Ambient Weather BC-1900 User manual

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Ambient Weather BC-1900 Intelligent 9V Battery Charger
for Li-ion NiMh Batteries User Manual
Table of Contents
1Introduction.....................................................................................................................................2
2Important Notes and Warnings........................................................................................................2
3Getting Started ................................................................................................................................3
3.1 Parts List.................................................................................................................................4
3.2 Initial Operation .....................................................................................................................4
3.3 Quick Start Guide...................................................................................................................4
4Basic Features.................................................................................................................................5
4.1 General Display Information..................................................................................................5
4.2 Function Keys ........................................................................................................................5
5Detailed Operation..........................................................................................................................6
5.1 Initialization Mode.................................................................................................................6
5.2 Changing Modes (MODE button)..........................................................................................6
5.3 Slot Selection (SLOT button).................................................................................................6
5.4 Adjusting the Charging Current (CURRENT button)............................................................6
5.5 Display Modes (DISPLAY button) ........................................................................................7
5.6 Operational Modes.................................................................................................................7
6Overheating Protection ...................................................................................................................8
7Maintenance....................................................................................................................................8
8Specifications..................................................................................................................................9
9Glossary of Terms...........................................................................................................................9
10 Troubleshooting Guide.............................................................................................................10
11 Liability Disclaimer..................................................................................................................10
12 FCC Statement..........................................................................................................................10
13 Warranty Information ............................................................................................................... 11
14 Disposal....................................................................................................................................12

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1Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather BC-1900 Smart Battery Charger. The following
user guide provides step by step instructions for operation and troubleshooting. To download the latest
manual and additional troubleshooting tips, please visit:
http://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/bc1900
2Important Notes and Warnings
When used in the directed manner, this unit has been designed and manufactured to ensure your
personal safety. However, improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire hazards. Please
read all safety and operating instructions carefully before use, and keep these instructions handy for
future reference. Take special note of all warnings listed in these instructions.
Before using this product, please read the following warning
and cautions:
1. Read these instructions –All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the
unit is operated.
2. Keep these instructions –The safety and operating instructions should be kept for future
reference.
3. Heed all warnings –All warnings on the device and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
4. Follow all instructions –All operation and use instructions should be followed
5. Operate and store in a dry location. Do not operate outside.
6. The product must be protected against electromagnetic fields, static electrical fields, extreme
temperatures, direct sunlight and moisture. Only operate within specified temperature range.
7. Do not use this item near water –The device should not be used near water; for example, near
a bath tub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool.
8. Clean only with dry cloth –The device should be cleaned only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
9. Do not use near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other device
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10. Do not place near a fire. The batteries can explode.
11. Only use attachments / accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
12. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the device has
been damaged in any way, such as liquid has been spilled or the device has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
13. This device shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing water and that no object filled with
liquids shall be placed on the device.
14. Unplug immediately if liquid has been spilled or any object has fallen into the unit.
15. The product should not be connected immediately after it has been brought from an area of
cold temperature to an area of warm temperature. Condensed water may destroy the product.
Wait until the product adapts to the new ambient temperature before use.
16. Sufficient ventilation is essential when operating the charger. Never cover the ventilating slots
of the charger. Please take notice of ambient temperature operation above 96 degF (35 degC).
The device is more likely to enter the protection mode, and longer charging time is required.
High ambient temperatures will not damage the charger, but it is less effective.

