TRC5
- 2 -
VELLEMAN
5. Batteries
The hovercraft itself requires a 9.6Vdc NiCd or NiMH battery pack (750mAh or higher) and a charger (included).
The remote control operates on a regular 9V alkaline battery.
a. Caution
•
Make sure the batteries are inserted correctly (polarity).
•
Do not mix old and new batteries or batteries of different types (alkaline, standard (zinc-carbon), NiCd, NiMH).
•
Follow the battery manufacturer's instructions to insert, remove and recharge batteries.
•
Use only the recommended battery types.
•
Regularly examine charger and battery pack (plug, housing, cable etc.) for damage. Do not use a damaged
charger or battery pack.
•
Take the battery pack out of the
TRC5
to recharge it.
•
Be careful when removing the battery pack after use ; it may be hot.
•
Never remove the battery pack from the hovercraft by tugging at the cable or the plug. Never unplug the plug by
tugging at the battery pack.
•
Remove the batteries from the hovercraft and the remote control when you do not plan to use them.
•
Battery life may vary according to the brand used.
•
Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
•
Do not short circuit battery terminals.
•
Dispose of batteries in a proper manner, according to the local regulation.
•
Do not overcharge the battery pack: unplug the charger after approximately 2 hours.
•
Make sure the pack is discharged when you are going to store it.
•
The battery pack cannot hold its charge for a long time in hot weather.
•
Do not interrupt a charge after one hour or an hour and a half ; it is better to charge the pack in 1 full cycle.
•
When the running time is gradually shortening, the pack has probably reached the end of its life cycle. Replace it.
b. Using and Recharging the Battery Pack
NiCd and NiMH battery packs are not like alkaline batteries: they lose all their power pretty abruptly, not gradually,
and the vehicle will stop very soon after slowing down becomes noticeable. This is normal, but keep it in mind,
especially when operating on water, since you need to get the vehicle back before the battery power runs out.
Typical running times are 7 to 8 minutes for NiCd battery packs and 9 to 13 for NiMH ones. Try to experience how
long your pack lasts before taking the
TRC5
onto water. Running time also varies over the battery life: the first few
charges will give shorter running times than later charges, and when the pack is wearing out, the running time will
shorten again.
Recharging
1.
For best performance, run the battery pack all the way down before recharging: let it run until the lift fan and the
rear propellers come to a halt.
2.
Beware!
The battery pack will be hot after use! This is normal, but let it cool down (20 minutes or more, if needed)
before recharging it. Charging a hot battery pack can severely damage it.
3.
Charge the pack according to the battery or charger manufacturer's instructions. Charging times differ according to
brand, type, age and condition of battery pack and charger. The included pack charges in approximately 2 hours.
Connect the pack to the charger and plug the charger in a standard power outlet. The red LED lights up.
4.
After 2 hours of charging, unplug the charger from the socket and disconnect the pack from the charger.
5.
After charging, the battery pack will be warm. This is normal.
