Hobby People activator 80 User manual

ACTIVATOR 80 CHARGER USER’S GUIDE
1
The Activator 80 Multi-Chemistry AC/DC Charger is a high-performance,
microprocessor-controlled charger/discharger with built-in Lithium cell balancer.
The Activator 80 is suitable for charging LiIon, LiPo, LiFe, NiCd, NiMH and Lead
Acid (Pb) batteries from an 11 to 18V DC or 100 to 240V AC power source. With a
maximum internal circuit output power of 80 watts and a variable charge current
of up to 7.0 amps, the Activator 80 is a versatile and easy-to-use charger that
works with most batteries used in the hobby today. The Activator 80 features
multiple charge modes, discharge and cycling capability, a cooling fan and
built-in XH balance ports, so balance charging Lithium battery packs is easy.
And of course, other balance adapters are available if needed. A temperature
sensor is included for added safety, giving you the ability to monitor your battery’s
temperature during the charging or discharging process.
USER’S GUIDE
P/N 118552

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ACTIVATOR 80 CHARGER USER’S GUIDE
TAblE Of COnTEnTS
Service and Support .............................................. 2
Package Contents ................................................... 3
Detailed Features................................................. 3-5
Overview .................................................................. 5-7
Warnings and Safety Notes .........................7-10
Pro Tips .......................................................................10
Connections .............................................................11
Programming Flow Chart ..................................12
Navigating Programming Menus ..................13
Using the Temperature Sensor ............... 13-14
Initial User Parameter Setup ..................... 14-19
If you should have trouble with any of the information listed in this User's Guide,
or if you require additional information or help with this product, please contact
our Customer Service Center at the address below:
SERVICE AnD SUppORT
Lithium Cell Voltage Meter ......................... 19-20
Lithium Battery Programming .................. 20-29
NiCd/NiMH Battery Programming ......... 29-33
Pb Battery Programming ............................ 33-35
Save/Load Programming Data ............... 36-37
Status Screen Process Information ....... 37-38
Status Screen Error Messages ................38-39
Blank Programming Data Sheets...........40-41
Notes ............................................................................42
Warranty and Liability Information ................43
Warranty Service Information..........................43
Incorrect Charging of Lithium Batteries
Can Cause a Fire or Explosion!
Be sure to fully understand the information for the battery to be charged or
discharged. If the programming values are incorrect, the battery can be
severely damaged.
Please read this entire User’s Guide prior to operating your new charger. It
contains all the information pertaining to your charger’s correct and safe use.
Using your charger as intended and in a safe manner will ensure your safety
and help prevent possible damage to your charger or batteries. Selecting the
correct parameters for your specific battery is the sole responsibility of the
user. Incorrect parameter selections or incorrect use can result in damage to
your batteries or to your charger.
The Activator 80 Multi-Chemistry AC/DC Charger is not intended for use by
persons under 14 years of age, unless closely supervised by an adult. Before
using your new charger, read and understand the Warnings and Safety Notes
section on pages 7 through 10. In addition, you should also read and understand
any warning information provided with your batteries.
Global Services
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

ACTIVATOR 80 CHARGER USER’S GUIDE
3
pACKAGE COnTEnTS
Before using your Activator 80 Multi-Chemistry AC/DC Charger, make sure
that the items listed below are included in the box. This is also a good time to
become acquainted with these various items.
• 1 PC. Activator 80 Multi-Chemistry AC/DC Charger
• 1 PC. AC Input Power Cord
• 1 PC. DC Input Power Cord
• 2 PC. Plug-In Alligator Clips for DC Input Power Cord
• 1 PC. Output Power Adapter Cord
• 1 PC. Temperature Sensor
DETAIlED fEATURES
The Activator 80 Multi-Chemistry AC/DC Charger is a high-performance,
microprocessor-controlled charger with built-in Lithium cell balancer. It’s a versatile
and easy-to-use charger that works with most batteries used in the hobby
today. A temperature sensor is included for added safety, giving you the ability to
monitor your battery’s temperature during the charging or discharging process.
Optimized Operating Software:
When charging or discharging, an AUTO function sets the feed current automatically.
For Lithium batteries especially, this can help prevent over-charging that can
potentially lead to an explosion. Every program in the charger is controlled with
specialized software to detect almost any error, providing maximum safety. If
desired, charging and discharging parameters can be manually programmed,
giving the user more control over the process.
High-Power and High-Performance Circuit:
The charger features a maximum output power of 80 watts. As a result, it can
charge or discharge high capacity 6S Lithium batteries (in series) and 15-Cell
NiCd or NiMH batteries with a maximum current of 7.0 amps. An efficient auto-on
cooling fan allows the charger to hold that power without any trouble running
the CPU or operating programs.
OpTIOnAl pARTS
The following optional parts can be purchased separately and used with your
Activator 80 Multi-Chemistry AC/DC Charger. For more information, visit your
local Hobby People retail store or our website at www.hobbypeople.net.
• 118505 6-n-1 Parallel Balance Board
• 118519 Universal Balance Board
• 118525 Multi-Plug Output Adapter
• 118526 Output Adapter Cord Set

