Lamarche A39 User manual

A39 UNIVERSAL SCR CHARGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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A39
UNIVERSAL SCR CHARGER
ECN/DATE
CPN35971
15349-03 –05/02 14268 –10/00
16816 - 6/05 14575 –02/01 10400 –9/96
106 BRADROCK DRIVE
DES PLAINES, IL. 60018-1967
[phone]
FAX: [phone]
ISSUE DATE: 6/90
INSTRUCTION DRAWING NUMBER:
P25-LA39-1

A39 UNIVERSAL SCR CHARGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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1. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. This manual contains important safety and operating instructions. Before
using this equipment, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) unit, (2) battery, and (3) product
using the battery.
2. CAUTION: To reduce risk of injury and/or damage to the batteries, use only the type of batteries specified on
the charger nameplate.
3. Do not expose equipment to rain or snow.
4. Do not operate equipment if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way;
take it to a qualified serviceman.
5. Do not disassemble this unit; take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair is required. Incorrect re-
assembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.
6. To reduce risk of electric shock, disconnect this unit from the AC supply, batteries and loads before attempting
any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.
7. WARNING –RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES
a. Working in the vicinity of a battery is dangerous. Some batteries generate explosive gases during normal battery
operation. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that each time before using this unit, you read this manual and
follow the instructions
b. To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and
manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery. Review cautionary marking on all
products.
8. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS:
a. Someone should be within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid when you work near a battery.
b. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case the battery electrolyte contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
c. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while working near a battery.
d. If the battery electrolyte contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If the electrolyte enters the
eye, immediately flood the eye with running cold water for at least ten (10) minutes and get medical attention
immediately.
e. Never smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of a battery.
f. Be extra cautious, DO NOT drop metal onto a battery. It might spark or short-circuit the battery or cause an explosion.
g. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when working with a battery. A battery
can produce a short-circuit current high enough to weld these items causing severe burns.
h. NEVER charge a frozen battery.
i. Do not use battery charger for charging dry-cell batteries that are commonly used with home appliances. These batteries
may burst and cause injury to person or damage to property.
9. PREPARING TO CHARGE
a. If it is necessary to remove the battery connections, always remove grounded terminal from the battery first. Make sure
all loads are disconnected and unit is off, so as not to cause an arc.
b. Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being charged.
c. When cleaning battery terminals, be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.
d. Study all the battery manufacturer’s specific precautions such as removing or not removing cell caps while charging,
recommended rates of charge, and maintenance procedures.
e. Follow the battery manufacturer's recharging instructions.
10. UNIT LOCATION
a. Never place this unit directly above the standard flooded battery. Gases from the battery will corrode and damage
equipment. A sealed maintenance free or valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) may be placed below this equipment.
b. Never allow the battery electrolyte to drip on this unit when reading the specific gravity or filling the battery.
c. Do not operate this unit in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
d. Do not set any battery on top of this unit.
11. DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
Connect and disconnect DC output cables only after setting all of this unit's switches to off position and removing AC
input supply. Do not pull on output cables when disconnecting charger from battery.
12. GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This battery charger should be connected to a grounded, metal, permanent wiring system; or an equipment
grounding conductor should be run with circuit conductors and connected to equipment-grounding terminal or lead
on battery charger. Connections to battery should comply with all local codes and ordinances.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

A39 UNIVERSAL SCR CHARGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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RECEIVING INSTRUCTIONS
AND
GENERAL EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
CAUTION: To ensure safe installation and operation, the information given in
the instruction manual should be read and understood before installing or
using the equipment.
RECEIVING INSTRUCTIONS
Unpacking and Inspection: Examine the shipping crate upon arrival. If there is obvious damage, describe
on the receiving documents. Within a few days after delivery, the equipment should be uncrated and
carefully inspected for hidden damages. When removing packaging material, be careful not to discard
any equipment, parts, or manuals. If any damage is detected you should:
1. File a claim with the carrier within five (5) days.
2. Send a copy of the claim to La Marche Mfg. Co.
3. Call La Marche Mfg. For a RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION NUMBER.
Failure to properly file a claim for shipping damages, or provide a copy of the claim to La
Marche Mfg., may void warranty service for any physical damages reported for repair.
HANDLING
WARNING: Equipment can be very heavy, and top-heavy. Use adequate manpower or
equipment for handling. Until the equipment is securely mounted, care must be used to
prevent the equipment from being accidentally tipped over.
NOMENCLATURE PLATES
Each piece of La Marche Mfg. Equipment shipped is identified by part number on the nomenclature plate.
ADJUSTMENTS
All equipment is shipped from the factory fully checked and adjusted. Do not make any adjustments
unless the equipment has been powered-up and the settings have been determined to be incorrect.
SPARE PARTS
To minimize downtime during installation or normal service, it is advisable to purchase spare fuses, circuit
boards and other recommended components. Please refer to the list of recommended spare parts and
their La Marche Mfg. Part numbers included with the instruction manual. It is recommended that spare
fuses be ordered for all systems.
To order spare parts, please contact La Marche Mfg. (847)-299-1188 during business hours and ask for
the Parts Department.

