Charging Batteries - Hobby Services Accu-Cycle Pro Serie Manuel D'instructions

Data in mAh
The Accu-Cycle will show your battery's actual discharge capacity in milliamp-hours. You can compare this measured data to
your battery's mAh rating and determine its ability to hold a charge. If your battery provides less than 70% of its rated capacity
after a complete cycle, a problem may exist with that battery. To determine the 70% capacity mark for your battery, simply
multiply its rated capacity (see battery label) by 0.7. A battery with poor capacity (under 70%) will not provide adequate power
for your application. You may wish to cycle your battery again, as occasionally an old or unused battery may need multiple
cycles to "come to life." However, if your battery again fails to exceed the 70% mark, replacement is recommended.
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) vs. Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
The Accu-Cycle can be used to cycle NiCd or NiMH batteries. These two battery types are quite different in chemical
composition. NiMH batteries cannot handle the high rate charges or discharges that many NiCd batteries can. Many modelers
use high rate, peak detection or time-controlled chargers to charge NiCd batteries. Such chargers are NOT recommended for
NiMH batteries (unless otherwise specified in the charger's instructions).
NiMH batteries also have approximately twice the self discharge rate of NiCd batteries when in an unused state. When your
radio is off, a 1200mAh NiMH battery can discharge itself nearly twice as quickly as a NiCd battery. Therefore, you must
charge your NiMH batteries the night before each use.
Discharging Batteries
Note: Some transmitters will not allow you to discharge their batteries while they are connected to the transmitter. If
connected to the Accu-Cycle, you will not be able to "lock" these transmitters into the discharge mode. Remove the battery
from the transmitter and connect it directly to the Accu-Cycle (make sure to correctly match polarities).
1. Connect the Accu-Cycle's AC connector to an AC wall socket.
2. Turn the power switch to the "ON" position.
3. Select charge leads that match your transmitter and receiver batteries.
4. Place the DISCHARGE RATE selector in the appropriate position. The recommended setting for NiCd or NiMH batteries
rated under 1000mAh is 250mA. The 500mA selection may be used for batteries of 1000mAh or higher capacity. Note:
This switch controls discharge rate for transmitters AND receivers simultaneously.
5. Refer to your battery's instructions, or simply divide your battery's rated voltage (should be printed on label) by 1.2, to
determine the number of cells in your pack.
6. Place the TX CELL SELECTOR in the appropriate position, either 6, 7, or 8 cells. Incorrect setting of this switch can
cause erroneous discharge readings, or may damage your batteries.
7. Connect one end of the transmitter charge lead to the TX (or directly to the battery), and the banana plugs on the opposite
end to the Accu-Cycle's TX jacks. Be sure to match polarities, red (+) to red, black (-) to black.
8. Press the TX DISCHARGE button. The corresponding red LED should illuminate.
9. For the receiver pack or individual cell you wish to discharge, place the RX CELL SELECTOR switch in the 1, 4 or 5 cell
position. Incorrect setting of this switch can cause erroneous discharge readings, or may damage your batteries.
10. Connect one end of the receiver charge lead to the RX battery (or individual cell), and the banana plugs on the opposite
end to the Accu-Cycle's RX jacks. Be sure to match polarities, red (+) to red, black () to black. WARNING! When the RX
CELL SELECTOR is in the 1 cell position, the RX output jacks are not protected against improper connection. Do not
connect the battery in reverse or short the charge leads. If the LEDs do not respond according to your commands, an
improper connection is the likely problem and should be corrected immediately. Failing to obey this warning may damage
your Accu-Cycle and your battery.
11. Place the TX and RX CHARGE RATE selectors in the appropriate positions (see Step 4 in "Charging Batteries").
12. Press the RX DISCHARGE button. The corresponding red LED should illuminate, indicating discharge is in progress.
The Accu-Cycle will discharge your battery down to 1.05 volts per cell, at which time it will automatically switch back to the
charge mode. To properly evaluate information provided on the displays, see "Evaluating Display Data."

Charging Batteries

Generally, it is a good idea to discharge your batteries before charging, on the Accu-Cycle (see "Discharging Batteries"). If
you have discharged your batteries and they are still connected in the charge mode, you can skip steps 1 through 8.
Otherwise, please read each step thoroughly.
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