Duratrax Piranha Instruction Manual

Congratulations on your purchase of the Piranha Digital Peak Charger by DuraTrax! Designed for peak detection charging of nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-
metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries, the Piranha Digital Peak Charger offers programming flexibility normally found in expensive, upper-end
computerized chargers - at an amazingly affordable price! It's great for batteries containing from 1 to 8 cells, with fully adjustable fast charge current, peak
detection sensitivity and trickle charge rates, and the addition of a custom 2-line LCD for displaying a wide variety of battery and charge data. The Piranha
Digital Peak Charger is an unbeatable value in today's market, and another great choice from DuraTrax, The Leader in Awesome R/C!
Included with this instruction manual is a quick reference menu
flowchart which shows how the entire program structure for the
Piranha Digital Peak Charger is designed. Retain this flowchart
for reference when reading this manual and for future use.
SPECIAL FEATURES
• AC/DC convenience is great for use at home or at the track!
• Peak charges 1–8-cell NiCd or NiMH packs.
• Peak charge current adjustable from 0.1 to 5.0 amps (3.0A
maximum with AC input).
• Automatic charge mode feature automatically charges
batteries if specific charge settings are not pre-set.
• Adjustable peak detection sensitivity or "threshold" from 3mV –
20mV, to custom match the charger to specific batteries.
• Adjustable trickle charge rates 0, 100mA, 200mA.
• Two-line, 8 character LCD for easy programming and data
display.
• Displays battery voltage, peak detection mV, charge time,
current, and capacity.
• Displays errors for improper input voltage, poor battery
connections, and reverse polarity on the output.
• Store pre-set charge parameters in memory for multiple
batteries.
• Multiple sound cues and melodies.
• Microprocessor controlled intelligence and reliability.
• Solid-state reverse polarity and short circuit protection on input
and output.
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage:
Compatible Cell Types:
Cell Counts:
Peak Charge Rate:
Charge Rate Increments: 0.1A (100mA)
Fast Charge Termination: zero delta peak
Trickle Charge Rate:
Display Type:
Sound Cues:
Memory Pre-sets:
Output Connectors:
Case Size:
Weight:
110V AC 60Hz, 11-15V DC
nickel-cadmium (NiCd),
nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
1-8 cells
0.1-5.0A, 3.0A maximum w/AC input
0, 100mA, 200mA selectable
2-line, 8 character LCD
individual tones and pre-set melodies
store parameters for 10 battery packs
spring loaded terminals
5 x 3.4 x 5.5" (127 x 86 x 140mm)
2.94 lb (1335g)
™
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
• Do not charge battery types other than nickel-cadmium (NiCd)
or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries.
Damage may occur from other types of batteries.
• Do not connect AC and DC power sources to the charger
simultaneously.
• Do not attempt to charge batteries at excessive fast charge
currents.
• Do not use automotive type battery chargers to power the
charger.
• Do not leave the charger unattended while charging.
Disconnect the battery and remove input power from
charger immediately if the charger becomes hot. Allow the
charger or battery to cool down before reconnecting.
• Do not allow water, moisture or foreign objects into the
charger.
• Do not place the battery or charger on or near a flammable
object while in use. Keep away from carpets, cluttered
workbenches, etc.
• Do not cover the air intake holes on the charger as this could
cause the charger to overheat.
• Always disconnect charger from power source when not
in use.
• Adult supervision required when used by a child.
• Do not attempt to charge A, AA, AAA or smaller batteries
above 1A rate.
• Do not connect the battery to the supplied connector until it
has been "locked' into the charger.
The Piranha Digital Peak Charger is capable of
charging both nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-
metal hydride (NiMH) battery chemistries, as
identified by this symbol. Look exclusively for
battery chargers with this symbol to handle both
NiCd and NiMH charging needs.
IMPORTANT CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS
While similar in appearance to sub-C NiCd batteries and having
the same 1.2V rating per cell, NiMH cells contain a different
chemical makeup which requires different care and handling.
• Do not to allow NiMH batteries to overheat at any time.
Heat can adversely affect the performance of NiMH batteries.
If overheating is observed, disconnect the battery from the
charger immediately and allow to cool!
• Do not deep cycle NiMH batteries as permanent damage
could result.
FOR NIMH BATTERIES