Hobbico Life Source HCAM6375

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AC input: 110V AC 60Hz, U.S. type AC connector

DC input: 11-15V DC, built-in lead with alligator clips*

Output power: AC 15W

DC 40W

Battery types: 1-3S LiFe Packs (3.3-9.9V)

Battery capacity range: up to 5000mAh

Fast charge current: 0.5, 2.5, 4.0A**

Fast charge termination: cc/cv, based on nominal voltage 3.3V per cell

Fast charge safety timer: 90 minutes

Controls: auto-start, switchable current selector

LED indicator: red

Audible indicator: charge completion

Output connections: built-in lead with Deans

Ultra Plug

male connector

built-in radio battery connection

Lithium balancing connector: ElectriFly

™

type 3S connection (2S adapter included)

Lithium balancing accuracy: 8mV per cell

Lithium max. node current: 100mA

Protective devices: solid-state reverse polarity and current overload

Case size: 4.1 x 3.5 x 1.1” (104 x 90 x 29mm)

Weight: 9.17 oz. (260g)

Increase input to 13.0V DC minimum for 3S packs

Do not use 4A setting with AC input. Max. charge current for 3S pack on AC input = ~1.6A

SPECIAL FEATURES

A very small and light AC power supply is built-in and great for portability.

A DC power lead with alligator clips easily connects to many 12V DC power sources for use away from home.

Three charge current selections for versatility and use with various sized batteries.

An auto-start function with status LED and audible tones make setup and use simple.

A built-in radio jack for connecting batteries having Futaba

J or universal type receiver connectors.

A built-in 3S balancing connector with 2S adapter included.

Solid-state reverse polarity and current overload safety devices ensure trouble-free operation and long duration.

The LiFeSource AC/DC Balancing Charger is a great option for charging

LiFeSource brand lithium-iron phosphate rechargeable batteries. Inexpensive

and very simple to operate, the LiFeSource charger uses a customized cc/

cv charge method with voltages speciﬁ cally set for LiFe batteries. Capable of

operating from 110V AC or 12V DC input sources, this very small and lightweight charger is great for use at

home or in the ﬁ eld. A built-in balancing function ensures all cells are charged to optimum voltage every time.

AC/DC BALANCING CHARGER INSTRUCTIONS

™

It is strongly recommended to completely read this manual before use! Damage resulting from

misuse or modiﬁ cation will void your warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS

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Summary

Special Features of the Charger

Input Power Options

AC Input Power

Details the charger's built-in switching AC power supply for indoor use, with a maximum charge current limit.

DC Input Power

Explains powering the charger from a 12V DC source, including connection and voltage requirements for optimal charging.

Controls and Connections

Output Lead Compatibility

Describes the Deans Ultra Plug output lead's compatibility with various LiFeSource batteries.

Balancing Jack Functionality

Details the balancing jack for 3S LiFe connectors and the included 2S adapter for 2S packs.

Radio Battery Jack Usage

Explains the radio battery jack for Futaba-J/universal connectors and its monitoring capability.

Determining Battery Specifications

Charge Completion and Safety Timer

Troubleshooting Error Indicators

The Hobbico LiFeSource AC/DC Balancing Charger is a versatile and portable charging solution specifically designed for LiFeSource brand lithium-iron phosphate (LiFe) rechargeable batteries. It employs a customized constant current/constant voltage (cc/cv) charge method, with voltages precisely set for LiFe batteries, ensuring optimal charging and battery longevity.

Function Description:

The primary function of this device is to charge 1-3S LiFe battery packs (3.3-9.9V) with capacities up to 5000mAh. It features a built-in balancing function that ensures all cells within a battery pack are charged to their optimum voltage, which is crucial for the performance and lifespan of multi-cell LiFe batteries. The charger can operate from two distinct power sources: a standard 110V AC 60Hz U.S. type AC connector for home use, or an 11-15V DC input via a built-in lead with alligator clips for field use. This dual input capability makes it highly adaptable for various charging environments. The charger incorporates an auto-start function, simplifying the charging process, and includes a switchable current selector to accommodate different battery sizes. Safety is a key aspect of its design, with solid-state reverse polarity and current overload protective devices ensuring trouble-free operation and extended durability.

