Lamarche A75R User manual

106 Bradrock Dr. Des Plaines, IL 60018-1967 CPN 133006 Instruction Dra ing Number: P25-LA75R-3
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Revision A01 Rev. Date: 11/15 ECN: 21002
La Marche Manufacturing Company
.lamarchemfg.com
A75R
A75RA75R
A75R
SCR Battery Charger
for Railroad
Version V.2.
Installation and Operation Manual

ii
Important Safety Instructions
Before using this equipment read all manuals and other documents related to this unit and other equipment
connected to this unit. Al ays have a copy of a units manual on file nearby, in a safe place; if a replacement
copy of a manual is needed it can be found at the .lamarchemfg.com.
Electrical Safety
WARNING: Hazardous Voltages are present at the input of po er systems. The output from
rectifiers and from batteries may be lo in voltage, but can have a very high current capacity that
may cause severe or even fatal injury.
When orking ith any live battery or po er system, follo these precautions:
•Never ork alone on any live po er system, someone should al ays be close enough to come to your aid.
•Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and atches.
•Wear complete eye protection ( ith side shields) and clothing protection.
•Al ays ear gloves and use insulated hand tools.
WARNING: Lethal Voltages are present ithin the po er system. Parts inside the unit may still be
energized even hen the unit has been disconnected from the AC input po er. Check ith a meter
before proceeding. Do not touch any uninsulated parts.
•A licensed electrician should be used in the installation of any unit.
•Al ays disconnect the unit from the supply, batteries and loads before performing maintenance or cleaning.
•If the unit is hot-s appable, simply remove it from the shelf for any maintenance or cleaning.
•Al ays assume that an electrical connection is live and check the connection relative to ground.
•Be sure that neither liquids nor any et material come in contact ith any internal components.
•Do not operate this unit outside the input and output ratings listed on the unit nameplate.
•Do not use this unit for any purpose not described in the operation manual.
Mechanical Safety
•This unit or parts of the unit may get very hot during normal operation, use care hen orking nearby.
•Do not expose equipment to rain or sno . Al ays install in a clean, dry location.
•Do not operate equipment if it has received a sharp blo , been dropped, or other ise damaged in any ay.
•Do not disassemble this unit. Incorrect re-assembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.
Battery Safety
WARNING: Follo all of the battery manufacturer’s safety recommendations hen orking ith or
around battery systems. DO NOT smoke or introduce a spark or open flame in the vicinity of a
battery. Some batteries generate explosive gases during normal battery operation.
•To reduce risk of arc, connect and disconnect the battery only hen the unit is off.
•If it is necessary to remove the battery connections, al ays remove the grounded terminal from the battery
first.
•Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and atches.
•Al ays ear rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a rubber lined vest/apron hen orking near a battery.
•Have plenty of fresh ater and soap nearby in case the battery electrolyte contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
•If the battery electrolyte contacts skin or clothing, ash immediately ith soap and ater.
•If the electrolyte enters the eye, immediately flood the eye ith running cold ater for at least ten (10)
minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
•Do not drop metal on a battery. A spark or short-circuit could occur and could cause an explosion.

iii
Unit Location
•Allo at least 6 inches of free air on all vented surfaces for proper cooling.
•Do not operate this unit in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any ay.
•Do not set any battery on top of this unit.
•Never allo battery electrolyte to drip on this unit hen reading the specific gravity or filling the battery.
•Never place this unit directly above a standard flooded battery. Gases from the battery ill corrode and
damage equipment.
•A sealed maintenance free or valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery may be placed belo this equipment.
Chec for Damages
Prior to unpacking the product, note any damage to the shipping container. Unpack the product and inspect the
exterior of product for damage. If any damage is observed, contact the carrier immediately and contact La
Marche for advice on the risk due to any damage before installing the product. Verify that you have all the
necessary parts per your order for proper assembly.
CAUTION: Failure to properly file a claim for shipping damages, or provide a copy of the claim to La
Marche, may void arranty service for any physical damages reported for repair.
Returns for Service
Save the original shipping container. If the product needs to be returned for service, it should be packaged in its
original shipping container. If the original container is damaged/unavailable, make sure the product is packed
ith at least three inches of shock-absorbing material to prevent shipping damage. La Marche is not
responsible for damage caused by improper packaging of returned products.
Inspection Chec list
 Enclosure exterior is not marred or dented.
 There are no visibly damaged components.
 All hard are and connections are tight.
 All ire terminations are secure.
 All items on packing list have been included.
Handling
Equipment can be very heavy and/or top heavy. Use adequate manpo er or equipment for handling. Until the
equipment is securely mounted, care must be used to prevent the equipment from being accidentally tipped
over.