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17. If the fan fails, do not operate the charger.
18. The device must be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the device. Do not overload wall outlet.
19. Unplug the AC adapter when not in use.
20. Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly installed (reverse polarity), non-recharageable
batteries are used, or a non-specified battery type is used.
21. Do not attempt to dismantle, open or repair this product yourself. If a fault occurs, seek
advice from Ambient Weather support only.
22. The product must not be exposed to substantial mechanical strain or strong vibrations.
23. Unauthorized conversion and/or modification of the device are inadmissible because of safety
and approval reasons (CE, UL and FCC). Any usage other than described in this manual is
not permitted and can damage the product and lead to associated risks such as short-circuit,
fire, electric shock, etc.
Battery Safety Instructions
1. If the battery electrolyte in the cells should get on your skin, thoroughly wash with soap and
water. If in the eyes, rinse thoroughly with cool water. Immediately seek medical attention.
2. Leaking or damaged batteries might cause acid burns when in contact with skin, therefore use
suitable protective gloves to handle corrupted batteries.
3. Charge batteries on a fireproof surface away from flammable items or liquids.
4. The battery manufacturer’s instruction manual must be observed before they are charged.
5. Correct polarity must be observed while inserting the batteries.
6. Non-rechargeable batteries, rechargeable alkaline batteries (RAM), and lead acid batteries
must not be charged with this product. These batteries can explode.
7. Batteries should be removed from the device if not used for a long period of time to avoid
damage through leaking.
8. Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries can be swallowed and represent a choking
hazard.
9. Batteries must not be dismantled, short-circuited or thrown into fire.
Lithium Ion Battery Safety Instructions
1. Lithium-Ion (LiIon) batteries are flammable if shorted or over charged. Although
every precaution is taken to safely charge LiIon batteries, including overcurrent, overvoltage
and temperature protection, it is possible that a deteriorated or improperly manufactured
LiIon battery can catch fire.
2. Never charge LiIon batteries unattended.
3. Charge LiIon batteries on a fireproof surface away from flammable items or liquids.
3Getting Started
No
Description
No
Description
1
Battery Slots
3
LCD Display
2
AC Adapter Connection
4
Function Keys

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Figure 1 references the BC-1900 battery charger.
No
Description
No
Description
1
Battery Slots
3
LCD Display
2
AC Adapter Connection
4
Function Keys
Figure 1
3.1 Parts List
QTY
Part Number
Item
1
BC-1900
Battery Charger
1
BC-1900-AC
AC Adapter
1
BC-1900-MANUAL
User Manual
3.2 Initial Operation
Plug the BC-1900 into wall power using the AC adapter (included). The backlight will turn on, the
firmware version will be temporarily displayed, all segments are momentarily displayed, and null (or
no value) will be displayed in each battery slot (if no battery is installed). The charger is now ready for
use.
Only use the AC adapter shipped with this unit.
3.3 Quick Start Guide
Although the manual is comprehensive, much of the information contained may be intuitive or not
required for simple use. The following are simple steps for recharging batteries.

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1. Plug in the BC-1900 to AC power.
2. Insert 1 to 4 batteries into the battery slots.
3. Charge until the display shows “Full”.
4Basic Features
The product is intended to charge and discharge 9V NiCd, NiMH or Li-ion rechargeable
batteries.
It provides four independent charging slots for rechargeable batteries. The charger can also
optimize and test the maximum capacity of the rechargeable batteries.
The charger can charge batteries of different sizes, types, and capacities at the same time.
The charger integrates the voltage change over time, referred to as the “minus delta voltage
(-ΔV)”, and automatically terminates charging.
For NiCd and NiMH batteries, when the battery is fully charged, the charger will
automatically continue to provide a trickle charge. Trickle charging prevents the
rechargeable batteries from being overcharged, and compensates for self-discharging of the
batteries.
For LiIon batteries, only use protected batteries. Protected Li-Ion batteries will automatically
stop charging when the maximum voltage is reached. If you are uncertain, contact the
manufacturer.
The charger includes over-temperature protection, and will shut off the current flow to protect
the rechargeable batteries and charger itself from overheating.
4.1 General Display Information
Each charging slot has an informative display, showing various operational modes and display modes.
The operational modes are as follows:
1. Charge Mode
2. Discharge Mode
3. Refresh Mode
4. Test Mode
5. Quick Test Mode
The display modes are as follows:
1. Charge/discharge Voltage
2. Charge/discharge Current
3. Charge/discharge Time Elapsed
4. Charge/discharge Accumulated Capacity
The charger backlight will turn on after any key is pressed. The backlight will automatically turn off
after 10 seconds if no more buttons are pressed.
4.2 Function Keys
MODE
Reference Section 5.2
DISPLAY
Reference Section 5.5
CURRENT
Reference Section 5.4
SLOT
Reference Section 5.3

