Imax B6 Ultimate User manual

B6 Ultimate

Professional Balance Charger/Discharger

SkyRC Technology Co., Ltd. 2010 Version 1.0

Printed in China 2010

All specifications and figures are subject to change without notice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Congratulations on your choice of theiMAX digital intelligent charger from SKYRC

TechnologyCo., Ltd. You are now the owner of a compact charger with battery management and

integral balancer.

The unit is simple to use, but the operation of a sophisticated automatic charger such as the iMAX

does require some knowledge on the part of the user. These operating instructions are

designed to ensure that you quickly become familiar with its functions.

It is therefore important that you read right through the Operating Instructions, Warning and Safety

Notes before you attempt to use your new automatic charger for the first time. Wehope you have

many years of pleasure and success with your new battery charger.

IMAX employs the circuit that features outputpower of 200 watts. It cancharge or

discharge up 18 cells of NiCd/NiMH or 6 series of Lithium batteries with maximum current of 10A.

has an individual cell voltage balancer, so itdoes not requiredany balancer separately

when charging Lithium batteries (LiPo/LiIon/LiFe) for voltage balancing.

The fan cooling system is so smart and efficiently. The fan speed is controlled by internal temperature

sensor.

Please BE SURE to read these instructions and Warning and Safety Notes before you use the charger

for the first time.

It can be dangerous to mis-handle batteries and battery chargers, as there is always a risk of batteries

catching fire and exploding.

B6 Ultimate

Ultimate

B6 Ultimate

01 02

INTRODUCTION

Introduction...............................................................................................................................................02

Special features........................................................................................................................................05

Warning and safety notes........................................................................................................................09

Program flow chart...................................................................................................................................14

Lithium polymer balance charge program connection diagram.............................................................16

Initial parameter setup (users set up)......................................................................................................18

.................................................................................................21

Charging lithium battery in the charge mode..........................................................................................22

Charging lithium battery in the balance mode........................................................................................23

Charging lithium battery in the fast charge mode...................................................................................24

Charging lithium battery in the s mode ........................ ..........25

Discharging of lithium battery..................................................................................................................26

Charging NiCd/NiMH battery in the charge mode ................................

Discharge of NiCd/NiMH battery............................................................................................................28

............................................

Charging Pb (lead-acid) battery in the charge mode.............................................................................30

Discharging of the Pb battery..................................................................................................................31

Storage data program.............................................................................................................................32

Load data program..................................................................................................................................33

Various information in the program.........................................................................................................34

Warning and error message....................................................................................................................35

Recommended accessories...................................................................................................................36

Conformity declaration.............................................................................................................................37

Specification.............................................................................................................................................40

Commonly used terms.............................................................................................................................41

Warranty and service...............................................................................................................................42

Lithium battery (LiIo/LiPo/LiFe) program

torage ................................................. .....

................................................. 27

Charge/discharge and discharge/charge cycle of NiCd/NiMH battery.... .29

Maximum circuit power chart..................................................................................................................38

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION

Please read thisentire operating manual completely and attentivelybefore using this product, as it

covers a widerange of information on operating andsafety. Orplease do use this product incompany

with a specialist!

Contact-less Key

Switch

Temperature

Probe Socket

Ventilation Fan

LCD Screen

Output

Charging

Universal

Balancing Port

Pitch=2.54mm

PC Link Socket

USB Power Supply5V/1A

DC Input 11V~18V

Connection Diagram

03 04

Temperature

Probe Socket

Internal independent lithiumbattery balancer

iMAX employs an individual-cell-voltagebalancer. It isn’t necessary to connect an

external balancer forbalance charging.

Balancing individual cellsbattery discharging

During the processof discharging, iMAX can monitor andbalance each cellof the battery

individually. Errormessage will beindicated and the process will beended automatically if the

voltage of anysingle one cell is abnormal.

Adaptable to varioustype of lithium battery

iMAX is adaptable tovarious types of lithium batteries, such as Li-ion, LiPoand the new

LiFe series ofbatteries.

