2. Explanation of symbols ........................................................................................................................................ 4
3. Intended use ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
5. Safety information ................................................................................................................................................ 6
a) General information ....................................................................................................................................... 6
b) Setup location ................................................................................................................................................ 6
c) Operation ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
6. Battery information ............................................................................................................................................... 9
a) General information ....................................................................................................................................... 9
b) Additional information about lithium rechargeable batteries ........................................................................ 10
a) Connecting the charger to the power supply ............................................................................................... 14
b) Connecting a battery to the charger ............................................................................................................ 15
c) General information on the control menu .................................................................................................... 16
d) Charging and discharge power .................................................................................................................... 17
10. Menu structure ...................................................................................................................................................18
a) General information ..................................................................................................................................... 19
b) Charging a battery without a balancer connection ("CHARGE") ................................................................. 20
c) Charging a battery with a balancer connection ("BALANCE") ..................................................................... 21
d) Fast charge ("FAST CHG") ..........................................................................................................................22
f) Discharging a battery ("DISCHARGE") ....................................................................................................... 23
2
Page
12. NiMH and NiCd batteries ...................................................................................................................................24
a) General information .................................................................................................................................... 24
b) Charging a battery ("CHARGE") .................................................................................................................. 24
c) Automatic charging mode ("Auto CHARGE") .............................................................................................. 25
d) Recharging a battery ("RE-PEAK) ............................................................................................................... 26
e) Discharging a battery ("DISCHARGE") ....................................................................................................... 27
f) Cycle program ("CYCLE") ........................................................................................................................... 28
a) General information ..................................................................................................................................... 29
b) Charging a battery ("CHARGE") .................................................................................................................. 29
c) Discharging a battery ("DISCHARGE") ....................................................................................................... 30
15. Saving/loading battery data ...............................................................................................................................32
a) Saving battery data ...................................................................................................................................... 32
b) Saving battery data ...................................................................................................................................... 35
c) Loading battery data .................................................................................................................................... 36
16. Displaying the voltage for lithium batteries ........................................................................................................37
17. Measuring the internal resistance ......................................................................................................................38
18. Connecting the charger to a PC ........................................................................................................................38
19. System settings .................................................................................................................................................39
20. Warning messages on the display ..................................................................................................................... 43
21. Charger status information ................................................................................................................................44
22. Care and cleaning ..............................................................................................................................................45
a) Product ........................................................................................................................................................ 45
b) Batteries ......................................................................................................................................................45
24. Technical data ....................................................................................................................................................46
3
1. Introduction
Dear customer,
Thank you for making the excellent decision to purchase a 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 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!
All company and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
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 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.
This product must only be used in dry, enclosed areas; it must not become damp or wet.
Always follow the instructions in this manual.
4
3. Intended use
The charger features a charging/discharging channel with an XT60 connection. It also comes with a built-in balancer
for multi-cell lithium batteries. It can be controlled via a two-line backlit display and four control buttons.
The charger is designed to charge and discharge NiMH/NiCd batteries (1 - 15 cells), LiPo/LiIon/LiFe/LiHV batteries
(2 - 6 cells) and lead-acid batteries (1 - 10 cells, 2 - 20 V).
The charging current can be adjusted from 0.1 A to 6.0 A (depending on the number of cells/battery voltage). The
maximum total charging power is 60 W.
The discharge current can be adjusted from 0.1 A to 2.0 A (depending on the number of cells/battery voltage). The
maximum total charging power is 5 W.
The charger features a connection for a temperature sensor (not included, available separately), which can be used
to monitor the charging process.
The charger is powered by a 11 - 18 V/DC stabilized direct voltage (e.g. an external car lead battery or a suitable
power adapter).
Always observe the safety information and all other information in these operating instructions!
Read the operating instructions carefully and keep them in a safe place for future reference. Always provide these
operating instructions when giving the product to a third party.
Using this product for any purposes other than those described above may damage the product and result in a short
circuit, re or electric shock. This product must not be modied or reassembled. Do not attempt to open the device
housing.
This product complies with statutory national and European regulations.
