Operating Instructions Multi-function charger “V-charge 50” Item No.
Table of contents Page 1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................................................4 2. Explanation of symbols.........................................................................................................................................4 3. Intended use.....................................................................................................................................
13. Lead batteries (PB).............................................................................................................................................29 a) General information......................................................................................................................................29 b) Charging rechargeable batteries („CHARGE“).............................................................................................
1. Introduction Dear customer, Thank you for purchasing this product. This product complies with the statutory national and European requirements. To maintain this status and to ensure safe operation, you as the user must observe these operating instructions! These operating instructions are part of this product. They contain important notes on commissioning and handling. Also consider this if you pass on the product to any third party.
3. Intended use The charger is used to charge and discharge rechargeable batteries of the type NiMH/NiCd (1 - 15 cells), LiPo/LiIon/LiFe (1 - 6 cells) and lead acid batteries (1 - 10 cells, 2 V - 20 V). The charge current can be set between 0.1 A and 7.0 A (depending on the cell number/ rechargeable battery voltage). The maximum charging power is 50 W. The discharge current can be set between 0.1 A and 2.0 A (depending on the cell number/ rechargeable battery voltage). The maximum discharging power is 5 W.
5. Safety notes Please read the operating instructions completely before commissioning the device. They contain important information for correct operation.
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. 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.
d) Operation • The charger may be operated either via the mains voltage (100 - 240 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
7. Usable rechargeable battery types Rechargeable battery type LiPo LiIon LiFe NiCd NiMH Pb Rated voltage (V/cell) 3.7 3.6 3.3 1.2 1.2 2.0 Max. charging voltage (V/cell) 4.2 4.1 3.6 1.5 1.5 2.46 Voltage for storage (V/cell) 3.8 3.7 3.3 - - - Charging current for quick charge <= 1C <= 1C <= 4C 1C - 2C 1C - 2C <= 0.4C Min. voltage after discharge (V/cell) 3.0 - 3.3 2.9 - 3.2 2.6 - 2.9 0.1 - 1.1 0.1 - 1.1 1.8 The voltages in the above table apply to a single cell.
8. Operating elements 1 7 2 3 4 5 8 6 9 10 1 Illuminated display 2 Button „BATT.
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 (100 - 240 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.
b) Connection of a rechargeable battery to the charger 1. 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.
2. Procedure when connecting a battery pack to the charger: 1. First connect the charging cable to the two 4 mm round sockets of the charging output. Ensure correct polarity (red cable = plus/+, black cable = minus/-). The charging cable must not be connected to the rechargeable battery yet! There may be a short-circuit of the charger plugs; there is a danger of fire and explosion! 2. Connect the charging cable to the rechargeable battery now.
c) General information on operation of the menus For an overview of the menu structure, see the next chapter. • Select the desired submenu from the main menu using the „INC“ or the „DEC“ button as described and confirm your selection with the button „START/ENTER“. • Using the buttons „INC“ and „DEC“, the various configuration options are called up. • To modify a value, push the „START/ENTER“ button - the display then flashes. Modify the value flashing in the display using the „INC“ and „DEC“ buttons.
10.
11. Lithium batteries (LiPo, LiIon, LiFe) a) General Information The rechargeable battery programmes for LiPo, LiIon and LiFe rechargeable batteries generally differ only in the voltages and the permitted charging current, see table in chapter 7. When charging a lithium battery, there are two different phases. First, the rechargeable battery is charged with a consistent current. When the rechargeable battery reaches its maximum voltage (at a LiPo rechargeable battery, e.g., 4.
b) Charging rechargeable batteries without balancer connection („CHARGE“) Of course, you can also charge multiple-cell lithium rechargeable batteries with a balancer connection with the rechargeable battery programme „CHARGE“. However, the individual cell voltages are not reconciled here, so that one or several cells may be overcharged.
If these two numbers do not match, please check the settings on the charger and the battery itself. It may be that the rechargeable battery has been completely discharged, or a cell may be faulty. In this case, the battery should not be charged, as there is a risk of fire and explosion! You can return to the previous configuration menu using the „BATT. TYPE/STOP“ button. • If the two cell numbers match, briefly push the „START/ENTER“ button. • Charging process starts.
The remaining procedure for charging is described in chapter 11. b). If a lithium rechargeable battery with balancer plug is connected to the charger, you can switch to the display of the individual cell voltages by pushing the button „INC“, see figure on the right. 3.90 3.92 3.89 V 0.00 0.00 0.00 V Briefly push the button „START/ENTER“ for the charger to return to the normal display.
d) Fast charge („FAST CHG“) When charging a lithium rechargeable battery, the charging current reduces continually due to the charging method used, the fuller the rechargeable battery becomes (when the rechargeable battery has reached its maximum charging current and the charger switches from continuous current to continuous voltage charging). This will, of course, also extend the charging time. Quick charging reaches a higher charging current.
