HPI Racing reactor 500 User manual

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................1
SPECIAL FEATURES................................................................................................................ 2
SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................4
LITHIUM POLYMER BALANCE CHARGE PROGRAM CONNECTION DIAGRAM.................. 5
WARNINGS AND SAFETY NOTES........................................................................................... 6
PROGRAM FLOW CHART.........................................................................................................11
INITIAL PARAMETER SETUP (USER SETUP).........................................................................13
CHARGING A LITHIUM BATTERY IN CHARGE MODE............................................................17
CHARGING A LITHIUM BATTERY IN BALANCE MODE...........................................................18
FAST CHARGING OF A LITHIUM BATTERY.............................................................................19
STORAGE CONTROL OF A LITHIUM BATTERY...................................................................... 20
DISCHARGING A LITHIUM BATTERY.......................................................................................21
CHARGING A NICD/NIMH BATTERY........................................................................................ 22
DISCHARGING A NICD/NIMH BATTERY.................................................................................. 23
CHARGE/DISCHARGE CYCLE OF A NICD/NIMH BATTERY...................................................24
CHARGING A PB BATTERY...................................................................................................... 25
DISCHARGING A PB BATTERY................................................................................................ 26
DATA STORAGE PROGRAM.................................................................................................... 27
LOAD DATA STORAGE PROGRAM......................................................................................... 28
VARIOUS PROGRAM INFORMATION SCREENS................................................................... 29
WARNING AND ERROR MESSAGES...................................................................................... 30
WARRANTY AND SERVICE......................................................................................................32

1
Scrolls through the main menu
Stops any current charge processes
AC Power Input Port
(AC ~240V, 50/60HZ)
DC Power Input Port
11~18V DC
LCD Display
Balance adaptor socket
Alter values
See the status of individual
cells in balance mode
Resume or start charge processes
Conrmation
Charge lead Output
4mm Banana Plug
Thank you for purchasing the Reactor 500 LiPo balancing charger from hpi-racing.
This product is a rapid charger with a high performance microprocessor and specialized operating
software. Please read the operating manual carefully before using this product, as it covers all
aspects of operation and safety.
Introduction

2
Fast and storage mode for lithium battery
There are two charge modes for your lithium cells. ‘Fast’ is the normal charge mode for everyday
use.‘Store’ mode allows you to preset the voltage cut off of the charge process at a low level. This is
ideal for storing your lithium cells
Adaptable to various types of lithium battery
All types of lithium cells are covered with charge options for Li-ion, LiPo and LiFe series cells
Balancing individual cells battery discharging
While discharging the Reactor 500 can monitor and balance each cell on the battery individually. If
during discharging it detects any abnormal cell voltages it will automatically stop and inform you.
Internal independent lithium battery balancer
The Reactor 500 employs an individual cell voltage balancer. This means it is not necessary to use
an external balancing system
Optimized operating software
The Reactor 500 features an AUTO detection function that sets the feeding current during charging
and discharging. This can prevent overcharging, especially for lithium cells, which may lead to
battery failure. If any malfunction is detected an alarm will sound and the charger will automatically
disconnect the charging circuit. All the programs are monitored in this way to achieve maximum
safety and minimize failure. All the internal settings can be congured by the user.
Special Features
Processing time limit
A user programmable maximum time limit can be set to aviod any possible defect.

3
Cyclic charging/discharging
Revive battery packs for periodic maintenance or after a long storage. The charger safely charges
the battery to full capacity then slowly discharges it to a safe level up to 5 times. Ideal if you don’t use
your batteries regularly.
Data store/load
Simplify charging by storing up to 10 battery pack proles for charging different types of car/plane
batteries, transmitter pack, receiver batteries and more.
Input power monitoring
If a DC power supply is being used for operating the charger, the DC voltage is constantly monitored
to make sure that it does not fall below an acceptable limit. If this limit is reached the charger will stop
any processes automatically.
Temperature threshold*
The cells internal chemical reaction while charging will cause the temperature of the cell to rise. If the
threshold is reached the charging process will be terminated.
*This function is available when connecting the temperature probe. Available as an optional part.
Capacity limit
The charging capacity is always calculated as charging current multiplied by time. If the charging
capacity exceeds your chosen limit, the charge process will be terminated automatically.
Automatic charging current limit
It is possible to manually set the maximum charging current when charging your NiCd or NiMH battery
packs. When charging low impedance and capacity NiMH packs the ‘AUTO’ charging mode is useful.
Special Features
Maximum safety
Delta-peak is a charge termination program based on voltage detection. When the battery’s voltage
exceeds the threshold, the charge process will automatically stop.