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ACTIVATOR 80 CHARGER USER’S GUIDE
Accepts Various Types of Lithium Battery:
The charger can accept three different types of Lithium battery: Lithium
Ion, Lithium Polymer and Lithium Phosphate. They have different characteristics
and require different parameters for charging and discharging. You can select
any one of them and the associated parameters as required.
Maximum Safety:
Delta-Peak Sensitivity - This automatic charge termination program works
on the principle of the Delta-peak voltage detection when charging NiCd
or NiMH batteries.
Auto-Charge Current Limit - When charging NiCd or NiMH batteries using
AUTO current mode, you can program the upper limit of the change current
to avoid over-current charging. This is very useful when charging low
impedance and small capacity batteries in AUTO mode.
Capacity Limit - The charging capacity is always calculated by multiplying
the charge current by time. If the charging capacity exceeds the programmed
limit, the process will be terminated automatically. This limit can be changed
if required.
Temperature Limit - The temperature of the battery during charging will rise
due to its internal chemical reaction. If you program a temperature limit, the
charging process will be terminated when the limit has been reached.
Processing Time Limit - You can limit the maximum process time (total
charge time) to prevent any possible defect in the battery confusing your
programming values.
Input Power Monitor - To protect the source battery from being damaged,
the input voltage is always monitored. If it drops below the lower limit, the
process will be terminated automatically.
Auto-On Cooling Fan - The cooling fan activates automatically when the
internal temperature of the unit is raised.
Integrated Cell Voltage Balancer for Lithium Batteries:
The charger features an integrated cell voltage balancer. This allows you to
charge Lithium batteries without a separate cell balancer. The charger will
automatically balance the individual cell voltages when charging LiIon, LiPo
and LiFe batteries.
Cyclic Charging and Discharging:
The charger is capable of performing 1 to 5 cycles of charge-discharge or
discharge-charge continually for battery refreshing.
DETAIlED fEATURES

ACTIVATOR 80 CHARGER USER’S GUIDE
5
DETAIlED fEATURES
Lithium Cell Voltage Meter:
The charger features a Lithium cell voltage meter that allows you to quickly and
easily check the current total voltage of your Lithium battery. In addition, it also
displays the current voltage of the highest voltage cell and the current voltage
of the lowest voltage cell in your battery.
Individual Cell Balancing During Discharge:
The charger can monitor and balance the individual cells of a Lithium battery
during the discharging process. If the voltage of any one cell varies abnormally,
the process will be stopped with an error message.
Lithium Battery Fast and Storage Charge Modes:
You can choose two special Lithium battery charge modes for special purposes.
Fast charge reduces the charging time of a Lithium battery and Storage mode
controls the final voltage of the battery destined for long term storage.
Data Store/Load:
Data storage and loading programs allow you to save up to 5 different battery
data programming presets. Once saved, these presets can be loaded at a later
time when needed. This allows you charge, discharge or cycle your batteries
without the need to enter the programming values each time.
• AC/DC Power Input In a Compact and Lightweight Design
• 80 Watts of Power and Charge Rates Up to 7.0 Amps
• Built-In XH Balance Ports
• Includes Temperature Sensor for Added Safety
• Built-In Auto-On Cooling Fan
• High-Performance, Digital, Intelligent Charging
• Lithium Cell Voltage Meter with Total and High/Low Cell Voltage Display
• Charges, Discharges and Cycles
• Standard, Balance, Fast and Storage Lithium Charge Modes
• Charges 1 to 6 LiIon, LiPo or LiFe Cells and 1 to 15 NiCd or NiMH Cells
• Charges Pb (Lead Acid) Batteries from 2 to 20 Volts
OVERVIEw
fEATURES
Use the information in this section to familiarize yourself with your Activator 80
Multi-Chemistry AC/DC Charger.

