VOLTCRAFT V-Charge 200 Duo User guide

Operating Instructions

Multifunctional charger "V-Charge 200 Duo"

Item No. 1539603

Table of Contents

			Page
1.	Introduction...........................................................................................................................................................		4
2.	Explanation of Symbols........................................................................................................................................		4
3.	Intended Use........................................................................................................................................................		5
4.	Scope of Delivery.................................................................................................................................................		5
5.	Safety Notes.........................................................................................................................................................		6
	a)	General..........................................................................................................................................................	6
	b)	Mains cable/mains voltage.............................................................................................................................	6
	c)	Location for Installation..................................................................................................................................	7
	d)	Operation.......................................................................................................................................................	8
6.	Rechargeable Battery Notes................................................................................................................................		9
	a)	General..........................................................................................................................................................	9
	b) Additional Information about Lithium Batteries.............................................................................................		10
7.	Usable Rechargeable Battery Types..................................................................................................................		12
8.	Operating Elements............................................................................................................................................		13
9.	Commissioning...................................................................................................................................................		14
	a) Connection to a Voltage/Current Supply......................................................................................................		14
	b) Connection of a Rechargeable Battery to the Charger................................................................................		15
	c) General Information on Operation of the Menus..........................................................................................		17
10.	Main Menu..........................................................................................................................................................		18
11.	Lithium Batteries (LiPo, LiIon, LiFe, LiHV).........................................................................................................		19
	a)	General........................................................................................................................................................	19
	b) Charging Batteries without Balancer Connection ("CHARGE")...................................................................		20
	c) Charging Rechargeable Batteries with Balancer Connection ("BAL-CHG")................................................		21
	d) Discharging Rechargeable Batteries ("DCHG")...........................................................................................		23
	e)	Storing Batteries ("STORAGE")...................................................................................................................	24
12.	NiMH and NiCd Rechargeable Batteries............................................................................................................		25
	a)	General .......................................................................................................................................................	25
	b) Charging Rechargeable Batteries ("CHARGE Man")...................................................................................		25
	c) Automatic Charge Mode ("CHARGE Aut")...................................................................................................		27
	d)	Discharging Battery ("DISCHARGE")..........................................................................................................	27
	e)	Cycle Programme ("CYCLE")......................................................................................................................	28

			Page
13.	Lead Batteries (Pb)............................................................................................................................................		30
	a)	General........................................................................................................................................................	30
	b)	Charging Batteries ("CHARGE")..................................................................................................................	30
	c)	Discharging Battery ("DISCHARGE")..........................................................................................................	32
14.	Saving/Loading Rechargeable Battery Data......................................................................................................		33
	a)	Saving Battery Data.....................................................................................................................................	33
	b)	Loading Battery Data...................................................................................................................................	34
15.	System settings..................................................................................................................................................		35
16.	Fixed Voltage Output .........................................................................................................................................		39
17.	Warning Messages on the Display.....................................................................................................................		41
18.	Information on the Charger................................................................................................................................		42
19.	Maintenance and Cleaning.................................................................................................................................		43
20.	Disposal..............................................................................................................................................................		43
	a)	Product.........................................................................................................................................................	43
	b)	Batteries/Rechargeable Batteries................................................................................................................	43
21.	Technical Data....................................................................................................................................................		44

1. Introduction

Dear Customer,

thank you for making the excellent decision of purchasing this Voltcraft® product.

Voltcraft® - This name stands for above-average quality products in the areas of measuring, charging and grid technology, characterised by technical competence, extraordinary performance and permanent innovation.

Whether you are an ambitious hobby electronics technician or a professional user - a product of the Voltcraft® brand family will provide you with the best solution for even the most sophisticated of tasks. Special features: We offer the sophisticated technology and reliable quality of our Voltcraft® products at a near-unbeatable price/performance ratio. We lay the groundwork for long, good and successful cooperation.

Enjoy your new Voltcraft® product!

