• Ensure that the individual cells of a lithium battery are not deeply discharged. This may
destroy the battery or cause permanent damage.
If the model does not have deep discharge protection or a low battery indicator, stop using
it before the battery becomes depleted.
Information about charging parameters
Rechargeable batteries consist of two electrodes that are placed into an electrolyte. Batteries
are therefore classed as a chemical element. Chemical reactions take place inside this element.
These reactions are reversible, which makes it possible to recharge the battery.
A charging voltage is required to recharge batteries. This voltage must be higher than the cell
voltage. Moreover, the energy (mAh) supplied during the charging process must be higher than
that which can be drawn afterwards. This ratio of the energy supplied to the energy drawn is
called efficiency.
The capacity that can be drawn mainly depends on the discharging current and has a decisive
impact on the condition of the battery. The supplied charge cannot be used as a measure,
because some of it will be lost during charging (e.g. converted into heat).
The capacity given by the manufacturer is the maximum theoretical quantity of current that can
be delivered by the battery. This means that a 2000 mAh battery can, for example, theoretically
deliver a current of 1000 mA (= 1 A) for two hours. This value depends heavily on numerous
factors (e.g. condition of the battery, discharging current and temperature).
a) Selecting the charging parameters
All parameters must be set correctly before each charge. Using incorrect settings
can cause a fire and injury as well as damage to property.
b) Selecting the charging current
Excessive charging current greatly reduces battery service life and, in extreme cases, can
cause a fire or explosion. Selecting the appropriate charging current for a battery type is
therefore very important. The charging and discharging current are determined by the C
coefficient of a battery pack. Most conventional battery packs have the C coefficient indicated
on the type plate.
The requisite charging current for a battery is calculated according to the following formula:
Capacity in mA x C coefficient = charging current
Example:
1000 x 5 = 5000 mA
A 1000 mAh battery with a coefficient of 5C requires a charging current of approx. 5 A.
If you can’t determine the C coefficient of a battery pack, always take a coefficient of 1C and
calculate the charging current using that. This is always a safe charging current. However,
bear in mind that the charging times can vary according to the actual (but not verified) battery
specifications.
c) Characteristics of suitable battery types
LiPo Li-ion LiFe
LiHV
NiCd
NiMH
Pb
Rated voltage
(V/cell)
3.7 V 3.6 V
3.3 V 3.7 V
1.2 V
1.2 V
2.0 V
Max. charging
voltage (V/cell)
4.2 V 4.1 V
3.6 V
4.35
V
1.5 V
1.5 V
2.46 V
Voltage for
storage (V/cell)
3.8 V 3.7 V
3.3 V
3.85
V
Not sup-
ported
Not sup-
ported
Not sup-
ported
Charging current
for fast charging
≤1C
≤1C
≤4C
≤1C
1C-2C
1C-2C
≤0.4C
Min. voltage after
discharge (V/cell)
3.0 -
3.3 V
2.9 -
3.2 V
2.6 -
2.9 V
3.1 -
3.4 V
0.1 - 1.1
V
0.1 - 1.1
V
1.8 V
The voltages in the table above apply to a single cell. The maximum charging and
discharging currents are marked with the letter ‘C’ (capacity). A charging current of
1C corresponds to the capacity value printed on the battery (e.g. if the stated battery
capacity is 1000 mAh, the max. charging current is 1000 mA = 1 A).
When working with multi-cell battery packs, always ensure that the voltage setting
is correct. For example, with a two-cell battery pack, the individual cells can be
connected in parallel or in series.
Exceeding the maximum permitted charging current or selecting the wrong number
of cells/voltage setting may destroy the battery. In addition, the battery also poses a
risk of explosion and fire.
For further information on the maximum charging current and the number of cells/
voltage, refer to the data sheets or the battery label. These data take precedence
over the information in the table above.
Product overview
9
17
16
15
14
13
12 11
10
8
1
22
18 19 20 21
2
6
7
5 4 3
1 DC 11 - 18 V DC voltage connection
2 PC link connection
3 ENTER button
4 STATUS + button
5 STATUS - button
6 STOP button
7 Lower LC display
8 Upper LC display
9 Fan (controlled by temperature sensor)
10 Battery connection R +
11 Battery connection R -
12 Balancer connection R
13 Temperature sensor connection R
(for external)
14 Temperature sensor connection L
(for external)
15 Balancer connection L
16 Battery connection L +
17 Battery connection L -
18 STATUS - button
19 STOP button
20 ENTER button
21 button
22 AC INPUT 100 - 240 V AC voltage
connection
Operation
a) Setup
• Place the charger with the plastic feet on a non-combustible, heat-resistant surface close
to a standard mains socket if you wish to use it with mains voltage. To use the charger with
DC voltage, the DC source must be located nearby or moved nearby.
• Ensure that the ventilation openings on the base of the charger are unobstructed and that
the fan is operating.
• Keep the charger away from flammable or combustible materials (e.g. curtains). Never
operate the charger on car seats, carpets or other combustible materials.
b) Connecting the charger to the power supply
Warning! Always connect the charger to the power supply before connecting
a battery.
The charger has two different options for operation.
• Operation via a mains voltage (100 - 240 V/AC, 50/60 Hz)
• Operation via stabilised AC voltage (11 - 18 V/DC, e.g. via an external lead vehicle battery
or power adapter)
Never use both operating modes simultaneously. This may damage the charger.
This will void the warranty!
Never operate the charger with an alternating voltage that is outside the range
specified in the technical data.
Operation via mains voltage
• Connect the mains cable to the AC 100 - 240 V AC voltage connection (22) and plug the
mains plug into a standard mains socket.
Operation via AC voltage
We recommend a battery with 11 - 18 V/DC voltage as a DC supply.
• If you would like to operate the charger with DC voltage, connect the DC voltage connection
(11 - 18 V/DC) (1) to an DC voltage source, e.g. laboratory power adapter, using a suitable
cable fitted with an XT60 connector (not included) in accordance with the ‘Technical data’.
• When using the DC voltage input, ensure the correct polarity when connecting (po
and negative/-).
• You can use a power adapter or, in dry conditions, a car battery. If the charger is to be
operated via the DC voltage input, the appropriate power supply must be selected, e.g. a
suitable 12 V lead vehicle battery. Pay attention to the state of charge of your car battery if
your are on the move and using it.