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ACTIVATOR 80 CHARGER USER’S GUIDE
OVERVIEw
AC Input Power Socket:
Powers the charger from a 100 to 240V AC power source, using the supplied
AC input power cord.
Batt Type/Stop Button:
Press to select upper level programming options or to stop the current process.
Cooling Fan:
Helps keep the charger cool during the charging and discharging processes.
The cooling fan features an auto-on function, so it turns on only when required.
DC Input Power Socket:
Powers the charger from an 11 to 18V DC power source, using the supplied DC
Input power cord and plug-in alligator clips.
OVERVIEw DIAGRAm AnD DESCRIpTIOnS
• DC Input Voltage: 11 to 18V
• AC Input Voltage: 100 to 240V
• Charge Power Output: 80W
• Discharge Power: 5.0W
• Charge Current: 0.1 to 7.0A
SpECIfICATIOnS
• Discharge Current: 0.1 to 1.0A
• LiPo Balancing Current: 300mA/Cell
• NiCd/NiMH Cell Count: 1 to 15C
• Lithium Cell Count: 1 to 6S
• Pb (Lead Acid) Voltage: 2 to 20V

ACTIVATOR 80 CHARGER USER’S GUIDE
7
OVERVIEw
LCD Screen:
Displays programming and process information on an easy-to-read 16
character, 2-line screen.
Output Power Sockets:
Used to charge Lithium, NiCd, NiMH and Pb (Lead Acid) batteries, using the
supplied output power adapter cord. Red is positive and black is negative.
Start/Enter Button:
Press to start or resume the process.
Status/Dec/Inc Buttons:
Press to select lower level programming options or to increase or decrease
programming values.
Temperature Sensor Port:
Allows you to monitor battery temperature during the charging or discharging
process, using the included temperature sensor.
XH Balance Ports:
Used to balance charge 2 to 6S Lithium batteries that feature an XH balance
connector. An optional Universal Balance Adapter Board with XH, EH, HP/PQ
and TP/FP balance ports can be used and is available separately. For more
information, see the Optional Parts section on page 3.
wARnInGS AnD SAfETy nOTES
These warnings and safety notes are important and must be followed closely.
Please abide by this information, and follow the instructions in this User’s Guide
closely for maximum safety, otherwise the charger and your battery may be
severely damaged. Failure to follow these instructions can also result in fire,
injury to your person or others, or loss of property.
• Only use the charger with the intended battery types. Do not attempt to
charge or discharge any other type of battery.
• Observe any cautions and warnings included with your battery. This is
especially true with Lithium batteries.
• Never leave the charger unsupervised when it’s connected to its power
source. If any malfunction is observed, immediately terminate the process.
• Keep the charger away from moisture, dust, dirt, heat, direct sunlight and
vibration. Do not drop it.
OVERVIEw DIAGRAm AnD DESCRIpTIOnS, COnTInUED....

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ACTIVATOR 80 CHARGER USER’S GUIDE
wARnInGS AnD SAfETy nOTES
• The charger is designed to be powered by an 11 to 18V DC or 100 to 240V
AC power source only. Do not connect both power sources to the charger
at the same time!
• Double-check all connections prior to starting the charging or discharging
process.
• The charger and the battery to be charged or discharged should be placed
on a heat-resistant, non-flammable and non-conductive surface. Never
place them on a car seat, carpet or similar. Keep flammable and volatile
materials well away from the operating area. When charging Lithium
batteries, we suggest always using a charging safety bag, available
from most hobby retailers.
• Be sure to fully understand the information for the battery to be charged or
discharged. If the programming values are incorrect, the battery can be
severely damaged. Incorrect charging of Lithium batteries can cause a
fire or explosion.
• Never charge a Lithium battery that is swollen or damaged in any way.
• To avoid short-circuits between the output power adapter cord connectors,
connect the adapter cord to the charger first and only then to the battery to
be charged or discharged. Reverse the sequence when disconnecting.
• Carefully verify the capacity and voltage of your Lithium battery before
charging or discharging it. It may be composed of mixed parallel and
series connected cells. In parallel, the capacity of the battery is multiplied by
the number of cells in parallel (2P means x 2), but the voltage remains the
same. The voltage imbalance possible in parallel packs can cause a fire
or explosion during the charging process. We recommend using Lithium
batteries in series cell format only.
• Never attempt to open the charger or disassemble the charger in any way.
Any signs of tampering will void the charger’s warranty.
Number of Cells
1 Cell
2 Cells
3 Cells
4 Cells
5 Cells
6 Cells
bATTERy pACK nOmInAl VOlTAGE VAlUES
LiIon
3.6V
7.2V
10.8V
14.4V
18.0V
21.6V
LiPo
3.7V
7.4V
11.1V
14.8V
18.5V
22.2V
LiFe
3.3V
6.6V
9.9V
13.2V
16.5V
19.8V
NiCd/NiMH: Number of Cells x 1.20V
(e.g. 8 Cells = 9.6V)
Pb: Number of Cells x 2.0V
(e.g. 6 Cells = 12.0v)

