20
AC/DC-Input, Professional
Balance Charger, Discharger, Multicharger
G
Charging
Before charging your batteries, it is critical that you
determine the maximum allowable charge rate for your
batteries. The X1 RED is capable of charging at high
rates that may not be suitable or safe for your particular
batteries. For example, Lithium cells are typically safe to
charge at 1C, or the total mAh÷1000. A 1200mAh battery
would have a 1C charge rate of 1.2 amps. A 4200mAh
battery would have a 1C charge rate of 4.2 amps. Some
manufacturers are offering Lithium cells that can be
charged at greater than 1C but this should ALWAYS be
verified before charging a Lithium battery at rates higher
than 1C. Voltage is just as critical as the charging ampe-
rage rate and this is determined by the number of cells
in series, or “S”. For example, a 3S LiPo is rated at 11.1
volts (“S” multiplied by a single LiPo cell with a nominal
voltage of 3.7 volts DC. 3 cells x 3.7 volts each equals
11.1 volts DC).
Connect the battery’s main leads to the charger output:
red is positive and black is negative. Keep in mind that
the gauge or thickness of your charging leads from the
X1 RED to your battery must be of an acceptable current
rating to handle the applied charge current. For maximum
safety and charging effectiveness, always match or
exceed the main battery lead rating when assembling
or selecting your charging leads. If you charge a battery
at a high current rate (amperage) with a charging lead
not rated for the chosen amperage, the wire could get
hot, catch fire, short out and/or potentially destroy your
battery and the charger. When in doubt, always use a
higher gauge wire (lower AWG number). It is common
to see charging leads constructed of 14AWG, 16AWG or
18AWG wire.
Always refer to recommendations from your battery ma-
nufacturer for your specific battery type and size before
initiating a charge or discharge process.
Discharging
The X1 RED discharging functions are for two specific
purposes:
· Refreshing the capacity of a Nickel-based battery that
has lost capacity over time (NiMH or NiCd).
· Reducing the voltage of a Lithium battery for safe
storage.
LiPo & LiHV Charge/Discharge Cycling
Lithium batteries are known to reach full capacity after a
break-in period of about 10 charge/discharge cycles. We
do not recommend you use the X1 RED charger to do this;
normal use and recharging will achieve the same results.
If you wish to perform a Lithium break-in on the bench
with the X1 RED discharging to minimum acceptable
voltages and performing a balance charge at 1C maxi-
mum rate is recommended. If you choose to break in your
Lithium batteries under normal use, charging at only 1C
for the first ten cycles will help ensure full performance
and service life from your Lithium cells.
Warnings and Safety Notes
Lithium chemistry battery packs should only
be discharged to their minimum safe volt-
age, no lower. Deep discharging a Lithium
cell will do permanent damage. Refer to the
Standard Battery Parameters table on page
6 of this manual for Minimum Discharge
Voltages.
Do not attempt to disassemble or modify
Lithium or Lead-Acid battery packs.
