The IMAX B5 is a rapid, computerized charger designed for Li-ion/Polymer batteries, featuring a high-performance microprocessor and specialized operating software. Its primary function is to maintain batteries in optimal condition and ensure safe charging and discharging.
Function Description:
The IMAX B5 is an intelligent multi-functional charger capable of handling various battery types, including Li-ion/Polymer, Ni-MH/Ni-Cd, and Lead-acid (Pb) batteries. It offers both charging and balancing functionalities, particularly for Li-polymer batteries. The charger employs a constant voltage (CV) and constant current (CC) method for Li-polymer charging, ensuring precise control over the charging process. For NiMH/NiCd batteries, it provides a straightforward charging program based on user-defined current settings. Similarly, for Pb (lead-sulphuric acid) batteries, it offers a dedicated charging program that adheres to specific voltage and current requirements suitable for this battery chemistry.
A key feature of the IMAX B5 is its integrated individual-cell-voltage balancer for Li-polymer batteries. This eliminates the need for a separate balancer during cell balancing, simplifying the setup and operation. In balancing mode, the internal processor monitors and controls the charging current to each individual cell, normalizing their voltages. The device can charge up to 14 cells of NiCd/NiMH and 5 series of Li-poly batteries with a maximum current of 5.0A, thanks to its high-power (50W output) and high-performance circuit.
Usage Features:
The IMAX B5 is designed for user-friendly operation with a clear LCD screen (16 characters x 2 lines) that displays program information and real-time charging status. Users can navigate through different programs and settings using the "BATT TYPE/STOP," "DEC," "INC," and "START/ENTER" buttons.
Initial Parameter Setup:
Upon first connection to a 12V battery, the IMAX B5 operates with default user settings. Users can customize these parameters, such as:
- Temperature Cut-off: An optional feature that, when used with a temperature probe, terminates the charging process if the battery reaches a set maximum temperature.
- Safety Timer: An integral safety timer that automatically starts with the charge process to prevent overcharging, especially if the termination circuit fails. Users can set a generous time limit to ensure a full charge.
- Capacity Cut-off: This program sets a maximum charge capacity. If the delta peak voltage is not detected or the safety timer expires, this feature automatically stops the process once the selected capacity value is reached.
- Key Beep/Buzzer: Audible sounds confirm button presses and indicate mode changes. This feature can be turned on or off.
- Input Power Low Cut-off: Monitors the input battery voltage and forcibly terminates the operation if the voltage drops below a set value, protecting the input battery.
- Backlight Brightness: Allows adjustment of the LCD screen's brightness.
Charging Programs:
- Li-ion/Polymer Battery Program: Users set the charge current and voltage (1-5 series) for the battery pack. The charger then detects the number of cells and, if it matches the user's setting, initiates charging. During the process, the screen displays the current situation, including individual cell voltages, charging time, and charged capacity.
- Li-Poly Battery Balancing Mode: For balancing, the battery pack's individual cell connector is connected to the charger's dedicated port. The charger's internal processor monitors and controls the current to each cell to normalize voltages.
- NiMH/NiCd Battery Charging Program: Users set the desired charging current (0.1-5.0A). The screen displays the current state of charging, and an audible sound indicates the end of the process.
- Pb (Lead-Sulphuric Acid) Battery Charging Program: Users set the charge current and nominal voltage for the battery. The charger displays the charging status, and an audible sound signals the end of the process.
Inquiry Features:
- Individual Cell Voltage Inquiry: During charging, users can monitor the present voltage of individual cells by pressing the DEC or INC buttons.
Safety Features:
The IMAX B5 incorporates several protective and monitoring functions to ensure safe operation:
- Delta-peak Sensitivity: Automatically terminates charging based on voltage detection.
- Capacity Limit: Stops the process if the calculated charging capacity exceeds a user-defined maximum.
- Processing Time Limit: Allows users to set a maximum process time to prevent defects.
- Input Power Monitor: Monitors the input power voltage to protect the car battery (if used as input) from damage, terminating the process if the voltage drops too low.
- Warning and Error Messages: The charger displays self-explanatory error messages with audible sounds in case of malfunctions, such as "IN VOLTAGE ERR" (input power too low), "VOL SELECT ERR" (incorrect voltage selection), "BREAK DOWN" (unit malfunction), "Reversed polarity" (incorrect battery connection), "Connection break" (interruption in connection), "BATTERY CHECK LOW VOLTAGE" (processor detects voltage difference), "BATTERY CHECK OVER VOLTAGE" (processor detects voltage difference), "SHOT ERR" (short-circuit at output), and "BATTERY VOL ERR" (individual Li-poly cell voltage over limit).
Maintenance Features:
- RoHS Certification: Indicates compliance with Restriction of Hazardous Substances directives.
- General Safety Notes: Emphasizes the importance of never leaving the charger unsupervised, keeping it away from dust, dampness, rain, heat, direct sunshine, and vibration, and ensuring it is set up on a heat-resistant, non-flammable, and non-conductive surface.
- Battery Type Compatibility: Clearly states which battery types should not be charged (e.g., packs with different cell types, already full batteries, non-rechargeable batteries, faulty batteries, batteries with integral protection circuits, or batteries installed in devices).
- Pre-Operation Checks: Advises users to verify the selected program, charge/discharge current, battery pack composition, and secure connections before starting any operation to prevent damage, fire, or injury.
- Warranty and Service: The product comes with a one-year warranty covering material or operational defects from the purchase date, requiring proof of purchase for repair or replacement. The warranty does not cover damage due to wear, overloading, incompetent handling, or incorrect accessories. Users are advised to contact local dealers for after-sales service.
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