iv
Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................... ii
Electrical Safety ................................................................................................................................... ii
Mechanical Safety ................................................................................................................................ ii
Battery Safety ..................................................................................................................................... ii
Unit Location ...................................................................................................................................... iii
Check for Damages ............................................................................................................................. iii
Returns for Service ............................................................................................................................. iii
Inspection Checklist ........................................................................................................................ iii
Handling ............................................................................................................................................ iii
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................... iv
A75R General Description ........................................................................................................................ 1
Charger Overvie ............................................................................................................................... 2
1 Installation ..................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Mounting the A75R ................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Input/Output Connections ......................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Customer Connections .............................................................................................................. 4
2 Operation ...................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Initial Startup ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Changing Settings .................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Adjustment Potentiometers ....................................................................................................... 6
3 Status and Alarm Indicators ............................................................................................................. 7
3.1 Charger Fail Alarm Operation ..................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Lo Current Alarm Operation ..................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Remote Shutdo n Operation ..................................................................................................... 8
Quick Start Guide ................................................................................................................................... 9
General Maintenance Procedure .............................................................................................................. 10
Manufacturer’s Warranty ........................................................................................................................ 11
Document Control and Revision History .................................................................................................... 12

1
A75R General Description
The La Marche model A75R uses proven SCR charging technology and is developed specifically for the railroad
market. It is typically used for signaling, high ay crossing and motion detection systems here the battery is
cycled frequently. This filtered unit is designed and built to charge VRLA, Flooded Lead Acid and Nickel
Cadmium batteries. Some of the features that make this product unique are remote shutdo n, lightning
protection and charger failure contacts, to name a fe . Remote shutdo n allo s you to place the charger
offline for battery testing purposes. The A75R is equipped ith AAR style hard are on the input and output
connections. Temperature compensation is included standard to increase the longevity of the batteries and
charger. The unit is convection cooled and the components are designed to achieve MTBF in excess of 100,000
hours.
Model Number
DC
Ou
t
put
AC Draw @ 100% Load Dimensions
Weight
Amps Volts LA ange NC ange lbs kg
A75R-10-12V-AB1 10 12 5-8 8-12
5.8 amps / 120 VAC
12” x 10” x 9”
34 15.5
2.9 amps / 240 VAC
305 x 254 x 228mm
A75R-20-12V-AB1 20 12 5-8 8-12
8 amps / 120 VAC
12” x 10” x 9”
37 16.8
4 amps / 240 VAC
305 x 254 x 228mm
A75R-40-12V-AB1 40 12 5-8 8-12
15 amps / 120 VAC
14” x 12” x 12”
58 26.4
8 amps / 240 VAC
356 x 305 x 305mm
A75R-30-24V-AB1 30 24 10-16 16-24 22 amps / 120 VAC 14” x 12” x 12” 76 34.5
11 amps / 240 VAC
356 x 305 x 305mm
*A75R-60-12V-A1 60 12 5-8 8-12 22 amps / 120 VAC
16.7” x 12” x 12”
80 36.3
427 x 305 x 305mm
*A75R-60-12V-B1 60 12 5-8 8-12 11 amps / 240 VAC 16.7” x 12” x 12” 80 36.3
427 x 305 x 305mm
A75R-60-12V-AB1 60 12 5-8 8-12 22 amps / 120 VAC 16.7” x 12” x 12” 80 36.3
11 amps / 240 VAC 427 x 305 x 305mm
* SINGLE AC INPUT ONLY. (120VAC OR 240VAC)
Standard Features
•Microprocessor Controlled SCR Charging Technology
•Single Phase AC Input 120/240V, 50/60Hz
•Automatic AC Input Voltage Compensation ±10%
•Complete Isolation from AC to DC
•Lightning Protection
•Temperature Compensation ith Enable/Disable S itch
•DC Analog Ammeter and Digital Voltmeter
•Adjustable Current Limit from 50% to 105%
•Filtered Output for VRLA Batteries
•Remote Shutdo n
•Shared form “C” Contact for Charger Failure and Lo Current Alarms
•Meets AREMA specifications
•Meets ANSI C62-41
•3-Year Warranty

2
Charger Overview
The A75R is simple and easy to use. It has an easy to read digital display for Output Voltage, and an analog
meter for the Output Current. All settings on the A75R are done via the front panel DIP s itches, so there is no
need to navigate through confusing set up menus. A75R also includes Charger Failure and Lo Current Alarms.
These alarms give the customer LED indication as ell as sharing a single set of contacts for remote
annunciation.
The image belo sho s all points of customer interaction ith the A75R charger.
1. Input/Output Po er
Connections - Section 1.2
1A. AC Input Neutral
1B. AC Input Phase
1C. Ground
1D. Negative DC Output
1E. Positive DC Output
2. AC Fuse
3. DC Breaker
4. Output DC Current
5. Output DC Volts
6. Customer Connections (Signal)
6A. Remote Shutdo n Input (12-24Vdc Bipolar) - Section 1.3
6B. Alarm Relay Contacts - Section 1.3
7. Status & Alarm Indicators - Section 3
8. Output Adjustments - Section 2.3
9. Charger Settings - Section 2.2
10. External Temperature Probe Connection – Section 2.2
Figure
1
-
A75R Railway Battery Charger

