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