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2.3
Selecting the Charging Mode
The A77 has two different settings for DC output voltage, float mode and equalize mode. Float charging mode is
used for all normal battery charging needs. The float mode can also be used for battery elimination, which
means directly powering the DC load from the A77. 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 and parameters.
There are two LEDs on the front panel that indicate the current mode of the charger, “FLOAT” – Green and
“EQUALIZE” – Amber. 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, or the charger can manually be switched to float mode by pressing the CHARGE
MODE button again.
2.3.1 Equalize Timer Modes
The A77 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 display will show the Equalize timer mode and
a short description. The equalize mode can be changed via Customer Calibration menu. In all of the equalize
modes, the charger will immediately return to float mode if the CHARGE MODE button is pressed.
Mode P0 (Auto EQ OFF)
Mode P0 is a manual equalize cycle and is the default setting for the charger. When the charger is set for Mode
P0, the equalize cycle must be activated manually by pressing the CHARGE MODE button. Once activated the
equalize timer will turn on and the amber “EQUALIZE” LED will light. The length of the timer is eight hours by
default and can be changed via Customer Calibration. After the timer cycles to zero the charger will
automatically return to the float mode. Equalize mode will not start again until it is manually activated by the
user.
Mode P1 (7 Day Auto EQ)
Mode P1 is an automatic equalize cycle that activates every seven days. The length of the equalize cycle is
determined by the timer setting. The length of the timer is eight hours by default and can be changed via
Customer Calibration. After the timer cycles to zero the charger will automatically return to the float mode.
Equalize mode will restart again after seven days.
Mode P2 (14 Day Auto EQ)
Mode P2 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 eight hours by default and can be changed via
Customer Calibration. After the timer cycles to zero the charger will automatically return to the float mode.
Equalize mode will restart again after 14 days.
Mode P3 (30 Day Auto EQ)
Mode P3 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 eight hours by default and can be changed via
Customer Calibration. After the timer cycles to zero the charger will automatically return to the float mode.
Equalize mode will restart again after 30 days.
Mode P4 (Auto EQ on LV)
Mode P4 is an automatic equalize cycle that activates when the DC voltage drops below the low voltage setting
(default set at 1.98 V/C for LA) for 30 seconds or longer. The charger will return to float mode after the battery
voltage rises to approximately 8% above the low voltage set point. Equalize mode will restart again when the
battery voltage drops below low voltage setting for 30 seconds or longer. The time delay, low voltage value,
and reset percentage are all adjustable via the settings menu.
Summary of Contents for A77
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