VOLTCRAFT V-CHARGE 50 - d) Fast Charge (FAST CHG); e) Storing Rechargeable Batteries (STORAGE); f) Discharging Batteries (DISCHARGE)

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d) Fast Charge ("FAST CHG")
When charging a lithium rechargeable battery, the charging current reduces continually due to the charging method
used, the fuller the rechargeable battery becomes (when the rechargeable battery has reached its maximum charg-
ing current and the charger switches from continuous current to continuous voltage charging). This will, of course,
also extend the charging time.
Quick charging reaches a higher charging current. However, this reduces the capacity, because the charge process
is terminated earlier due to the safety cut-off in the charger.
This means, a LiPo battery, for example, cannot be fully charged using the fast charge function. Only approx. 90%
of the capacity achievable with the normal charge process is available.
Therefore, fast charging is only wise if the battery has to be used again as quickly as possible.
The procedure when setting the charging current and voltage/cell number must be performed as for the recharge-
able battery programme "CHARGE"; see chapter 11. b).
e) Storing Rechargeable Batteries ("STORAGE")
This rechargeable battery programme can be used if you want to store the rechargeable battery for an extended
period. Depending on the rechargeable battery type set, the rechargeable battery is charged or discharged to a
specic voltage.
Depending on the cell voltage, the battery is either charged or discharged. Of course, with a multi-cell battery
pack, this is only wise if a balancer connection is available and connected to the charger.
At extended storage of a lithium rechargeable battery (e.g. when storing a ight battery over winter), the re-
chargeable battery should in any case be checked every 3 months and treated with the rechargeable battery
programme "STORAGE" again to prevent harmful deep discharge.
The procedure when setting the charging current and voltage/cell number must be performed as for the recharge-
able battery programme "CHARGE"; see chapter 11. b).
f) Discharging Batteries ("DISCHARGE")
Normally, it is not necessary to discharge lithium batteries (contrary to NiCd batteries) before charging. The battery
can be charged immediately, independent of its current status. If you want to discharge a rechargeable lithium bat-
tery anyway, you can set the discharge current.
The maximum possible discharging current depends on the battery type, battery capacity and number of
cells. The max. discharge output of the charger is 5 W. This limits the max. possible discharge current of
rechargeable batteries with multiple cells.
Discharge a lithium rechargeable battery only to the minimum permitted discharge end voltage per cell (see
table in chapter 7 or observe information of the rechargeable battery manufacturer). If the rechargeable bat-
tery is discharged any further, this deep discharge will permanently damage it and render it useless!
The procedure when setting the discharging current and voltage/cell number must be performed the same as when
charging, see chapter 11. b), except that the rechargeable battery is not charged, but discharged after starting the
rechargeable battery programme.