4. Package contents
• Multi-functional charger
• Connection cable with crocodile clips
• CD with operating instructions
• Information sheet with safety instructions
Up-to-date operating instructions
To download the latest operating instructions, visit www.conrad.com/downloads or scan the QR
code on this page. Follow the instructions on the website.
5
5. Safety information
Read the operating instructions and safety information carefully. If you do not follow the safety
instructions and information on proper handling in this manual, we will assume no liability for any
resulting personal injury or damage to property. Such cases will invalidate the warranty/guarantee.
a) General information
• The unauthorized conversion and/or modication of the product is prohibited for safety and approval
reasons. Never dismantle the product.
• Maintenance, modications and repair work must be done by a technician or a specialist repair centre.
This product does not contain any components that require maintenance.
• This product is not a toy and must be kept out of the reach of children.
The product must be installed, used and stored in areas that are inaccessible to children. The same
applies to rechargeable batteries.
Exercise particular caution when children are present. Children may accidentally short-circuit the re-
chargeable battery/batteries, which can cause a re or explosion. Fatal hazard!
• In schools, educational facilities, hobby and DIY workshops, the product must be operated under the
supervision of qualied personnel.
• Always comply with the accident prevention regulations for electrical equipment when using the product
in industrial facilities.
• Do not leave packaging material lying around carelessly, as it may become dangerous playing material
for children.
• Handle the product with care. Impacts or falls (even from a low height) may damage the product.
• If you are not sure how to operate the product correctly, or if you have any questions that are not an-
swered in these operating instructions, contact us or another specialist.
b) Setup location
• The charger must only be used in dry, enclosed indoor areas. It must not become damp or wet. Never
place the product next to a bathtub, shower or other sources of moisture.
• Avoid direct sunlight, intense heat and cold temperatures. Keep the product away from dust and dirt. The
same applies to connected batteries.
• Do not use the product in rooms or areas where ammable gas, vapours or dust may be present, as this
may cause an explosion!
• Place the charger on a clean, level surface. Do not place the charger on ammable materials (e.g. a
carpet or tablecloth). Always use a non-ammable, heatproof surface.
• Keep the charger away from ammable or combustible materials (e.g. curtains).
• Never cover the product, as this may cause it to overheat and catch re. Do not insert any objects into
the ventilation slots on the charger. Never interfere with the built-in fan.
6
• Always use suitable protection when placing the charger on valuable furniture, otherwise it may cause
scratch/pressure marks or discolour the furniture. The same applies to connected batteries.
• Do not use the charger inside vehicles.
• The charger must be installed, used and stored in areas that are inaccessible to children. Children may
accidentally short-circuit the rechargeable batteries, which can cause a re or explosion. Fatal hazard!
• Do not use the charger in the immediate vicinity of strong magnetic/electromagnetic elds, transmitter
aerials or HF generators. These may affect the electronic control system.
• Make sure that the cables are not pinched or damaged by sharp edges. Do not place any objects on
the cables.
• Do not place any objects that contain liquid (e.g. vases or plants) on or next to the charger, battery or
cable.
Liquids that get into the interior of the charger (or inside the connection sockets) may destroy the charger
and cause a re.
If liquid does get inside the device or the connection sockets, disconnect the charger from the power
supply. Remove the battery from the charger. Discontinue use and take the charger to a specialist repair
centre.
c) Operation
• The charger is powered by a 11 - 18 V/DC stabilized direct voltage (e.g. an external car lead-acid battery
or a suitable mains adapter).
• Never wear metal or conductive objects (e.g. jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets or rings) when handling the charger or rechargeable batteries. This may cause a short circuit in the rechargeable battery or
charging cable, which can lead to a re or explosion.
• Never leave the product unattended during use. The charger comes with a range of safety mechanisms
to ensure safe use. However, malfunctions may still occur from time to time.
• Ensure there is sufcient ventilation during use; never cover the charger. Ensure that there is a sufcient
distance (min. 20 cm) between the charger and other objects, otherwise the charger may overheat and
cause a re!
• The charger is only designed to charge (and discharge) NiMH, NiCd, Li-ion/LiPo/LiFe/LiHV and lead-acid
batteries. Never charge other types of batteries or non-rechargeable batteries, as this may cause a re
or explosion!
