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INSTRUCTIONS
• Each output has a built-in 3 hour safety timer INTRODUCTION
• Tri-color LED and audible indicators for each output indicates charge status, as well as for improper input Thank you for purchasing the PolyCharge4 lithium-polymer voltage, output reverse polarity, open-circuit, and more charger! Capable of charging 4 separate lithium-polymer packs • Built-in fan keeps charger cool for efficient operation and simultaneously, the PolyCharge4 charger is specially designed for today’s electric flight modeler. Adjustable capacities from 300 • Rugged metal case for durability.
to 3000mAh, tri-color LED indicators and ease of use make this • Reverse polarity and current overload protection on input a must-have item! Audio sound cues indicate charge completion and errors, while each individual port’s status can be read at a glance by the LED. Do NOT attempt to use this charger with
NiCd, NiMH or Lithium-Ion batteries as they are not
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
compatible! Please read this entire manual to learn about
specific functions and features as well as safety
information. Damage resulting from misuse or modification
• Charge ONLY lithium-polymer rechargeable batteries. Do
of this charger will void your warranty.
not attempt to charge other types of rechargeablebatteries—including different types of lithium batteries—aspermanent damage to the battery, charger and surrounding SPECIFICATIONS
• NEVER leave the charger unattended while in use!!
Input Voltage: 12.0 - 15.0V DC
• IMMEDIATELY disconnect the battery from the charger
Number of Outputs: Four
if it begins to swell, emits smoke, or is warm to the
Specifications for EACH Output:
touch! Place warm or hot batteries in a fire-safe location,
Battery Types: Lithium-Polymer Only
such as a container made of metal (such as an empty Number Cells: 1 to 4 Cells (3.7-14.8V)
ammunition box) or ceramic. Always monitor the area with Charge Control: Pushbutton Start
a smoke or fire alarm, and have an “ABC type” fire Fast Charge Termination: Constant Current/
extinguisher available at all times.
• DO NOT set the battery capacity dial to a value greater than
Max. Cell Capacity: 300mAh to 3000mAh
the battery’s 1C value as permanent damage could result.
Charge Current: 300mA to 3.0A
• DO NOT allow LiPo cells to overheat at any time! Cells
Safety Timer: 3 Hours Maximum Charge Time
which reach greater than 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60°C) Output Connectors: Banana Jacks
can and USUALLY WILL become damaged physically and Status Indicators: Tri-Colored LED and
could possibly catch FIRE!! Always inspect a battery which
has previously overheated for potential damage, and do not Input Connectors: Alligator Clips
re-use if you suspect it has been damaged in any way.
Fuse: 20A Replaceable Spade Fuse
• ALWAYS provide adequate ventilation around Li-Po batteries
during charge, discharge, while in use, and during storage. If Case Size: 8.19"x1.50"x4.96" (208x38x126mm)
a battery becomes overheated, remove it from the charger Weight: 21.8 oz. (617g)
IMMEDIATELY and place it in a fire-proof location until it cools.
• Use a charge lead that is directly compatible with the “charge” connector on the Li-Po battery. It is strongly SPECIAL FEATURES
recommended to use pre-assembled charge leads which canbe found at most hobby retailers. Great Planes’ 2-Pin/Banana • Four independent outputs—like having four chargers in one! Plug Charge Adapter (GPMM3105) is directly compatible • Charge up to four 4-cell LiPo packs simultaneously with ElectriFly Li-Po battery charge leads, having banana • Input voltage boost circuitry to handle 3 and 4-cell packs plugs on the opposite end for connection to the charger.
• Do not use automotive type chargers to power charger.
• Set the battery capacity on each output with an adjustment • Do not allow water, moisture or foreign objects to enter • Charge current sets automatically, based on battery mAh • Do not block the air intake holes or fan, which could cause • Automatically detects the number of cells on each output— • Do not attempt to charge packs containing more than 4 • Always disconnect the charger from the input power source • Uses the constant-current/constant-voltage charge IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS FOR
CONTROLS AND BATTERY CONNECTIONS
HANDLING LITHIUM-POLYMER BATTERIES
WARNING!! Never attempt to care for lithium-polymer
(Li-Po) cells in the same way as other battery types!! It is
very important to have a good understanding of the operating
characteristics of Li-Po batteries—especially their exact rated
voltage and maximum acceptable charge current. Always
read the specifications printed on the label of your Li-Po
battery prior to use. Great Planes will not be held responsible
for any and all incidental damages and bodily harm that may
result from improper use of lithium-polymer batteries with this
charger. Failure to follow the care and handling instructions
can quickly result in severe, permanent damage to the
batteries and its surroundings and even start a FIRE!
