Booma-RC BLACKMAX User manual

BALANCE CHARGER/DISCHARGER
FOR LiFe/LiPo/LiIon/NiCd/NiMH/PB BATTERIES
Users Guide
BLACKMAX is a rapid charger/discharger with built-in balancer, computerised with
microprocessor and specialised operating software.
Please read this operating manual before attempting to use your new
Booma-RC BLACKMAX charger
Booma-RC
MAXPACK
Dual Charge
Charge 2 Booma MAXPACK Batteries Simultaneously
READY
BLACKMAX
BLACKMAX

Features
Optimized operating software
BLACKMAX is a new generation in Battery Charge/Discharging management systems
offering intelligent microprocessor control of all functions.
Current fed into and drawn out of your battery system is optimised for each battery
chemistry. This intelligent technology can prevent over-charging which (in some battery
chemistries) has led to battery destruction and in some cases battery explosion.
The sophisticated circuity inside BLACKMAX is monitored at every stage of the Charge/
Discharge process to afford maximum safety. BLACKMAX offers many user functions
so your battery charge/discharge requirements can be tailored to your specic needs.
BLACKMAX also comes to you with a multitude of connector options and offers intel-
ligent balancing Charge/Discharge algorithms for 2 to 6 lithium cells.
When used with Booma-RC optional MAXPACK batteries, BLACKMAX can charge two
packs simultaneously.
High-power and high-performance circuit
BLACKMAX offers high powered circuitry with a maximum output power of 50W. This
gives you the ability to charge up to 15 cells of NiCd/NiMH and 6 Cells (in series) of
Lithium batteries with a charge current of between 0.1 and 5.0A. The BLACKMAX
internal cooling system ensures that the high power generated during the Charge/
Discharge process can be easily maintained.
Individual voltage balancer for Lithium batteries
BLACKMAX also offers an individual-Lithium cell-voltage balancer. The accuracy of this
balancer is achieved by high tolerance balancing resistors. BLACKMAX does not require
an external balancer when balance charging Lithium batteries (Lilo/LiPO/LiFe). Nice :)
Discharge balance of individual cells
BLACKMAX also offers individual cell balanced discharge for Lithium battery chemistry.
Intelligent circuitry and software will detect if the voltage of any one cell varies abnormally.
This will cause the Discharge process to stop.
Latest Lithium battery chemistry
BLACKMAX has been designed to work with the latest Lithium battery chemistry LiFe
(A123), Lilo and LiPo. Each of these battery chemistries has unique voltage and Charge/
Discharge characteristics requiring individual charge/Discharge software algorithms.
BLACKMAX closely monitors the Lithium Charge/Discharge process to ensure maximum
safety of charging. Booma-RC advises that you use BLACKMAX at your discretion and
that you accept full responsibility for Charging/Discharging Lithium chemistry batteries.
Lithium battery ‘Fast Charge’ and ‘Storage’ mode
BLACKMAX provides you with a special fast charge algorithm. The ‘Fast’ charge
algorithm reduces the charging time to maximise your enjoyment of RC ying/racing.
BLACKMAX also offers ‘Storage’ mode for maximizing the life of Lithium batteries.

Maximized Safety Features
Delta-peak sensitivity for NiMH and NiCd chemistry: The automatic charge
termination program works on the principle of the Delta-peak voltage detection.
When charging NiCd or NiMH using the ‘AUTO’ current algorithm, you can set the upper
limit of charge current to avoid overcharge of your battery pack. This algorithm is highly
desirable when charging low impedance small capacity NiMH battery packs.
Capacity limit: When charging all battery chemistries you have the option of setting
a maximum capacity. Once this capacity is reached BLACKMAX will automatically
terminate the charge process.
Temperature limit: BLACKMAX comes to you with a temperature sensor probe.
When using this probe in conjunction with the “temp sens” function the temperature of
the battery is monitored and Charging is terminated if the battery pack should reach the
user set temperature limit.
Processing time limit: BLACKMAX further ensures the safe charging process by
monitoring a user dened maximum charge time. Once the charge time is reached the
charge process is automatically terminated.
Input power monitor: BLACKMAX monitors the input voltage to it’s system. If
the input voltage drops to an unusable level (car battery going at) BLACKMAX will
automatically terminate the charging process.
Built in cooling fan: BLACKMAX comes with a built in cooling fan which runs
automatically when the internal temperature of the unit requires cooling.
5 User Programmable Settings
BLACKMAX offers storage for 5 user programs to store your favorite user settings.
Cyclic charging/discharging
BLACKMAX can breath new life into those battery packs that you thought were at end
of life. You can perform between 1 and 5 cycles of charge>discharge or discharge>charge
for NiCd and Nimh packs.
PC based analysis using USB communication
For the technical minded BLACKMAX offers PC based program analysis of the charge
discharge process via the USB port. Included software will allow you to graph voltage,
current, capacity and temperature curves. Individual voltage of each cell can also be
monitored when using balance charge functions.

Exterior of the unit
Lithium balance charge program connection
WARNING
Damage may result to your batteries or your BLACKMAX charger if batteries are
connected incorrectly. When charging using the balance program please connect the
balance connector of the battery pack to the 2,3,4,5 or 6 cell balance connector and then
connect the main power cables to the positive and negative connectors on the side of the
unit.
BALANCE CONNECTORS
POWER CONNECTORS

Warnings and safety notes
Never leave BLACKMAX unsupervised during the Charge/Discharge process. If any
abnormal charging characteristic is observed, immediately terminate the process and
refer to the operation manual.
To maximise the life of your BLACKMAX charger keep it away from dust, damp, rain,
heat direct sunshine and vibration. Be careful not to drop your BLACKMAX charger .
The BLACKMAX circuitry will operate when powered from a 10-18V DC only. AC power
is possible with the optional Booma-RC BLACKMAX AC power adaptor.
This unit and the battery to charge or discharge should be set up on a heat-resistant,
non-inammable and non-conductive surface. Never place them on a car seat, carpet or
similar. Keep all the inammable volatile materials well away from operating area.
It is your responsibility to understand the chemistry of the battery to be charged or
discharged. If incorrect battery chemistry is selected the battery can be damaged or
destroyed and re may result. Please read and thoroughly understand the following
battery information.
NiCd/NiMH Voltage level:1.2V/cell
Allowable fast charge current:1C-2C depends on the performance of cell
Discharge voltage cut off level 0.85V/cell(NiCd), 1.0V/cell(NiMH)
Lilo Voltage level:3.6V/cell.
Max.charge voltage:4.1V/cell.
Allowable fast charge current: 1C or less.
Min.discharge voltage cut off level:2.5V/cell or higher.
LiPo Voltage level:3.7V/cell.
Max.charge voltage:4.2V/cell.
Allowable fast charge current: 1C or less.
Discharge voltage cut off level:3.0V/cell or higher.
Life (A123) Voltage level:3.3V/cell
Max.charge voltage:3.6V/cell
Allowable fast charge current: 4C or less(e.g. A123M1)
Discharge voltage cut off level:2.0V/cell or higher
Pb Voltage level:2.0V/cell
(Lead-acid) max.charge voltage:2.46V/cell
Allowable fast charge current:0.4C or less
Discharge voltage cut off level:1.50V/cell or higher
To avoid short-circuits when connecting batteries to BLACKMAX , always connect the
charge cable to the unit rst and only then to the battery.