Input Power - Radient RC Ascend User Manual

Options:
The Options menu contain various settings for your charger and one very useful feature for maintaining the health of your LiPo batteries, a LiPo Stor-
age charge mode. Here's a list of what you'll find under the Options menu
• LiPo Storage: This mode is very similar to the standard LiPo storage charge mode however you can only charge using the capacity mode to
determine the charge rate, regardless of the default setting for the normal LiPo charge mode. This is done for more accurate calculations
and to help get your battery in the optimal state for long term storage (max 6 months)
› LiPo storage mode will charge your batteries to approximately 3.85V per cell (approx 80% of full charge)
› You must start this storage charge cycle with a battery that is under 7.6V for the battery to charge properly since the Ascend is not
equipped with a high current discharger capable of reducing the voltage of a fully charged battery pack
• LiXX Charge Mode: Gives you the option of calculating the charge rate based on either capacity or current for LiXX based batteries. See the
Index of this manual for more details on charge rate calculation
• NiMH/Cd Charge Mode: Gives you the option of calculating the charge rate based on either capacity or current for NiXX based batteries. See
the Index of this manual for more details on charge rate calculation
• Default Values: Here you are able to select the delta peak voltage value for NiMH and NiCd batteries. This value is set to 8mV by defaul but it
is adjustable between 1-20mV to suit your needs.
• Audio Tones: This setting allows you to be able to turn the audio alarms for button presses or charge complete alerts on or off

Input Power:

Your charger is equipped to accept input power from either a 100-240V AC wall plug or from a 12-15V DC power supply. A common 12V power
supply used is a typical full size lead acid battery from an automobile. Do not connect both power inputs at the same time.
Reminder:
We want to remind you that just because the Ascend charger has advanced features it doesn't mean you have to use them. We set out with the
intent of making this charger easy to use and understand so that you are not kept in the dark or forced to decode cryptic words on a tiny screen.
We also wanted to improve on the safety of using a charger with any of today's most common battery types, this seems to be something that
many people have forgotten about. When technology changes, it is critical to update the users with the information and tools required to gain the
maximum enjoyment out of using the product. We feel we have raised the bar in this area and we hope you do to. If you still feel that you want to
stick to the basics, we happily encourage you to do so and learn at your own pace when the time is right. Never hesitate to ask questions and seek
advice where you find there is need.
Lets get charging:
Now that you are familiar with the charger, its features, and general precautions of what not to do and some of what to do, we should get started
charging your first battery. Just a reminder...set some time aside so you DON'T have to walk away and STOP THE CHARGER, MID
CHARGE since you should NEVER LEAVE THE CHARGER UNATTENDED WHILE CHARGING. Finally, confirm the battery
chemistry type, capacity, voltage and cell count of the battery you will charge and ensure all connector plugs are compatible.
1. Plug the charger into a properly grounded AC wall plug or DC power source.
2. Plug the battery into the charger and place the battery on/in a non-flammable surface/container and away from any flammable objects.
3. Read and follow the following charge instructions for your battery chemistry type (from battery manufacturer too).
4. Unplug the battery from the charger when the charge is complete.
5. Remove charger from wall plug when not in use
a. NOTE: Only use batteries with labels that are legible and clearly state the capacity, cell count (or voltage), and chemistry type as
either NiCd, NiMH, LiPo, Li-Ion, or LiFe (A123).
WARNING: The Radient Ascend charger has the capability of charging both LiFe/Li-Ion/LiPo (LiXX) and NiCd/NiMH (NiXX) batteries which require
significantly different charging modes. It is extremely important to choose the correct charging mode when charging your batteries. Choosing the
wrong charging mode can cause fire or explosion. Be sure to properly identify the battery chemistry, voltage and capacity of every pack before
attempting to charge it to ensure the correct settings. Some LiPo battery packs are designed to look like NiXX battery packs. One indication of a LiPo
battery is the presence of a balance plug either exiting the battery with small wires and small plug on the end or a small female plug embedded into
the end of the battery pack. If you are unsure of the battery type you are attempting to charge; please consult your local hobby dealer for assistance.
To help ensure the correct charging mode is used when charging your batteries, the charger is equipped with Safe Start technology. Safe Start is
a start sequence technology used to deter the use of the incorrect charging mode for batteries of different chemistry. When battery packs are con-
nected properly per chemistry the system is very robust; however if some batteries are improperly connected it is possible to charge LiPo batteries
in NiXX mode, exactly what you should NEVER do, so caution is always required when operating the charger. Safe Start is used by requiring the
simultaneous pressing of both the Safe Start button and the appropriate charge mode button for 3 seconds to begin the charge cycle.
SAFE START MENU SYSTEM AND SOFTWARE FEATURES CONTINUED...
THIS PART IS REALLY IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND IT...
Simple • Capable •
Safe
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