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Features
New in v1.55 firmware: Press and hold Mode button at power on (see page 7) to...
Set current input limit to prevent charger from overstressing power supply.
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Turn Auto Start on/off (off is factory default). With Auto Start on, simply connect bat-
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tery to begin charging using selected preset.
New in v1.58 firmware: Multi4 now fully supports charging two parallel-connected
packs using two chargers. See page 11 for details.
Simple to operate: just connect the Cellpro Multi4 Charger between a power source and a
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pack, select a pack-specific preset and start charging. No jumpers, plugs or dials to set! Char-
ger automatically determines pack capacity and sets optimal current, then dynamically adjusts
charge rate as needed. Manual charge rates up to 4.0A allow for special situations.
Charges LiPo, Li-Ion, LiFePO4, A123©, LiMn, NiCd, NiMH and Lead Acid chemistries
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(adapters for many node connector types are available from FMA Direct). Supports both bal-
anced (depending on chemistry) and non-balanced charging (with certain safety limitations).
Charger holds up to 25 user configurable presets (User Presets), optimized for the different
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chemistries, providing charging strategies for most common RC charging needs. Charger also
holds up to 50 Library Presets. When using the free Charge Control Software, the number of
custom presets is virtually unlimited and will grow over time to meet industry needs. Replace
and customize presets to match your battery inventory.
Charges Lithium (2s to 4s balanced charge, 1s to 2s unbalanced charge) and A123 packs (2s
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to 4s balanced, 1s to 5s unbalanced) in any capacity up to 32Ah. During balanced charging,
each cell is charged independently, providing exceptional charging safety and elevating RC
packs to the safety level of cellphones. Typical packs of up to 4Ah capacity charge in 50 min-
utes or less using charger's 2C Auto Current Mode.
Latest technology provides the ultimate in safety—even charges packs having hidden physical
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damage without danger of fire. A pack will not charge if individual cell voltages don't equal
total pack voltage.
Cell balancing to 5mV and automatic overcharge protection assure longest pack life. Auto-
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matic temperature monitoring prevents pack overcharging at low ambient temperatures and
charger damage at high ambient temperatures.
Backlit display lets you select presets, replace default presets from a library and shows charg-
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ing data such as individual cell voltages, charge current, supply voltage, and amount of charge
(mAh) put into pack. Plus, the unique Fuel display shows percent capacity in a pack.
Charge Control Software (CCS, a free download) allows you to customize, save and load pre-
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sets (including charger data displays), and view real-time charging data and graphs. CCS also
manages firmware updates to keep your charger operating smoothly.
Precautions
Follow all instructions in this manual to assure safe operation.
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Always watch LiPo packs while charging. Never leave them unsupervised during charging.
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See additional warning sheets provided with this charger and FMA LiPo packs.
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Follow all guidelines for charging, discharging, handling and storing packs of all kinds.
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FMA, Inc.
3520 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite F-03-121
Urbana, MD 21704
Sales: (301) 798-2770
Cellpro Multi4 Charger
Model LC04S04A-MC, for use with LiPo, Li-Ion, A123,
NiCd, NiMH and Lead Acid battery packs
Automatic and manual charge rates at up to 4A with
overcharge protection and cell balancing (for packs with
node connectors)
Technical: (301) 829-5533
www.revolectrix.com
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Revolectrix LC04S04A-MC
Summary of Contents for Revolectrix LC04S04A-MC
- Page 1 Cellpro Multi4 Charger Model LC04S04A-MC, for use with LiPo, Li-Ion, A123, NiCd, NiMH and Lead Acid battery packs Automatic and manual charge rates at up to 4A with overcharge protection and cell balancing (for packs with node connectors) Features New in v1.55 firmware: Press and hold Mode button at power on (see page 7) to...
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Page 2: Connecting The Charger
Connecting the charger Connecting packs with a Cellpro connector Connect packs as shown in this diagram: Mode Optional connection to PC Button Data display From pack being charged: using FMA FUIM2 or FUIM3 cable Node Connector* (for balanced or unbalanced charging) Cellpro Multi4 Charger Power Connector*... - Page 3 Charging a pack As shipped from the factory, the Multi4 Charger is equipped with 20 User Presets optimized for common battery types, plus five Empty Presets. In many cases, you can simply select the User Preset that matches the pack you want to charge, connect the pack and start charging. User Presets cover LiPo, Li-Ion, A123, NiCd, NiMH and Lead Acid chemistries paired with commonly-used charging strategies.
- Page 4 Navigating the charger’s screens This diagram will help you understand how to move from screen to screen using the Mode but- ton. There are four basic things you can do with the Mode button, as indicated in the diagram: Press: press and release the Mode button. In most cases, the next screen is displayed. Press Press &...