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5Detailed Operation
5.1 Initialization Mode
Once a rechargeable battery is inserted, the present voltage ( for example, 8.12V) will be displayed for
3 seconds, then the default charging current (75mA) Charge will be displayed for another 3 seconds.
If the battery is fully charged, FULL will be displayed.
If the MODE or CURRENT button is not pressed during the next 6 seconds, the charging process
will begin (normal working mode).
If any button is pressed, the unit will wait for another 10 seconds before entering the normal working
mode.
5.2 Changing Modes (MODE button)
Press and hold the MODE button for 2 seconds to change the working mode selection for all four
battery slots. All four battery slots will flash.
If you wish the change the mode for a particular slot, press the SLOT button until the desired slot is
flashing.
Press the MODE button to toggle between Charge, Discharge, Refresh, Test, and Quick Test mode.
Charge
Discharge
Refresh
Test
Quick Test
5.3 Slot Selection (SLOT button)
The SLOT button is used to select the desired slot for the different working modes, charge current or
display mode. When a slot is selected, the LCD display will flash.
The sequence is as follows: 1-> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> all four slots -> exit
5.4 Adjusting the Charging Current (CURRENT button)
Once the normal working mode begins, the charging current can no longer be changed.
The only way to change the charging current is by re-inserting the rechargeable batteries or
re-powering the charger by disconnecting and reconnecting the AC adapter, and pressing the
CURRENT button to program a different charge current.
If you want to adjust the charge current for each battery, press the CURRENT button after inserting
the battery.
If you want to select the same charge current for multiple batteries at the same time, it is best to insert
all four batteries into the charger, re-power the charger again, then press CURRENT, and all batteries
will charge at the same current.
If a different working mode or display mode is desired for a particular slot, press the SLOT button to

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select the desired slot and then press MODE or DISPLAY to change the mode.
The charging current can be adjusted between 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200 mA.
NOTE: When a high impedance battery (over 2500 milliohm) is loaded onto the charger, due to its
high internal impedance, the displayed charging current may be much less than your pre-selected
charging current. When this occurs, it does not indicate the charger is defective. It does require longer
charging times.
5.5 Display Modes (DISPLAY button)
Press the DISPLAY button to change the display mode selection for all four battery slots.
If you wish the change the mode for a particular slot, press the SLOT button until the desired slot is
flashing.
Press the DISPLAY button to toggle between Voltage, Accumulated Capacity, Time Elapsed, and
Current display modes.
Voltage
Accumulated
Capacity
Time
Elapsed
Current
1. Charge/Discharge Voltage. The instantaneous battery voltage (in Volts) is displayed. If the
battery is full, FULL will be displayed.
2. Charge/discharge Accumulated Capacity. The accumulated battery capacity (in mAh) of
the current cycle is displayed.
3. Charge/discharge Time Elapsed. The charging/discharging time (in hours:minutes) of the
current cycle is displayed.
4. Charge/discharge Current. The instantaneous current (in mA) is displayed.
5.6 Operational Modes
1. Charge Mode. The rechargeable battery is charged up to its maximum capacity. The
maximum capacity depends on the battery. For NiMh, it is 10V.
2. Discharge Mode. The discharge mode is used to reduce the “memory effect”. The
rechargeable battery is discharged to a preset battery voltage (6V).
Once the discharge is finished, the total accumulated discharging capacity is displayed in the
mAh display mode, showing how much energy was discharged from the battery, which is
referred to as the accumulated discharging capacity.
No trickle charge current will be applied after discharge cycle is finished.
The default discharge current is 75mA, and can be adjusted between 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200
mA.
3. Refresh Mode. A rechargeable battery is charged and discharged repeatedly to optimize to its
maximum capacity. Old rechargeable batteries or rechargeable batteries that have not been