• Always connect the cable to the charger before connecting a battery.
When disconnecting, proceed in the reverse order – disconnect the rechargeable battery from the charging cable, and then unplug the cable from the charger.
Disconnecting the battery in the wrong order may result in a short circuit in the charging cable, which
can cause a re or explosion!
• Do not connect several chargers together.
• Only connect a single battery/battery pack to the charger.
• Only use the product in temperate climates. It is not suitable for use in tropical climates. Refer to the
"Technical data" section for information on the permitted ambient conditions.
7
• Never use the product immediately after it has been brought from a cold room into a warm one. This may
generate condensation, which can cause the charger to malfunction or damage the interior components.
Allow the product to reach room temperature before using it. This may take several hours.
• Do not use the charger in the immediate vicinity of strong magnetic or electromagnetic elds, transmitter
aerials or HF generators. These may affect the electronic control system.
• If you suspect that safe operation is no longer possible, discontinue use immediately and prevent unauthorized use.
Disconnect the charger from the power supply. Discontinue use immediately and take the product to a
specialist repair shop, or dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner.
• Safe operation is no longer possible if the product is visibly damaged or stops working, or if the product
was stored in unfavourable conditions for an extended period or mishandled during transport.
• Keep the product in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
8
6. Battery information
There are numerous hazards associated with the use of rechargeable batteries. Compared with
conventional NiCd or NiMH rechargeable batteries, LiPo/Li-ion-/LiFe-/LiHV rechargeable batteries
have a high energy content. For this reason, it is essential to comply with safety regulations to
prevent the risk of a re or explosion.
Always observe the following safety information when handling rechargeable batteries.
In addition, ensure that you observe any additional safety information provided by the battery
manufacturer.
a) General information
• Rechargeable batteries are not toys. Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
• Do not leave batteries lying around, as they constitute a choking hazard for children and pets. Seek im-
mediate medical advice if a battery is swallowed.
• Rechargeable batteries must never be short-circuited, dismantled or thrown into re. This may cause a
re or explosion!
• When handling leaking or damaged batteries, always use suitable protective gloves to avoid burning
your skin.
• Do not attempt to recharge disposable, non-rechargeable batteries. This may cause a re or explosion!
Non-rechargeable batteries are only designed to be used once and must be disposed of properly when
they are empty.
Only recharge compatible rechargeable batteries and ensure that you use a suitable battery charger.
• Batteries must not become damp or wet.
• Place the charger and rechargeable battery on a non-ammable, heat-resistant surface (e.g. stone tiles).
Keep the charger and battery away from ammable objects. Maintain a sufcient distance between the
charger and the battery. Never place the battery on top of the charger.
• The charger and battery may heat up during the charging process. Always ensure that there is sufcient
ventilation. Never cover the charger or the battery!
• Never use battery packs that are made of different types of cells.
• Never charge/discharge a battery when the charger is unattended.
• Never charge/discharge a rechargeable battery when it is inside a model. Remove the battery from the
model before charging it.
• Always ensure that the battery is connected in the correct polarity (observe the plus/+ and minus/-
symbols). Connecting the battery incorrectly may damage the model and the battery and cause a re
or explosion!
The charger features a safety mechanism to prevent the battery from being connected in the wrong polarity. However, connecting the battery in the wrong polarity may still cause damage in certain scenarios.
• Only connect a single battery/battery pack to the charger.
9
• If you do not plan to use the charger for an extended period, disconnect any connected batteries from
the charger, and then disconnect the charger from the power supply.
• Do not charge a battery when it is still hot (e.g. due to a high discharge current in your model). Allow the
battery to cool down to room temperature before charging or discharging it.
• Never damage the casing of a rechargeable battery. This may cause a re or explosion!
• Never charge or discharge damaged, leaking or deformed batteries. This may cause a re or explosion!
Discontinue use immediately and dispose of the battery in an environmentally friendly manner.
• Disconnect the battery from the charger when the battery is fully charged.
• Rechargeable batteries should be charged at least once every 3 months to prevent damage due to
overdischarge.
