B5
Instruction Manual
Intelligent Multi-Functional Charger
B5M070922KYT
warranty
We guarantee this product to be free of manufacturing or assembly defects for a
period of one year from time of purchase. This does not affect your statutory rights.
This warranty is not valid for any damage or subsequent damage arising as a result of
a misuse, modification or for damage or consequential damage arising as a result of
failure to observe the procedures outlined in this manual. Operation of this product
is carried out entirely at the risk of the operator. Please note that, whilst every effort
is made to ensure the accuracy of instructions and material included with this
product, mistakes can occur and neither SKYRC nor it’s distributors will be held liable
for any loss or damage arising from the use of this product or for any loss or damage
arising from omissions or inaccuraccies in the associated instructions or materials
included with this product.
We reserve the right to modify the design of this product, contents and manuals
without prior notification.
II
introduction
Thank you for purchasing the iMAX B5 Balance Charger. This product is a rapid charger
that has a high performance microprocessor and specialised operating software. The
balance charge function helps to keep your LiPo battery pack in optimum condition
and also control them safely. Please read this entire operating manual completely and
attentively before using this product.
specifications
Operating voltage range:11.0 - 18.0V
Circuit power:
max. 50W
Charge current range:
0.1 - 5.0A
Current drain for balancing Li-Po:
200mAh/cell
NiCd/NiMh battery cell count:1-14 cells
Li-ion/Polymer cell count:1-5 cells
Gel cell battery voltage:
2V, 6V, 12V
Weight:
280g(Net Weight)
Dimensions:130 x 80 x 23mm
Special features
Cell balancer and charger in 1
The iMAX B5 Balance Charger has an individual-cell-voltage balancer built in so it does
not need a separate balancer when charging Lipo batteries.
Maximum safety
Delta-peak sensitivity:
The automatic charge termination program works on the principle of the Delta-peak
voltage detection.
Capacity limit:
The charging capacity is calculated by a multiple of the charging current and time. If
the charging capacity exceeds the limit the process will be terminated automatically
when you set the maximum value.
Charge time limit:
You can also set a maximum charge time to prevent any possible over charge.
Input power monitor:
This function monitors the input voltage from your battery supply and will
automatically stop the charge program if your battery falls below the required level.
High-and high-performance circuit
The iMAX B5 Balance Charger has a maximum output power of 50w. As a result it can
charge up to 14 cells of Nicd/NiMh and 5 series of Li-poly batteries with maximum
current of 5.0A
controls
Input power cable
11-18V DC
Output charge lead
4mm banana plug
LCD Screen
Balance Lead sockets
16 Characters, 2 Lines
JST-XH ports
Alter values
See the status of individual cells in balance charge mode
Scroll through the Main Menu
Stop any charge processes
Resume or Start charge processes
Confirm an action
power supply
The iMAX B5 Balance Charger comes
with crocodile clips for direct DC battery
connection and 11-18V socket for mains
power adapter.
Warning and safety notes
These warnings and safety notes are particularly important. Please follow the
instructions for maximum safety; otherwise the charger and the battery can be
damaged or at worst it can cause a fire.
Never leave the charger unsupervised when it is connected to a power supply. If
any malfunction is observed immediately terminate the process and refer to the
operation manual.
Keep the unit away from dust, damp, rain, heat, direct sunshine and vibration. Do
not drop it.
The circuit of the unit is designed to be powered by an 11-18V power source .
This unit and the battery to charge or discharge should be set up on a heatresistant, noninflammable and non-conductive surface. Never place them on a car
seat, carpet or similar surface.
Never use this charger inside a car, van or any other motor vehicle.
Keep all inflammable volatile materials well away from the chargers operating area.
Never charge batteries fitted inside models, always remove them before charging.
Make sure you know the specifications of the battery to be charged or discharged
to ensure it meets the requirements of this charger. If the program is set up
incorrectly the battery and charger may be damaged.
To avoid short-circuits between the charge lead always connect the charge
cable to the charger first, then connect the battery. Reverse the sequence when
disconnecting.
Do not connect more than one battery pack to this charger at any one time.
Do not attempt to charge or discharge the following types of battery.
A battery pack which consists of different types of cell (including different
manufacturers)
A battery that is already fully charged or just slightly discharged.
Non-rechargeable batteries (Explosion hazard).