Important Technical Specifications:

AC Input: 110V AC 60Hz, U.S. type AC connector.
DC Input: 11-15V DC, with a built-in lead with alligator clips. For 3S packs, the input should be increased to 13.0V DC minimum.
Output Power: 15W (AC input), 40W (DC input).
Battery Types: 1-3S LiFe Packs (3.3-9.9V).
Battery Capacity Range: Up to 5000mAh.
Fast Charge Current: Selectable options of 0.5A, 2.5A, and 4.0A. Note: The 4A setting should not be used with AC input. Maximum charge current for a 3S pack on AC input is approximately 1.6A.
Fast Charge Termination: cc/cv method, based on a nominal voltage of 3.3V per cell.
Fast Charge Safety Timer: 90 minutes.
Lithium Balancing Accuracy: 8mV per cell.
Lithium Max. Node Current: 100mA.
Protective Devices: Solid-state reverse polarity and current overload.
Case Size: 4.1 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches (104 x 90 x 29mm).
Weight: 9.17 oz. (260g).
Output Connections: Built-in lead with Deans® Ultra Plug® male connector, built-in radio battery connection, and ElectriFly™ type 3S balancing connection (includes a 2S adapter).

Usage Features:

Portability: Its very small and lightweight design, coupled with built-in AC and DC power options, makes it ideal for both home and field use.
Simple Operation: An auto-start function, status LED (red for charging, green for ready/power applied), and audible tones simplify setup and use.
Current Selection: Three charge current selections (0.5A, 2.5A, 4.0A) provide versatility for various sized batteries.
Balancing Function: A built-in 3S balancing connector (with a 2S adapter included) ensures individual cell voltage equalization during charging, which is vital for LiFe battery health.
Radio Battery Compatibility: Includes a radio jack compatible with Futaba® J and universal type receiver connectors, allowing for direct charging of batteries with these connectors or monitoring voltage via a separate digital voltmeter when charging through the Deans plug.
Safety Features: The charger includes a 90-minute safety timer to prevent overcharging and an amber LED indicator for various error conditions, such as safety timeout, reverse connections, or incorrect input voltage.
LED Indicators:
- Green LED: Flashes slowly (once every four seconds) when power is applied and ready for use. Turns on solid during fast charge. Flashes once per cell after battery is connected and before fast charge starts. Flashes for 3 seconds when charge is manually stopped.
- Red LED: Flashes once per cell for 10 seconds when fast charge ends, indicating the battery is fully charged.
- Amber LED: Flashes quickly (once per second) if the safety timer has stopped charge. Different flash patterns indicate specific problems (e.g., once per 3 seconds for safety timeout, twice for reverse connection, three times for input voltage out of range, four times for unacceptable pack/cell voltage).
Audible Tones: Sounds when power is applied and when charge completion is reached.

Maintenance Features:

Heat Ventilation: Vents are built into the case to dissipate hot air, maintaining optimal operating temperature and maximizing the charger's lifespan. Users are cautioned not to block these vents during operation to prevent overheating and potential damage.
Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive troubleshooting chart is provided in the manual, detailing LED actions, potential problems, and solutions to help users diagnose and resolve common issues.
Protective Devices: Solid-state reverse polarity and current overload safety devices are integrated to ensure reliable operation and long-term durability, protecting both the charger and the battery from damage.
Warranty: Hobbico offers a five-year limited warranty for products purchased in the USA & Canada, covering defects in materials and workmanship. This includes repair or replacement of defective products, with provisions for service charges for damage caused by abuse, misuse, alteration, or accident.