INPUT POWER LEAD: The input power lead is located on
top-rear of the charger.
Do not mistaken lithium-polymer cells for other lithium-based cell FOUR OUTPUTS: The PolyCharge4 is equipped with four
types (such as lithium-metal, lithium-phosphate, etc.), as other separate outputs, each being totally independent of the others.
lithium hybrids have different care and handling characteristics This means that each output should be handled as one single as well. All “lithium” based batteries types are NOT the same.
charger. Each output is rated to deliver a maximum of 30 watts ofpower. It is possible that for batteries with high cell counts (3 or 4 It is strongly recommended to use packs which have been cells) and high capacity ratings (over 2.0 amps), the maximum assembled with a built-in charge protection circuit. Such circuits current actually delivered to the battery might be limited due to help to regulate the maximum voltage per cell in the pack to the maximum power rating of the output. This is normal.
ensure that that they do not accidentally become overcharged.
The PolyCharge4 charger is designed to detect the proper There is never a need to be concerned with the setup of one voltages for Li-Po batteries, but it is always a good idea to have output in respect to another output. For simplicity, each output is a second level of protection on the batteries as well.
color coded.The controls and jacks for output 1 are colored in red,output 2 is is black, output 3 is in yellow, and output 4 is in blue.
IMMEDIATELY remove a Li-Po battery from a model if it is
Each output consists of (a) one set of banana jacks, (b) a dial involved in a crash in any way. Carefully inspect the battery for by which to set the rated capacity of the battery to be
even the smallest of dents, cracks, splits, punctures or charged, (c) a pushbutton, and (d) a tri-colored LED.
damage to the wiring and connectors. CAUTION! Cells maybe hot! DO NOT allow the battery’s internal electrolyte to get FUSE: The over-current protection fuse is located on the left side
in the eyes or on skin - wash affected areas immediately if of the charger. This charger requires an “ATO” fuse, sometimes they come in contact with the electrolyte. A Li-Po battery referred to an “auto” or “spade” type fuse. The rating of the fuse is might not appear to be damaged after a crash, but it could 20A (amps) at 32V (volts). Do NOT replace with a fuse of a higher smolder over a short amount of time and suddenly catch fire current rating than 20A, as it could result in damage to the charger unexpectedly. If in doubt, place the battery in a fire-proof if an over-current condition occurs! Using a fuse with a rating of less than 20A might cause the fuse to blow too easily.
FAN: The internal fan is located on the upper-left side of the face
INPUT POWER
of the charger. The fan helps to keep all internal componentscool during operation. This will help extend the service life of thecharger, as well as allow the charger to function more accurately The PolyCharge4 charger only accepts 12 to 15V DC input and efficiently. The fan will turn on anytime a load is present on power. The charger will not function properly if the input voltage the charger’s output. Do not block the cooling fan and other
exceeds this range. Input power could come from a dedicated vent holes as it could cause an overheating condition to
AC/DC power supply or automotive type battery. Due to the occur, possibly causing permanent damage to the charger!
larger potential currents when charging high capacity packs, a12V hobby field battery may not be suitable for all-day usage.
An AC/DC power supply or 12V automotive battery may be CHARGING A BATTERY PACK
needed in these applications. The power supply chosen must 1. CONNECTING INPUT POWER: Connect the input power be able to supply 14A at 12V DC in order to achieve the lead to 12V DC input power. Connect the red, positive (+) maximum potential from the charger. Applying less than 12V lead to the power source’s positive (+) terminal, and the may result in errors indicated by audio alerts as well as flashing black, negative (–) lead to the power source’s negative (–) orange LEDs. It is best to use a clean DC source which has a terminal. Note that there is no ON/OFF power control filtered output to reduce noise, and high quality connections.
switch. Once connected, the charger is always “on”. Alwaysdisconnect the charger from input power when not in use.
2. CHOOSE AN OUTPUT: Determine which one of the four WARNING! Never accidentally short together the positive
outputs which will be used to charge a battery. It is not (+) and negative (–) input connections when connected to
necessary to use the outputs in any specific order. One battery 12V DC power. Failure to do so could result in permanent
only can be charged on any output, two batteries can be damage to the power source and the charger.
charged simultaneously on any two outputs, four batteriessimultaneously, etc.
