Carson EXPERT CHARGER DUO User manual

Instruction
Battery Charger
Instruction
Battery Charger
CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035
50 060 6035

Dear Customer concerning equipment, materials and
Congratulations on buying the EXPERT design at any time without notice.
charger, which is designed using state of Specifications or designs of the actual
the art technology. According to our policy product may vary from those shown in this
of steady development and improvement manual or on the box.
of our products we reserve the right to
make changes in specifications
We wish you good luck and a lot of fun using your CARSON EXPERT Charger!
carefully read this instruction!Before using your EXPERT Charger
Manual The warranty does not cover damage
These instructions for completion and caused as a result of failure to follow the
handling should be used for operation of operating instructions. Normal wear and
your charger. Please read and tear, damage by accidents and damage
understand this manual before starting caused by incorrect operation are not
any work on your EXPERT Charger or covered by warranty.
any accessories.
Declaration of conformity
The original declaration of conformity can
In accordance with guidelines 1999/5/EG be obtained from the following address:
(R&TTE) Dickie-Tamiya GmbH&Co. KG
Dickie-Tamiya GmbH&Co KG hereby Werkstraße l
declares that this charger is in D-90765 Fürth
accordance with the basic requirements Tel.: [phone]
and other relevant regulations of guideline
1999/5/EG.
Disposal discarding this equipment at a
Please note and understand the symbols dedicated recycling point. The
on this product, packaging or instructions. authority responsible for waste
Electronic components are valuable disposal or your retailer will be
materials and at the end of their useful life able to answer any questions
should not be disposed with household you may have in this respect.
waste! Help us to protect the environment
and safeguard our resources by
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CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035
Dual battery charger parallel at the same time. A further benefit
This unit contains two battery chargers: of the first charger output is that it
charger 1 can be used for charging and features all the maintenance and fine-
discharging, charger 2 is only for tuning functions of a charger offered by
charging. The main purpose of the unit is the latest state-of-the-art technology.
to charge two batteries of any type in

* To avoid short circuits in the power * Two completely different power packs can
cable, always connect the power lead to be connected to the unit at the same time
the charger first, followed by the battery if required. Output 2 offers fewer functions,
that is to be charged or discharged. and this is alluded to in the description of
Reverse the procedure when the operation cycle.
disconnecting.
Safety information The charger and the battery for charging or
discharging should be positioned on a heat-
Never leave the charger unattended when resistant, non-flammable and nonconductive
connected to the power supply. If you notice surface.
any irregularities, stop the charging Never place the charger or the battery on a
operation immediately and refer to the user car seat, carpet or similar surface. Keep all
manual. moving and flammable materials away from
Protect the charger from dust, dampness, the area where the battery is being charged.
rain, direct sunlight and vibrations. Do not First make sure you know exactly what
drop the charger. needs to be done with the battery that is to
be charged or discharged. If the programme
The power supply is provided via 230V is not set correctly, the battery may be
50/60Hz alternating current or 12V direct completely ruined. When subject to
current (crocodile clips, red = positive excessive charge voltage, lithium batteries
terminal). in particular may start to burn or explode.
NiCd/NiMH Voltage level 1.2V per cell
Allowable fast charge current 1C~2C depending on performance of cell
Discharge voltage cut-off level 0.85V (NiCd), 1.0V per cell (NiMH)
LiIo Voltage level 3.6V per cell
Maximum charge voltage 4.1V per cell
Allowable fast charge current 1C or less
Discharge voltage lowest cut-off level 3.0V per cell or higher
LiPo Voltage level 3.7V per cell
Maximum charge voltage 4.2V per cell
Allowable fast charge current 1C or less
Discharge voltage lowest cut-off level 3.0V per cell or higher
LiFe Voltage level 3.3V per cell
Maximum charge voltage 3.6V per cell
Allowable fast charge current 4C or less (for example A123M1)
Discharge voltage lowest cut-off level 2.5V per cell or higher
Pb (Lead-acid) voltage level 2.0V per cell
Maximum charge voltage 2.3V per cell
Allowable fast charge current 0.4C or less
Discharge voltage lowest cut-off level 1.7V per cell or higher
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CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035

