Thank you for purchasing the DuraTrax
®
Piranha
™
DC Peak
Charger. Capable of charging nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and
nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, the DuraTrax Piranha DC
Peak Charger is specifically designed for charging 6 or 7-cell
sub-C battery packs at approximately 4 amps maximum from a
12 volt DC power source. Piranha’s highly accurate peak detection
circuitry ensures that batteries reach full charge every time. This
is a major advantage over traditional “wind-up” chargers, taking
all of the guess-work out of battery charging at the track. The
simple push of a button is all the control that is needed, and two
status LEDs aid in monitoring charge progress.
Read this entire instruction manual to learn about specific
functions and features and safety information. Damage
resulting from misuse or modification of this charger will void
your warranty.
Input Voltage: 11-15V DC
Battery Types: nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and
nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
Number Cells: 6 or 7
Battery Capacities: 1200-3600mAh
Max. Fast Charge Current: 4.0 amps fixed
Fast Charge Termination: -deltaV peak detection
Trickle Charge Current: approx. 50mA
Output Connectors: lead with standard plug
Fuse: internal
Case Size: 4.0 x 3.0 x 1.625" (102 x 76 x 42mm)
Weight: 0.44 lb (196g)
• Incredibly simple, accurate, compact, lightweight and
affordable!
• Charges 6 or 7-cell NiCd or NiMH battery packs
• Pushbutton start
• Linear charge current fixed at approximately 4.0 amps
• Automatic trickle charge fixed at approx. 50mA
• Twin LEDs indicate fast charge and trickle charge
• Capable of charging batteries rated at 1200–3600mAh capacity
• Includes 80 minute safety timeout
• Output short-circuit fuse protection
• Input and output reverse polarity protection
• Five year warranty
• Charge only nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride rechargeable
batteries. Do NOT attempt to charge other types of rechargeable
batteries as permanent damage to the battery and charger
could result.
• Do not allow water, moisture or foreign objects into the charger.
• Do not attempt to use batteries with more/fewer cells or total
voltage than listed in the specifications.
• 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 place the charger or battery on a flammable surface or
near a flammable object while in use. Keep away from carpets,
cluttered workbenches, etc.
• Do not block the vent holes located on the rear and bottom of
the charger. Place the charger on a hard, flat surface and keep
objects clear of the rear of the case to allow proper heat
ventilation.
• Do not use automotive battery chargers as a power supply for
this charger.
• Always disconnect from input power when not in use.
• Do not overcharge batteries as permanent damage could result.
Do not attempt to charge a battery if it is hot.
• Keep out of reach of children.
While similar in appearance to 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 down! Reduce charge
current rate for future charges.
• Store NiMH packs with some voltage remaining on the cells.
• Use a NiMH battery pack no more than three cycles per day,
with a two to three hour break in-between for cooling. More
frequent use is likely to overheat the pack.
• NiMH cells have a self-discharge rage of approximately 20–25%
(compared to 15% for NiCd batteries). Thus, if NiMH batteries
have been inactive for more than a few days it is important to
recharge them immediately prior to use.
The DuraTrax Piranha DC Peak Charger only accepts DC input
power, which can be supplied by a 12V DC automotive battery or
power supply. Included with this charger is an adapter cable
having a small white plug on one end and alligator clips on the
opposite end. This is used to connect the charger to the input
battery or power supply. Connect the input power cable to the
charger by inserting the small white connector into the rear, left
hand side of the charger. Next, connect the charger’s red alligator
clip to the positive (+) terminal on the 12V input battery or power
supply, and the black alligator clip to the negative (-) terminal on
the battery or power supply. When using a power supply on the
input, it is best to use one whose output is filtered to remove
unwanted electrical noise. To achieve the maximum potential with
this charger, the source battery must be capable of delivering at
least 6 amps of current while maintaining 12V DC.
INPUT POWER
CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
NiMH BATTERIES
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
SPECIAL FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS
INTRODUCTION
™
®
DC Peak Charger
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