your charger. You can now use your batteries immediately, or
leave them on for months. They will be safely kept in a fully charged state until you are ready to
use them.
II. FUSE REPLACEMENT
If your charger does not work when connected to the unit, you may have exceeded the
maximum 120 watt capacity and blown the fuse in the ATA. To check or replace the fuse you
will need to UNPLUG THE ATA and carefully remove the four screws on the box. The fuse
may be removed by gently pulling it away from its clips. Be sure to replace with a 1 Amp Fast
blowing fuse only or you will void the warranty. Carefully reassemble the ATA before plugging
it into a power receptacle.
III. SPECIAL NOTES
* To stop the 16 hour charge timer and go back to trickle mode prematurely, simply push the
switch once again. The charger will go back to trickle mode.
* Take these special precautions when using ONE unit with BOTH charged and discharged
batteries.
In most cases leaving your batteries on trickle rate alone will fully charge your fully discharged
batteries in about three to four days. If this is too long a wait then try the techniques below.
ADDING DISCHARGED BATTERIES WHEN SOME ARE ALREADY CHARGED
AND IN TRICKLE.
You may start a 16 hour charge to ALL the batteries as long as there has been a minimum of
two days between pressing the START button. If you need daily charging or if just some of your
batteries need charging, then it is best to charge those batteries separately. Either purchase a
second ATA and use one for newly discharged batteries or you may simply plug your charger
directly into the wall receptacle and remember to move them to the trickler after 16 hours.
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