Tower Hobbies AC/DC PEAK CHARGER, TOWP0160 Instruction Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

AC input: 110V AC 60Hz
DC input: 11-15V DC, built-in lead with alligator clips
Battery types: 4-8 NiCd or NiMH Cells (4.8-9.6V, limited to 7 cells on DC)
Battery capacity range: 600-6000mAh
Fast charge current: 1, 2, or 4A linear (2A limit on AC)
Fast charge termination: peak detection
Fast charge safety timer: 90 minutes
Peak sensitivity: 8mV
Auto-trickle current: 1/20 fast charge setting
Controls: auto-start, switchable current selector
LED indicator: red
Output connections*: built-in lead with standard connector

built-in jack for charging 4, 5, or 8 cell radio packs
Protective devices: solid-state reverse polarity and current overload
Case size: 4.1 x 3.5 x 1.1” (104 x 90 x 29mm)
Weight: 9.17 oz (260 g)

* Charge adapters available separately:

• Standard to Vendetta™, Mini Quake™, RS4 Battery (DTXC2210)

• Standard to Futaba® Tx Charge Jack (DTXP4151)

• Standard to Airtronics®/Hitec® Tx Charge Jack (DTXP4152)

• Standard to JR®/Spektrum® Tx Charge Jack (DTXP4153)

• Standard to Deans® Ultra® male (GPMM3131)

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Tiny, lightweight built-in switching AC power supply is great for portability and small pit areas.

• Selectable charge currents of 1A, 2A, and 4 amps with auto-trickle function.

• Peak detection intelligence eliminates the need for tracking the charge state of the battery before charge, and an

automatic trickle charge tops off packs to maximum power.

• An auto-start function with status LED make setup and use a snap.

• Compatible with nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery types.

• Includes a built-in socket for charging 4- or 5-cell receiver batteries, and even 8 cell transmitter batteries.

• A DC power lead with alligator clips easily connects to many types of 12V DC power sources.

• Solid-state reverse polarity and current overload safety devices ensure trouble-free operation.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

The Tower Hobbies AC/DC Peak Charger is designed for peak
charging of nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
batteries, and perfect for entry-level electric car or boat modelers.
Power can be supplied from household 110V AC power, or a portable
12V DC power source. Charge current is selectable from 1 to 4 amps,
for cells as small as 600mAh “AAA” and as big as sub-C size, making
it equally as useful for 1/18th to 1/8th scale electric models. It can
even charge radio batteries!

It is strongly recommended to completely read this manual bef ore use! Dama ge resulting from misuse
or modification will void your warranty.

AC/DC PEAK CHARGER

2

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

Disconnect the battery and remove input power from
the charger immediately if the charger becomes hot!!

• Do not attempt to charge any battery types other than NiCd or NiMH 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 block air intake holes, which could cause the charger to overheat.

• Do not attempt to use batteries with more cells or total voltage than listed in the specifications.

• Do not leave the charger unattended while in use.

• Do not leave your battery inside your model while charging. Do not use the charger and battery inside a full-size

automobile or on a cluttered workbench, and avoid placing them on or near flammable surfaces and combustible
materials (including carpet, paper, plastic, vinyl, leather and wood).

• Do not overcharge batteries as permanent damage could result. Do not use a charge current that exceeds the

safe level of the battery.

• Do NOT connect the charger’s AC and DC input connectors to any power source at the same time.

• Allow the charger or battery to cool down before reconnecting.

• Always disconnect from power source when not in use.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Amps (A): The unit of measure for charge current.
Milli-amps (mA): A unit of measure for current, being amps (A) multiplied by 1000 and listed as “mA”. So 2.5A is the

same as 2500mA (2.5 x 1000). To convert mA to amps, divide the mA number by 1000. So 25mA is the same as

0.025A (25 divided by 1000).

