VOLTCRAFT V-Charge Field 400 Operation Manual

Operating instructions

V-Charge Field 400 multifunctional charger

Item No. 1873415

Table of contents

Page

1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

2. Explanation of symbols ........................................................................................................................................ 3

3. Intended use ........................................................................................................................................................ 4

4. Delivery content ................................................................................................................................................... 5

5. Safety instructions ...............................................................................................................................................5

6. Notes on rechargeable batteries .......................................................................................................................... 7

a) General information ....................................................................................................................................... 7

b) Additional information on lithium rechargeable batteries ............................................................................... 8

7. Overview of parts ................................................................................................................................................. 9

8. Setup .................................................................................................................................................................10

9. Operation ........................................................................................................................................................... 10

10. Connecting the rechargeable battery and starting the programme ...................................................................14

a) Balancer connection .................................................................................................................................... 14

b) Connecting the rechargeable battery ..........................................................................................................14

11. Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................. 15

12. Disposal ............................................................................................................................................................. 16

13. Technical data ....................................................................................................................................................16

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1. Introduction

Dear customer,

Thank you for purchasing this Voltcraft® product.

Voltcraft® produces high-quality measuring, charging and network devices that offer outstanding performance and
innovation.

With Voltcraft®, you will be able to cope with even the most difcult tasks whether you are an ambitious hobby user or
a professional user. Voltcraft® offers you reliable technology at an extraordinarily favourable cost-performance ratio.

We are condent that starting with Voltcraft® will be the beginning of a long, successful relationship.

We hope you enjoy your new Voltcraft® product!

If there are any technical questions, please contact:

www.conrad.com/contact

2. Explanation of symbols

The symbol with an exclamation mark in a triangle is used to highlight important information in these oper-

ating instructions. Always read this information carefully.

The arrow symbol indicates special information and advice on how to use the product.

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3. Intended use

The processor-controlled charger is intended for charging and discharging NiCd/NiMH (1 – 16 cells), LiPo/Li-ion/LiFe/
LiHV (1 – 6 cells) rechargeable batteries and lead-acid rechargeable batteries (1 – 12 cells, 2 V – 24 V). The charging
current can be set between 0.1 A and 16.0 A. The maximum charging power is 400 W.

Furthermore, rechargeable batteries can also be discharged; the discharge current can be 0.1 - 3.0 A directly at the
charger. The maximum discharge power is 8 W.

An optional, external charging adapter can increase the discharge capacity up to 200 W or a discharge current of up

to 15 A. This signicantly speeds up the discharge and maintenance of high capacity batteries.

A colour graphic display with menu and a dial with touch function make operating the device simple.

The charger may only be operated at 9 – 32 V/DC. The DC power source must supply sufcient current to reach the

output data. The input power of the power source can be set from 50 to 450 W. The charger thus ensures reliable
operation even with lower-performance power sources.

For lithium rechargeable batteries, a balancer is integrated in the charger. The balancer compensates for voltage dif­ferences in multi-cellular lithium rechargeable battery packs during charging/discharging. Non-uniformly charged cells
reduce the capacity of the entire rechargeable battery pack. The balancer is suitable for lithium rechargeable battery
packs with 1 to 6 cells. The charge level is displayed individually for each cell.

Do not connect non-rechargeable primary batteries (zinc-carbon, alkaline, etc.).

The polarity of the connection cables and the balancer must be observed!

Operation under adverse ambient conditions is not permitted.

Adverse conditions include:

• Damp or excess air humidity.

• Dust and ammable gases, vapours or solvent,

• Strong vibrations.

Any use other than that described above is not permitted and may damage the product. Furthermore, there are dan-

gers such as short circuit, re, electric shock etc.

The product must not be modied or reassembled!

The safety instructions, the operating instructions of the rechargeable battery pack used and the charging instructions
of the respective rechargeable battery manufacturer must be strictly observed!

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4. Delivery content

• Charger

• Quick start guide

• CD with detailed operating instructions

Up-to-date operating instructions

Download the latest operating instructions via the link www.conrad.com/downloads or scan the
QR code. Follow the instructions on the website.

5. Safety instructions

These instructions contain important information on how to use the multimeter correctly. Please

read them carefully before using the multimeter for the rst time.

Damage caused due to failure to observe these instructions will void the warranty. We shall not be
liable for any consequential damage.

We shall not be liable for damage to property or personal injury caused by improper handling or
failure to observe the safety instructions! Such cases will void the warranty/guarantee.

• For safety and licensing reasons, the unauthorised conversion and/or modication of electrical devices
is not allowed.

• Do not leave the charger, and the rechargeable batteries that are connected to it, unattended while in
operation.

• To ensure safe operation, the user must follow the safety instructions and warning notices that are in­cluded in these operating instructions.

• Chargers and accessories should be kept away from children! They are not toys.

• Always comply with the accident prevention regulations for electrical equipment when using the product
in commercial facilities.

• In schools, training centres, hobby and self-help groups, the use of chargers and accessories must be
supervised by trained personnel in a responsible manner.

• Improper use (too high charging current or incorrect polarity) can supercharge or damage the recharge­able battery. In the worst case, the rechargeable battery can explode and thereby cause serious damage.

• Never connect the device to the rechargeable battery pack immediately after it has been brought from
a cold environment to a warm one. The condensation which forms can damage the device. Allow the
device to reach ambient temperature before connecting it.

• If you suspect that safe operation is no longer possible, discontinue the device immediately and prevent
unauthorized use.

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• Safe operation can no longer be assumed if:

- There are signs of damage

- The device does not function properly

- The device was stored under unfavourable conditions for a long period of time

- The device was subjected to rough handling during transport.

• Make sure that you always have these instructions at hand to ensure safe operation. Keep these operat­ing instructions in a safe place and give them to any subsequent owners. When connecting and operating
the charger, a set of safety instructions must be observed.

• The charger contains various safety measures. Despite these precautions, the user is solely responsible

for congurations made and their accuracy. Furthermore, the user must ensure that all charging safety

measures have been taken. In addition, please observe the following notes.

• Place the device in a secure place so that it is absolutely secure and cannot fall down! Otherwise, this

could cause injuries. Never place the charger and the rechargeable battery on a ammable surface (e.g.
carpet). Always use a suitable, non-ammable, heatproof surface.

• Ensure that there is sufcient ventilation during operation. Never cover the charger and/or the connected
rechargeable battery. Allow enough space (at least 20 cm) between the charger, the rechargeable battery
and other objects.

• Never insert any objects in ventilation openings! This can cause a risk of contact with live parts and short
circuits with serious consequences.

• For safety reasons, make sure you use the built-in balancer when charging or discharging lithium cells.

• Only charge cells of the same capacity and the same brand together.

• Do not charge rechargeable batteries that are almost or fully charged.

• Never charge rechargeable batteries with higher charging currents than those specied by the manu­facturer.

• Always keep rechargeable batteries away from ammable materials, both during and after charging.

Charge and store rechargeable batteries in a reproof container.

• Never charge defective or damaged rechargeable batteries.

• Never charge rechargeable batteries connected to an electrical circuit.

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