* Never attempt to charge or discharge the following kinds of batteries:
- A battery pack that has been pieced together from various kinds of cells (including
different manufacturers)
- Non-rechargeable (dry) batteries because of the risk of explosion
- Batteries that require a different charging process from NiCd, NiMH, LiIo, LiPo, LiFe or Pb.
-Defective or damaged batteries
- Batteries that have an integral charging circuit or protective circuit -Batteries inside a piece
of equipment that are linked electrically to other components. -Batteries that are not
specifically specified by the manufacturer as being suitable for the current delivered by the
charger.
* Do not try to continue charging a fully charged NiCd or NiMH battery or one which has
been slightly discharged.
* Please ensure that you always check the following before starting to charge a battery:
- Have you selected the appropriate charging programme for the type of battery?- Have you
set the correct strength of current for charging or discharging?
- Lithium battery packs may have a mixed parallel and series connecting arrangement.
Before charging, check the battery pack construction carefully.
- Are all the connections secure; are there any loose connections?
* The charging cable or connection should have an appropriate wire size. You should also
check that quality plugs are used at both ends.
- Note the information supplied by the battery manufacturer as regards the charging
operation, and adhere to the charge current and time. In the case of lithium batteries, it is
particularly important that the manufacturer’s charging instructions are followed very
closely.
- Do not try to dismantle a battery pack yourself.
- Particular attention should be paid to the charge capacity and current of lithium battery
packs. They may have a mixed parallel and series connecting arrangement. In the case of
parallel connections, the capacity is multiplied by the number of cells, however the current
remains the same. This type of construction without voltage equalisation can cause a fire
or an explosion during charging. We therefore recommend that you only use lithium
battery packs with series connections.
* Never discharge to below the minimum voltage as this causes the battery capacity to drop
off quickly or fail completely. As a general rule, lithium batteries do not need to be
deliberately discharged.
- Some batteries are said to possess what is known as the “memory effect”. If they are only
partially discharged during use and are recharged before they are completely discharged,
they “remember” this to a certain extent, and only this part of the charge can then be used.
This is called the “memory effect” and is a characteristic of NiCd and NiMH batteries. They
prefer a complete cycle whereby they are fully charged and then used until completely
empty. Do not charge these batteries before storing – if they are to be stored for a long
time, allow them to discharge by themselves. NiMH batteries have a lower memory effect
than NiCd batteries.
* This warning and safety information is important. To ensure the greatest possible safety,
please observe these instructions carefully, as failure to do so may cause the charger and
battery pack to be seriously damaged. Failure to follow these instructions may also cause
a fire, resulting in injury and damage to property.
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CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035

Explanation of terms and units of measurement
Ampere (A): The unit of measure of the rate of flow of electrical current. In most cases, the
charger programme shows the current strength in amperes (A) on the LCD screen.
Milliampere (A): A milliampere (mA) is one thousandth of an ampere (A). For example, 2.0A
is the same as 2000 mA. Conversely 200 mA is the same as 0.2A. If the strength of electric
current lies below 1.0A, the charger’s LCD screen will still show the current strength in
amperes, not milliamperes. For example a current of 600mA will be shown as 0.6A.
Capacity, milliampere hours (mAh) and ampere hours (Ah): The energy stored in a
battery is called the capacity; it indicates the continuous current that a battery can supply
over a period of one hour. Most batteries used in model making give the capacity in “mAh” or
milliampere hours. A 650 mAh battery can supply a current of 650mA for one hour. The
capacity of very high-capacity batteries, such as lead-acid batteries (Pb), is generally given in
“Ah” or ampere hours. A “12V 60 Ah” battery could supply 60A current for an hour (60A x 1hr.
= 60 Ah) or a current of 6A over a period of 10 hours.
Nominal voltage (V): This is not the peak voltage of the whole battery pack.
The battery data is given on the label on the battery.
- LiPo: The nominal voltage is obtained by multiplying the number of cells by 3.7V per
cell. For example, a 3-celled LiPo battery pack with series connections has a nominal
voltage of 11.1V (= 3x3, 7V)
- LiIo: Multiply the total number of cells in the battery pack by 3.6V per cell.
-LiFe: Multiply the total number of cells in the battery pack by 3.3V per cell.
- NiCd or NiMH: Multiply the total number of cells in the battery pack by 1.2V per cell. If
in doubt consult the manufacturer or stockist. Do not guess the voltage of a battery pack
– this can be dangerous.
“C” value: The current strength for discharging or charging is given as a ratio. Many
manufacturers recommend these values, e.g.: 1C for charging and 25C for discharging
(current drain). The C value relates to the ratio of current to capacity. With a battery capacity
of 2100mAh and a charge rate of 1C, the set current for charging should not exceed a
maximum of 2.1A; during operation no more than 25x2.1 = 52.5A peak voltage should be
discharged. In the interests of a longer lifetime, it is recommended that these values are not
fully exhausted.
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CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035

