HIGH-POWER, DUAL PORT AC/DC CHARGER Balance Charger/Discharger/Power Supply 1 1 WARNING: THE CHARGING AND DISCHARGING OF RC HOBBY BATTERIES CAN BE DANGEROUS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW 1 THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE AND/OR LOSS OF LIFE.
Table of Contents Introduction.............................................................................................................................................3 Warnings and Safety Notes.......................................................................................................................4 Contents of Charger Package.....................................................................................................................7 Charger Layout/Specifications..................
Introduction Congratulations on purchasing Hitec’s RDX2 Pro Dual Balance Charger. The RDX2 Pro features independent circuits allowing you to charge two batteries simultaneously, regardless of chemistry or capacity. The RDX2 Pro also features integrated balancing for six-cell Lithium-Polymer (LiPo), Lithium-Ferrite (LiFe) and Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), as well as the latest high voltage Lithium-Polymer (LiHV) batteries.
Warnings and Safety Notes Hitec RCD will not be held responsible for any damages or injuries that may occur by persons who fail to follow these warnings or who fail to properly follow the instructions in this manual. Warning: Be sure to read this section for your own safety. Warning Tip Caution: Be sure to read this section to prevent accidents and damage to your charger. Tip: This section will help you maximize the performance of your charger.
Warnings and Safety Notes • • • • A battery that is non-rechargeable (these pose an explosion hazard) A faulty or damaged battery Batteries installed in a device or which are electrically linked to other components Batteries that are not expressly stated by the manufacturer to be suitable for the currents the charger delivers during the charge process PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THE FOLLOWING POINTS BEFORE YOU COMMENCE CHARGING: • • • • • Did you select the appropriate program suitable for the type of battery
Warnings and Safety Notes Charging Before charging your batteries, it is critical that you determine the maximum allowable charge rate for your batteries. The RDX2 Pro is capable of charging at high rates that may not be suitable or safe for your particular batteries. For example, Lithium cells are typically safe to charge at 1C, or the total mAh÷1000. A 1200mAh battery would have a 1C charge rate of 1.2 amps. A 4200mAh battery would have a 1C charge rate of 4.2 amps.
Contents of Charger Package 1. RDX2 Pro Charger 1 2. DC Cable with Clips 3. XT60 to T-Type Adapter x 2 2 4. Universal Balance Board 3 5. Balance Board Lead 6. XT60 to RX Battery Adapter 4 7. AC Cable ENTER/START Push the Jog Dial to ENTER a menu or store a setting. Push and hold the Jog Dial for 3 seconds to START a charge process, activate the Power Supply or to reset to Factory Default in System Settings.
Charger Layout | Specifications MICRO USB PORT FOR PC LINK AND FIRMWARE UPGRADE JOG DIAL (PUSH TO ENTER/START & INC. OR DEC.
Features Battery Memory (Data Store/Load): The RDX2 Pro can store up to 10 different charge profiles per port for your convenience. Users can keep the data pertaining to any program setting for any battery to facilitate seamless charging or discharging. Saved profiles can be accessed and recalled, as necessary. Terminal Voltage Control (TVC): For experienced users ONLY, the charger’s end voltage can be reset up to 0.05v/cell higher. Warning Default setting is recommended.
Features Re-Peak Mode of NiMH/NiCd Batteries: In Re-Peak charge mode, the charger can peak charge the battery once, twice, or three times in a row automatically. This function is useful for ensuring a full battery charge. Cyclic Charging / Discharging: A battery can be cycled 1 to 5 times consecutively. This process is normally used for NiCd or NiMH packs that have lost capacity over time. It is not recommended for Lithium packs.
Charger Connections 1.) Connecting to a power source The Hitec RDX2 Pro features a built-in switching power supply. You can connect the AC power cord directly to an AC socket (100-240V AC) or use an 11-18V DC power source (such as an automotive battery or 12 Volt power supply). 2.) Connecting the battery Note NOTE: Before connecting any battery, it is absolutely essential to check one last time that the parameters were set correctly.
Getting Started Initial Setup of the Charger After connecting the battery you are now ready to setup the charger to charge your specific type of battery. When the charger is first powered on, the last program selected will be displayed. If this is not the battery you plan on working with then you will need to make changes to the operation programming based on the following instruction.
Getting Started Available Operations (continued) Battery Type Operation CHARGE NiMH NiCd The charger will charge NiMH and NiCd batteries using the charge current set by the user. AUTO CHG In this program, the charger detects the condition of the connected battery and automatically charges the battery. Note: You should set the upper limit of the charge current to avoid damage by excessive charging current. The RDX2 Pro may not be able to detect the charge capacity of low resistance batteries.
