Multiplex MULTIcharger LN-5014

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Multiplex USA • 12115 Paine St. • Poway, CA 92064 • www.multiplexusa.com

MULTIcharger LN-5014 # M92523 (06-05/REV1)

Operating Instructions MULTIcharger LN-5014

! These operating instructions are an integral part of this product containing important information and safety notes. They

should be kept in a safe place and available for reference.

1. Specification

Input voltage 11 – 15 V

Cell count, Battery type 1 – 14 cells NiCd

1 – 14 cells NiMH

1 – 5 cells Li-Po or Li-Io

1 – 6 cells lead-acid

Charge current 0.1 A – 5 A

Discharge current 0.01 A – 1 A

Trickle charge current 0 – 250 mA

Charge termination method

Delta-Peak for NiCd and NiMH

Constant current / constant voltage for

Li-Po and Li-Io

Battery Cycling max. 5 cycles, ending charged or

discharged

LCD 2 lines, 16 characters, illuminated

2. CE- Conformity Declaration

MULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co. KG declares that the MULTIcharger LN-5014 conforms with the following harmonised EU

directives: EN 50081, EN 50082, EN 55014, EN 55022

3. Safety notes

! Read the instructions before using the charger for the first time

! Do not open the case, and do not modify the unit in any way

! Use the charger to recharge Li-Ion / Li-Polymer, Pb, NiCd or NiMH batteries

! Observe the battery manufacturer’s charging instructions for all battery types

! Use the charger only to recharge packs consisting of cells of the same type and capacity

! Do not attempt to charge two battery packs simultaneously

! Do not recharge packs which are hot to the touch; allow them to cool down to ambient temperature first

! Do not connect charger and battery with reverse polarity

! Do not leave the charger operating unsupervised

! The charger may become hot when operating - take care when touching the unit

⇒ Do not cover the charger; provide adequate cooling

⇒ Do not subject the chargers LCD display screen to direct sunshine

! Keep the charger, battery and cables well away from flammable or temperature-sensitive objects

! Protect the charger from moisture

4. Features

Ø Automatic charge / discharge cycles

Ø Lightweight, compact, easy to transport

Ø Strong aluminium case

Ø Error messages for out-of-range input voltage,

incorrect connection or reversed polarity at input or

output, poor battery state and internal errors

5. Button functions

BATTERY TYPE button

When you press this button, the currently set battery type - NiCd, NiMH, Li-Po / Li-Io or Pb (lead-acid) - starts to flash.

While the battery type is flashing, further pressing of the BATTERY TYPE button will switch to the next battery type in the following

sequence (NiCD è NiMH è Li-Io / Li-Po è Pb è NiCd è ...).

If you press another button (or no button), the battery type ceases to flash after about five seconds.

Holding this button pressed in, the current charge settings are displayed for about three seconds.

ENTER / START button

If you press this button briefly, the variable value in the current menu starts flashing.

Press the ENTER button again, the next variable value starts to flash.

If you press no button for about three seconds, the value ceases flashing.

Holding this button pressed in starts the charge process or if charging is occurring, stops the charge process.

INC/DEC buttons

With these buttons the flashing values can be increased or decreased, or charging/discharging modes are selected as per the flow

charts.

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Multiplex MULTIcharger LN-5014 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Product Specifications

Input Voltage and Cell Count

Specifies the input voltage range and supported battery cell counts for various battery types.

Charging and Discharge Current Limits

Details the maximum charge, discharge, and trickle charge currents for the device.

Charge Termination Methods

Outlines the methods used for terminating charging cycles for different battery chemistries.

Battery Cycling Capabilities

Describes the battery cycling function, including the number of cycles and termination states.

Safety and Declarations

CE Conformity Declaration

Declares conformity with harmonized EU directives for the MULTIcharger LN-5014.

General Safety Instructions

Provides essential safety notes for using the charger, including handling and environmental precautions.

Device Features and Button Functions

Key Features

Highlights the charger's main features like automatic cycles, portability, and durable construction.

BATTERY TYPE Button Operation

Explains how to select and confirm the battery type using the BATTERY TYPE button.

ENTER; START Button Operation

Details the function of the ENTER/START button for navigating menus and initiating/stopping processes.

INC;DEC Buttons Functionality

Describes how the INC/DEC buttons are used to adjust values and select modes.

Battery Programming Modes

NiCd and NiMH Battery Programming

Guides on setting charge current, discharge current, final voltage, and cycles for NiCd/NiMH batteries.

LiPo and Li-lo Battery Programming

Instructions for programming LiPo/Li-lo batteries, including type, capacity, voltage, and currents.

Lead-Acid Battery Programming

Details on setting charge current, battery voltage, and discharge current for lead-acid batteries.