12. NiMH and NiCd rechargeable batteries a) General information The rechargeable battery programmes for NiMH and NiCd rechargeable batteries generally differ only in the internally used charging procedures. The settings in the menus are the same. The charger must be in the main menu. Select the rechargeable battery type matching the rechargeable battery used here with the button „INC“ or „DEC“, see figures on the right. Confirm the selection by pressing the „START/ENTER“ button.
Use the button „INC“ or „DEC“ to select a different rechargeable battery programme; use the button „BATT. TYPE/STOP“ to return to the main menu. • If the value for the charging current must be changed, push the „START/ENTER“ button. The charging current flashes. Change the charging current using the button „INC“ or „DEC“. Keep the respective button pressed for quick adjustment. The maximum possible charging current depends on the battery type and number of cells. The max.
d) Recharge rechargeable battery again („RE-PEAK“) The charger automatically ends charging of NiMH and NiCd rechargeable batteries when the rechargeable battery is fully charged. Recognition of when the rechargeable battery is fully charged is according to the delta-U procedure. The rechargeable battery programme „RE-PEAK“ performs this recognition again.
e) Discharging battery („DISCHARGE“) This rechargeable battery program can be used to put partially charged NiMH/NiCd rechargeable batteries into a defined starting condition or to perform a measurement of the rechargeable battery capacity. Specifically NiCd rechargeable batteries should not be recharged from a partially discharged condition, since the capacity may reduce by this (memory effect). The maximum possible discharging current depends on the battery type, battery capacity and number of cells.
f) Cycle program („CYCLE“) To test rechargeable batteries, form new rechargeable batteries or refresh older rechargeable batteries, you can perform up to 5 cycles in sequence automatically. The two possible combinations are „Charge/Discharge“ („CHG>DCHG“) and „Discharge/Charge“ („DCHG>CHG“). The values that you have set in the charging programme („CHARGE“) or discharging programme („DISCHARGE“) are used as charging or discharging current. 1.
13. Lead batteries (PB) a) General information Lead batteries are completely different from lithium, NiMH or NiCd batteries. Despite their high capacity they can only provide low currents. The charging process is also different. The charging current for modern lead batteries must not exceed 0.4C; 1/10C is perfect for lead batteries.
The maximum possible charging current depends on the battery type and number of cells. The max. charge output is 50 W, which may reduce the actual charge current later. • Confirm the set charging current with the „START/ENTER“ button. • The number of the cells in the lower right of the display flashes. Set the number of the cells with the buttons „INC“ and „DEC“. Keep the respective button pressed for quick adjustment. • Confirm the number of the cells by pressing the „START/ENTER“ button.
• Change the discharging current using the button „INC“ or „DEC“. Keep the respective button pressed for quick adjustment. Briefly push the „START/ENTER“ button to confirm the set discharging current. • When no display is flashing anymore, keep the „START/ENTER“ button pushed (approx. 3 seconds), to start discharging. If the settings are wrong, or if the charger detects a problem, an audio signal is emitted and the appropriate information is shown on the display.
14. Saving/loading rechargeable battery data The charger has a total of 10 memories in which you can save rechargeable battery data/settings. They can be loaded again on demand. a) Selecting/setting rechargeable battery data • Select the function „BATT MEMORY“ in the main menu of the charger with the button „INC“ or „DEC“. • Confirm the selection by pressing the „START/ENTER“ button. The memory number flashes. • Select one of the 10 memories with the buttons „INC“ or „DEC“.
1. The following functions are available: Depending on the set battery type (LiPo, LiIo, LiFe, NiMH, NiCd, Pb), different setting functions are available. For example, the setting function for the charge end voltage per cell is only available for lithium rechargeable batteries. Therefore, always set the rechargeable battery type first and only then the other data, so that the charger can offer the setting functions matching the rechargeable battery type. 2.
Discharging end voltage per cell DSCH VOLTAGE 3.0V/CELL Here, the voltage per cell at which discharging ends can be set. Attention! Never set the voltage too low. For lithium rechargeable batteries, this may cause deep discharge and permanent damage to the rechargeable battery! Observe the table in chapter 7 and any special information of the rechargeable battery manufacturer. 6. Charging end voltage per cell TVC=YOUR RISK! 4.
