• Never leave the product unattended during use. Although there is a wide range of
comprehensive safety mechanisms on the device, it is impossible to exclude the
possibility of malfunctions or problems occurring while charging.
• When connecting the battery packs, ensure that the input and output are
connected with the correct polarity.
• Never wear metal or conductive objects (e.g. jewellery such as necklaces,
bracelets or rings) when handling the charger. This may result in a short-circuit,
which can cause a fire or explosion.
• Only use the product in temperate climates. It is not suitable for use in tropical
climates.
• Do not use the product in the immediate vicinity of strong magnetic or
electromagnetic fields, transmitter aerials or HF generators. These may affect the
electronic control system.
• Do not place the product directly next to devices with strong electrical or magnetic
fields (e.g. transformers, motors, cordless telephones, wireless devices and
radios), as these can prevent the product from working properly.
• Trained personnel must supervise the use of electrical appliances in schools,
training facilities and DIY workshops.
• For installations in industrial facilities, follow the accident prevention regulations for
electrical systems and equipment issued by the government safety organisation or
the corresponding authority for your country.
• Only one type of battery can be charged at the same time (i.e. 2S or 3S
type batteries). 2S batteries will only charge if two 2S batteries are charged
simultaneously. 3S batteries can be charged individually or simultaneously.
Battery information
There are numerous hazards associated with the use of batteries. Compared to conventional
NiCd or NiMH batteries, LiPo/Li-ion/LiFe/LiHV batteries have a high energy content. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with safety regulations to prevent the risk of a fire or explosion.
Always observe the following safety information when handling rechargeable batteries.
In addition, ensure that you observe any additional safety information provided by
the battery manufacturer.
a) General information
• Batteries are not toys. Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
• Do not leave batteries lying around, as they constitute a choking hazard for children and
pets. Seek immediate medical advice if a battery is swallowed.
•
Batteries must never be short-circuited, dismantled or thrown into fire. This may cause
a fire or explosion!
• When handling leaking or damaged batteries, always use suitable protective gloves to
avoid burning your skin.
•
Do not attempt to recharge disposable, non-rechargeable batteries. This may cause a fire
or explosion!
• Non-rechargeable batteries are only designed to be used once and must be disposed of
properly when they are empty.
• Only recharge compatible rechargeable batteries and ensure that you use a suitable
charger.
• Batteries must not become damp or wet.
• The charger and battery may heat up during the charging/discharging process. Always
ensure that there is sufficient ventilation. Never cover the charger or the battery!
• Never use battery packs that are composed of different types of cell.
• Never charge/discharge batteries unsupervised.
• Never charge/discharge a battery directly in the model. Remove the battery from the model
first.
• Always ensure that the battery is connected with the correct polarity (observe the plus/+ and
minus/- symbols). Connecting the battery incorrectly will damage both the model and the
battery. This may cause a fire or explosion!
• If you do not plan to use the charger for an extended period of time, disconnect any
connected batteries from the charger and then disconnect the charger from the power
supply.
• The charger does not have a power switch.
• To disconnect the charger from the mains, unplug the mains plug from the mains socket.
• Do not charge/discharge batteries when they are still hot (e.g. due to a high discharging
current in the model). Allow the battery to cool down to room temperature before charging
or discharging it.
•
Never damage the casing of a battery. This may cause a fire or explosion!
•
Never charge or discharge damaged, leaking or deformed batteries. This may cause a fire
or explosion! Discontinue use immediately and dispose of the battery in an environmentally
friendly manner.
• Disconnect the battery from the charger when the battery is fully charged.
• Rechargeable batteries should be charged at least once every 3 months to prevent damage
due to deep discharge.
• Store batteries in a suitable location. Install a smoke detector in the room. Batteries present
a fire hazard and may generate toxic fumes. This applies in particular to model batteries,
which are subjected to high charging/discharging currents and vibrations.
b) Additional information about lithium batteries
Modern lithium rechargeable batteries have a significantly higher capacity than NiMH and NiCd
batteries and are more lightweight. This makes lithium batteries (especially lithium polymer
batteries) particularly suitable for use in model making.
However, lithium batteries require particular care to ensure safe charging/discharging,
operation and handling.
The following section provides an overview of the potential hazards associated with lithium
batteries and explains how these hazards can be avoided to ensure a long service life.
•
The casing of many lithium batteries is made of a thick film, which is very sensitive.
Do not dismantle, drop or insert any objects into lithium batteries. Do not apply mechanical
loads or pull on the battery’s connection cables. This may cause a fire or explosion!
Pay attention to this when the battery is attached to or removed from the model.
• Ensure that the battery does not overheat during use, recharging, discharging, transport or
storage. Do not place the battery next to sources of heat (e.g. a cruise control system or
motor) or expose it to direct sunlight. This may cause the battery to overheat, which can
cause a fire or explosion!
The battery must never exceed a temperature of +60°C during charging (if necessary, ob-
serve additional manufacturer's instructions.).
• If there are any signs of damage to the battery (e.g. if your aeroplane/helicopter model
sustains an impact), or if the battery casing is swollen, discontinue use immediately. Do not
continue to charge it. This may cause a fire or explosion!
Exercise caution when handling the damaged battery and use suitable protective gloves.
Dispose of the battery in an environmentally friendly manner.
Never store damaged batteries in an apartment or in a house/garage. Damaged or swollen
lithium batteries may catch fire.
• Always use a compatible charger to charge lithium batteries and ensure that the charging
specifications are correct. Do not use NiCd, NiMH or lead battery chargers, as these may
cause a fire or explosion!
Always select the correct charging specifications for your battery.
• Always use a balancer when charging a lithium battery with more than one cell (the charger
comes with an integrated balancer).
• The charging current for LiPo batteries must not exceed 1C (or the value stated in the
battery instructions). This means that the charging current must not exceed the stated
battery capacity (e.g. battery capacity = 1000 mAh, max. charging current = 1000 mA = 1 A).
For LiFe and Li-ion batteries, always observe the instructions of the battery manufacturer.
• The discharging current must not exceed the value stated on the battery.
For example, if ‘20C’ is printed on the LiPo battery, the maximum discharging current is
20 times the battery’s capacity (e.g. battery capacity = 1000 mAh, max. discharging current
= 20C = 20x 1000 mA = 20 A).
Exceeding the maximum current may cause the battery to overheat or become deformed,
which can lead to a fire or explosion!
The printed value (e.g. 20C) indicates the maximum current that the battery can deliver
for a short period. The continuous current should not be higher than one half of the stated
value.
• 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 theoretic quantity of current which 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.