Display and Error Information

Screen Displays During Operation

Explains the information shown on the screen during charging, discharging, and after termination.

Error Message Reference

Lists common error messages and their corresponding causes for troubleshooting.

Discharge Current Capabilities

Provides a table correlating battery voltage with maximum discharge current.

The MULTIcharger LN-5014 is a versatile battery charger designed for various battery types, offering a range of charging and discharging functionalities. It is accompanied by comprehensive operating instructions that are an integral part of the product, providing essential information and safety notes. Users are advised to keep these instructions in a safe place for future reference.

Function Description

The MULTIcharger LN-5014 is capable of charging and discharging multiple battery chemistries, including NiCd, NiMH, Li-Po, Li-lo, and lead-acid batteries. It employs different charge termination methods tailored to each battery type. For NiCd and NiMH batteries, it utilizes a Delta-Peak termination method, which detects a slight voltage drop indicating a full charge. For Li-Po and Li-lo batteries, it uses a constant current / constant voltage (CC/CV) method, where the charger first applies a constant current until the battery reaches a certain voltage, then maintains a constant voltage while the current gradually decreases. This ensures a complete and safe charge for lithium-based batteries. The charger also supports battery cycling, allowing for up to five charge/discharge cycles, which can be set to end either charged or discharged. The device features a 2-line, 16-character illuminated LCD display for clear feedback during operation.

Usage Features

The MULTIcharger LN-5014 is designed for ease of use with intuitive button functions. The "BATTERY TYPE" button allows users to select the appropriate battery chemistry. When pressed, the currently set battery type flashes, and subsequent presses cycle through the available types (NiCD → NIMH → Li-lo / Li-Po → Pb → NiCd). If no other button is pressed, the flashing stops after about five seconds. Holding this button down for more than three seconds displays the current charge settings.

The "ENTER / START" button is crucial for initiating and stopping processes. A brief press makes the variable value in the current menu flash, allowing for adjustments. Pressing it again moves to the next variable value. If no button is pressed for about three seconds, the flashing stops. Holding this button down starts the charge process or, if charging is already in progress, stops it.

The "INC/DEC" buttons are used to increase or decrease flashing values, such as charge current, discharge current, or voltage settings. These buttons also facilitate the selection of charging/discharging modes as outlined in the flow charts provided in the manual.

The charger offers detailed programming options for each battery type. For NiCd and NiMH modes, users can set the charge current, discharge current, and final discharge voltage. It also allows for setting up charge/discharge cycles, specifying whether the cycle ends with a discharged or fully charged battery, and the number of cycles (1 to 5).

In LiPo and Li-lo mode, the charger supports up to five lithium cells. The CC/CV charge method ensures full charge, with the unit switching from constant current to constant voltage when the pack reaches approximately 4V per cell. Charging terminates when the current drops below 100mA. Users must carefully select the correct battery type (Li-Po or Li-lo) as the maximum voltage per cell differs (4.1V for Li-lo, 4.2V for Li-Po), and incorrect selection can damage the battery or even cause it to explode. Users can set the battery capacity (100mAh to 5000mAh) and the nominal voltage for both Li-Ion (Li-lo) and Li-Polymer (Li-Po) batteries. For safety, the charger automatically uses a 1C charge current for lithium cells, calculated from the entered battery capacity.

For lead-acid battery mode, users can set the charge current and battery voltage (2V to 12V in 2V increments), as well as the discharge current.

The LCD display provides real-time information during charging or discharging. After charge termination, it shows details like total charge time, capacity charged, and final voltage. This information can be recalled by holding the "BATTERY TYPE" button for more than three seconds after a process. Users can navigate through different display windows using the INC and DEC buttons. The screen reverts to the normal display if no button is pressed for about three seconds.

The charger also provides error messages for various issues, such as out-of-range input voltage, incorrect battery connection (reversed polarity), open circuit, no battery detected, or internal errors.

Maintenance Features

The MULTIcharger LN-5014 is designed with a strong aluminum case, making it durable and easy to transport. To ensure proper operation and longevity, several safety notes are provided. Users are explicitly warned not to open the case or modify the unit in any way. It is crucial to observe the battery manufacturer's charging instructions for all battery types and to use the charger only for packs consisting of cells of the same type and capacity. The charger should not be used to charge two battery packs simultaneously or packs that are hot to the touch; they should be allowed to cool to ambient temperature first.

Proper cooling is essential during operation, as the charger may become hot. Users should not cover the charger and ensure adequate ventilation. The LCD display screen should not be subjected to direct sunlight. The charger, battery, and cables must be kept well away from flammable or temperature-sensitive objects, and the charger must be protected from moisture. These precautions contribute to the safe and reliable operation of the device and help maintain its performance over time.