Batteries that require a different charge technique from NiCd, NiMh, LiPoly or Gel cell (Pb, Lead acid).
A faulty or damaged battery.
A battery fitted with an integral charge circuit or a protection circuit.
Batteries installed in a device or which are electrically linked to other
components.
Batteries that are not expressly stated by the manufacturer to be suitable
for the currents the charger delivers during the charge process.
main menu
Please bear in mind the following points before commencing charging:
Did you select the appropriate program suitable for the type of battery you
will be charging?
Did you set up adequate current for charging or discharging?
Have you checked the type of battery you are charging, i.e. Li-Po, NiMh,
NiCd, Gel?
Have you checked the battery voltage? Lithium battery packs can be wired
in parallel and in series, i.e. a 2 cell pack can be 3.7V (in parallel) or 7.4V (in
series).
Have you checked that all connections are firm and safe? Make sure there
are no intermittent contacts at any point in the circuit.
sELECTING A PROGRAM
By pressing the “Batt Type/Stop” button repeatedly the main menu will scroll
through the different charge program options and the user settings option.
To select an option from the main menu press the “Start/Enter” button.
LiPo CHARGE
Page 8
LiPo BALANCE CHG
Page 10
NIMH CHARGE
Page 12
USER SET
PROGRAM
Page 7
Pb CHARGE
Page 14
NICd CHARGE
Page 13
USEr set program option - main menu
As default this charger will be set to typical user settings when it is connected to
a 12V battery for the first time. This settings menu can be accessed by selecting
User Set Program from the main menu by pressing the “Start/Enter” button.
Scroll through the different options in the User Set Program menu by pressing
the “INC” or “DEC” buttons.
If you need to alter the settings for an option press the “Start/Enter” button to
make it blink then change the value with “DEC” or “INC” button. The value will
be stored by pressing “Start/Enter” button.
To exit from the User Set Program menu press the “Batt type/Stop” button.
USER SET
PROGRAM
Select USER SET PROGRAM from the main menu by
pressing the “Start/Enter” button
Start
Enter
NOT AVAILABLE ON THIS MODEL
TEMP CUT OFF
ON
20C
INC
DEC
SAFETY TIMER
ON
10min
INC
DEC
CAPACITY CUT OFF
ON
500mAh
INC
DEC
KEY BEEP
BUZZER
ON
ON
INC
DEC
INPUT POWER LOW
CUT OFF
10.7V
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
Batt type
Stop
BACK LIGHT
64%
The safety timer automatically begins running when the
charge process starts. This function is to prevent over
charge of the battery if it proves to be faulty, or if the
termination circuit does not detect a peak. The timer limit
should not be set lower than the time needed to allow a
full charge of the battery.
This function sets the maximum charge capacity that will
be supplied to the battery during charge. If the delta peak
voltage is not detected or the safety timer has not cut off
the charge process this function automatically stops the
charge process at the selected capacity value.
If the KEY BEEP function is switched on a beep will sound
every time a button is pressed to confirm your action.
If the BUZZER function is switched on a beep or melody
will sound to alert you of changes in the charge process,
including errors.
These functions can be switched On or Off independantly.
This function monitors the voltage of the input batttery
used to power this charger. If the voltage of the input
drops below the value you have set the charge process
will be terminated to protect the input battery.
Adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen on the charger.
Charge Programs
Please ensure you choose the correct charge process for the type of battery you
will be charging as each type of battery uses a different charge technique. These
techniques are built into the different programs set up on this charger.
Lithium polymer charge program
The following program is only suitable for charging Lithium-polymer batteries
with a nominal voltage of 3.7V/cell. Do not try to charge any other type of battery
using this program.
The charge current varies according to the battery capacity, and is usually 1C. The
final voltage of charge process is also very important; it should be 4.2V/cell for the
nominal voltage of 3.7V/cell. If the final voltage exceeds 4.2V/cell by more than 1%
during charge at any time the battery will explode. The charge current, nominal
voltage and cell count set on the charge program must always be correct for the
battery to be charged.
How to charge:
1. Select this charge process by choosing LiPo Charge from the main menu by
pressing the “Start/Enter” button. The display should look similar to this:
LiPo CHARGE
2.0A 11.1V(3S)
The value on the left of the second line denotes the charge current and the value
on the right of the second line denotes the voltage and cell count of the battery
pack to be charged.