• Store rechargeable batteries in a suitable location. Install a smoke detector in the room. Batteries pre-
sent a re hazard and may generate toxic fumes. This applies in particular to batteries for model toys,
which are subjected to high charging/discharge currents and vibrations.
b) Additional information about lithium rechargeable batteries
Modern lithium rechargeable batteries have a signicantly higher capacity than NiMH and NiCd batteries
and are more lightweight. This makes lithium batteries (especially lithium polymer batteries) particularly
suitable for use in model making.
However, lithium batteries require particular care to ensure safe charging/discharging, operation and handling.
The following section provides an overview of the potential hazards associated with lithium batteries and
explains how these hazards can be avoided to ensure a long lifespan.
Please also refer to the battery safety information in section 6a.
• The casing of many lithium batteries is made of a thick lm, which is very sensitive.
Do not dismantle, drop or insert any objects into lithium batteries. Do not apply mechanical loads or pull
on the battery’s connection cables. This may cause a re or explosion!
Always observe these instructions when inserting or removing a battery from your model.
• Ensure that the battery does not overheat during use, recharging, discharging, transport or storage. Do
not place rechargeable batteries next to sources of heat (e.g. a speed controller or motor) or expose
them to direct sunlight. This may cause the battery to overheat, which can cause a re or explosion!
The temperature of the battery must not exceed 60 °C (or the maximum temperature stated in the
manufacturer’s instructions).
• If there are any signs of damage (e.g. if your model is subjected to an impact), or the battery casing is
swollen, discontinue use immediately. Do not attempt to recharge the battery, as this may cause a re or
explosion!
Exercise caution when handling the damaged battery and use suitable protective gloves. Dispose of the
battery in an environmentally friendly manner.
Never store damaged batteries in an apartment or in a house/garage. Damaged or swollen lithium bat-
teries may catch re.
10
• Always use a compatible charger to charge lithium batteries and ensure that the charging specications
are correct. Do not use NiCd, NiMH or lead-acid battery chargers, as these may cause a re or explo-
sion.
Always select the correct charging specications for your rechargeable battery.
• Always use a balancer when charging a lithium battery with more than one cell (the charger comes with
a built-in balancer).
• The charge rate for LiPo batteries must not exceed 1 C (or the value stated in the battery specications).
This means that the charging current must not exceed the battery capacity (e.g. battery capacity =
1000 mAh, max. charging current = 1000 mA = 1 A).
Always refer to the manufacturer's specications when using LiFe, Li-ion and LiHV batteries.
• The discharge current must not exceed the value stated on the battery.
For example, if "20C" is printed on the LiPo battery, the maximum discharge current is 20 times the battery's capacity (e.g. battery capacity = 1000 mAh, max. discharge current = 20C = 20 x 1000 mA = 20 A).
Exceeding the maximum current may cause the battery to overheat or become deformed, which can
lead to a re or explosion!
The printed value (e.g. 20C) indicates the maximum current that the battery can deliver for a short period.
The continuous current should not be higher than one half of the stated value.
• Do not allow the individual cells of a lithium battery to become fully discharged. This may destroy the
battery or cause permanent damage.
If your model does not have overdischarge protection or a low battery indicator, stop using it before the
battery becomes empty.
11
7. Compatible battery types
Battery typeLiPoLi-ionLiFeLiHVNiCdNiMHPb
Rated voltage (V/cell)3.73.63.33.71.21.22.0
Max. charging voltage
(V/cell)
Voltage for storage
(V/cell)
Charging current for
fast charging
Min. voltage after
discharge (V/cell)
The voltages in the above table are for one cell. The values may vary depending on the manufacturer (refer
to the manufacturer's instructions for details).
The maximum charging and discharge currents are marked with the letter "C" (capacity).
A charging current of 1C corresponds to the capacity value printed on the battery (e.g. if the stated battery
capacity is 1000 mAh, the max. charging current is 1000 mA = 1A).
When using multi-cell battery packs, check that the voltage setting is correct. For example, if you use a
two-cell battery pack, the individual cells can be connected in parallel and series.
Exceeding the maximum permitted charging current or selecting the wrong cell number/voltage setting may
destroy the battery. It may also cause a re or explosion!