If there are any technical questions, please contact:

International:	www.conrad.com/contact
United Kingdom:	www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/contact

2. Explanation of Symbols

The symbol with a lightning bolt in a triangle is used where there is a health hazard, e.g. from electric shock.

The exclamation mark in a triangle indicates important notes in these operating instructions that must be observed strictly.

The arrow symbol indicates that special advice and notes on operation are provided.

The product is intended for use in dry indoor rooms only; it must not become damp or wet.

Observe the operating instructions.

3. Intended Use

The charger "V-Charge 200 Duo" has two independent charge/discharge channels that each have a two-line lit display and four operating buttons.

The charger is used to charge and discharge rechargeable batteries of the type NiMH/NiCd (1 - 15 cells), LiPo/LiIon/ LiFe/LiHV (1 - 6 cells) and lead batteries (1 - 10 cells, 2 V - 20 V).

The charging current for channel 1 can be set between 0.1 A and 10.0 A. The charging current for channel 2 can be set between 0.1 A and 5.0 A (each depending on the cell number/rechargeable battery voltage). The maximum total charging output is 200 W (each channel max. 100 W).

The discharging current for channel 1 and 2 can be set between 0.1 A and 5.0 A (depending on the cell number/ rechargeable battery voltage). The maximum discharge output for each channel is 15 W.

For each of the two charge/discharge channels, there is a connection for a temperature sensor available for battery monitoring (not enclosed, can be ordered as an accessory).

For multi-cell lithium rechargeable batteries, each charge/discharge channel has a separate balancer. Matching balancer boards are included in the delivery.

The charger has an integrated mains unit to permit operation on mains voltage (230 V/AC, 50/60 Hz). The charger may, however, also be alternatively operated on a stabilised direct voltage of 11 - 18 V/DC (e.g. via an external vehicle lead battery or a suitable mains adapter).

The safety notes and all other information in these operating instructions always have to be observed!

Read the operating instructions carefully and attentively, and keep them for later reference. Only pass the product on to any third parties together with the operating instructions.

Use other than that described above can lead to damage to the product and may involve additional risks such as, for example, short circuits, fire, electrical shock etc. The entire product must not be modified or converted, and the casing must not be opened!

This product complies with the statutory national and European requirements.

4. Scope of Delivery

•Multifunctional charger

•2x balancer board

•Connection cable for DC input

•2x charging cable with T-plug

•Mains cable

•CD with operating instructions

Current operating instructions

Download the current operating instructions via the link www.conrad.com/downloads or scan the QR code displayed. Observe the instructions on the website.

5. Safety Notes

Read the operating instructions attentively and particularly observe the safety notes. If the safety notes and the information in these operating instructions regarding proper handling are not observed, we assume no liability for any resulting injury/property damage. In such cases, the warranty/guarantee will also lapse.

a) General

•The unauthorized conversion and/or modification of the product is inadmissible because of safety and approval reasons. Never dismantle the product!

•Maintenance, adjustment, or repair work must only be carried out by a specialist/a specialist workshop. The device contains no parts that require servicing or adjusting by you.

•The product is not a toy and must be kept out of reach of children!

The product must only be set up, used or stored in places that are not accessible to children. The same applies for rechargeable batteries.

Pay particular attention when children are present! Children may change the settings or short-circuit the rechargeable battery/batteries, which may lead to fire or explosion. Danger to life!

•In schools, training centres, hobby and self-help workshops, the use of the product must be supervised by responsible trained personnel.

•In commercial institutions, the accident prevention regulations of the Employer’s Liability Insurance Association for Electrical Systems and Operating Materials are to be observed.

•Do not leave packaging material lying around carelessly. It may become a dangerous toy for children!

•Handle the product with care; impacts, shock or fall even from low heights will damage it.

•If you are not sure about the correct operation or if questions arise which are not covered by the operating instructions, please do not hesitate to contact us or another specialist.

b) Mains cable/mains voltage

•Product setup corresponds to protection class I. It must only be connected to a proper protective contact mains socket. Observe that the housing or mains line insulation is not damaged or destroyed.

