Ambient Weather BC-3000 User manual

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Ambient Weather BC-3000 Smart Battery Charger for
LiIon NiCd 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...................................................................................................................5
4Basic Features.................................................................................................................................5
4.1 General Display Information..................................................................................................5
4.2 Function Keys ........................................................................................................................6
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.................................................................................................................8
5.7 Backlight Operation ...............................................................................................................9
6Overheating Protection ...................................................................................................................9
7Maintenance..................................................................................................................................10
8Specifications................................................................................................................................10
9Glossary of Terms.........................................................................................................................10
10 Troubleshooting Guide............................................................................................................. 11
11 Liability Disclaimer.................................................................................................................. 11
12 FCC Statement..........................................................................................................................12
13 Warranty Information ...............................................................................................................12
14 Disposal....................................................................................................................................13

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1Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather BC-3000 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/bc3000
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.
4. Only charge LiIon batteries rated at 3.7V. In general, the voltage rating is printed on the
battery case. The maximum charging voltage is 4.2V.
3Getting Started
No
Description
No
Description
1
AC Adapter Connection
4
LCD Display
2
Cooling Fan
5
Function Keys
3
Battery Slots

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Figure 1 references the BC-3000 battery charger.
No
Description
No
Description
1
AC Adapter Connection
4
LCD Display
2
Cooling Fan
5
Function Keys
3
Battery Slots
Figure 1
3.1 Parts List
QTY
Part Number
Item
1
BC-3000
Battery Charger
1
BC-3000-AC
AC Adapter
1
BC-3000-MANUAL
User Manual
3.2 Initial Operation
Plug the BC-3000 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.

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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.
1. Plug in the BC-3000 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 NiCd, NiMH or 3.7v Li-ion rechargeable
batteries, including the following sizes:
AAA, AA, C, 16340, 10440, 14500, 16340 (LIR123A), 18500, 18650, 26650, 26500
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, the charger will not provide a trickle charge current when charging is
completed for safety reasons. However when the LiIon battery voltage drops below 4.12V, the
charger will start charging batteries to automatically to 4.2V.
The charger includes a fan for heat dissipation. When any of the six temperature sensors
detect the circuit board or battery voltage is over 104 degF (40 degC), the ventilation fan will
turn on automatically. Only when all six temperature measure less than 104 degF (40 degC),
then the fan will be switched off.
The charger also 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.