9. Delay time for delta-U recognition (for NiMH and NiCd only) PEAK DELAY 1Min The charger ends charging of NiMH or NiCd rechargeable batteries according to the delta-U method. Set for how long the charger is to continue charging after this recognition here. 10. Voltage for delta-U recognition (for NiMH only) DELTA PEAK SENSE 4mV/C Set the voltage here where the delta-U charging procedure recognises a fully charged rechargeable battery.
c) Loading battery data • Select the function „BATT MEMORY“ in the main menu of the charger with the button „INC“ or „DEC“. • Confirm the selection by pressing the „START/ENTER“ button. The memory number flashes. • Select one of the 10 memories with the buttons „INC“ or „DEC“. If there are data in the memory, the display will show in the bottom line alternately, e.g., the rechargeable battery type and the cell number, as well as the charging and discharging current.
15. Voltage display for Lithium rechargeable batteries The charger can also display the current voltages of the cells of a lithium rechargeable battery. For this, the rechargeable lithium battery must have a balancer connection that must be connected to the charger. 1. Proceed as follows: • Select the function „LI BATT METER“ in the main menu of the charger with the button „INC“ or „DEC“. • Confirm the selection by pressing the „START/ENTER“ button.
16. System settings The system settings of the charger summarise various basic settings. They are pre-applied with the most common values in the delivery condition. Depending on the rechargeable batteries you want to charge or discharge, however, certain changes to the values are sensible. 1. Proceed as follows: • Select the function „SYSTEM SET ->“ in the main menu of the charger with the button „INC“ or „DEC“. • Confirm the selection by pressing the „START/ENTER“ button.
Calculate the time for the safety timer as follows: Examples: Battery capacity Charging current Timer time 2000 mAh 2.0 A 2000 / 2.0 = 1000 / 11.9 = 84 minutes 3300 mAh 3.0 A 3300 / 3.0 = 1100 / 11.9 = 92 minutes 1000 mAh 1.2 A 1000 / 1.2 = 833 / 11.9 = 70 minutes The factor 11.9 is used to permit charging 140% of the rechargeable battery capacity (the rechargeable battery is guaranteed to be fully charged then), before the safety timer trips. 4.
7. Display of the rechargeable battery and charger temperatures Ext.Temp Int.Temp 0C 27C This function shows the external rechargeable battery temperature and the internal temperature of the charger. The external temperature can only be displayed if an external temperature sensor is connected to the charger (not enclosed, but available as an accessory). 8. Loading factory settings (reset) LOAD FACTORY SET ENTER This recovers the factory settings (reset).
17. Warning messages on the display REVERSE POLARITY The polarity of the rechargeable battery connections has been switched. CONNECTION BREAK The connection to the rechargeable battery has been disrupted, e.g. if the battery has been disconnected during the charging process. CONNECT ERROR CHCK MAIN PORT The rechargeable battery was connected with reversed polarity. BALANCE CONNECT ERROR The balancer connection of the rechargeable battery has been connected incorrectly or with reversed polarity.
18. Information on the charger Various information is indicated on the display during a charge/discharge process by repeatedly pressing the button „DEC“. If you do not push any button for a few seconds, the charger will return to the normal display. The information that can be displayed depends on the connected rechargeable battery type. 1. Voltage of the battery at the end of charging/discharging End Voltage 12.6V(3S) 2. Input voltage IN Power Voltage 14.93V 3.
19. Maintenance and cleaning Any rechargeable battery connected must be disconnected from the charger before cleaning. Then disconnect the charger from the voltage/current supply. • The product does not require any maintenance. You should never take it apart. • The product should only be repaired by a specialist or specialist workshop or it may be damaged. Furthermore, the CE approval and the guarantee/warranty will expire. • Clean the product only with a soft, clean, dry and fuzz-free cloth.
21. Technical data Operating voltage........................................ Mains voltage input: 100 - 240 V/AC, 50/60 Hz (max. 1,0 A) Direct voltage input: 11 - 18 V/DC (max. 6,5 A), Ø 5,5 mm x 2,5 mm Never use both inputs at the same time. This may damage the charger. Loss of guarantee/warranty! Charging/discharging channels................... 1 Output voltage............................................. max. 25.2 V (at the charge sockets) Charge current............................................. 0.
This is a publication by Conrad Electronic SE, Klaus-Conrad-Str. 1, D-92240 Hirschau (www.conrad.com). All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction by any method, e.g. photocopy, microfilming, or the capture in electronic data processing systems require the prior written approval by the editor. Reprinting, also in part, is prohibited. This publication represent the technical status at the time of printing. Copyright 2016 by Conrad Electronic SE.
