Alcad AT30 SERIES, Operating And Service Instructions

Page: 28 / 100

OPERATING THE AT30
24
2. OPERATING THE AT30 BATTERY CHARGER
2.1. STARTING THE AT30
2.1.1. Understanding the startup sequence
The AT30 is set up at the factory to work with most common batteries and
loads without further adjustment. When you start the AT30 for the first
time, the factory settings (float voltage, equalize voltage, etc.) control the
operation of the charger. You can change the settings after you start the
charger. The
FACTORY SETTINGS
are shown in table on page 25.
The AT30 startup routine takes about five seconds. The microprocessor
that controls the AT30 initializes the charger by reading the settings that
are stored internally. The control circuit then "soft starts" the charger, and
the dc output voltage and current increase gradually to the rated value.
2.1.2. Checking the installation
Be sure that you have followed the installation
instructions carefully. Check the ac input
supply voltage and the battery voltage, and be
sure that they match the information on the
AT30 nameplate.
Verify that the jumpers on the
main transformer T1 are correct for your ac
supply voltage.
Open the front panel, and check
the battery polarity at the TB1 (+) and (-)
terminals.
2.1.3. Starting the AT30
When you are sure that all connections to the
AT30 are properly made, follow these steps to
start up the AT30:
Using the Digital Meter
When you first start the
AT30, the meter display
alternates between dc output
voltage and dc output current.
Each reading is held for two
seconds; indicator lights to the
left of the display indicate
whether the meter is
displaying voltage or current.
If you want to “freeze” the
meter to display only voltage,
press the
METER MODE
key on the front panel. To
freeze the meter to display
only current, press the key
again. Press the key twice
more to revert to the
alternating display.
•
Turn on the front panel dc circuit breaker. The digital meter indicates the
battery voltage only. If the meter display does not light,
do not proceed .
Turn off the dc breaker, and check all connections and the battery
polarity again. Also check the battery voltage. It must be above 50% of
nominal voltage to turn on the display. If you cannot find the problem,
refer to the
Troubleshooting Procedure in Section 3.1 on page 44.
CAUTION: If you try to turn on the dc circuit breaker with the battery
connected in reverse polarity, the circuit breaker will immediately
trip. Do not try to close the dc breaker again, since this may damage
the battery charger. Correct the battery polarity before proceeding. If
your charger is equipped with dc fuses, one or both fuses will blow
when the battery is reversed.