TrakPower VR-1 Dual Racing Charger - Manual (Page 20)

20
CELL CHECKER
When a lithium battery is fi rst connected to the charger, the
Cell Checker function will automatically open. This cell checker
measures and displays information such as the overall pack
voltage, gap voltage between highest and lowest cell and the
individual cell voltages. Pressing any of the buttons located on
the front panel will exit the Cell Checker screen. Using the built-in Cell Checker function is a quick
way to be sure the pack is in good condition and the voltages on each cell are acceptable.
STARTING CHARGE - LITHIUM
1. After all necessary programming has been completed (as listed on page 7, step 3) and the
battery is properly connected to the charger, charging may begin.
2. To start the charge process, rotate dial to locate the “CHARGE” icon and press to begin the
charge process. Three options are available for charging lithium batteries located on the Charge
Start screen. In most cases, the CC/CV method will be used. Below is a description of each:
A. CC/CV: Lithium based batteries are charged using the “Constant Current/Constant Voltage”
method (cc/cv). Constant current is delivered during the fi rst part of fast charge. When the
battery reaches a pre-set voltage, constant current is no longer delivered and a constant
voltage is applied to the battery. As the battery’s voltage becomes equalized to the voltage
on the charger’s output, charge current will steadily begin to drop. This is normal. When
current reaches an approximate value of 1/10C, the charge process will end completely.
B. FAST CHARGE: Fast charge is conducted in the same manner that the standard CC/CV
is processed with the exception that when the current reaches an approximate value of
1/5C, the charge process will end completely. The Fast Charge process is the faster of the
two charge methods.
C. STORAGE – The TrakPower VR-1 has a storage mode for
partially charging lithium batteries. This feature can be
found in the charge menu. Rotate the jog dial to locate the
Charge Menu icon. Press the jog dial as you would begin
charging a battery. In the charge start screen, rotate the
jog dial until “STORE” is displayed. Press the jog dial to
select store. Once this is selected, “STORE-VOLT” will appear under the Process option.
Use the dial to select the desired storage voltage. Press to confi rm.
Lithium-Polymer (LiPo) 3.7V (88%) to 4.0V (95%)
Lithium-Ferrite Phosphate (LiFe) 3.3V (91%) to 3.5V (97%)
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) 3.6V (88%) to 3.9V (95%)
LITHIUM BATTERY STORAGE VOLTAGE
3. Before charging begins, a confi rmation screen will appear verifying the number of cells
connected. If the number of cells connected is other than what is asked for confi rmation,
re-check all programming for accuracy. If programming is correct and the number of cells
connected is correct, it is recommended to ensure that the battery is in good condition. If the
number of cells connected matches that displayed on the screen, press the dial to confi rm or
simply allow the timer to expire.
Pressing the < or > keys while the battery is charging or has fi nished charging allows different
information to be viewed about the charge process.
A. Displayed information includes time to complete charge,
total capacity, voltage, current and battery temperature.
B. Displays charging information in graphical form. Graphs
may be changed to view by time, current, voltage or
temperature.