•The mains socket to which the plug-in mains unit is connected must be easily accessible.

•Do not pull the mains plug from the mains socket by pulling the cable.

•If the mains cable or charger are damaged, do not touch it. Danger to life from electric shock!

First switch off the mains voltage for the mains socket to which the mains cable is connected (switch off the corresponding circuit breaker or take out the fuse, then switch off the fault interrupter protection switch (FI circuit breaker) so that the mains socket is separated from the mains voltage on all poles).

Only then unplug the mains unit from the mains socket.

If the charger is damaged, stop operating it. Take it to a specialised workshop or dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way.

If the mains cable is damaged, dispose of the damaged mains cable in an environmentally compatible way. Do not use it anymore. Replace it with a new mains cable of the same specifications.

c) Location for Installation

•The charger is intended for dry indoor use only. It must not become damp or wet. Never set it up near a bathtub, shower or similar!

If the charger is operated via the mains cable, there is danger to life from electric shock in case of moisture/wetness on the charger/mains cable!

•Avoid direct sun irradiation, strong heat or cold. Keep the charger away from dust and dirt. The same applies to any rechargeable battery that may be connected.

•Do not operate the charger inside of rooms or in bad ambient conditions where flammable gases, vapours or explosive dust may be or are present! There is a danger of explosion!

•Choose a solid, flat, clean and sufficiently large surface for the charger. Never place the charger on a flammable surface (e.g. carpet, tablecloth). Always use a suitable, non-flammable, heatproof surface.

•Keep the charger away from flammable or easily inflammable materials (e.g. curtains).

•Never cover the ventilation slits. There is a danger of overheating or fire. Never push any objects into the ventilation slots of the charger; There is a danger to life from electric shock! Never impair the function of the integrated fan.

•Do not place the charger on any valuable furniture surfaces without using a suitable protection. Otherwise, scratches, pressure points or discolourations are possible. The same applies to the rechargeable battery.

•Do not use the charger inside a vehicle.

•The charger must only be set up, used or stored in places that are not accessible to children. Children may change the settings or short-circuit the rechargeable battery/battery pack, which can lead to an explosion. Danger to life!

•Avoid setup in direct proximity of strong magnetic or electromagnetic fields, transmitter aerials or HF generators. This can affect the control electronics.

•Ensure that the cables are not crushed or damaged by sharp edges. Never place any objects on the cables.

•Do not place any containers filled with liquid, vases or plants, on or next to the charger/mains cable.

When these liquids get into the charger (or the plug connections of the mains cable), the charger will be destroyed and there is a most severe danger of potentially fatal electric shock or fire.

If the charger is operated via the mains cable, first switch off the mains voltage for the mains socket to which the mains cable is connected (switch off the corresponding circuit breaker or take out the fuse, then switch off the fault interrupter protection switch (FI circuit breaker) so that the mains socket is separated from the mains voltage on all poles). Only then unplug the mains plug of the mains cable from the mains socket.

If the charger is operated via the DC input (11 - 18 V/DC), disconnect the charger from the voltage/ power supply.

Then disconnect the connected rechargeable battery from the charger. Do not use the charger again - bring it to a specialist workshop.

d) Operation

•The charger may be operated either via the mains voltage (230 V/AC, 50/60 Hz) or via a stabilised direct voltage of 11 - 18 V/DC (e.g. via an external vehicle lead battery or a suitable mains adapter).

Use only one of the two connection types, but never both at once. This may damage the charger.

•Do not wear any metal or conductive materials, such as jewellery (necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.) while you are working with the charger or batteries. A short-circuit at the rechargeable battery or charging cable poses a danger of burns and explosion.

•Do not operate the product unattended. Despite a considerable number of protective circuits, it is impossible to exclude the possibility of malfunctions or problems during the charging process.