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used for a long period of time can be restored to their rated capacity. Depending on the
selected charging current, it can take days before completed. The refresh mode will complete
three discharge and charge cycles before completed. Discharge current is always half of the
selected charge current.
After a charge cycle is complete, the total charged capacity will be displayed in the mAh
display mode even if it in the discharging stage of the cycle.
4. Test mode: The test mode checks the present capacity of the rechargeable battery. The
maximum capacity is determined by discharging the rechargeable battery after fully charged.
If the maximum capacity is much lower than the rated capacity then it may be near its end of
life.After the test mode is complete, the battery is returned to full capacity.
5. Quick Test mode: The charger will analyze the dynamic internal battery resistance by
applying a load current, and measuring the current.
This current reading is referred to the “voltage drop”detected on the battery. In about 10
seconds, the tested battery resistance will be displayed in milliohms.
A good quality battery, internal resistance is low: in the range of 100 to 300 milliohms. If
the battery internal resistance is over 1000 milliohms, then it may be near its end of life.
Always use batteries with similar load resistance when used in serial to achieve maximum
battery life.
Alkaline and any other 9V batteries can be tested on this charger. If a completely empty or
“dead” battery is tested, it is impossible to measure the load resistance.
Please note that since the internal battery resistance can be very small, and contact resistance
can be a major factor, the same battery tested in different slots or even at the same slot with
different contact conditions can result in a reading variation as much as 10% to 20%. This is
normal.
If a completely drained battery is tested, it is not possible to obtain a correct reading.
Test multiple times to assure a correct measurement result.
Due to the manufacturing tolerances, there is an approximate 30 milliohm contact resistance
from the charger itself, and this resistance is calculated together with battery internal
resistance, This 30 milliohm should be deducted from the reading to get a more accurate
battery resistance reading.
6Overheating Protection
This charger is not equipped with battery temperature protection due to the size, dimensions and
variations of 9V batteries. Never charge unattended. If the battery becomes hot to the touch, remove
power from the charger immediately.
7Maintenance
The device is maintenance-free, but should be cleaned occasionally. When cleaning, the device must
be removed from any power source. Only use a dry and soft cloth to clear the housing of the charger.
Do not use liquid, abrasives or solvents.

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8Specifications
Operating Voltage
12 Vdc
Power Adapter
Input:
100~240V～,
50/60Hz
Output:
12V DC, 1.5A
Charging Current range
50,75,100,150,200 mA
Discharging Current range
50,75,100,150,200 mA
Max. Charging Capacity
20000mAh
Operating Temperature
0 to 40 degC / 32 to 104 degF
9Glossary of Terms
Term
Definition
Battery load resistance
The internal resistance of a battery is dependent on the
specific battery's size, chemical properties, age,
temperature and the discharge current. The units of
measure is ohms.
LiIon
A lithium-ion battery (sometimes LiIon battery or LIB) is
a member of a family of rechargeable battery types in
which lithium ions move from the negative electrode to
the positive electrode during discharge and back when
charging. LiIon batteries use an intercalated lithium
compound as one electrode material, compared to the
metallic lithium used in a non-rechargeable lithium
battery. The electrolyte, which allows for ionic
movement, and the two electrodes are the constituent
components of a lithium-ion cell.
mA
Milli-amps, or battery current units of measure
mAh
Milli-amp-hours, or battery capacity units of measure
Memory effect
Memory effect is an effect observed in nickel cadmium
and nickel–metal hydride rechargeable batteries that
causes them to hold less charge. It describes the
specific situation in which certain NiCd and NiMH
batteries gradually lose their maximum energy capacity if
they are repeatedly recharged after being only partially
discharged. The battery appears to "remember" the
smaller capacity. The source of the effect is changes in
the characteristics of the underused active materials of
the cell.
NiCd
The nickel–cadmium battery (NiCd battery or NiCad
battery) is a type of rechargeable battery using nickel
oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium as electrodes.
The abbreviation Ni-Cd is derived from the chemical
symbols of nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd).