ACTIVATOR 80 CHARGER USER’S GUIDE
9
wARnInGS AnD SAfETy nOTES
RECOmmEnDED SAfE CHARGInG-DISCHARGInG VAlUES
NiCd/NiMH
Nominal Voltage Level: 1.2V/Cell
Maximum Charge Voltage: 1.5V/Cell
Discharge Cut-Off Voltage: 0.85V/Cell (NiCd) 1.0V/Cell (NiMH)
Recommended Charge Rate: 1C to 2C
Recommended Discharge Rate: 1C
Nominal Voltage Level: 3.6V/Cell
Maximum Charge Voltage: 4.1V/Cell
Discharge Cut-Off Voltage: 2.5V/Cell
Recommended Charge Rate: 1C or Less
Recommended Discharge Rate: 1C
Nominal Voltage Level: 3.7V/Cell
Maximum Charge Voltage: 4.1V/Cell
Discharge Cut-Off Voltage: 3.0V/Cell
Recommended Charge Rate: 1C or Less. Some LiPo cells can be
charged at 2C or more, but check with the battery manufacturer first.
If in doubt, charge at 1C.
Recommended Discharge Rate: 1C
Nominal Voltage Level: 3.3V/Cell
Maximum Charge Voltage: 3.6V/Cell
Discharge Cut-Off Voltage: 2.0V/Cell
Recommended Charge Rate: 3C or Less. Check with the battery
manufacturer first.
Recommended Discharge Rate: 1C
Nominal Voltage Level: 2.0V/Cell
Maximum Charge Voltage: 2.46V/Cell
Discharge Cut-Off Voltage: 1.72V/Cell
Recommended Charge Rate: 0.4C or Less
Recommended Discharge Rate: 1C
C = X ÷ 1000 Where X = Battery Capacity (eg: 3000mAh, therefore, 1C = 3.0 amps Charge Rate)
LiIon
(Lithium Ion)
LiPo
(Lithium Polymer)
LiFe
(Lithium Phosphate)
Pb
(Lead Acid)
Discharging is typically used to determine the residual capacity of the battery
or to lower the voltage of the battery to a defined level. When you discharge
the battery you should take as much care as when you charge it. To avoid
the battery becoming deep-discharged, program the final discharge voltage
correctly as described in the Recommended Safe Charging-Discharging
Values chart above.
DISCHARGInG

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ACTIVATOR 80 CHARGER USER’S GUIDE
• At any time during the charging or discharging process you can alter the
charge or discharge current values. To do this, press the ENTER button. The
current value will flash. Press the DEC or INC buttons to change the current
value, then press the ENTER button again to store that new value.
• The charger will automatically stop the process when it detects the battery is
fully charged or when it detects the battery is discharged to the programmed
voltage. If at any time you want to stop the process before its completed,
press the STOP button.
• At any time during the charging or discharging process, more detailed
information can be displayed by pressing the DEC or INC buttons.
• For maximum safety during the charging and discharging processes,
the charger may throttle the charge or discharge current lower than you
programmed. Whether the charger will automatically lower the charge or
discharge current will vary based on a number of factors and the charge
or discharge current you programmed.
• You must press and hold the START button for more than 3 seconds to begin
the programmed process. If an error is displayed, press the STOP button, then
carefully check the battery, programming values and connections.
pRO TIpS
DISCHARGInG, COnTInUED....
wARnInGS AnD SAfETy nOTES
Lithium batteries should never be deep-discharged to lower than the
minimum voltage, as this leads to a rapid loss of capacity or total failure.
• Some rechargeable batteries are said to have a memory effect. If they are
partly used and recharged before the whole charge is used, they remember
this and next time will only use that part of their capacity. This is referred
to as memory effect. NiCd batteries are said to suffer from memory effect.
They prefer complete cycles. Fully charge them, then use them until empty.
Do not fully recharge before storage. Allow them to self-discharge during
storage and give them an occasional short charge to keep them above the
0.85V per cell minimum.
• Lithium batteries prefer a partial, rather than a full discharge. Frequent full
discharges should be avoided if possible. Instead, charge the battery more
often or use a larger capacity battery. When storing a Lithium battery, we
recommend using the charger’s Lithium Storage program.
• A brand-new NiCd battery will not yield its full capacity until it has been
subjected to 10 or more charge cycles. The cyclic process of charge and
discharge will lead to optimized capacity.