For more information on the maximum charging current and the cell number/voltage, refer to the data
sheets or the battery label. This data takes precedence over the information in the table above.
Important!
• Never charge battery packs with different types of cells (e.g. cells from different manufacturers).
• Never charge non-rechargeable batteries.
• Never charge batteries that are not listed in the table above.
• Never charge batteries with integrated electronic components.
• Never charge batteries that are connected to other devices (e.g. a speed controller).
2 Balancer port for connecting the balancer cable on a lithium battery or an external balancer board (not included)
3 XT60 battery connection
4 "ENTER/START" button: Start/resume charging, conrm a setting
5 "INC" button: Select a battery program in the main menu, increase a value, menu selection (forwards), display the
voltage of the individual cells when charging a lithium battery with a balancer connection
6 "DEC" button: Select a battery program in the main menu, decrease a value, menu selection (back), display
charging data during the charging/discharge process
7 "BATT./STOP" button: Go to a sub-menu, pause the charging process, stop
8 Socket for external temperature sensor (not included, available separately)
9 DC input (11 - 18 V/DC stabilised voltage), e.g. for connecting to an external car lead-acid battery
10 Fan
11 Socket for connection to a USB port on a computer (connection cable and software not included, available se-
parately)
13
9. Operation
a) Connecting the charger to the power supply
Important!
Always connect the charger to the power supply before connecting a battery.
The charger can be powered with a suitable mains adapter or a car lead-acid battery via the direct voltage input
(11 - 18 V/DC).
The charger has a maximum total charging power of 60 W. The power supply must be chosen accordingly.
When the charger delivers the maximum charging power of 60 W, the power consumption will be approxi-
mately 20 - 30 % higher due to conversion losses.
If the charger is powered with a xed voltage mains adapter (rather than a 12 V car lead-acid battery), it
Ensure that the charger is inserted in the correct polarity (observe the plus/+ and minus/- symbols). The connection
cable has two crocodile clips (red = positive/+, black = negative/-).
The charger turns on automatically when it is connected to the power supply. The display will turn on and display a
startup message. The charger will play a short beep.
The charger is now ready for use.
must be able to deliver a sufciently high current.
14
b) Connecting a battery to the charger
Please read the following section carefully before connecting or charging/discharging a battery:
• If you have not already done so, read the information in sections 5, 6 and 7.
• Do you know the battery's specications? Do not connect, charge or discharge a battery if the specica-
tions are not printed on the casing!
• Have you selected the correct charging/discharge mode for the type of battery you are using? Selecting
the wrong mode may damage the charger and the battery and cause a re or explosion!
• Have you selected the correct charging/discharge current?
• Have you selected the correct voltage (e.g. for multi-cell LiPo batteries)? In certain scenarios, a dual-cell
LiPo battery can be connected in parallel (3.7 V) or series (7.4 V).
• Are all cables and plugs intact? Do the plugs t securely into the sockets? Worn-out plugs and damaged
cables must be replaced.
• Only connect a single battery/battery pack to the charger. Never connect several batteries/battery packs
at the same time.
• Always connect the cable to the charger before connecting a battery. When disconnecting, proceed in
the reverse order – disconnect the rechargeable battery from the charging cable, and then unplug the
cable from the charger.
Disconnecting in the wrong order may lead to a short circuit, which can cause a re or explosion!
• If you wish to charge a self-assembled battery pack, the cells must be identical (same type, capacity
and manufacturer).
The cells must also be charged to the same level (lithium batteries can be balanced out using the balancer, but this is not possible with other battery packs such as NiMH or NiCd).
• Before connecting a battery/battery pack to the charger, disconnect the battery from your device (e.g
speed controller).
Important information on charging/discharging a lithium battery pack with a balancer connection:
Multi-cell lithium battery packs normally have a balancer connection. This enables the charger to monitor the voltage
of each individual cell.
The charger balances the voltages of the cells in the event that the voltage is different. This prevents the cells from
over or undercharging. The balancer therefore prevents individual battery cells from overcharging (which could cause
a re or explosion) and overdischarging and ensures that the battery pack provides optimal performance.
15
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