4
Operating voltage range: DC 11.0~18.0 V
AC 100~240V
50/60HZ
Circuit Power: Max’ Charge power 50W
Max’ Discharge power 5W
Charge current range: 0.1~5.0A
Discharge current range: 0.1~1.0A
Current drain for balancing LiPo: 400mAh/cell
NiCd/MiMH battery cell count: 1~15 cells
Li-ion/polymer cell count: 1~6 cells
Pb battery voltage: 2V~20V
Weight: 578g (Net weight)
Dimensions: 147 x 139 x 45mm
Specications
1 x Charger unit
1 x Mains power lead
1 x 12v power lead
2 x Crocodile Clips
1 x JST-XH balance port adaptor
Charging Leads:
1 x 4mm gold connector to Deans Ultra Plug
1 x 4mm gold connector to small crocodile clips
1 x 4mm gold connector to Tamiya connector
1 x 4mm gold connector to Glow adaptor
1 x 4mm gold connector to BEC connector
1 x 4mm gold connector to Futaba connector
Box Contents

5
If crocodile clips are being used to connect the battery, please make sure they are unable to touch
together!
WARNING:
The main battery leads must be connected along with the balance lead connector as shown before
charging your battery.
Failure to connect as shown in this diagram will damage the charger.
WARNING:
This diagram shows the correct way to connect your battery to the Reactor 500 Charger while
charging in the balance charge program mode only.
Lithium Polymer Balance Charge Program
Connection Diagram

6
Make sure the specications of the battery to be charged or discharged meet the requirements of
this charger. An incorrect charge program can damage your battery and lead to re or explosion
due to overcharging. The warranty is not valid for any damage or subsequent damage arising as a
result of misuse or failure to observe procedures outlined in this manual.
This charger and any battery you wish to charge should be put on a heat resistant, non ammable
and non conductive surface. Never charge on your car seat, carpet or similar.
Keep all inammable volatile materials away from your charging area.
The allowable input voltage is 11-18V DC & 110-240V AC (Auto-switchable)
Keep the charger well away from dust, damp, rain, direct sunlight, and vibrations.
Do not drop it.
Never leave the charger unattended when it is connected to its power supply. If any malfunction is
found, Turn off the charger and refer to the operation manual.
These warnings and safety notes are particularly important. Please follow the instructions for
maximum safety; Your batteries, charger and person can be damaged if this product is misused.
WARNING AND SAFTEY NOTES

7
Pb Voltage Level: 2.0v/cell
Max charge voltage: 2.46v/cell
Allowable fast charge current: 0.4C or less
Discharge voltage cut off level: 1.75v/cell or higher
LiFe Voltage Level: 3.3v/cell
Max charge voltage: 3.6v/cell
Allowable fast charge current: 4C or less
Discharge voltage cut off level: 2.0v/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
Li-ion Voltage Level: 3.6v/cell
Max charge voltage: 4.1v/cell
Allowable fast charge current: 1C or less
Discharge voltage cut off level: 2.5v/cell or higher
NiCd/NiMH Voltage Level: 1.2v/cell
Allowable fast charge current: 1-2C (Depends on the performance of the cell)
Discharge voltage cut off level: 0.85v/cell (NiCd), 1.0v/cell (NiMH)
Warning and Safety Notes

8
A battery pack that contains different types of cells (including different manufacturers)
To recharge a battery that has just been fully charged or is already fully charged.
Non rechargeable batteries (explosion hazard)
Batteries that require a different charge technique from NiCd, NiMH, LiPo or
Pb/Lead acid/Gel cell
A faulty or damaged battery
A battery tted with an internal charge circuit or protection circuit
Batteries installed in a device or which are electrically linked to other components
Batteries that are not expressly stated by the manufacturer to be suitable for the
currents that the charger can deliver during the charge process
Never attempt to charge or discharge the following types of batteries:
Do not connect more than one battery pack to the charger at any one time.
To avoid a short circuit between the charge leads always connect the charge cable to the charger
rst, then connect the battery. Reverse the sequence when disconnecting.
Warning and Safety Notes