Operating the Charger First, familiarize yourself with the Jog Dial which is the main way you will interact with the charger and its programming. Turning the Jog Dial allows you to “SCROLL” through the main menus, functions, and to change parameters. Pushing the Jog Dial in the center allows you to “ENTER” the menu you are choosing. Once you are in a menu, turn the Jog Dial to SCROLL through to different functions. When you want to select a function, press the Jog Dial again to ENTER.
Operating the Charger A LiPo BALANCE 2.0A 11.1v (3S) Charge MODE Select: Once you have selected the proper battery type, SCROLL through the charge modes which include Balance, Charge, Fast Charge, Storage & Discharge. It is highly recommended to use the Balance mode to keep your packs in the best condition. Instruction on how to use the most common LiPo Balance mode is described below. If you plan to use a different mode, the programming is identical.
Operating the Charger Charging Status Monitor: Once the charge process is started, the realtime status will be shown which includes: Cell Count, Amperage, Voltage, Timer, mAh of Charged Capacity. SCROLL to view a variety of other useful information. Scrolling counterclockwise will display the FUEL=% & Cell Voltage. A LP3s 2.0A 12.14V BAL 000:50 00022 This shows how full the pack is from 0% - 100% and the Average Cell voltage. Continue scrolling to show each individual cell voltage.
NiMH/NiCd Battery Program The RDX2 Pro can charge NiMH and NiCd battery packs. The programming procedures are identical for both. These instructions refer to the most common NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery packs and provide step by step set up directions for charging NiMH or NiCd packs. These programs are only suitable for charging discharging NiMH/NiCd batteries. Warning A A WARNING: NEVER CHARGE A LITHIUM BATTERY IN THIS MODE FOR ANY REASON, AS THEY MAY CATCH FIRE AND EXPLODE.
NiMH/NiCd Battery Program NiMH AUTO CHARGE : After selecting the correct battery type, SCROLL to select the ‘AUTO CHARGE’ mode. Press the Jog Dial ENTER and the amp rate value will begin flashing. SCROLL to adjust the value to the desired rate. In the ‘AUTO CHARGE’ mode, you are selecting the highest amperage that you feel should be the maximum. The charger will then calculate the highest amperage appropriate, based on the internal resistance of that pack and will set the rate accordingly.
NiMH/NiCd Battery Program A A A [END: CUTOFF-VOL] 5.00V 01980mAh [TIME: 01:04:04] 5.00V 01980mAh NiMH RE-PEAK 1 Once the battery is fully discharged, the screen will read “END: CUTOFF-VOL” and the charger will emit an audible “ring” sound. It will also display the Time Elapsed, End Voltage and Capacity in mAh that was removed. You can press the STOP button at any time during the discharging process to stop discharging.
NiMH/NiCd Battery Program NiMH/NiCd Cycle Mode: The RDX2 Pro makes cycling of NiMH/NiCd batteries easy. The process of charging, discharging and recharging (cycling) can be performed automatically with one simple step and will improve the performance of NiMH/NiCd batteries. We strongly recommend cycling any battery that has been discharged and stored for a long period of time or has lost capacity over time. This will increase the remaining usable battery life and improve the batteries performance.
NiMH/NiCd Battery Program Additional NiMH/NiCd Process Information: During the NiMH/NiCd battery charging/discharging process, the RDX2 PRO can display a variety of information. SCROLL to view the following information on these screens: A A A NiMH Sensitivity D.PEAK 4MV/CELL Int. Temp 940 F SAFETY TIMER Delta peak voltage Sensitivity setting Internal temperature A IN POWER VOLTAGE 15.
Pb Lead-Acid Battery Program Pb Lead-Acid Battery Program: This program is only suitable for charging Pb (Lead-Acid) batteries with nominal voltage ranging from 2 to 20V, which are significantly different from NiMH/NiCd batteries. Pb batteries are suggested to charge with a low current of 0.1C and cannot be used for fast charging.
Pb Lead-Acid Battery Program A Pb COLD CHG 1.5A 12.0V (6P) Pb COLD MODE: Press the ENTER button and the amp value will begin flashing. Turn the dial to the desired charge rate. *FLASHING A A A A A Pb COLD CHG 1.5A 12.0V (6P) BATTERY CHECK ............. P-6 1.5A 12.56V CHG 055:10 01464 [END: FINISH] 13.56V 14260mAh Press the ENTER button again and the nominal battery pack voltage will begin flashing. Turn the dial to set the voltage and the number of cells.
DC Power Supply To use the RDX2 Pro as a power supply, it can be connected to either an AC or DC power source. Output voltage and current are selectable, with voltage at 5.0-25.0V and current at 0.1-14.0A. (130W Max.). The user can set appropriate voltage and current based on the device you plan to power. Warning Note WARNING: IF SELECTING A VOLTAGE OVER 12V, MAKE SURE THE DEVICE YOU PLAN TO POWER CAN ACCEPT IT. APPLYING HIGHER VOLTAGE CAN DAMAGE OR DESTROY A DEVICE NOT RATED TO OVER 12V.