3. CONNECTING CHARGE ADAPTER: it will be necessary to use In such case, place the battery in a fireproof location
a separate adapter lead to connect the battery to the output.
immediately such as a container made of ceramic or metal
A. It’s highly recommended to use a pre-assembled charge
(like an empty ammunition box), and let it rest for at least
lead to avoid possible erroneous operation which could 30 minutes. Always provide adequate ventilation around
result from using poor quality hand-made leads. Great Li-Po batteries while being charged. Always monitor the
Planes’ “2 Pin / Banana Plug Charge Adapter” charging area with a smoke or fire alarm, and have an
(GPMM3105, available separately) comes pre-assembled “ABC type” fire extinguisher available at all times.
with banana plugs on one end, with a 2-pin connector on NEVER leave the battery unattended while being charged!!
the opposite end. This adapter is directly compatible withmany different commonly available Li-Po battery packs,including all ElectriFly LiPo batteries.
A. Press the black START/STOP button for the respective B. If charging an ElectriFly brand Li-Po battery, be sure
that only the battery’s lead marked “charge” is B. The output’s LED should turn on solid green to indicate connected to the charger. Do NOT attempt to charge the that the battery is properly connected. Here the charger battery through the lead marked “discharge”.
will also be checking the condition of the battery before it C. ALWAYS connect the charge lead to the charger
actually starts to apply a charge. Very little current will flow FIRST. Securely connect the charge lead’s red, positive
at this time. This precheck could last for up to 5 minutes.
(+) connector to the output’s red jack, and the chargelead’s black, negative (–) lead to the output’s black jack.
C. If the charger has determined that the battery is approved D. Make sure not to connect a lead to the jacks of two
to accept a charge, the LED will begin to flash green to different outputs. For example, do not connect the indicate that the normal charge process has begun. Here, adapter lead’s black plug to the black jack of output 1 the green LED will flash one time for each number of cells and the red plug to the red jack of output 2, as the that are wired in series in the pack. For example, two green charger will not recognize that the battery is connected.
flashes means the charger identified two cells wired inseries in the pack (a 7.4V pack), four flashes identifies four 4. SET THE BATTERY CAPACITY RATING ON THE cells (14.8V pack), etc. IMPORTANT: if the number of
flashes DOES NOT match the number of cells in the
A. Look at the label on the Li-Po battery to find it’s
battery pack, re-press the START/STOP button or
rated capacity (listed as “mAh”). If the “mAh” rating is not disconnect the battery to stop the charge process!
found on the battery itself, do not guess! Refer to your Recheck the number of cells in the pack, and try to start battery’s instruction sheet or your supplier for details charge again. If the charger continuously mis-identifies the number of cells in the pack do not attempt to charge the B. Adjust the dial for the respective output to match the
battery and refer to the Troubleshooting Guide in the rear of capacity rating of the battery. For example, if a battery rated at “1500mAh” is connected to output “3” (in yellow), D. When the above pre-check is finished and the battery is rotate the dial for output “3” so that the triangular indicator ready to accept charge, the PolyCharge4 will points to the “1500” mark. Similarly, if a battery’s capacity automatically begin the normal charge process. The rating is “700mAh”, set the dial to the “700” mark, etc. For amount of current being delivered to the battery at this values which do not have an actual numerical mark time will gradually increase until it reaches the pre- around the dial, it is o.k. to make a close estimate of the calculated charge current level (based on the “mAh” necessary location to rotate the dial. It is o.k. to set the setting on the adjustment dial). It is possible that the
dial to a value which is LOWER than the mAh rating of the charger might NOT deliver the maximum charge
battery. It is highly recommended NOT to set the dial
current if the condition of the battery will not allow it.
to a value which is GREATER than the mAh rating of
This is a built-in safety feature designed to prevent from the battery! Failure to follow this warning could result
damaging the battery pack and causing an unsafe in the battery becoming dangerously overcharged!
condition. If the battery is NOT in suitable condition toaccept a charge, an error indication will show on the 5. CONNECT BATTERY: Securely connect the battery to the LED (refer to the Error Indications section near the end charge lead on the charger’s output. Pay special attention to of this manual for further details).
ensure that the polarities on the battery’s connector match thepolarities on the charge adapter. The battery’s red, positive (+) E. When the battery pack has reached full charge at 4.2V lead connects to the output’s red jack, and the battery’s black, per cell, the LED color will change to red and the audible negative (–) lead connects to the output’s black jack.
tone will sound. Note that the red LED will still flash the WARNING! Never allow a battery’s positive and negative
same number of times equal to the number of cells in leads to accidentally touch each other. This will result in
the pack. This can assist in determining if the charger a short circuit and cause permanent damage to your
properly identified the number of cells in the pack at the battery and or charger and void all warranties.
end of charge. The battery can now be disconnected,and is ready for use.