Capacity and milli-amp hours (mAh): The amount of energy a battery can store is called its capacity, which is

defined as how much current a battery can supply constantly over one hour of time. Most hobby batteries are rated for
capacity in “mAh” or milli-amp hours. A 650mAh battery can deliver 650mA of current for one hour (650mA x 1hr =
650mAh). A 3100mAh battery can deliver 3100mA (3.2A) of current for one hour (3100mA x 1hr = 3100mAh), etc.

“C” rating: Capacity is also referred to as the “C” rating. Some battery suppliers recommend charge currents based on

the battery’s “C” rating. A battery’s “1C” current is the same number as the battery’s rated capacity number, but noted
in mA or amps. A 600mAh battery has a 1C current value of 600mA, and a 3C current value of (3 x 600mA) 1800mA
or 1.8A. The 1C current value for a 3100mAh battery would be 3100mA (3.2A), etc.

INPUT POWER

AC Input: For indoor use , this charger includes a built-in s witching AC pow er supply that delivers pow er by connecting the
AC power cord to a common 110V AC outlet. The AC power supply has a maximum power limitation that limits charge
current to 2 amps maximum, and 8-cell transmitter batteries might not reach 100% peak charge but should receive
enough energy for extended operation (monitor the power indicator on the transmitter during use). This is normal.

DC Input: This charger can be powered by a portable 12V DC power source f or use at the tr ack. Connect the DC power
cord’s alligator clips directly to the output terminals on the 12V DC power source. Always match polarities (red lead to
red “+” terminal, black lead to black “–” terminal). To utilize the charger’s absolute maximum power capabilities the DC
power source must be capable of delivering at least 6 amps while maintaining 12 volts DC. Larger batteries, such as
7-cell power packs or 8-cell transmitter packs, will charge more completely if the DC input voltage applied to the input
is greater than 13V.

WARNING! Ne ver accidentally short together the positive (+) and negative (-) input connections when

connected to 12V DC power . Failure to do so could result in permanent damage to the power source
and the charger. Do not attempt to connect the charger to AC and DC inputs at the same time.

The charger will be on at all times when connected to input power . Disconnect the charger from input power when not in use.

3

CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS

WARNING! Do NOT attempt to
charge one battery through the

main output lead, and another
through the jack on the front edge of the
charger at the same time!! Doing so might
permanently damage the charger.

DETERMINING BATTERY TYPE AND SPECIFICATIONS

Always read your NiCd or NiMH battery’s label and/or
instruction sheet before use. Check your battery’s label or
instruction sheet to determine how many cells it contains
or its nominal rated voltage. The chart at r ight is a quick
reference for determining this information.

GETTING STARTED

1. Connect the charger to either AC or DC input power.

2. Select a charge current with the CURRENT SELECTION
SWITCH. Refer to the chart at r ight for recommendations. Do
not exceed the maximum rated charge current for the battery.

3. The red LED will flash ver y slowly (once every five seconds)
as a reminder that power is applied to the charger, and it is
now ready for use.

110V AC INPUT

CURRENT SELECTION SWITCH

STATUS LED: Identifies when

a battery has been connected
to the output and fast charge
has begun automatically.
Flashes during trickle charge.

OUTPUT LEAD: The standard
connector is compatible with
most R/C car batteries. See
the SPECIFICATIONS chart on
page 1 for a list of additional
adapters for charging battery
types with different connectors.

RADIO BATTERY JACK

A unique jack is located on the front edge of the charger for
charging 4, 5, or 8 cell NiCd or NiMH radio batteries. This jack
is universal – compatible with Futaba-J, Air tronics-Z, Hitec,
JR, and Spektrum receiver battery connectors, as well as
BEC type connectors.

If charging a battery through the main output lead on the
right side of the charger, the voltage of that battery can
be monitored with a separate digital voltmeter through this
RADIO BATTERY JACK on the front of the charger.

12V DC INPUT

NICD AND NIMH VOLTAGE CHART

Number of Cells Rated Nominal Voltage

4 4.8V
5 6.0V
6 7.2V
7 8.4V
8 9.6V

CHARGE CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Battery Rated Capacity Charge Current Setting

600 – 1100mAh 1A
1500 – 2100mAh 2A
2500 – 6000mAh 4A