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consists of two components a slip-in cradle and a
110 VAC “wall cube” type power source. European
and Australian chargers may use a different wall
cube.
NiCad battery packs may be recharged while they
are installed in the PhD Ultra detector, or they may
be removed from the instrument for separate
recharging. The Fast Charger is designed to
completely recharge NiCad battery packs in 2 hours.
When “fast” charging is complete the charger
automatically converts to a “trickle” charge to avoid
damage to the battery pack due to overcharging.
CAUTION
: PhD Ultra NiCad battery packs may
only be charged with Biosystems battery
chargers. Use of any other charger may result
in damage to the instrument and voids the
standard Biosystems warranty.
NiCad battery pack equipped PhD Ultra detectors
should be kept continuously on the charger at all
times when not in use.
Figure 2.3.4. PhD Ultra Fast Charger (standard
version)
2.3.4.1 Charging procedure with NiCad battery
pack installed
The PhD Ultra must be located
in a non-hazardous location during the charging
cycle. Charging the PhD Ultra in a hazardous
location may impair intrinsic safety.
(1) Check that the instrument is turned off. (If it is
not, press the mode button until the message
"Release button" appears on the screen.)
(2) Connect the charger cradle to the 110 VAC “wall
cube” power source.
(3) Plug the “wall cube” in and check to see that the
“PWR” (power-on) indicator LED on the charger
cradle is lit.
(4) Slip the PhD Ultra into the charger cradle and
check to see that the “FAST” (fast charger)
indicator LED on the charger cradle is lit.
Note: The “FAST” indicator will initially
light up and remain lit for the first 15
minutes of charging regardless of battery
pack voltage.
(5) When charging is complete the “FAST” indicator
will turn off. Charging is complete any time
after the “TRIC” (trickle charge) indicator is lit.
2.3.4.2 Charging the NiCad battery pack
separately from the instrument
(1) Check that the instrument is turned off. (If it is
not, press the mode button until the message
"Release button" appears on the screen.
(2) Connect the charger cradle to the 110 VAC “wall
cube” power source.
(3) Plug the “wall cube” in and check to see that the
“PWR” (power-on) indicator LED on the charger
cradle is lit.
(4) Remove the NiCad battery pack from the PhD
Ultra
(5) Slip the NiCad battery pack into the charger as
shown in Figure 2.3.4.2. Check to see that the
“FAST” (fast charge) indicator LED is lit.
(6) Charging is complete any time after the “TRIC”
(trickle charge) indicator is lit.
Figure 2.3.4.2. Placement of NiCad Battery Pack in
Fast Charger
2.3.4.3 “Cycling” NiCad battery packs
If the NiCad battery duration is not being received,
try exercising or "cycling" the battery. To cycle the
NiCad battery pack:
(1) Install the battery pack in the PhD Ultra and turn
the instrument on.
(2) Allow the instrument to run until the low battery
voltage alarms have been activated.
(3) Recharge the NiCad battery pack.
