Hobbico Life Source Instruction Manual page 2

4
CHARGING THE BATTERY
A LiFe compatible charger which can apply the "constant
current/constant voltage" charge technique (cc/cv), such
as the LifeSource AC/DC Charger (HCAM6375), ElectriFly™
Triton™ EQ (GPMM3155), and ElectriFly Triton2™ EQ
(GPMM3156), is required for charging LiFe batteries. All
of these chargers have built-in cell balancers.
1. Always observe the correct polarity when connecting
the battery to the charger and refer to the instructions that
came with the charger. For LifeSource batteries having a
balancing connector, attach this lead to the balancing port
on the charger.
2. Set the charger's output voltage to match the
nominal rated voltage of the entire LiFe battery
pack. NEVER set the charger to a voltage which
is greater than the nominal voltage rating of the LiFe pack
or allow LiFe cells to charge to greater than 3.6V per cell at
any time!! Overcharging usually will result in a permanent,
catastrophic failure in the LiFe cells. This can result in
permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings,
and cause personal injury!
3. Set the charger's output current to NO GREATER than
a "3C" rating of the battery. Using a "1C" rate will help to
maximize the lifespan of the LiFe battery. See the section
on ratings on page 1 for details.
4. Start the charge process.
5
IMPORTANT WARNINGS!
Be sure to READ and FOLLOW these important
warning statements regarding the charging of
LiFe batteries:
NEVER charge LiFe batteries with a charger not specifi cally
compatible with LiFe batteries! ONLY use a charger which
can apply the "constant current / constant voltage" (cc/cv)
charge technique with LiFe voltage settings. Although a
LiPo charger also applies this charge technique, the charger
MUST be LiFe compatible. DO NOT attempt to charge your
LiFe battery on a LiPo-only charger.
Balancing Connector
* Some LifeSource packs
offer different connector
arrangements.
ALWAYS charge LiFe batteries in an area with adequate
ventilation.
NEVER charge LiFe batteries at currents greater than
the "3C" rating of the battery ("C" equals the rated capacity
of the battery).
NEVER allow the temperature of LiFe batteries to exceed
140°F [60°C] at any time. Overheating will cause permanent
damage. Do not reuse your LiFe battery if you suspect it has
been damaged in any way.
ALWAYS discontinue charging a LiFe immediately if at
any time you witness smoke or see the battery starting to
swell. This may cause the battery to rupture and/or leak,
and the reaction with air may cause the chemicals to ignite,
resulting in fi re. Disconnect the battery and leave it in a safe,
fi reproof location (ideally outside).
NEVER continue to charge LiFe batteries if the charger
fails to recognize full charge. Overheating or swelling of the
LiFe cells is an indication that a problem exists. The batteries
should be disconnected from the charger immediately and
placed in a fi reproof location!!
6
CONNECTING AND USING THE BATTERY
A voltage regulator might be required to step the LiFe
battery voltage down to an acceptable level when used
with some receivers. Check with your radio manufacturer
for details. Some servos have a maximum input voltage of
4.8V or 6.0V.
Three discharge leads are provided on some LifeSource
packs. Two are equipped with Universal Rx connectors and
the other is a Deans® Ultra Plug®. Dual Universal Rx plugs
are provided for models having redundant radio systems.
The Deans Ultra Plug is provided for applications drawing
more than 10A. No more than 5A should be carried through
either Universal Rx plug.
The voltage of each LiFe cell in the battery pack should
not be drawn below 2.5V. Drawing the voltage below this
can cause permanent damage to the pack or make the
battery non-recognizable by the charger. A 2-cell LiFe battery
with a nominal voltage of 6.6V should not be discharged
below 5.0V.
2
Universal Rx Plug
Deans® Ultra Plug®