A39 UNIVERSAL SCR CHARGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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MODEL A39 "UNIVERSAL CHARGER"
The La Marche Model A39 "Universal Charger" is a microprocessor controlled SCR charger which has
adjustable output voltage, adjustable output current limit, and an adjustable charge timer.
The output voltage, output current, time left to charge, and error codes are displayed on a 1/2" high red
LED digital display.
The voltage range adjusts from 10% to 100% of the rated value, the current limit range from 5% to
100% of rated output current, and the charge timer range adjusts between 30 minutes to 99 hours in 30
minute increments.
The A39 may be used as a constant current charger where the open circuit voltage can be adjusted, or
as a constant voltage charger with a current limit mode. The voltage characteristics in the constant
voltage mode are programmable by "dip”switches for a "flat”1% regulation curve or a tapered charge
curve.
A "select”push-button changes the display function from amps, to volts, or to time. These are displays
of actual unit conditions.
The "set”mode is actuated by depressing the "select”push-button and holding it in. The toggle switch
then allows adjustment of voltage current limit, or timer hours up or down from the initial setting.
The initial voltage setting is derived from the actual battery voltage when the battery is connected. The
current limit automatically defaults to 20% of the rated output and the charge timer defaults to 8 hours
on start up.
The Model A39 will "Auto" start upon connection to a battery and "Auto" stop when the charge cycle is
terminated by disconnection or a normal charge complete.
STANDARD FEATURES
* Microprocessor Control * Auto Start/Stop Circuitry
* Digital Display 1/2" Red LED (Amps, volts, amp
hours, elapsed time, error codes, voltage setting,
current setting, timer setting)
* AC Breaker
* LED Lights for "ON" charge, Charge complete,
Unit failure, Current limit
* Automatic Surge Protection
* Digitally adjustable current limit, output voltage,
and charge time
* Output cables with lugs
* Constant current mode * Single & Three Phase inputs
* "Flat" 1% Regulation mode * Fault mode diagnostics
* Tapered charge curve mode * DC fuse (Standard)
* Wide Current, voltage, & timer ranges * DC Breaker (Optional)
* Reverse Polarity Protection

A39 UNIVERSAL SCR CHARGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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THEORY OF OPERATION AND INDICATORS
OPERATION AND ADJUSTMENTS
1. Permanently connect the battery to the charger before turning on the AC breaker. (Observe battery
for proper polarity) Battery clips are not recommended.
2. Turn on the AC breaker and then the on/off switch on the digital display. The unit will go through a
lamp test, flashing all LED’s and displaying "8888”. Then the AC contactor will pull in and digital
display will show battery voltage. The unit will default to the voltage of the battery drawing only a
small amount of current (20% maximum, the default current limit setting). The "ON”light should
now be lit indicating that the charger is now running.
3. SETTING THE VOLTAGE: While in the "volts”mode, hold in the push to select switch and use the
adjust up/down switch until the desired voltage setting is reached. (To prevent overheating and
excessive gassing, set the voltage to 2.4Vpc on a fully discharged battery.)
4. SETTING THE CURRENT LIMIT: Push the select button to the "Amps" mode, hold in the push to
select switch and use the adjust up/down switch until the desired current limit setting is reached.
5. SETTING THE CHARGE TIME: Push the select button to the "Elapsed" "Time”mode, hold in on the
push to select switch and use the adjust up/down switch until the desired charge time is reached.
6. The A39 will stay in current limit until the set voltage is reached. Once the set voltage is reached the
current will start to taper. The A39 will run for the specified amount of time and then go to a
"Complete" mode, which is indicated by the complete light. You can toggle through the different
modes, indicating battery voltage, amp-hours returned, and elapsed time once the A39 has turned
off. NOTE: If a fully charged battery is connected to the A39, the set voltage will be reached rapidly
and the DC current will taper, possibly turning the A39 off on Code 3 (low DC current).
7. Before disconnecting the battery turn the AC breaker "OFF".
LAMPS & SWITCHES
1. "ON" Charge Lamp - indicates the charger is operating.
2. Complete (solid)
- indicates the charger has turned off.
3. Current Limit (adjustable 10-100%)
- indicates the unit is in current limit.
4. Failure - indicates the unit turned off because of low or high
AC voltage or low current or high DC output (voltage,
current).
CODE 0001 Low AC input voltage
CODE 0002 High AC input voltage
CODE 0003 Low DC current
CODE 0005 High DC voltage and current
NOTE: Switch 7 on SW-1 will activate the low current shutoff when in the "ON" position. Switch 8 on
SW-1 will activate the timer when in the "ON" position. All other switches are factory set.