Duratrax Piranha User Manual

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.
• 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.
Input Voltage: 110V AC 60Hz, 11-15V DC
Compatible Cell Types:
nickel-cadmium (NiCd),
nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
Cell Counts: 1-8 cells
Peak Charge Rate: 0.1-5.0A, 3.0A maximum w/AC input
Charge Rate Increments: 0.1A (100mA)
Fast Charge Termination: zero delta peak
Trickle Charge Rate: 0, 100mA, 200mA selectable
Display Type: 2-line, 8 character LCD
Sound Cues: individual tones and pre-set melodies
Memory Pre-sets: store parameters for 10 battery packs
Output Connectors: spring loaded terminals
Case Size: 5 x 3.4 x 5.5" (127 x 86 x 140mm)
Weight: 2.94 lb (1335g)
• 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.
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.
IMPORTANT CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS
FOR NIMH BATTERIES
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIAL FEATURES
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!
™

Duratrax Piranha Specifications

General

Input Voltage	110-240V AC
Battery Type	NiMH, NiCd
Charge Rate	1A-5A
Number of Cells	1-15 NiCd/NiMH; 1-6 LiPo
Battery Compatibility	NiCd, NiMH, LiPo, LiFe
Safety Features	Reverse polarity protection

Summary

Special Features of the Piranha Digital Peak Charger

AC/DC Convenience

Offers flexibility for use at home or at the track.

Adjustable Peak Charge Current

Adjustable from 0.1 to 5.0 amps, 3.0A maximum with AC input.

Adjustable Peak Detection Sensitivity

Sensitivity adjustable from 3mV to 20mV for custom battery matching.

Memory Pre-sets

Stores parameters for 10 different battery packs.

Piranha Digital Peak Charger Specifications

Input Voltage and Cell Types

Supports 110V AC 60Hz or 11-15V DC input, for NiCd and NiMH cells.

Peak Charge Rate

Adjustable from 0.1A to 5.0A, with 3.0A max on AC input.

Fast Charge Termination

Utilizes zero delta peak detection for charge termination.

Important Safety Precautions

Battery Type Restrictions

Only charge NiCd and NiMH batteries. Other types may cause damage.

Power Source Warnings

Do not connect AC/DC simultaneously or use automotive chargers.

Charger Operation Safety

Do not leave unattended, disconnect if hot, avoid moisture/foreign objects.

Environmental and Usage Guidelines

Keep away from flammables, do not cover vents, adult supervision needed.

Important Care & Handling for NiMH Batteries

NiMH Overheating Prevention

Avoid overheating NiMH batteries; disconnect if hot.

NiMH Deep Cycling Warning

Avoid deep cycling NiMH batteries to prevent permanent damage.

Configuring Memory Settings

Configure Battery Type

Set battery type to NiCd or NiMH for proper charging identification.

Set Charge Capacity (mAh)

Set capacity for safety feature or partial charging up to 5000mAh.

Set Charge Current (Amps)

Choose charge current from 0.1A to 5.0A, or use Auto mode.

Set Delta Peak Sensitivity

Adjust sensitivity (3mV-20mV) for detecting charge termination.

Input Power Options

Using 12V DC Power Source

Connect clips to positive/negative terminals of a 6-amp capable DC source.

Using 110V AC Wall Outlet

Connect the AC plug directly to a standard 110V wall outlet.

Input Voltage Detection Warning

Charger detects voltage; 'Input V Error' displays for incorrect levels.

Simultaneous Input Warning

Never connect DC input leads simultaneously with AC input power.

Selecting a Memory Setting

Initiate Memory Selection

Briefly push the ENTER button to make the memory number flash.

Navigate Memory Options

Use (+) or (-) buttons to scroll through memory selections 0-9.

Confirm Memory Selection

Press ENTER to confirm the selected memory setting.

Peak Charging Operation

Select Memory and Review Parameters

Choose the correct memory setting and review parameters before charging.

Start Peak Charge

Hold ENTER for 3 seconds to begin charging.

Troubleshoot Peak Charge Errors

Addresses 'No Battery', 'Wrong Polarity', and 'Open Circuit' errors.

Trickle Charge and Audible Tones

Set Trickle Charge Rate

Select trickle charge current: 0mA, 100mA, or 200mA.

Select Melody Option

Choose from five different audible melodies or disable them.

Battery Connection

Using Spring-Loaded Terminals

Connect battery leads to spring terminals for convenience.

Polarity and Connection Warning

Ensure correct polarity and secure connections to prevent damage.

Connector Hookup Order

Connect the connector to the charger before connecting the battery.

Active Charge Data Display

Screen One: Fast Charge Data

Displays fast charge amps, capacity in mAh, and output voltage.

Screen Two: Charge Time Data

Shows total minutes for fast charge and input voltage to charger.

Final Charge Data and Troubleshooting

Final Charge Data Display

Shows completion, capacity, voltage, time, and peak voltage after charging.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Addresses display issues, unrecognized batteries, and termination errors.

Battery Voltage Low After Charge

Diagnoses low voltage issues related to charge rate, sensitivity, or connections.

Product Warranty Information

DuraTrax Product Warranty

One-year warranty for defects; covers repair or replacement.

Warranty Void Conditions

Warranty void if wires fray, components tampered with, or misuse occurs.

Service and Contact Information

Provides address, phone, and email for service inquiries.