9
The Maximum charge current varies depending on the battery type or its performance,
and this information can be found in the manufacturers battery instructions.
Only batteries that expressly state they are capable of being quick charged are allowed
to be charged at higher rates than the standard charge current.
When connecting the battery pack to the charger: Red is Positive and Black is negative.
Always make sure that the connection leads are of an adequate conductive cross
section and that the connectors used are of high quality, normally gold plated. This
reduces the resistance and allows the charger to function correctly.
Charging
Has the correct program been selected for the type of battery you wish to use?
Did you set an adequate current for charging or discharging?
Have you checked the battery voltage? Lithium battery packs can be wired in parallel
and in series, 2 cell pack can be 3.7v (in parallel) or 7.4v (in series)
Have you checked that all the connections are rm and secure? Make sure there are
no intermittent contacts at any point in the circuit.
Please be aware of the following before commencing charging:
Warning and Safety Notes

10
The main purpose of discharging is to clean residual capacity, or to reduce the battery
voltage to a dened level. The same attention should be paid to the discharge process as
charging. The nal dened discharge voltage should be set up to avoid deep discharging.
Lithium cells are especially prone to this, if discharged below a minimum voltage it will
cause a rapid loss of capacity or total failure of the cell.
Some rechargeable batteries (NiCd & NiMh) have a memory effect. If they are partly used
and then recharged, they can “remember” this and will only use that part of there capacity
next time. A discharge cycle can help return the battery to it’s normal operating cycle.
It is not recommended to fully discharge and charge Lithium Battery packs. Always keep
partially charged. From new a lithium cells full capacity can be optimized by putting the
pack through 10 or more charge cycles. The cycle process of charge and discharge will
optimize the capacity of the battery pack.
Always refer to the battery manufacturers instructions for charging methods, recommended
charging currents and times.
This is especially true for Lithium batteries. Also note that Lithium cells can be wired in both
parallel and in series. Please make sure you have the correct voltage and capacity before
commencing charging.
Do not attempt to disassemble the battery pack arbitrarily.
Warning and Safety Notes
Discharging

11
Program Flow Chart
BATT/PROGRAM
LiPo BATT
LiPo BALANCE CHG
2.0A 7.4V (2S)
LiPo CHARGE
2.0A 7.4V (2S)
LiPo FAST CHARGE
2.0A 7.4V (2S)
LiPo STORAGE
2.0A 7.4V (2S)
LiPo DISCHARGE
1.0A 7.4V (2S)
BATT/PROGRAM
LiFe BATT
LiFe BALANCE CHG
2.0A 6.6V (2S)
LiFe CHARGE
2.0A 6.6V (2S)
LiFe FAST CHARGE
2.0A 7.4V (2S)
LiFe STORAGE
2.0A 7.4V (2S)
LiFe DISCHARGE
1.0A 7.4V (2S)
BATT/PROGRAM
LiIo BATT
LiIo BALANCE CHG
2.0A 7.2V (2S)
LiIo CHARGE
2.0A 7.2V (2S)
LiIo FAST CHARGE
2.0A 7.4V (2S)
LiIo STORAGE
2.0A 7.4V (2S)
LiIo DISCHARGE
1.0A 7.4V (2S)
BATT/PROGRAM
NiMH BATT
NiMH DISCHARGE
0.1A CUT 1.0V
NiMH CYCLE
CHG>DCHG 1
Continued on the next page!
INC
DEC
START
ENTER
NiMH CHARGE
CUR LIMIT
Aut
2.0A
NiMH CHARGE
CURRENT
Man
2.0A
START/ENTER
then hold
INC+DEC
BATT/PROGRAM
NiCd BATT
NiCd DISCHARGE
0.1A CUT 1.0V
NiCd CYCLE
CHG>DCHG 1
NiCd CHARGE
CUR LIMIT
Aut
2.0A
NiCd CHARGE
CURRENT
Man
2.0A
START/ENTER
then hold
INC+DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
Batt.
Type DEC
Batt.
Type DEC
Batt.
Type DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
Batt.
Type DEC
INC DEC
INC DEC
INC DEC
START
ENTER
START
ENTER
START
ENTER
START
ENTER
INC DEC
INC DEC