•Ensure that there is sufficient ventilation during operation. Never cover up the charger. Leave enough of a distance (at least 20 cm) between charger and other objects. Overheating causes a danger of fire!

•The charger must only be used to charge (or discharge) rechargeable batteries of types NiMH, NiCd, LiIon/LiPo/LiFe/LiHV and lead batteries. Never charge any other rechargeable battery types or nonrechargeable batteries. There is great danger of fire or explosion!

•Always connect the charging cable to the charger first. Only then must the rechargeable battery be connected to the charging cable.

When disconnecting, proceed in reverse order - first disconnect the rechargeable battery from the charging cable, then the charging cable from the charger.

If the order is chosen incorrectly, there may be a short-circuit of the charger plugs; there is a danger of fire and explosion!

•Never connect several charges to each other.

•The charger has two charging channels that are independent of each other, so that up to two rechargeable batteries/rechargeable battery packs can be charged (or discharged) at once. However, only connect a single rechargeable battery/rechargeable battery pack to each of the two charging channels. Never connect the charging channels to each other!

•Only operate the product in moderate climate, never in tropical climate. For more information on acceptable environmental conditions, see the chapter "Technical Data".

•Never operate the device immediately after it was taken from a cold room to a warm room. The resulting condensation may lead to malfunctions or damage!

Let the product reach room temperature before taking it into operation again. This may take several hours!

•Avoid operation in direct proximity of strong magnetic or electromagnetic fields, transmitter aerials or HF generators. This can affect the control electronics.

•If you have reason to believe that the device can no longer be operated safely, disconnect it immediately and make sure it is not operated unintentionally.

Disconnect the charger from the voltage/current supply. Do not use the product any more after this, but take it to a specialised workshop or dispose of it in an environmentally compatible manner.

•It can be assumed that operation without danger is no longer possible if the device has any visible damage, the device no longer works, after extended storage under unsuitable conditions or after difficult transport conditions.

•Keep the entire product at a dry, cool, clean site that is not accessible to children.

6. Rechargeable Battery Notes

Although use of rechargeable batteries in everyday life is a matter of course today, there are many dangers and problems. In particular, with LiPo/LiIon/LiFe/LiHV rechargeable batteries with their high energy content (in comparison with conventional NiCd or NiMH rechargeable batteries), various regulations must be observed in order to avoid the danger of explosion and fire.

For this reason, always ensure that you have read and understood the following information and safety information when handling rechargeable batteries.

If the manufacturer of the rechargeable battery has provided any other information, read it carefully and observe it!

a) General

•Rechargeable batteries are no toys. Always keep batteries/rechargeable batteries out of the reach of children.

•Do not leave rechargeable batteries lying around openly. Children or pets may swallow them. If swallowed, consult a doctor immediately!

•Rechargeable batteries must not be short-circuited, taken apart or thrown into fire. There is a risk of fire and explosion!

•Leaking or damaged batteries/rechargeable batteries can cause chemical burns to skin when touched without the use of adequate protective gloves.

•Never recharge normal (non-rechargeable) batteries. There is a risk of fire and explosion!

Non-rechargeable batteries are meant to be used once only and must be disposed of properly when empty.

Only charge rechargeable batteries intended for this purpose. Use a suitable battery charger.

•Batteries must not get damp or wet.

•Place the charger and battery on a non-flammable, heat-resistant surface (e.g. stone tiles). Maintain enough distance from flammable objects. Leave enough distance between the charger and the rechargeable battery - never place the rechargeable battery on the charger.

•As both the charger and the battery heat up during the charge/discharge procedure, it is necessary to ensure sufficient ventilation. Never cover the charger or the rechargeable battery!

•Never use battery packs made up of different cells.

•Never leave the charging/discharging batteries unattended.

•Never recharge a battery directly in the model. Always remove the rechargeable battery from the model for recharging.