Fast and storagemode of lithium battery

Purposes to chargeLithium battery varies,‘fast’ charge reduce the duration of charging, whereas

‘store’ state can control the final voltage ofyour battery,so as to store for a long time andprotect

useful time ofthe battery.

Maximum safety

Delta-peak sensitivity: The automatic chargetermination program based on the principle of

the Delta-peak voltagedetection. When the battery's voltage exceeds the threshold, the

process will beterminated automatically.

Automatic charging currentlimit

You can set up the upper limitof the charging current when charging your NiCd orNiMH battery;

it is usefulfor the NiMH battery of lowimpedance and capacity in the 'AUTO'charging mode.

B6 Ultimate

iMAX features the so-called AUTO function that set the feeding current during the process

of charging or discharging. Especially for Lithium batteries, it can prevent the overcharging which may

lead to an explosion due to the user's fault. It can disconnect the circuit automatically and alarm once

detecting any malfunction. All the programs of this product were controlled through two way linkage

and communication, to achieve the maximum safety and minimize the trouble. All the settings can be

configured by users!

B6 Ultimate

Optimized operating software

Set contents

5678

Special features

1. iMAX B6Ultimate Charger

2. XHAdaptor

3. Temperature Probe

4. Crocodile ClipCharging Cable

5. 18AWG Wire Charging Cable

6. Charger MonitorProgram Disk

7. USB Cable

8. Plug-in BatteryClamps

05 06

SPECIAL FEATURES SPECIAL FEATURES

Capacity limit

The charging capacityis always calculated as the chargingcurrent multiplied by time. If the charging

capacity exceeds thelimit, the process will be terminatedautomatically when you set the maximum

value.

Temperature threshold

The battery’s internalchemical reaction willcause the temperatureof the battery to rise. If the

temperature limit isreached, the process will be terminated.

This function isavailable by connecting temperature probe, whichis included in the package.

Processing time limit:

You can also limit the maximum processtime to avoid any possible defect.

Data store/load

Cyclic charging/discharging

1 to 5cyclic and continuous process of charge>dischargeor discharge>charge is operable for battery

refreshing and balancing to stimulate the battery’s activity.

PC based analysis using USB Communication

The B6 Ultimate is fitted witha mini USB port on theright-hand side of the case; a USB wire can be

connected to this socket in order to link the charger to a PC. program enable you

to view graphs of charge anddischarge curves, with a capacity, voltage, temperature and ampere display,

and individual curves can be individually suppressedor superimposed to allow a visualcomparison of the

data.

USB Power Supply

The USB power supplycan provide 5V, 1Acontinue current. You can power your mobile phone, digital

camera or even yourIPod via the USBpower supply.

PC based analysis using USB

Communication USB Power Supply

07 08

For users convenience,it can store maximum 10 dataof different batteries.You can establish

the data containsprogram setting of the battery tocharge or discharge. These data can be called

back at anytime you need and the processcan be executed without program setting.

These warnings andsafety notes are particularly important. Pleasefollow the instructions for

maximum safety; otherwisethe charger and the battery canbe damaged or at worst it can

cause a fire.

Never leave thecharger unattended when it is connectedto its power supply. Ifany malfunction

is found, TERMINATE THE PROCESS AT ONCE andrefer to the

operation manual.

Keep the chargerwell away fromdust, damp, rain, heat, direct sunshine and vibration.

Never drop it.

The allowable inputvoltage is 11~18V DC

This charger andthe battery should be put ona heat-resistant, noninflammable and

nonconductive surface. Never place them on a car seat,carpet or similar.

Keep all theinflammable volatile materials away from operatingarea.

Make sure youknow the specifications of the batteryto be charged or discharged to ensure it

meets the requirementsof this charger. If theprogram is setup incorrectly,the battery and

charger may bedamaged .It can cause fire orexplosion due to overcharging. This warranty is

not valid forany damage or subsequent damage arisingas a result of a misuse or failure to

observe the proceduresoutlined in this manual.