12
Program Flow Chart
START/ENTER >3 Seconds
LiPo/LiIo/LiFe
CHK Time 10min
NiMH Sensitivity
D.Peak Default
NiCd Sensitivity
D.Peak Default
Buzzer ON
Key Beep ON
USER SET
PROGRAM->
Capacity Cut-Off
ON 5000mAH
LiPo
V. TYPE 3.7V
USB/Temp Select
80°CTemp Cut-Off
INC DEC
PROGRAM SELECT
SAVE DATA 3.7V 5000mAh
SAVE [01] LiPo *
0.1A 3.7V(1S)
LiPo CHARGE SAVE...
PROGRAM SELECT
LOAD DATA 3.7V 5000mAh
LOAD [01] LiPo
0.1A 3.7V(1S)
LiPo CHARGELOAD...
Saftey Timer
ON 120Min
LiIo
V. TYPE 3.6V
LiFe
V. TYPE 3.3V
Waste Time
CHG>DCHG 1min
Input Power Low
10.0VCut-Off
START/ENTER >3 Seconds
START/ENTER >3 Seconds
Batt.
Type DEC
Batt.
Type DEC
INC DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
Batt.
Type DEC
INC DEC
INC DEC
BATT/PROGRAM
Pb BATT
Pb CHARGE
2.0A 2.0V (1P)
Pb DISCHARGE
0.1A 2.0V (2S)
INC
DEC
Batt.
Type DEC
Batt.
Type DEC
INC DEC
START
ENTER
START
ENTER
START
ENTER
START
ENTER
START
ENTER
INC DEC

13
Initial Parameter Setup (User Setup)
As default this charger will be set to typical user settings when it is connected to
AC 110-240v or DC 11-18v for the rst time. The screen displays the following
information in sequence and the user can change the parameter on each screen.
If you need to alter the parameter value in the program, press “Start/Enter” key
to make your selection blink then change the value with the “INC” or “DEC” keys.
The value will be stored by pressing “Start/Enter” key once.
User setup starting screen.
USER SET
PROGRAM->
START
ENTER
BATT
STOP
LiFe
V. Type 3.3V
LiPo/LiIo/LiFe
CHK Time 10min
DEC INC
DEC INC
DEC INC
DEC INC
The screen displays the nominal voltage of the Lithium battery. There
are three kinds of Lithium cell: LiFe(3.3v), Li-ion(3.6v) and LiPo(3.7v). It
is very important that you check the battery carefully and set the correct
battery type before charging.
The Reactor 500 will recognize the cell count of the lithium battery
automatically at the beginning of the charge or discharge process.
A re-check time can be set into the process to prevent an incorrect
reading, this can happen with a deeply discharged battery. Normally 10
minutes is enough for the charger to correctly perceive the cell count.
You can increase or decrease this time depending on the capacity of the
battery pack and the overall charge time. The default setting will cover
most applications.

14
Initial Parameter Setup (User Setup)
Temp Cut-Off
With use of the optional temperature probe you can set the
temperature cut off to ON or OFF. If you set to ON, you can set the
maximum temperature at which the charger should allow the battery
to reach during charge. Once a battery reaches this limit, the charge
process will be stopped to protect the battery.
Waste Time
10MinCHG>DCHG
The battery becomes warm after process cycles of charge/discharge.
This program will insert a time delay after each charge/discharge
process to allow the battery to cool down before beginning the next
cycle. The value ranges from 0 to 60 minutes.
DEC INC
DEC INC
ON 80°C
DEC INC
DEC INC
This shows the trigger voltage for the automatic charge termination of
NiMH and NiCd batteries. The effective values range from 5 to 20mV
per cell. If the trigger voltage is set higher, there is a danger of over
charging the battery. If the value is set lower then a premature
termination is likely. Please refer to the technical specications of your
battery. (Default settings: NiCd: 12mV, NiMH: 7mv)
NiMH Sensitivity
D. Peak Default
NiCd Sensitivity
D. Peak Default
DEC INC
DEC INC
DEC INC
DEC INC
DEC INC
DEC INC