•Always observe correct polarity (plus/+ and minus/-) when connecting the rechargeable battery to your model or charger. Connecting the battery incorrectly will not only damage the model but also the rechargeable battery. There is a risk of fire and explosion!

This charger has a mechanism that protects against connecting the poles incorrectly. Nonetheless, it is possible that an incorrectly connected battery may lead to damage in certain situations.

•If the product is not to be used for an extended period of time (e.g. storage), disconnect any connected rechargeable battery from the charger and disconnect the charger from the voltage/current supply.

The charger has no mains switch. If you operate the charger via the mains cable, pull the mains plug from the socket when you no longer need the charger.

•Do not charge/discharge any battery that is still hot (e.g. caused by high discharging current from the model). Allow the rechargeable battery to cool down to room temperature before attempting to charge or discharge it.

•Never damage the exterior cover of a battery. There is a risk of fire and explosion!

•Never charge/discharge damaged, leaking or deformed batteries. This can result in a fire or explosion!

Dispose of any unusable rechargeable batteries in an environmentally compatible fashion. Do not continue to use them.

•Remove the battery from the charger when it is fully charged.

•Recharge the rechargeable batteries about every 3 months. Otherwise, so-called deep discharge may result, rendering the rechargeable batteries useless.

•Keep rechargeable batteries in a suitable location. Use a smoke detector in the room. The risk of fire (or the occurrence of toxic smoke) cannot be excluded. Special rechargeable batteries for the model construction area are subject to great stress (e.g. high charging and discharging currents, vibrations, etc.).

b) Additional Information about Lithium Batteries

Modern batteries with lithium technology do not only have a clearly higher capacity than NiMH or NiCd rechargeable battery packs but they also have a considerably lower weight. This makes this type of rechargeable battery very interesting for application in model construction; so-called LiPo batteries (lithiumpolymer) are often used here.

Rechargeable lithium batteries require special care when charging/discharging, as well as during operation and handling.

For this reason, we would like to provide you with some information in the sections below about the dangers and how you can avoid them, thus helping such batteries to maintain their performance for an extended period of time to come.

Additionally observe chapter 6. a).

•The outer shell of many rechargeable lithium batteries is only made of a thick foil and therefore very sensitive.

Never destroy or damage the battery, never let the battery fall and do not pierce the battery with any objects! Avoid any mechanical strain on the battery; never pull the connection cables of the battery!

There is a risk of fire and explosion!

These guidelines must also be observed when the battery is inserted into the model or when it is removed from the model.

•Ensure that the battery does not overheat during usage, recharging, discharging, transport or storage. Do not place the battery next to sources of heat (e.g. speed controller, motor), keep the battery away from direct sunlight. There is a risk of fire and explosion if the battery overheats!

The battery must never heat up to more than +60 °C (observe any additional information from the manufacturer!).

•If the battery is damaged (e.g. after the crash of an aircraft or helicopter model) or the exterior cover is soaked/has expanded, do not use the battery. Do not charge it anymore. There is a risk of fire and explosion!

Handle the battery with care, use suitable protective gloves. Dispose of the rechargeable battery environmentally compatibly.

Never keep such rechargeable batteries in an apartment or a house/garage anymore. Damaged or bloated lithium rechargeable batteries may catch fire suddenly.

•Only use a suitable charger to charge lithium batteries or use the correct charging procedure. Due to a risk of fire and explosion, conventional chargers for NiCd, NiMH and lead batteries must not be used!

Always choose the right charging procedure depending on rechargeable battery.

•When charging a lithium battery with more than one cell, always use a so-called balancer (one is already integrated into the supplied charger).

•Charge LiPo batteries with a max. charging current of 1C (if not indicated otherwise by the battery manufacturer!). This means that the charging current may not exceed the capacity value imprinted on the battery (e.g. battery capacity 1000 mAh, max. charging current 1000 mA = 1 A).

With LiFe, LiIon and LiHV batteries, you must observe the instructions of the battery manufacturer.

•The discharging current must not exceed the value printed on the battery.