PRESS
S
E
T
E
D
M
O
LiPo/LiIo/LiFe/NiMH/NiCd/PB
2/1
SET button
The SET button is used to switch from display
and input to charger outputs 1 or 2. Operation
of the charger output is indicated by the
relevant blue LED lights glowing. Settings
applied to or processes started on the other
output remain completely unaffected, even if
the appropriate LED is not illuminated.
MODE button
This button is used to select and start one of
the four/five possible charging and/or
discharging operations on the connected
battery. If the operation has been started after
a few seconds, it can be stopped by pressing
the MODE button again.
The display will show the word STOP and the
charger will beep 10 times before reverting to
the starting position.
Combined knob and push button
The knob can be turned clockwise or anti-clockwise. In normal
programme execution, turning it by one notch displays the next current
parameter in the menu, whilst turning in the opposite direction shows
the previous parameter.
You can enter the input mode from the charging parameter display by
pressing the knob. The parameters flash in sequence and can be
changed by turning the knob. Press the knob to accept the newly set
parameter, then the display jumps to the next parameter. The display
cycles back to the initial display once all parameters have been set. If a
charging/discharging cycle has already started, pressing the button will
have no effect.
Display and controls
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Display panel
2x16 characters, lights up when the charger
is connected to a power supply.
CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035

Display of current settings
If the charger is connected to the mains or 12V
power supply, the display shown to the left will
appear with the associated device designation
EXPERT DUO. If a battery that is to be charged is
already connected, the display will change to the
next but one picture after several seconds.
If no battery for charging is connected, you will see
the display shown to the left when you turn the knob.
NB= no battery and the last battery used, in this
instance NiMH with 6 cells.
When a battery is connected (with charging not yet
initiated) a read-out similar to this one will be
displayed. The parameters for voltage and current
strength pulse; this is known as a trickle charge,
meaning that a very small charge is being supplied to
the battery at the voltage shown.
If you select continuous read-out during a charging
operation, the picture on the left shows the initial
display. Description elsewhere.
The EXPERT DUO charger also has a Balancer for
lithium batteries, which prevents one individual cell in
a battery pack from reaching a higher than allowable
voltage. The lithium battery pack is additionally
connected (XHR connector) to the charger using the
special balancer cable at the battery.
These read-outs are displayed one after the other; in
this instance 6 cells are connected, for which a
voltage of 4.1 volts is displayed for each cell.
For this charger, Lithium batteries (unless 1 cell
battery) must be charged with the balancer.
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CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035