F. Repeat this process for each output. All four outputs WARNING! It is not normal for Li-Po batteries to become
warm during charge. Disconnect batteries from the
G. If for some reason the charger does not detect that the charger IMMEDIATELY if they become warm, hot or begin
battery has reached full charge after 3 hours, the output to swell at any time! Cells which reach 140 degrees
will automatically shut down as a safety precaution. The Fahrenheit (60°C) can and USUALLY WILL become
orange LED will flash 4 times to indicate this error damaged physically and could possibly catch FIRE!!
condition has occurred. This 3 hour safety feature existsfor all four outputs.
LED Legend
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM: Charger doesn’t recognize battery.
CAUSES AND CURES:
1. Battery may be connected backwards. Connect battery 2) Faulty connection or wiring. Correct or replace charge lead.
3) Defective cell in the pack. Replace battery pack or cell.
4) Insufficient input power to charger.
ABORTING A CHARGE
PROBLEM: Charger does not automatically terminate charge
If for any reason it is desired to stop the charge process (if the CAUSE AND CURE: Capacity setting too low for respective
pack is too warm, incorrect cell detection or charger becoming port and battery. Reset capacity dial to better match the excessively hot, etc.), re-press the START/STOP button. The charger will sound a single beep, and the charge process willstop (LED will turn off).
PROBLEM: Battery voltage low after charge (below 4.2V per
cell).
CAUSES AND CURES:
1) Battery in poor condition. Replace battery.
ERROR INDICATIONS
2) Automatic safety timer activated before battery reached full charge. Reset capacity dial to better match the For each output, all error alarms are indicated by flashing the orange LED accompanied by an audio tone. PolyCharge4 can 3) Power supply voltage too low. Adjust DC input voltage to identify 6 different possible errors during charge. Each error type is identified by a certain number of flashes of the orange LED 4) Battery connected in reverse. Connect battery and audible tones. The list of recognizable errors is as follows: 5) Defective battery needs to be replaced.
Orange LED Flashes
PROBLEM: LEDs and controls do not function properly.
CAUSE AND CURE: Battery possibly connected backwards.
Connect battery leads properly, or contact Hobby Services PROBLEM: LEDs do not work when unit is connected.
CAUSES AND CURES:
1) Check power supply for improper power.
If an error occurs, remove the battery from the respective 2) Check input connections for proper contact.
output and re-press the START/STOP button to shut off thealarm. At this point the output will be reset back to idle mode 1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (USA and Canada Only)
with the LED flashing green. Refer to the TroubleshootingGuide for further information.
Great Planes warrants this product to be free from defects in materials andworkmanship for a period of one (1) years from the date of purchase. During thatperiod, Great Planes will, at its option, repair or replace without service chargeany product deemed defective due to those causes. You will be required to SOLID-STATE CURRENT OVERLOAD AND
provide proof of purchase (invoice or receipt). This warranty does not coverdamage caused by abuse, misuse, alteration or accident. If there is damage REVERSE POLARITY PROTECTION
stemming from these causes within the stated warranty period, Great Planeswill, at its option, repair or replace it for a service charge not greater than 50% The PolyCharge4 charger uses solid-state circuitry to protect of its then current retail list price. Be sure to include your daytime telephone against potential damage which could be caused by a short- number in case we need to contact you about your repair. This warranty gives circuit or reverse polarity conditions.
you specific rights. You may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
For service on your Great Planes product, warranty or non-warranty, send it CURRENT OVERLOAD: if for some reason a short circuit condition exists which will try to draw more than 20 amps through the charger’s input lead, the built-in fuse should blow.
To check the fuse, make sure the charger is disconnected from the input power source BEFORE attempting to remove the fuse. Inspect the fuse and replace if necessary with *For warranty and service information if purchased outside the USA or another fuse of the same rating (20A, 32V).
Canada, see the additional warranty information insert (if applicable) or askyour retailer for more information.
REVERSE INPUT POLARITY: if power is connected inreverse to the charger’s input lead the charger will be protected from damage. Re-check the input connections and the power source to ensure the proper power and polaritiesare observed.

Source: http://www.hobbymania.cl/pdf/m48022.pdf