- Page 5 Press Charging PACK REMOVED [various charge Elapsed [time] Disconnect Press pack from data screens] [chemistry] DONE charger Press Charge complete Note: Press ONLY if displayed Press & Hold CHECKING PACK chemistry is same as pack chemistry & Hold CHARGING Press STOP CHARGE? MODE for info.
- Page 6 Changing a User Preset’s charge rate You can change the charge rate for any User Preset. The new rate is retained (even after power is cycled) until you change it again (this behavior can be changed via Charge Control Software). 1.
- Page 7 Other User Preset operations To remove a User Preset: See “Clearing a User Preset.” Thereafter, that slot will show EMP- TY PRESET until you load a Library Preset into it. To load a Library Preset into any slot: See “Loading a Library Preset.” If the slot was empty, this will create a new User Preset;...
- Page 8 LiPo REVO Black Accurate Charge. Brand Specific LiPo preset similar in all regards to Preset 1 above, but with Fuel Table optimized for REVOLECTRIX “Black Label” batteries. If used with other brands, the Fuel Gauge readout may not be accurate and AUTO charge rate may be higher or lower than expected.
- Page 9 as sensitive to this problem. Nevertheless, charging A123’s using the balanced charge preset(s) is recommended whenever possible. This preset may also be used for LiFePO4 type batteries which have similar charge characteristics. When using LiFePO4 batteries, Fuel Gauge readout may not be accurate and AUTO charge rate may be higher or lower than expected.
- Page 10 Loading a Library Preset The Multi4 Charger is equipped with 50 Library Presets. A Library Preset (which you can’t change) is a starting point for creating your own User Preset (which you can change). FMA configures Library Presets with optimal charge characteristics for a variety of battery chemistries and charging strategies.
- Page 11 Charging two parallel-connected packs using two chargers Multi4 Charger firmware versions v1.58 and later allow for reliable charging when using two Multi4 Chargers to simultaneously charge parallel-connected battery packs. The Multi4 handles charging of two packs wired in parallel. An example would be two redun- dant flight packs used in gas powered airplanes.
- Page 12 Practical information about the Multi4 Charger General information Because FMA’s cell balancing technology monitors individual cells, you don’t need to cool a pack before charging it. Go from flying to charging to flying again without waiting. FMA cell-balancing chargers are the only ones that can charge a pack immediately after discharge without damaging the pack.
- Page 13 Storing packs For best results, LiPo and A123 packs should be stored at 50% of capacity. Use the charger’s LiPo All Brands Storage Charge preset to prepare LiPo packs for storage, and the A123 All Cpcty Storage Charge to prepare A123 packs for storage. CAUTION: Be sure the storage preset matches the battery chemistry.
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Page 14: Using The Charge Control Software
Using the Charge Control Software The free Cellpro Multi4 Charge Control Software (CCS) gives you unparalleled ability to cus- tomize your charger. Using the CCS, you can Show, hide, reorder, save, load and share User Presets. Modify up to 80 parameters that define how a User Preset operates. For each User Preset, customize the content and order of screens—including the welcome screen and charging data screens—that appear in the charger’s LCD display. - Page 15 Monitoring charging operations When you start a charge at the charger, the CCS opens a dialog that enables you to save the charge graph. To save the graph: Enter a name for the graph, navigate to the directory where you want ...
- Page 16 Updating charger firmware The Charge Control Software automatically checks for new firmware each time it is launched (assuming the computer is connected to the Internet). If new firmware is available, it is down- loaded to your computer. When you are ready to update the charger: 1.
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Page 17: Charger Specifications
Working with files To save a single preset: In the Presets tab, select the preset, then File > Save Preset n to File... To load a single preset: In the Presets tab, select the preset, then File > Open File to Preset n... -
Page 18: Estimating Performance Factors
Estimating performance factors If you don’t have a way to directly measure your propulsion system’s electrical parameters, the Cellpro Multi4 Charger enables you to estimate them using before- and after-flight measure- ments. 1. Collect data a. Charge pack. b. When charging is finished, record Fuel % and total pack voltage (i.e. sum of cell volt- ages). -
Page 19: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Operating errors appear as safety codes in the display. If possible, correct the error. If errors continue, contact FMA Customer Service. Code Cause Code Cause Increase Supply Bad EEPROM Write Supply <10 Volts Bypass Overvolt Supply >16 Volts PWM Ratio Too High Supply Unstable Bad FET Supply Voltage Prset not for 4S... - Page 20 Quick start for the Cellpro Multi4 Charger Assumes Auto Start is OFF. Refer to manual for complete operating details. A. Connect charger to a 12V to 16V (maximum), 5A power source. B. Welcome screen (Cellpro Multi4) times out, then charger displays Preset Menu. C.
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