The next read-out relates to the working voltage of
the charger, which always adjusts to the
requirements of the connected battery. OUTPUT is
somewhat higher than the current voltage level of the
battery being charged.
Peak and average voltage of the battery during the
charging operation. For information only.
The adjacent diagram shows the power transferred
to the battery during charging or from the battery
during discharging in mAh. It also shows the elapsed
time in seconds.
Entering battery parameters with the rotating button
The chargers in the EXPERT DUO range However particular care should be exerci-
allow numerous battery specific data to be sed with lithium batteries, as setting the
specified, ensuring optimum char- parameters too high (peak voltage) or too
ging/discharging and maintenance of almost low can ruin the battery.
all the battery types used in model making. When the rotating button is pressed, the
Various parameters (time and voltage input screens appear in the following
difference) prevent a charging operation sequence; in the case of lithium batteries,
from being terminated prematurely. The the displays shown may vary slightly in
operator must use the default parameter to some instances.
make an approximation of the most favoura-
ble setting, which can vary depending on
the quality and operating time of the battery.
First appear the values of your last
charging: type, number of cells, charge- and
discharge current. At this screen you can
turn the knob to enter the battery type, in
this instance: NiCd. Any types compatible
with the charger can be entered and
confirmed by pressing the button. The
number of cells then flashes and you can
enter the appropriate number. Confirm by
pressing the button.
If you select a battery type other than NiCd
or NiMH, the screen will display the voltage
depending upon the number of cells,
calculated from the number of cells
multiplied by the cut-off voltage which has
been set elsewhere.
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CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035

The amperage required for charging the battery can
be entered at this screen. This can be set to a
maximum of 10 amps, but is also limited by the
power output of the charger. If this is 95W (power
supply), and you wish to charge a four-celled LiPo
battery (16.8V), the maximum amperage is 95/16.8 =
5.6A. The upper limit may also be limited by the
charger's power input.
Because of the so-called "memory effect”, NiCd and
NiMH batteries should be significantly discharged
(down to a voltage lower limit), as the battery may
otherwise suffer from a loss of capacity. The
discharge current (ampere) depends upon the
battery type (transmitter battery tends to be low, drive
battery high). When discharging with a higher
amperage, the operation finishes earlier, and there is
a higher residual charge. Other battery types should
only be discharged using the charger in exceptional
cases. The lowest setting is 0.1A; the upper limit is
dictated by the charger’s performance.
If you are subsequently going to be selecting only
"charge", the discharge setting that you enter here
doesn't actually matter, as you will not have set the
charger to discharge.
At the end of charging, the charge voltage drops by
several millivolts depending upon the battery. In the
case of NiCd and NiMH batteries, the charger uses
this to terminate the charging operation. In certain
cases, setting the threshold value can result in better
battery performance. Based on the default parameter
(7mV) you can experiment to ascertain the optimum
setting by monitoring other criteria (absolute voltage).
As current is drained, the current of a battery
decreases, particularly if the battery’s charge is
almost gone. At this point, at a certain voltage
specific to the battery, the discharging operation must
be terminated. Further current drain can damage the
battery.
You should set the minimum voltage per cell.
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This function is not displayed if
charging input No.2 is selected.
This function is not displayed if
charging input No.2 is selected.
CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035

As a battery is charged, the initial voltage increases
to a battery-specific upper limit. Particularly in the
case of lithium batteries, further charging is
damaging to the battery, and there is also the danger
of overheating and explosion. The limiting value of
voltage per cell which should be entered here for
lithium batteries ensures an automatic safety cut-out
in the charging operation, and under normal
circumstances the charger will automatically switch
off in accordance with the parameters set for the
battery type (Delta Peak).
With some batteries – particularly if they’ve not been
used for some time – the automatic voltage
monitoring can interrupt the charging process right at
the beginning, and you might find that it takes several
attempts to start charging normally. To overcome this
problem you may find it useful to enter a minimum
charge time for the charging operation, which may
not however exceed 10 minutes. This bypasses the
malfunction and full charging can then take place
normally.
New batteries, or batteries which have not been used
for a long time do not reach their full capacity on first
charge, so do not provide the maximum strength of
current. You can improve the performance of a
battery in this condition by carrying out several
successive charging/discharging operations. The
figures shown here refer to the number of cycles that
should be carried out.
A battery that has been set on a charging and
discharging cycle tends to get quite warm towards
the end of the operation. The programme allows you
to set a break at the end of every charging and
discharging cycle, which gives the battery an
appropriate time to cool down before starting the next
cycle. This can be set between 1 and 10 minutes.
Only appears with NiCd batteries
Only appears with Li batteries
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The setting options for charger
output 2 finish here. It jumps back
CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035

