La Marche A36D, Installation And Operation Manual

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3.3 Selecting the Charging Mode
The A36D has two different settings for DC output voltage, Float Mode and Equalize Mode. Float charging mode
is used for all normal battery charging needs. In the case of the A36D, the Float Mode can also be used for
battery elimination (directly powering the DC load from the A36D). Equalize Mode is used when it is necessary
to Equalize (or balance) the level of charge across all cells present in the battery. Consult the battery
manufacturer for the proper Equalize procedures. Refer to Float/Eq voltage in Adjusting Parameters section for
Float and Equalize voltage levels adjustments.
There are two LEDs on the front panel that indicate the current mode of the charger. If the charger is in Float
Mode, simply press the CHARGE MODE button to switch into Equalize Mode. If the charger is in Equalize Mode,
it will automatically switch back to Float Mode after the designated Equalize time. Alternatively, the charger can
manually be switched to Float Mode by pressing the CHARGE MODE button again.
3.3.1 Equalize Timer Modes
The A36D battery charger has five different modes of Equalize charging operation. The Equalize Mode can be
viewed on the charger display by pressing the down button. The Equalize Mode and the length of the Equalize
timer can be changed via Settings Menu. In all of the Equalize Modes, the charger will immediately return to
Float Mode if the CHARGE MODE button is pressed.
Mode 0 (Auto EQ OFF)
Mode 0 is a manual Equalize cycle and is the default setting for the charger. When the charger is set for Mode
0, the Equalize cycle must be activated manually. Once activated the Equalize timer will turn on and the “EQ”
LED will light. The length of the timer is 8 hours by default. After the timer cycles to zero, the charger will
automatically return to Float Mode. Equalize Mode will not start again until it is manually activated by the user.
Mode 1 (7 Day Auto EQ)
Mode 1 is an automatic Equalize cycle that activates every 7 days. The length of the Equalize cycle is
determined by the timer setting. The length of the timer is 8 hours by default. After the timer cycles to zero, the
charger will automatically return to Float Mode. Equalize Mode will restart again after 7 days.
Mode 2 (14 Day Auto EQ)
Mode 2 is an automatic Equalize cycle that activates every 14 days. The length of the Equalize cycle is
determined by the timer setting. The length of the timer is 8 hours by default. After the timer cycles to zero, the
charger will automatically return to Float Mode. Equalize Mode will restart again after 14 days.
Mode 3 (30 Day Auto EQ)
Mode 3 is an automatic Equalize cycle that activates every 30 days. The length of the Equalize cycle is
determined by the timer setting. The length of the timer is 8 hours by default. After the timer cycles to zero, the
charger will automatically return to Float Mode. Equalize Mode will restart again after 30 days.
Mode 4 (Auto EQ on LV)
Mode P4 is an automatic Equalize cycle that is triggered when the battery experiences a sizeable
discharge. When the DC voltage drops below the Low Voltage alarm threshold and exceeds the Low Voltage
alarm time delay, Mode 4 is activated. However, the Equalize timer will only start and run the charger in
Equalize mode for the duration set in the Equalize menu after the charger has raised the battery voltage high
enough to clear the Low Voltage alarm. When the Equalize timer expires, the charger will immediately return to
Float mode.
3.4 Adjusting Parameters
All equipment is shipped from the factory fully checked and adjusted based on the customer order. Do not make
any adjustments unless the equipment has been powered-up and the settings have been determined to be
incorrect. If the settings have been determined to be incorrect, adjustments may be made as detailed below.
Refer to page 23 for A36D settings menu structure flow chart.