Battery Memory Set and Call Out The RDX2 Pro charger can store up to 20 different charge/discharge profiles (10 per channel). The stored profiles can be recalled quickly without having to go through the setup process. A A A [BATT MEMORY 1] ENTER SET -> BATT TYPE LIPo BATT VOLTAGE 22.2V (6S) *FLASHING A A A A A A A CHARGE CURRENT 5.0A DISCHG CURRENT 2.0A DISCHG VOLTAGE 3.0V/CELL TVC=YOUR RISK! 4.
Battery Memory Set and Call Out NiMH/NiCd: Press the MODE/STOP button to exit any charging programs you are currently in and then SCROLL to the BATT MEMORY program. Press the Jog Dial ENTER to enter the program. SCROLL to select the memory #. Once set, the battery type and voltage will be displayed. If not set, it will read ENTER SET. Press the Jog Dial ENTER to set up a new memory. BATT TYPE will be displayed, press ENTER to make it blink and then SCROLL to select the battery you want to charge.
G Battery Memory Set and Call Out A A A [BATT MEMORY 1] ENTER SET -> Press the Jog Dial ENTER to enter the program. SCROLL to select the memory #. Once set, the battery type and voltage will be displayed. If not set, it will read ENTER SET. BATT TYPE Pb BATT VOLTAGE 12.0V (6P) *FLASHING A A A A A A A PB: Press the MODE/STOP button to exit any charging programs you are currently in and then SCROLL to the BATT MEMORY program. CHARGE CURRENT 2.0A DISCHG CURRENT 2.0A DISCHG VOLTAGE 1.
System Settings The RDX2 Pro will be operated with the default value for the essential user settings when it is powered on for the first time. The screen displays the following information in sequence and the user can change the parameter value of each screen. To change a parameter value in the system program, press START/ENTER to make it blink then change the value with the dial button. The value will be stored by pressing START/ENTER once. ITEM A A A A A 28 SELECTION POWER SET U=0.0V I=0.
System Settings ITEM SELECTION A NIMH SENSITIVITY D. PEAK 4MV A NICD SENSITIVITY D. PEAK 4MV Default: 4mV/Cell 3-15mV/Cell A KEY BEEP BUZZER ON ON A DC INPUT LOW: CUT-OFF 11.0V A LOAD FACTORY SET ENTER A VERSION HW: 1.00 SW: 1.00 DESCRIPTION This program is for NiMH/NiCd battery only. When the charger detects the delta peak value reaches the value you set, the charger will say the battery is fully charged.
Battery Voltage Meter The user can check the battery’s total voltage, the highest voltage, the lowest voltage and each cell’s voltage. Connect the battery via the charger’s main battery lead to the battery socket; and the balance wires to the balance socket as shown below. The display below indicates the current Main Voltage, Percentage of Charge, Individual Cell Voltage, and the Highest and Lowest voltages of the pack’s cells. This photo shows the correct way to connect your battery to check the voltage.
Battery Resistance Meter The user can check each cell’s resistance as well as the battery’s total resistance. Connect the battery via the charger’s main battery lead to the battery socket; and the balance wires to the balance socket as shown below. This photo shows the correct way to connect your battery to check the resistance. A A BATT/PROGRAM BATT RESISTANCE Press ENTER to start the Lithium Battery Resistance program. BATTERY CHECK ............. A 4.7 5.9 4.7m Ω A MAIN: 15.
Warning and Error Messages In case of an error the screen will display the cause of error and emit an audible sound. Incorrect polarity connected. A REVERSE POLARITY The battery is interrupted. A CONNECTION BREAK The battery connection is wrong. A Input voltage less than 11V. Input voltage higher than 18V. Cell setting is wrong, or the voltage of one cell in the battery is invalid.
Warning and Error Messages Charging is disabled if the charger entered into DC power supply mode. The voltage difference is higher than 300mV between the highest and the lowest one. A A DC MODE DISAGREE CHARGE BLANCE VOLT DIFF TOO HIGH The internal temperature of the unit goes too high. A The battery capacity is more than the maximum capacity which the user has set. A The charging time is longer than the maximum charging time which the user has set.
Regulatory Information/Compliance FCC Note: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference authority to operate the equipment.
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY For a period of one year from the date of purchase, HITEC RCD shall REPAIR OR REPLACE, at our option, defective equipment covered by this warranty. Otherwise, the purchaser and/or consumer is responsible for any charges for the repair or replacement of the charger. This warranty does not cover cosmetic damages and damages due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, improper installation, or damages caused by alterations by unauthorized persons or entities.
Hitec RCD | 9320 Hazard Way Suite D, San Diego, CA 92123 | www.hitecrcd.