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NiMH
A nickel–metal hydride battery, abbreviated NiMH or
Ni–MH, is a type of rechargeable battery. Its chemical
reactions are somewhat similar to the largely obsolete
nickel–cadmium cell (NiCd). NiMH use positive
electrodes of nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH), like the
NiCd, but the negative electrodes use a
hydrogen-absorbing alloy instead of cadmium, being in
essence a practical application of nickel–hydrogen
battery chemistry. A NiMH battery can have two to three
times the capacity of an equivalent size NiCd, and their
energy density approaches that of a lithium-ion cell.
null
No logical value. Can also mean zero or open circuit
(infinity)
10Troubleshooting Guide
If your question is not answered here, you can contact us as follows:
1. Email Support: [e-mail]
2. Technical Support: 480-346-3380 (M-F 8am to 3pm Arizona Time)
Problem
Solution
Battery voltage always reads “null”
The battery is defective or installed incorrectly.
Immediately remove and inspect the battery polarity.
Discard the battery if defective.
Battery is excessively hot to the touch.
The battery is defective or installed incorrectly.
Immediately remove and inspect the battery polarity.
Discard the battery if defective.
11Liability Disclaimer
Reading the “User manual” is highly recommended. The manufacturer and supplier cannot accept any
responsibility for any incorrect readings and any consequences that occur should an inaccurate reading
take place.
This product is not to be used for medical purposes or public information.
The specifications of this product may change without prior notice.
This product is not a toy. Keep out of the reach of children.
No part of this manual may be reproduced without written authorization of the manufacturer.
Ambient, LLC WILL NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,
PUNITIVE, OR OTHER SIMILAR DAMAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATION OR
MALFUNCTION OF THIS PRODUCT.
12FCC Statement
Statement according to FCC part 15.19:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.

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2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Statement according to FCC part 15.21:
Modifications not expressly approved by this company could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
Statement according to FCC part 15.105:
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
13 Warranty Information
Ambient, LLC provides a 3-year limited warranty on this product against manufacturing defects in
materials and workmanship.
This limited warranty begins on the original purchase date, and is valid only on products purchased
and used in the United States, only to the original purchaser of this product, and only from an
authorized dealer. To receive warranty service, the purchaser must contact Ambient, LLC for
troubleshooting and service.
Warranty service can only be performed by an Ambient, LLC authorized service representative. The
original receipt must be provided upon request as proof of purchase toAmbient, LLC.
Ambient, LLC will replace this product with new or reconditioned parts or products, if found to be
defective during the limited warranty period specified above.
Replacement parts and products assume the remaining original warranty, or ninety (90) days,
whichever is longer.
The owner must pay any shipping charges incurred in getting your Ambient, LLC product to a
Ambient, LLC for replacement or repair. Ambient, LLC will pay reasonable return shipping charges to
the owner of the product.
Your Ambient, LLC warranty covers all defects in material and workmanship with the following
specified exceptions: (1) damage caused by accident, unreasonable use or neglect (including the lack
of reasonable and necessary maintenance); (2) damage resulting from failure to follow instructions
contained in your owner’s manual; (3) damage resulting from the performance of repairs or alterations
by someone other than an authorized Ambient, LLC authorized service center; (4) units used for other
than in the manner described in this manual.

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14Disposal
Please help in the preservation of the environment and return used batteries to an authorized depot.
The electrical and electronic wastes contain hazardous substances. Disposal of electronic waste in
wild country and/or in unauthorized grounds strongly damages the environment.
The user is legally required to return used batteries and rechargeable batteries to any collecting point
of your local authority. Disposing used batteries in the household waste is prohibited.
Batteries/rechargeable batteries containing hazardous substances are marked with the crossed-out
wheeled bin. The symbol indicates that the product is forbidden to be disposed via the domestic refuse.
The chemical symbols for the respective hazardous substances are Cd= Cadmium, Hg = Mercury, Pb
= Lead.