09 10

Standard Battery Parameters

3.7V/cell 3.6V/cell 3.3V/cell 1.2V/cell 1.2V/cell 2.0V/cell

4.2V/cell 4.1V/cell 3.6V/cell 1.5V/cell 1.5V/cell 2.46V/cell

3.8V/cell 3.7V/cell 3.3V/cell n/a n/a n/a

1C 1C 4C 0.4C1C-2C 1C-2C

3.0V/cell 2.5V/cell 2.0V/cell 0.85V/cell 1.0V/cell 1.75V/cell

Nominal Voltage

Min. Discharge Voltage

LiPo

Max Charge Voltage

Storage Voltage

Allowable Fast Charge

LiIon LiFe NiCd MiMH Pb

Be very carefulto choose the correct voltage for different types of battery otherwiseyou may

cause damage tothe batteries. Incorrect settings could cause the cells to fire or explode.

WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES

Connect the batteryto the terminal of the charger:red is positive and black is

negative. Due tothe difference between resistance of cable and connector, the

charger can notdetect resistance of the battery pack,the essential requirement

for the chargerto work properly is that thecharge lead should be of adequate

conductor cross-section, andhigh quality connectors which are normallygold-

plated should befitted to both ends.

Always refer tothe manual by the battery manufacturerpertaining to charging

methods, recommended chargingcurrent and charging time. Especially, the

Lithium battery shouldbe charged according the charging instructionprovided

by the manufacturerstrictly.

Attention should bepaid to the connection of Lithiumbattery especially.

Do not attemptto disassemble the battery pack arbitrarily.

Please get highlightedthat Lithium battery packs can bewired in parallel and in

series. In theparallel connection, the battery’s capacity is calculated by

multiplying single battery’s capacity bythe number of cells with totalvoltage

stay the same.The voltage’s imbalance may cause fire or explosion .Lithium

battery is recommendedto charge in series.

A batterypack which consists of different types of cells(including different manufacturers)

A batterythat is already fully charged orjust slightly discharged.

Non-rechargeable batteries (Explosionhazard).

Batteries that requirea different charge technique from NiCd, NiMh, LiPoor Gel cell

(Pb, Lead acid).

A faultyor damaged battery.

A batteryfitted with an integral charge circuitor a protection circuit.

Batteries installed ina device or which are electricallylinked to other components.

Batteries that arenot expressly stated by the manufacturerto be suitable for the currents

the charger deliversduring the charge process.

Please bear inmind the following points before commencing charging:

Did you selectthe appropriate program suitable for thetype of battery you are charging?

Did you setup adequate current for charging ordischarging?

Have you checkedthe battery voltage? Lithium battery packscan be wired in parallel and

in series, i.e.a 2 cell pack can be3.7V (in parallel) or 7.4V (inseries).

Have you checkedthat all connections are firm andsecure?

Make sure thereare no intermittent contacts at anypoint in the circuit.

Charging

During charge process,a specific quantity of electrical energyis fed into the battery. The

charge quantity iscalculated by multiplying charge current bycharge time. The maximum

permissible charge currentvaries depending on the battery typeor its performance, and can

be found inthe information by the battery manufacturer. Only batteries that are expressly

stated to becapable of quick-charge are allowed tobe charged at rates higher thanthe

standard charge current.

11 12

Never attempt tocharge or discharge the following types of batteries.

WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES

Continue on nextpage!

WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES

Discharging

The main purposeof discharging is to clean residualcapacity of the battery, or to reduce

the battery’ voltage to adefined level. The same attention should be paidto the discharging

process as charging.The final discharge voltage should be set up correctly to avoid deep-

discharging. Lithium batterycan not be discharged to lowerthan the minimum voltage, or it

will cause arapid loss of capacity or atotal failure. Generally, Lithium batterydoesn’t need

to be discharged.Please pay attention to the minimumvoltage of Lithium battery to protect

the battery.

