DroneTech EV-PEAK C1-XR

The EV-PEAK C1-XR AC/DC Smart Balance Charger is a versatile and intelligent battery charger designed for various battery types, offering a comprehensive set of functions for charging, discharging, and maintenance. This instruction manual provides detailed information to help users quickly become familiar with its operations, safety guidelines, and technical specifications.

Function Description:

The C1-XR is primarily an AC/DC smart balance charger capable of handling a wide range of battery chemistries, including LiPo, LiFe, LiHV, Li-Ion, NiMH, NiCd, and Pb batteries. Its core function is to charge and discharge batteries safely and efficiently, with a strong emphasis on balancing individual cells in lithium battery packs to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Key operational modes include:

Balance Charge: This is the standard charging mode for lithium batteries, where the charger actively balances the voltage of each cell within the pack.
Storage: A specialized mode for lithium batteries that automatically charges or discharges the battery to a safe voltage level for long-term storage, protecting its useful life.
Discharge: Reduces the battery voltage to a defined level, useful for cleaning residual capacity or preparing batteries for storage.
Fast Charge: Allows for quicker charging of lithium batteries without balancing, suitable when time is critical.
Auto Mode (NiMH/NiCd): Automatically detects the connected NiMH/NiCd battery and controls the charging current within an affordable range, limiting the maximum current to the set value.
Man Mode (NiMH/NiCd): Charges NiMH/NiCd batteries with a user-defined current.
Cycle (NiMH/NiCd): Supports 1-5 charge > discharge or discharge > charge cycles to increase the remaining usable battery life.
Pb Charge/Discharge: Dedicated modes for charging and discharging lead-acid (Pb) batteries.

The charger features an internal independent lithium battery balancer, eliminating the need for an external balancer during balance charging. During discharge, it can also monitor and balance individual cells, terminating the process and indicating an error if any cell voltage is abnormal.

Important Technical Specifications:

AC Input Voltage: 100V - 240V, allowing for worldwide use without concerns about improper input voltage.
DC Input Voltage: 11 - 18V, enabling power from a 12V car battery for portability.
Charge Current: 0.1A - 10A
Charge Power: Max. 100W
Discharge Current: 0.1A - 2.0A
Discharge Power: Max. 5W
Balance Current: 400mA/cell
Battery Types/Cells:
- LiPo/Lilon/LiFe/LiHV: 1-6S
- NiMH/NiCd: 1-15 cells
- Pb: 2-24V
Charge Voltage (per cell):
- LiPo: 4.18-4.22V
- Lilon: 4.18-4.20V
- LiFe: 3.68-3.80V
- LIHV: 4.30-4.40V
- NiMH/NiCd: 0.1-1.1V
- Pb: 1.8V
Discharge Cut-off Voltage (per cell):
- LiPo: 3.0-3.3V
- Lilon: 2.9-3.2V
- LiFe: 2.6/2.9V
- LIHV: 3.1-3.4V
- NiMH/NiCd: 0.1-1.1V
- Pb: 1.8V
Display Type: LCD with blue backlight
Cooling System: 1 cooling fan
Dimensions: 130 x 115 x 61 mm
Weight: 380g
Safety Timer: 1-720min or turn off
Memory: 10 different charge/discharge profiles
External Ports: 1-6s Balance Socket - XH, Temperature probe socket, Battery Socket, DC input, AC Input, Micro USB for PC.

Usage Features:

The C1-XR is designed for intuitive operation with 4 function buttons: Mode/ESC, - Dec, + Inc., and Start/Enter. The LCD screen provides real-time data during operation, including battery capacity, voltage, charging time, and internal resistance. A unique feature is the ability to display the voltage curve, allowing for detailed monitoring of the charging status.

Memory Preset: Users can edit and save up to 10 different charge/discharge profiles for various batteries. Once saved, these parameters can be quickly recalled, simplifying repeated operations.
Terminal Voltage Control (TVC): Allows users to set specific charge/discharge voltages.
Capacity Limit: Automatically terminates the process if the charging capacity exceeds a user-defined maximum value, preventing overcharging.
Processing Time Limit: Users can set a maximum processing time to avoid potential defects or overcharging.
PC Control Software "Charge Master": A mini USB port allows connection to a PC. The free "Charge Master" software (downloadable from www.ev-peak.com) provides an unparalleled ability to operate the charger through a computer and update its firmware.
Battery Meter: This program allows users to check battery cell voltage, input voltage, output voltage, inner temperature, and external temperature.
I.R. Meter: Measures the inner resistance of the battery pack, providing a reference for battery quality.

Safety Notes and Warnings:

The manual emphasizes critical safety precautions to prevent damage to the charger, battery, or potential hazards like fire or explosion.

Unattended Operation: Never leave the charger unattended when connected to power.
Environmental Conditions: Keep the charger away from dust, damp, rain, heat, direct sunshine, and vibration.
Input Voltage: Adhere strictly to the allowable DC (11-18V) and AC (100-240V) input voltages.
Surface: Always place the charger and battery on a heat-resistant, non-inflammable, and non-conductive surface.
Battery Compatibility: Ensure the selected program matches the battery type and that charging/discharging currents are appropriate. Incorrect settings can cause damage, fire, or explosion.
Connection Sequence: Always connect the charge cable to the charger first, then to the battery. Reverse the sequence when disconnecting to avoid short-circuits.
Balance Port: For LiPo, Lilon, LiFe, and LiHV batteries in balance mode, ensure the balance wire is connected to the balance port with correct polarity.
Prohibited Battery Types: Never attempt to charge or discharge non-rechargeable, faulty, damaged, or internally protected batteries, or battery packs with mixed cell types.
Lithium Battery Handling: Pay close attention to charging instructions from the battery manufacturer. Avoid deep-discharging lithium batteries, as this can lead to rapid capacity loss or total failure. Frequent full discharging should be avoided.
Error Messages: The charger provides various error messages (e.g., REVERSE POLARITY, CONNECTION BREAK, SHORT ERROR, INPUT VOL ERR, BATTERY CHECK LOW/HIGH VOLTAGE, BATTERY VOLTAGE CELL LOW/HIGH VOL, BATTERY VOL ERR CELL CONNECT, TEMP OVER ERR) to alert users to potential issues and ensure safe operation.

Maintenance Features:

System Setting: Allows users to customize various parameters such as precharge time, wait time between cycles, NiMH/NiCd sensitivity, trickle charge function, temperature cut-off, safety timer, capacity cut-off, key beep/buzzer settings, backlight intensity, and battery end voltage for different chemistries.
Factory Reset: A function to reset all settings to their default values.
Firmware Updates: Possible via the "Charge Master" PC software.

The EV-PEAK C1-XR is a robust and intelligent charging solution, providing advanced features for battery management while prioritizing user safety through comprehensive warnings and error detection mechanisms.