2. If you need to alter the settings for the charge press the “Start/Enter” button to
make it blink then change the value with “DEC” or “INC” button. The value will be
stored by pressing “Start/Enter” button.
3. Once the settings are correct press hold the “Start/Enter” button to begin the
charge process. The display will now show similar to the following:
S:3SER R:3SER
CONFIRM(ENTER)
Top Line: S = Number of cells selected by you in the previous screen.
R = Number of cells detected by the charger.
4. If these values are different press the “Batt type/Stop” button to return to the
previous screen to adjust the settings. If both of these values are the same begin
charging by pressing the “Start/Enter” button.
5. Once you have started the charge process the following information will display:
Number of cells
Li3S
CHG
Charging current
1.2A
022:43
Charging time
Battery voltage
12.59V
00682
Charged capacity
6. The charger will emit a sound to inform you when the charge process is complete.
To stop the charge process early press the “Batt type/Stop” button.
LITHIUM POLYMER BALANCE CHARGE PROGRAM
The following program is only suitable for charging and balancing Lithium-polymer
batteries with a nominal voltage of 3.7V/cell. Do not try to charge any other type of
battery using this program.
This program is for balancing the voltage of Lithium-polymer battery cells while
charging. To charge a lithium-polymer battery using this program the battery needs to
have a balance lead.
This charge program is different to that of the Li-Po charge program. In this charge
process the voltage of each individual cell is monitored and the charging current fed
into each cell is controlled to balance the voltages.
How to charge:
1. Select this charge process by choosing LiPo BALANCE CHG from the main menu by
pressing the “Start/Enter” button. The display should look similar to this:
LiPo BALANCE CHG
2.0A
11.1V(3S)
The value on the left of the second line denotes the charge current and the value on the
right of the second line denotes the voltage and cell count of the battery pack to be
charged.
2. If you need to alter the settings for the charge press the “Start/Enter” button to make
it blink then change the value with “DEC” or “INC” button. The value will be stored by
pressing “Start/Enter” button.
WARNING:
Failure to connect as shown in this diagram will damage this charger.
This balance charging function is designed for JST-XH balance leads only. Do not try and fit any
other type of balance lead directly into this chargers balance ports.
(If you are not sure what type of lead you have then check with your local model shop before
connecting to the balance ports on this charger)
Adaptor leads are currently available to convert from JST-XH to JST-EHR. More balance
leads will be available in the near future to suit other manufacturers balance leads.
The main battery leads must be connected along with the balance lead connector as shown
before charging your battery.
WARNING:If using crock clips as shown in diagram 2 make sure they
are unable to touch together!
8
3. Once the settings are correct press hold the “Start/Enter” button to begin the
charge process. The display will now show similar to the following:
S:3SER R:3SER
CONFIRM(ENTER)
Top Line: S = Number of cells selected by you in the previous screen.
R = Number of cells detected by the charger.
4. If these values are different press the “Batt type/Stop” button to return to the
previous screen to adjust the settings. If both of these values are the same
begin charging by pressing the “Start/Enter” button.
5. Once you have started the charge process the following information will display:
Battery voltage
Number of cells Charging current
BL3S
CHG
1.2A
022:43
12.59V
00682
Charging time
Charged capacity
6. The charger will emit a sound to inform you when the charge process is complete. To
stop the charge process early press the “Batt type/Stop” button.
VIEWING THE VOLTAGE OF INDIVIDUAL CELLS
This charge process allows you to monitor the voltage of individual cells whilst
charging.
To use this function press the “INC” or “DEC” buttons during the charge process.
The display will look similar to this:
Cell 1 Voltage Cell 2 Voltage Cell 3 Voltage
4.17V
0.4A
4.17V
0.00V
Charge Current Cell 4 Voltage
4.19V
0.00V
Cell 5 Voltage
nimh charge program
The following program is only suitable for charging NiMh (Nickel-MetalHydride) batteries associated with R/C model applications. Do not try to
charge any other type of battery using this program.
This program simply charges the battery using the current you set, the charge
current ranges from 0.1 to 5A.