The EXPERT chargers include a lot of If an error occurs a reference to the reason is
functions for safety and control of the displayed; additionally a sound is to be
system which can show operation and heard.
condition of the electronic equipment.
Precautions and error messages
Input voltage too low.
The 12V (car) battery being used to power the
charger is falling below the minimum level required
for charging.
The battery being charged has been connected with
incorrect polarity or there is a short circuit. The
plus/minus plugs are the wrong way round or there is
a short circuit in the charging cable.
If a wrong number of cells is set for a Lithium battery
pack with balancer connection and this is identified
by the charger, the error message shown on the left
is automatically displayed and the charging process
should be interrupted immediatelay by pressing the
MODE-button
STOP indicates the end of a charging operation. If
activated, an acoustic signal will also sound 10
times. The display will then revert to the start screen.
The charging operation can also be interrupted
manually by pressing the MODE button.
There is a faulty connection to the battery you are
trying to charge. Check, repair or replace the charger
cable if required.
The values set for the battery pack do not conform to
those specified by the charger, for example: NiMH 4
cells set, charging voltage 9.8V. The number of cells
is incorrect.
Setting up the charger If required, the charger has two functions that can be
set by the user. To set these functions, hold down
the SET and MODE buttons before connecting the
charger to the power supply.
Buzzer ON / OFF. Normally the buzzer is set to ON,
but if you find it disturbing (e.g. at events), it can be
switched off.
This restores the factory settings in all programmes.
It is the equivalent of a RESET.
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CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035

Charge / Discharge / MODE button
If all of the parameters for the connected battery are
set correctly (SET procedure concluded) and if the
charger has reverted to its initial state (approx. 10
seconds after the last adjustment), the display shown
to the left, or similar, will appear.
By pressing the MODE button, you can select what
operation you would like the charger to perform.
Pressing the button again selects and displays the
next function. After approx. 10 seconds with no
further activity the operation is initiated. If you
subsequently realise that it isn’t the operation that
you wanted, the process can be stopped by pressing
the MODE button again.
The menu sequence starts with the normal charging
procedure and displays the set parameters: 10min =
minimum charging time/NiCd battery with 6 cells /
C4.0 = charging at 4.0A / 5mV = switch-off sensitivity
5mV. If you leave it at this display, the charging
process will start shortly thereafter, displaying a
similar screen to the one on the left:
CHG – charge / 10.350V = current voltage
4.0 A = set charging current / Cd06 = NiCd battery
with 6 cells / + = charging operation / 0211 = mAh
charged till now / 0218 = charge duration in seconds.
If you don’t require normal charging, press the
MODE button again: The next screen is just for
discharging. In the case of NiCd and NiMH batteries,
it is recommended that they are intentionally
discharged prior to recharging. Some experts also
recommend discharging them before being stored for
a long period of time. The display to the left shows
for example that a NiCd battery with 6 cells is being
discharged at 0.5A with a voltage of 0.85V per cell
(total battery therefore 0.85x6 = 5.1V).
During this operation the read-out on the left, or
similar, will be displayed. DIS = Discharge.
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The setting options for charger
output 2 finish here. It jumps back
CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035