For example, if a value of "20C" is printed on a LiPo battery, the max. discharging current is 20 times the battery’s capacity (e.g. battery capacity 1000 mAh, max. discharging current 20C = 20 x 1000 mA = 20 A).

Otherwise, the battery will overheat, causing deformation/bloating of the battery or explosion and fire!

The printed value (e.g "20C") does not generally refer to the constant current, but to the maximum current that the battery is capable of producing in the short-term. The constant current therefore should not be higher than one half of the given value.

•Observe that the individual cells of a lithium rechargeable battery must not be deep-discharged. A deep discharge of a lithium rechargeable battery will lead to permanent damage/destruction of the rechargeable battery.

If the model does not provide protection against total discharge or possess a visual display indicating a low battery, remember to switch off the model in time.

7. Usable Rechargeable Battery Types

Rechargeable battery type	LiPo	LiIon	LiFe	LiHV	NiCd	NiMH	Pb

Rated voltage (V/cell)	3.7	3.6	3.3	3.7	1.2	1.2	2.0

Max. charging voltage	4.2	4.1	3.6	4.35	1.5	1.5	2.46
(V/cell)
Voltage for storage (V/cell)	3.8	3.7	3.3	3.85	-	-	-

Charging current for quick	<= 1C	<= 1C	<= 4C	<= 1C	1C - 2C	1C - 2C	<= 0.4C
charge
Min. voltage after discharge	>= 3.0	>= 2.9	>= 2.6	>= 3.1	>= 1.0	>= 1.0	>= 1.8
(V/cell)

The voltages in the above table apply to a single cell. The data may deviate depending on manufacturer (observe manufacturer’s information!).

The max. charging and discharging currents are indicated with the capacity value "C".

A charging current of 1C corresponds to the capacity value imprinted on the battery (e.g. indicated battery capacity 1000 mAh, max. charging current 1000 mA = 1 A).

Also observe the correct voltage setting for multi-cell battery packs. For example, the individual cells in a two-cell battery pack may be switched in parallel or in series.

If the maximum permissible charging current for the rechargeable battery is exceeded or a wrong cell number/voltage setting is chosen, there is a danger of destroying the rechargeable battery. There also is a danger of fire and explosion from the rechargeable battery!

Further notes on the max. charging current and the cell number/voltage can be taken from the data sheets or the labels of the rechargeable batteries; these data take precedence over the information in the above table.

Important!

•Never charge battery packs made up of different cells (or cells from different manufacturers).

•Never charge non-rechargeable batteries.

•Never charge rechargeable batteries not listed in the above table.

•Never charge rechargeable batteries with integrated electronics.

•Never charge rechargeable batteries that are still connected to other devices (e.g. a speed controller).

•Never charge any damaged or bloated rechargeable batteries.

8. Operating Elements

2 1

3				8	9	10
4	5	6	7	8	9			13	14	15
	5								14
						11	12
						11	12

1Lit two-line LC display

2Voltage selector switch (if available, it´s pre-set to 230 V and not adjustable)

3Mains socket for connecting the charger to the mains voltage

4Round sockets (4 mm) for rechargeable battery connection (red = plus/+, black = minus/-), channel 1

5Balancer port to connect an external balancer board (enclosed), channel 1

6Socket for external temperature sensor (not enclosed, can be ordered separately), channel 1

7"BATT. TYPE/STOP" button: Return from a submenu, stopping charging, cancelling

8"DEC." button: Selecting the rechargeable battery programme in the main menu, value input (value reduction), menu selection (back), display of various data during charging/discharging

9"INC." button: Entering values (increasing value), menu selection (forward), displaying the voltage values of the individual cells when charging lithium batteries with a balancer connection

10"START/ENTER" button: Selecting the rechargeable battery programme in the main menu, starting/continuing charging, confirmation of a setting/operating function

11Socket for external temperature sensor (not enclosed, can be ordered separately), channel 2

12Balancer port to connect an external balancer board (enclosed), channel 2

13Round sockets (4 mm) for rechargeable battery connection (red = plus/+, black = minus/-), channel 2

14Direct voltage input (11 - 18 V/DC, stabilised), e.g. to connect to an external vehicle lead battery

15Fan

Either operate the charger via the mains voltage connection (3) or the direct voltage input (14). Never use both inputs at the same time. This may damage the charger.