15
Initial Parameter Setup (User Setup)
Capacity Cut-Off
ON 5000mAH
This program provides a maximum charge capacity protection function.
If the delta peak voltage can not be detected and the safety timer has
not cut in, the charge process will stop automatically when the battery
reaches the user set maximum charge capacity.
DEC INC
DEC INC
When a charge process starts, the integrated safety timer starts to run.
If an error is detected or the delta peak circuit can not detect whether the
battery has fully charged or not, this program will prevent overcharging.
Safety Timer Calculation
When charging NiCd or NiMH batteries, divide the capacity of the pack
by the charge current, then divide the result by 11.9 Set this number as
minutes for the value in the safety timer menu. If the charger stopped at
this time about 140% of the capacity will have been fed into the battery.
Safety Timer
ON 120Min
For Example:
Capacity Current Safety Time
2000mAh 2.0A (2000/2.0=1000)/11.9=84 Minutes
3300mAh 3.0A (3300/3.0=1100)/11.9=92 Minutes
1000mAh 1.2A (1000/1.2=833)/11.9=70 Minutes
DEC INC
DEC INC
DEC INC
DEC INC

16
Buzzer ON
Key Beep is the sound that plays every time a button is pressed.
Buzzer is the sound that plays at various times during operation to conrm
different mode changes. These can both be switched ON or OFF
Input Power Low This function monitors the input voltage of the battery used to power
the charger. If the voltage becomes lower than the user set value, the
program will end forcibly to protect the input battery.
Cut-Off 10.0V
ONKey Beep
This program is only suitable for the charging/discharging of Lithium(LiPo/Li-ion/LiFe) batteries with
a nominal voltage of 3.3/3.6/3.7v per cell. Different batteries have a different charge technique.
There are two methods, constant voltage and constant current. The charge current varies
depending on the battery capacity and specication. The nal voltage is very important. It should
precisely match the voltage of the battery: LiPo is 4.2v, Li-ion is 4.1v and LiFe is 3.6v. The current
and voltage of the battery should be set correctly. When you want to change the parameters, press
START/ENTER key to make your selection blink then use DEC or INC to change the value. The
START/ENTER key will then conrm and store the value.
Lithium (LiPo/Li-ion/LiFe) Program
Initial Parameter Setup (User Setup)
DEC INC
DEC INC
DEC INC

17
Charging a Lithium battery
LiPo CHARGE
2.0A 11.1V(3S)
DEC INC DEC INC
START
ENTER
BATT
STOP
CONFIRM (ENTER)
R: 3SER S: 3SER
The value on the left on the second line is the current. After setting the
current and voltage, press START/ENTER key for 3 seconds or more to
start the process. (Current: 0.1-5.0A Voltage: 3.7-22.2v)
This display shows the number of cells detected by the charger and the
number set manually by the user. “R” is the chargers reading. “S” is the
user set value, set previously. If both numbers are the same you can
start charging by pressing the START/ENTER Key. If not press
BATT.TYPE/STOP key to go back and amend if needed.
This screen shows the real time status during the charge process. Press
BATT.TYPE/STOP key once to stop the charge process.
The “CHARGE” charging mode is for charging LiPo/Li-ion/LiFe battery without the balancing lead.
Charging a Lithium battery in charge mode
START
ENTER
LP3S 1.2A 12.59V
CHG 22:43 00682
Number
of cells
Charging
Current Charging Time Charged Capacity
Battery
Voltage
>3 Seconds

18
Balance charging a Lithium battery
LiPo BALANCE CHG
2.0A 11.1V(3S)
DEC INC DEC INC
START
ENTER>3 Seconds
BATT
STOP
CONFIRM (ENTER)
R: 3SER S: 3SER
START
ENTER
LP3S 1.2A 12.59V
BAL 22:43 00682
The left side on the rst line shows the type of battery you chose. The
value on the left on the second line is the current. After setting the current
and voltage, press START/ENTER key for 3 seconds or more to start the
process. (Current: 0.1-5.0A Voltage: 3.7-22.2v)
This display shows the number of cells detected by the charger and the
number set manually by the user. “R” is the chargers reading. “S” is the
user set value, set previously. If both numbers are the same you can
start charging by pressing the START/ENTER Key. If not press
BATT.TYPE/STOP key to go back and amend if needed.
This screen shows the real time status during the charge process. Press
BATT.TYPE/STOP key once to stop the charge process.
The “BALANCE” function is for balancing the voltage of Lithium-Polymer battery cells while
charging. In balance mode, the battery needs to have the balancing lead connected to the balance
port on the right side of the charger. The power leads must also be connected to the positive and
negative terminals. Charging in this mode means the built-in processor monitors individual cell
voltage and controls the input current fed into each cell to equalise the voltage of that individual cell
with the others in the pack.
Number
of cells
Charging
Current Charging Time Charged Capacity
Battery
Voltage
Charging a Lithium battery in balance mode