TrakPower VR-1 Dual Racing Charger - Manual (Page 17)

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B. IMPULSE CHARGE MODE: Refer to diagram at right. This
feature charges the battery at a current equal to the charge
current setting x 1.5 for 0.5 seconds, every 3 seconds. The
charge current at all other times is as set in the Charge
Setup screen. The impulse charge method is much the
opposite of the refl ex charge method. Instead of applying
high level negative charge pulses to the battery for short
intervals, VR-1 applies high level positive charge pulses at
regular intervals. And as with refl ex mode, the impulse method is thought by some to help
clear a cell’s internal plates from build-up of oxidizing gas bubbles, allowing the batteries
to perform better. The impulse charge method can be used in the Step Charge process
(see page 11).
C. REFLEX CHARGE MODE: As shown in the chart at right, in
refl ex charge normal current is delivered to the battery for
99.6% of every second, but for the remaining 4 milli-seconds
a very deep discharge current is delivered to the battery.
The quick discharge current is equal to the charge current
setting multiplied by 4. Refl ex charge is believed by some
to help remove oxidizing gas bubbles from the battery’s cell
plates, allowing the battery to charge more effi ciently, and
is thought to be especially helpful on older NiCd batteries. Refl ex charge mode may not be
recommended by some NiMH battery manufacturers (check with your supplier). The refl ex
charge mode can also be used in the Step Charge process (see page 11).
D. RE-PEAK CHARGE MODE: In re-peak charge mode, VR-1 can peak charge the battery
once, twice or three times in a row automatically. This is good for making certain the
battery is fully charged, and for checking how well the battery receives fast charges.
And, VR-1 will track how much capacity was added during each re-peak. A good battery
will have low charge capacity values for the 2
nd and 3 rd re-peak charges. Batteries having
higher capacity values for the 2 nd and 3 rd re-peak charges are not likely receiving peak
charge as well. A fi ve minute cool-off delay occurs after each re-peak charge.
E. LINEAR CHARGE MODE: This charge mode is very sensitive to the charge adapter
connection, so if the adapter is touched, the charger could stop prematurely. Since delta
peak is detected every second, delta peak is checked very accurately. It is possible to
fi nish charging without increasing battery temperature as ZERO peak can be detected
in this charge mode. After charging is completed, a 10 minute period will be needed to
measure battery internal resistance.
F. GMVIS ™ CHARGE MODE: During the GMVIS charge mode, the VR-1 will charge at the
selected charge current for 6 seconds and pause every 2 seconds, in 8 second intervals.
The purpose of this charge mode is to condition the cells and prevent the battery from
being overheated or venting.
4. When charging has fi nished, you can recall information relating to the charge by rotating the
dial or simply disconnect the battery and use.
DISCHARGING NICD AND NIMH BATTERIES
1. Plug the adapter into the charger FIRST. Then connect the battery to the adapter ONLY after it
has been connected to the charger.
2. Be sure that the correct model number that matches your battery specifi cations is selected
or the appropriate settings have been made in the DISCHARGE SETUP screen as noted on
page 10. Discharge current, cutoff voltage, cutoff temperature and maximum capacity can be
adjusted within the discharge setup screen.
3. To begin discharge, with the DISCHARGE icon selected, press and hold the dial for 2 seconds. A
“DISCHARGE START” delay screen will appear verifying all settings at the bottom of the screen.
If these settings do not match that of your battery, press the ESC button to back out and make
the necessary adjustments. There are 2 different discharge methods that can be selected from
the delay screen. Below is a description for each. In most cases, the NORMAL discharge mode
will be used. The discharge will initiate once the timer expires:
A. NORMAL: Linear current is pulled from the battery in normal mode. The discharge process
will shut off every one minute to measure the discharge voltage to check the condition of
the battery.
IMPULSE CHARGE
7.5A
TIME
5A
0A
0.5 sec
Impulse current pulse
Normal charge
current setting
0A
TIME
–5A
4 ms
Normal charge current
Reflex pulse
REFLEX CHARGE