9. Commissioning

a) Connection to a Voltage/Current Supply

Attention!

Always connect the charger to the voltage/current supply first; only then must a rechargeable battery be connected to the charger.

The charger offers two different options for operation:

•Operation via the mains voltage (230 V/AC, 50/60 Hz)

•Operation via stabilised direct voltage (11 - 18 V/DC, e.g. via an external vehicle lead battery or a mains adapter)

Never use both operating modes at the same time. This may damage the charger. Loss of guarantee/warranty!

The charger has a maximum total charging output of 200 W. If the charger is to be operated via the direct voltage input, the power supply strength must be chosen depending on how high the actually used charging output is (depending on the rechargeable battery type, cell number and the charging current set).

When fully using the maximum total charging output of 200 W, the conversion loss increases power intake by about 20 - 30%.

If the charger is not to be operated at a 12 V vehicle lead battery, but via a fixed voltage mains unit, it must be able to supply a correspondingly high current.

When using the direct current input, observe the correct polarity when connecting (plus/+ and minus/-).

The charger will switch on automatically after connecting to the voltage/current supply. The two displays light up and the starting message appears. The charger emits a brief signal.

The charger is then ready for operation.

b) Connection of a Rechargeable Battery to the Charger

Please observe the following points before connecting or charging/recharging the battery:

•If you have not done so already, please read chapters 5, 6 and 7 completely and ensure that you have understood the information there.

•Do you know all of the information you need to know about your battery? Unknown or unlabelled batteries, the necessary values of which you do not know, must not be connected/charged/discharged!

•Have you selected the correct charging/discharging program for the type of battery you are using? Incorrect settings will damage the charger and the battery; there is a danger of fire and explosion!

•Did you set the correct charging or discharging current?

•Have you selected the correct voltage (e.g. for multiple-cell LiPo batteries)? A two-cell LiPo battery may be switched in parallel (3.7 V) or series (7.4 V).

•Are all connector cables and plugs undamaged, do the plugs stay firmly in the sockets? Worn plugs and damaged cables should be replaced.

•Connect only one single rechargeable battery or rechargeable battery pack to each of the two charging channels of the charger, but never several at once per charging channel. Never connect the charging channels to each other! The two charging channels are all independent of each other.

•When connecting a rechargeable battery to the charger, always connect the charging cable to the charger first. Only then must the charging cable be connected to the rechargeable battery. When disconnecting, proceed in reverse order (first disconnect the rechargeable battery from the charging cable, then the charging cable from the charger).

Failure to do so presents the danger of a short circuit. This can result in a fire or explosion of the rechargeable batteries!

•If you wish to charge battery packs that you have manufactured yourself, the cells must be identical in their construction (same type, same capacity, same manufacturer).

The cells must also be charged to the same level (lithium batteries can be balanced out using the balancer. This is, however, not possible with other battery packs such as NiMH or NiCd).

•Before connecting a rechargeable battery/battery pack to the charger, disconnect it completely, e.g. from a flight or speed controller.

Important when charging/discharging a lithium battery pack with balancer connection:

Multi-cell lithium battery packs usually always have a balancer connection. This permits the charger to monitor the voltage of every single cell separately at all times.

The charger adjusts the voltage of all cells to each other if there are deviations. The balancer prevents that one or several cells are over-charged or other cells not sufficiently fully charged by this. The balancer therefore protects both from over-charging (which may cause fire or explosion) and from deep discharge of a single cell, and thus ensures best performance of the battery pack in your model.

+ 33 hidden pages