OPERATION
Using your CHARGEminder it is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
STEP 1.
Plug it in.
Plug the CHARGEminder into the wall outlet first. Then plug the charger you want
automated into the CHARGEminder’s outlet on the front.
STEP 2.
Set the timer once.
The CHARGEminder allows you to select programmable times for 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, and
16 hour chargers. If your charger is between these numbered hours, pick the next
lower number. Example: You have a 8 hour charger, pick the 7 hour setting. The
trickle charge at the end will insure a full charge.
Push and hold the start button on the face of the unit for more than 3 seconds.
Continue to hold until the lights indicate the number of hours your charger is rated.
When you see the proper time selected immediately let go of the button.
NOTE: For 3, 5 and 7 hour timing there will only be one RED light on at a time.
When one light is on, use the number
ABOVE
the RED light. When the GREEN light
on the right comes on, use the number
BELOW
the RED light to indicate the number
of hours.
STEP 3
. Push Start to begin charging.
Once the CHARGEminder is set as shown above, the CHARGEminders RED light
will blink on and off to indicate it is in TRICKLE or maintenance charge. Momen-
tarily push the start button to start a charge cycle.
Note that during the charge cycle the red light will stay on and not blink. The RED
light and the charger you have plugged in will remain ON for the pre-selected number
of hours. It will then automatically go back to trickle until you push the start button
again.
If for any reason you want to abort the charge timer and go back to trickle, just
momentarily push the start button and you will see the CHARGEminder’s lights
blinking again.
NOTE: For battery safety reasons, a prolonged power blackout will reset your
CHARGEminder to the 3 hour setting. Please verify the number of hours before you
push the start button.
II. FUSE REPLACEMENT
If your charger does not work when connected to the unit, you may have
exceeded the maximum 120 watt capacity and blown the fuse. To check or replace
the fuse you will need to UNPLUG THE UNIT and carefully remove the four screws
on the box. The fuse may be removed by gently pulling it away from its clips. Be sure
to replace with a 1 Amp Fast blowing fuse only. Carefully reassemble the unit before
plugging it into a power receptacle.
III. SPECIAL NOTES
WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND AND I DON'T WANT TO QUICK CHARGE MY BATTERIES?
To stop the charge timer and go back to trickle mode prematurely, simply
push the switch once again. The charger will go back to trickle mode.
WHEN SHOULD I CHARGE MY BATTERIES?
When using chargers that fully charge your batteries in less than 12 hours or
less DO NOT initiate a full charge period to a fully charged battery. Best results are
obtained by using your batteries until they just begin to die out before placing them
back on charge or leave them on trickle as described below. When using 16 hour or
"overnight" chargers, you may initiate a full charge period even if there is a residual
charge in the battery. Overnight chargers are much more forgiving to overcharging.
However do not initiate a full charge period to a fully charged overnight battery more
than twice per week.
IF YOU ARE NOT IN A HURRY
In most cases the trickle rate alone will fully charge your discharged batteries
in about three to four days. If you are not going to need your batteries charged right
away, TRICKLE is the ideal way to let your batteries slowly come up to charge.
IV. CHARGING TIPS and SUGGESTIONS
If battery running time is VERY IMPORTANT to you then it is VERY
IMPORTANT TO CYCLE or CONDITION (test) your NiCd batteries once every
two or three months of use. We also recommend testing after a very long term period
in trickle mode simply as a precautionary test.
The main reason for cycling is to predict any negative trends and to uncover
anything that has gone wrong with your charging system. This is critical with flying
models. Cycling immediately after use allows you to gauge your systems operating
time.
KEEP YOUR BATTERIES COOL! The CHARGEminder ADAPTER will
safely reduce the output current of your chargers to prevent internal heat buildup.
However, storing or charging them in a hot garage or basement will speed up the
chemical reactions in a NiCd. Charging in a hot environment will result in reduced
battery capacity and can lead to premature shorts.
THE CHARGEminder ADAPTER may be used with some overnight GEL
CELL and WET CELL battery chargers. MAKE VERY SURE before trying that if
you take 25% of your chargers available output current, that your battery’s
maximum float or trickle rate is not exceeded. Once the GEL OR WET CELL IS ON
TRICKLE, IT IS BEST TO DISCONNECT IT FROM THE CHARGER. THESE
CELLS DO NOT SELF DISCHARGE AS FAST AS NiCd BATTERIES AND
THEREFORE DO NOT REQUIRE A TRICKLE CHARGE. Leaving GEL CELLS
on for long periods may cause leakage. Wet cells may dry out in time as well.