Some rechargeable batterieshave a memory effect. If they are partly used and recharged

before the wholecharge is accomplished, they remember thisand will only use that part

of their capacitynext time. This is a ‘memory effect’ It is saidthat NiCd and NiMH batteries

are suffering from memory effect. NiCd has more memory effect than NiMH.

Lithium batteries arerecommended to be discharged partially ratherthan fully discharged.

Frequent full dischargingshould be avoided if possible. Instead,

charge the batterymore often or use a batteryof larger capacity. Full capacitycannot be

reached until ithas been subjected to 10 ormore charge cycles. The cyclic process of

charge and dischargewill optimize the capacity of batterypack.

13 14

PROGRAM FLOW CHART

LITHIUM POLYMER BALANCE CHARGE PROGRAM

CONNECTION DIAGRAM

CONNECTING THE BATTERY

Important !!! Before connecting a batteryit is absolutely essential to check one last time that you have set

the parameters correctly.If the settings are incorrect, the battery may be damaged, and could even burst

into flames or explode. To avoid short-circuits between the bananaplugs, always connect the charge leads

to the charger first, and onlythen to the battery. Reverse the sequence when disconnectingthe pack.

IMAX comes with male 4mm Bullet connectors attached tothe power INPUTcables.

These cables are appropriatefor attaching directly tomost high-quality AC-DC power supply units,

such as eFUELmodel PSU20A (13.8V, 20A). Also included are large Terminal Clips with matching

4mm female bullet connectors,for attaching directly to12V car batteries. Itis critically important that

you use either afully charged 13.8 carbattery or a highquality AC-DC power supply in therange of 11V

to18V DC output, withminimum current rating of20A to insure reliable performance.

B6 Ultimate

CONNECTING THE CHARGER

4mm Bullet

Connectors

plugging

to eFUEL power

supply directly

Using terminal

clip attaching to

car battery

PROGRAM FLOW CHART

15 16

This diagram showsthe correct way to connect your battery to theiMAX while charging

in the balancecharge program mode only.

B6 Ultimate

Balance socket:

The balance wire attached to thebattery must be connected to thecharger with the black wire alignedwith

the negative marking. Take care to maintain correct polarity!(Wiring diagram: see below.)

Failure to connect as shown in this diagram will damage this charger.

WARNING:

112233445566

LITHIUM POLYMER BALANCE CHARGE PROGRAM

CONNECTION DIAGRAM

INC

DEC INC

INCDEC

User setup starting screen.

The screen displays the nominal voltageof Lithium battery.There are three

kinds of Lithium battery: LiFe(3.3V), Lilo(3.6V)or LiPo(3.7V). This is very

important so you have to checkthe battery carefully and set itup correctly. If

it is different from correctvalue the battery may be explodedduring charge

process.

B6 Ultimate recognize the cell count of Lithium battery automatically at

the beginning of charge or dischargeprocess to avoid from erroneous settingby

user. But deeply dischargedbattery can be perceived incorrectly. To prevent the

error, you can setthe time term to verify thecell count by the processor. Normally,

10 minutes are enough to perceivethe cell count correctly. For the battery of larger

capacity, you mayextend the time term. But ifyou set the time term toolong for the

battery of smaller capacity, the charge or discharge processcan be finished within

the time term with the erroneouscell count. This may causethe fatal result.

If the processor recognizes the cellcount incorrectly at the beginning ofcharge or

discharge process, you may extend thetime. Otherwise, you had better usewith

the default value.

IMAX

IMAX B6 Ultimate will be operated with thedefault value of the essential user settings when it isconnected

to a 12V battery forthe first time. The screendisplays the following information in sequence and the user

can change the value ofparameter on each screen.

When you are willing toalter the parameter value in the program, press start/enter key to make it

blink then change the value withInc> or <Dec key. The value will be stored bypressing start/enter

key once.

17 18

To avoidshort circuit betweenthe charge lead always connect the charge cable tothe charger

first, then connectthe battery.Reverse the sequence when disconnecting.

Initial parameter setup (Users set up)

INITIAL PARAMETER SETUP (USERS SET UP)

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