The type of charger cable depends on the quality banana plug, and on the battery via a
battery pack that you want to charge. matching (female) battery plug. To avoid
Charger cables are available for purchase short-circuits always connect the banana
from specialist retailers. They should have plug to the charger first before connecting
an adequate cable cross-section (min. the battery. Multi-celled lithium batteries
4mm² cross-section with 10A charging always have what is known as a balancing
current). Connection on the charger is via a cable, which balances any possible
differences in the voltage of individual cells
when the balancer built into the unit is fully
charged. If the battery does
not have the requisite XHR
plug, an adapter cable can be
purchased from specialist
retailers. Always align the plug
to the right when connecting
(black cable fully to the right).
Charge / Discharge / MODE button
It is more common to discharge the battery after use
immediately before recharging. This is what the
process displayed as the next menu item (press the
MODE button again) is for: Discharge / Charge. As
this operation is also used to regenerate old batteries
or batteries that have not been used for a long time,
it can also be programmed to run automatically
several times by setting a repeat cycle.
The read-out means: Carry out the cycle 3 times,
discharge, then charge. The operation will also
incorporate delay times that may have been set.
When regenerating batteries the discharging and
charging current must not be set very high
(1/4 to 1/3 C).
During discharging and charging the displays as
previously described will appear.
The regeneration cycle can also be started and
finished with an empty battery. To do this, select the
next menu item with the display as shown on the left.
C>D = Charge>Discharge (first charge then
discharge). All the other operations are identical.
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Connecting the charger cable and balancing cable
CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035
EXPERTCHARGEREXPERTCHARGER
6 5 4 3 2 1
2
6 5 4 3 2 1
2
1
T
E
S

Specifications
Operating voltage Direct Current 10.6 - 15.0V
Power pack Alternating Current 230V 50/60Hz
Charging capacity 70W (only charging output 1 in use)
2x35W (both outputs 1+2 in use)
Discharging capacity 5W (only output 1 voltage higher than 2V)
18W (only output 1 voltage lower than 2V)
Operating voltage range 0,1 ~ 10.0A (output 1) 0.1A ~ 5A (output 2)
Discharge current range 0,1 ~ 10.0A
Balance current about 150mA (XHR connector)
Conservation current about 80mA NiCd or NiMH only
Weight 610 g
Dimensions 188 x163 x77mm
Suitable for volt/cell Number of cells Discharge final voltage
NiCd/NiMH 1.2V 1 ~ 15in series 0.8V
LiPo 3.7V 1 ~ 6 in series 3.0V
LiFe (A123) 3.3V 1 ~ 6 in series 2.5V
LiIo 3.6V 1 ~ 6 in series 3.0V
Lead battery 2.0V 1 ~ 12 in series 1.8V
LIMITED WARRANTY
This warranty does not cover:
This product is warranted by CARSON against
manufacturing defects in material and (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to
workmanship under normal use for 24 months acts of God, abuse, accident, misuse,
from the date of purchase from authorized improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow
franchisees and dealers. instructions, improper installation or
In the event of a product defect during the maintenance, alteration, lightning or other
warranty period, take the product and the incidence of excess voltage or current;
CARSON sales receipt as proof of purchase date (b) any repairs other than those provided by a
to any CARSON store. CARSON will, at its option, CARSON Authorized Service Facility;
unless otherwise provided by law: (c) consumables such as fuses or batteries;
(d) cosmetic damage;
(a) correct the defect by product repair without (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs;
charge for parts and labor; or
(b) replace the product with one of the same or (f) costs of product removal, installation, set-up
similar design; or service adjustment or reinstallation. This
(c) refund the purchase price. warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
All replaced parts and products, and products you may also have other rights which vary
on which a refund is made, become the from state to state.
property of CARSON. New or reconditioned
parts and products may be used in the
performance of warranty service. Repaired or
replaced parts and products are warranted for
the
remainder of the original warranty period. You
will be charged for repair or replacement of
the product made after the expiration of the
warranty period.
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CARSON EXPERT DUO Battery Charger 50 060 6035

www.carson-modelsport.de
CARSON-Model Sport
Abteilung Service
Mittlere Motsch Str. 9
96515 Sonneberg
For Germany:
Service-Hotline:
01805-73 33 00
14 ct/min
Mo-Do 8.00 - 17.00 Uhr
Fr 8.00 - 14.30 Uhr
CARSON-MODEL SPORT
Werkstraße 1 - D-90765 Fürth / Ger many