How to charge:
1. Select this charge process by choosing NiMh CHARGE from the main menu by
pressing the “Start/Enter” button. The display should look similar to this:
NiMH CHARGE
CURRENT
2.0V
2. If you need to alter the charge current press the “Start/Enter” button to make
it blink then change the value with “DEC” or “INC” button. The value will be
stored by pressing the “Start/Enter” button.
3. Once the settings are correct press hold the “Start/Enter” button to begin the
charge process. The display will now show similar to the following:
Battery type
NiMH
CHG
Charging current
2.0A
022:45
Charging time
Battery voltage
7.42V
00890
Charged capacity
4. The charger will emit a sound to inform you when the charge process is complete.
To stop the charge process early press the “Batt type/Stop” button.
10
nICD charge program
The following program is only suitable for charging NiCd (Nickel-Cadmium)
batteries associated with R/C model applications. Do not try to charge any other
type of battery using this program.
This program simply charges the battery using the current you set, the charge current
ranges from 0.1 to 5A.
How to charge:
1. Select this charge process by choosing NiCd CHARGE from the main menu by
pressing the “Start/Enter” button. The display should look similar to this:
NiCd CHARGE
CURRENT
2.0A
2. If you need to alter the charge current press the “Start/Enter” button to make it
blink then change the value with “DEC” or “INC” button. The value will be stored by
pressing the “Start/Enter” button.
3. Once the settings are correct press hold the “Start/Enter” button to begin the
charge process. The display will now show similar to the following:
Battery type
NiCd
CHG
Charging current
2.0A
022:45
Charging time
Battery voltage
7.42V
00890
Charged capacity
4. The charger will emit a sound to inform you when the charge process is complete.
To stop the charge process early press the “Batt type/Stop” button.
11
Gel cell (pb, lead acid) charge program
The following program is only suitable for charging Gel cell (Pb, Lead-Acid)
batteries with nominal voltage from 2V-12V. Do not try to charge any other type
of battery using this program.
Gel cell batteries are completely different to NiMh and NiCd batteries, they can only
deliver relatively low current compared to their capacity and similar restrictions apply
to the charge process. For this reason the charge current for gel cell batteries should
be 1/10 of the capacity. Gel cell batteries must not be charged rapidly, always follow
the instructions supplied by the manufacturer of the battery.
How to charge:
1. Select this charge process by choosing Pb CHARGE from the main menu by
pressing the “Start/Enter” button. The display should look similar to this:
Pb6s
4.0A
CHARGE
12.0V
The charge current is displayed in the lower left.
The nominal voltage is displyed in the lower right.
The charge current ranges from 0.1 to 5A. The voltage should match the voltage of
the battery to be charged.
2. If you need to alter the charge current or the voltage press the “Start/Enter” button
to make it blink then change the value with “DEC” or “INC” button. The value will be
stored by pressing the “Start/Enter” button.
3. Once the settings are correct press hold the “Start/Enter” button to begin the
charge process. The display will now show similar to the following:
Battery type
Charging current
Battery voltage
Pb6s
CHG
4.0A
022:45
Charging time
12.59V
00682
Charged capacity
4. The charger will emit a sound to inform you when the charge process is complete.
To stop the charge process early press the “Batt type/Stop” button.
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warnings and error messages
This charger incorporates a variety of functions for protection, these monitor the
system to verify processes and the state of the electronics.
In case of an error the screen will display the cause of error and emit and audiable
sound.
error messages
REVERSED
POLARITY
CONNECTION
BREAK
This will be displayed if the unit detects a break in
the circuit between the battery and output or if the
battery is voluntarily disconnected during the charge
process.
SHORT ERR
There was a short cicuit at OUTPUT.
IN VOLTAGE
ERR
The voltage of the input power supply is below the
minimum of 12V
VOL SELECT
ERR
13
The output is connected to a battery with incorrect
polarity.
The voltage of the lithium battery pack to be
charged has been selected incorrectly.
BREAKDOWN
The charger has malfunctioned for some reason.
Seek professional advice.
BATTERY CHECK
LOW VOLTAGE
The processor detects that the battery has
dropped below the minimum voltage during the
charge process.
BATTERY CHECK
OVER VOLTAGE
The processor detects that the battery has risen
above the maximum voltage during the charge
process.
BATTERY VOL
ERR
The voltage of one of the cells in a Li-poly battery
pack has risen above the maximum voltage.
B5
All specifications and figures are subject to change without notice.
Printed in China c 2007
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