5
Connecting packs to the charger
General information
If a pack has both a node connector and discharge wires, you can charge using the node con-
nector only, or both node connector and discharge wires. When charging two packs simul-
taneously, both packs must be connected the same way: either node connectors only, or both
node connectors and discharge wires.
When charging only through a node connector, the charger balances individual cells.
However, charge current is limited to 4A to protect the small node connector wires.
When charging through both node connector and discharge wires, the charger balances
individual cells and measures individual cell internal resistances. Charge current is not
limited to 4A.
When charging only one pack, always plug that pack into the charger’s Ch1 jack.
When charging only one pack using its discharge wires and node connector, always connect
the discharge wires to the charger’s outermost banana jacks.
When charging one or two packs without using discharge wires, you must plug the Plug
Blocker into the charger’s banana jacks.
When charging two packs, both packs must have the same chemistry. For example, you can’t
charge one A123 pack and one LiPo pack at the same time.
Pack discharge wires are usually not terminated in banana plugs (e.g., they might be termi-
nated in a Deans connector). For convenience in connecting to the charger, prepare an adapter
cable with banana plugs on one end and a connector that mates with the pack’s discharge
connector on the other end. FMA sells banana plugs suitable for this purpose as FMA Part
Numbers BPNS-BLK (Black
–
) and BPNS-RED (Red +).
CAUTION:
When using the banana plug adapter cables described above, ALWAYS
insert the banana plugs into the charger BEFORE connecting the adapter cable to the
pack. Reverse the sequence when disconnecting the pack. This will prevent the live
banana plugs from touching each other, which would create a dangerous condition and
could seriously damage the pack.
Connecting non-Cellpro packs
Generally follow the instructions in “Connecting one 1s to 10s Cellpro pack” and “Connecting
two 1s to 5s Cellpro packs,” but your packs may not be equipped with compatible node connec-
tors. FMA Direct offers plug-and-play adapters for charging LiPo packs equipped with node
connectors made by other vendors. Check
www.fmadirect.com/cellpro_adapters.html
for adapter
compatibility. The Cellpro 10s charger works with all existing Cellpro 4s charger adapters. You
must connect a 6 pin-to-5 pin Adapter (provided with the Cellpro 10s Charger) between the char-
ger and the Cellpro 4s charger adapter, as shown here:
Cellpro 4s
ChargerAdapter
Non-Cellpro
pack
6-pin to 5-pin
Adapter
Cellpro 10s
Charger
If an adapter isn’t available for the pack you want to charge, or if the pack doesn’t have a node
connector, the FMA Part Number CPBP7 (Cellpro battery pigtail 10”, 5 position) and/or FMA
Part Number CPBP6P-10 (Cellpro battery pigtail 10”, 6 position) cable assemblies can be used to
make the pack compatible with the Cellpro 10s Charger. Instructions for connecting these cable
assemblies to your packs are provided in the “Cellpro Pin Lead Connection” document at
www.fmadirect/support_docs/item_1254.pdf
. See also “Node connector wiring,” later in this
manual.