3
1 Installation
1.1 Mounting the A75R
Wall mounting is available using the keyholes at the top of the enclosure. Using the dra ings provided belo
drill t o (or three) holes, appropriately sized for #10 hard are, for the keyholes. Attach the bolts (or scre s)
into the all, lift the A75R onto the bolts, and tighten. Additionally the A75R has feet so it may simply be
mounted on a floor, shelf or table that is appropriately sized for the chargers eight.
Figure 2 - #85 Case
Figure 3 - #88 Case
All A75R Chargers
20A and lower
are built in the #85 Case
All A75R Chargers
30A and larger
are built in the #88 Case
Heatsink Installed
only on 60A chargers

4
1.2 Input/Output Connections
After the A75R is mounted, the input and output connections can be made. The A75R is equipped ith ¼” AAR
style hard are for the input/output connections. The ire should be sized based on the AC Dra listed on the
front of the unit and DC Breaker size.
Figure 4 - Input/Output Connections
Using Figure 4 above, Connect the AC input to the terminals sho n as “1A” and “1B”. For a 120Vac input;
connect the Neutral to the terminal “1A” and connect the AC Phase 1 to “1B”. For a 240Vac input; connect the
AC Phase 2 to the terminal “1A” and connect Phase 1 to “1B”. Before making the DC connections, make sure
the DC Breaker is off, then verify the DIP s itch settings for DC output (Section 2.2). Connect the DC output
(observe proper polarity). DC negative connects to the terminal sho n as “1D”. DC positive connects to “1E“.
Connect the ground to the center ground terminal.
1.3 Customer Connections
The A75R include customer connections for Remote Charger
Shutdo n as ell as a shared set of form C contacts for the
Charger Fail and Lo Current Alarms. See Section 2.3 for
further information on the operation of the alarm contacts.
The Remote Shutdo n and Alarm connections are made via a
spring type connector that accepts 16-22 AWG ire. The
contacts are rated for up to 2A @ 12VDC (1A @ 24VDC).
To install ires, simply depress the spring ith a small flathead
scre driver (about 0.1 inch diameter) in the upper slot and plug
the signal ire into the circular connectors belo the slot.
Figure
5
-
Customer Connections

5
2 Operation
2.1 Initial Startup
Before applying AC po er, be sure that the DC Breaker is turned off and output DIP s itches are set correctly
see (Section 2.2). Once all connections have been made and verified, the AC po er may be turned on. The
charger ill automatically po er up. There is a five second delay during startup hile the charger automatically
detects the AC input voltage. Once the unit output ramps up, verify correct output voltage and then turn on the
DC Breaker.
2.2 Changing Settings
Belo the Output Voltage display is a set of t elve DIP s itches. These s itches are used to change settings
of the charger. The function of each s itch is sho n in the image and table belo .
Figure 6 - Configuration Switches (12V Charger)
Switch Battery Cells (12V) Voltage Range (12V) Battery Cells (24V) Voltage Range (24V)
SW1 Disable Lo Current Alarm
SW2 12NC 16.68 – 17.88 24NC
33.3
–
35.7
SW3 11NC 15.29 – 16.39 22NC
30.5
–
32.7
SW4 10NC 13.90 – 14.90 20NC
27.8
–
29.8
SW5 9NC 12.51 – 13.41 18NC
25.0
–
26.8
SW6 8NC 11.12 – 11.92 16NC
22.2
–
23.8
SW7 8LA 17.20 – 18.80 16LA
34.4
–
37.6
SW8 7LA 15.50 – 16.45 14LA
31.0
–
32.9
SW9 6LA 12.90 – 14.10 12LA
24.6
–
28.2
SW10 5LA 10.75 – 11.75 10LA
21.5
–
23.5
SW11 Not Used
SW12 Disable Internal Temperature Compensation
Table 1 - DIP Switch Settings

6
SW1 is used to disable the Lo Current Alarm. In order to disable the alarm this s itch must be in the
on
position
(s itch pushed up).
SW2-SW10 are used to set the battery type and number of cells. Only one of these s itches should be set to
on at one time. If t o s itches are on at the same time, the charger ill use the lo er voltage of the t o
settings. EX: On a 12V charger, SW2 (12NC) and SW8 (7LA) are both set to on. The output of the charger ill
be set for 7LA.
SW12 is used to disable the Internal Temperature Compensation Probe. In order to disable the Internal Probe
this s itch must be in the on position . If an external probe is to be used, the internal probe has to be disabled.
If the internal probe is not disabled, Temperature Compensation ill not function correctly.
2.3 Adjustment Potentiometers
There are t o adjustment potentiometers for customer adjustment. The Output Voltage Adjustment allo s the
customer to fine tune the output voltage. Table 1 (DIP S itch Settings) on page 5 sho s the approximate
range for voltage adjustment.
The current limit adjustment allo s the user to adjust the maximum limit for the charger output current. This
value is adjustable bet een approximately 50 and 105% of the rated charger output. The access to the current
limit adjustment potentiometer is limited to prevent unintentional changes to the current limit calibration.
A clock ise adjustment increase the value of the potentiometer and a counter-clock ise adjustment decreases
the value.
WARNING: Do NOT adjust the charger output voltage if the unit is in current limit (red Current Limit
LED ill be illuminated) as this can cause damage to connected loads or batteries.

7
3 Status and Alarm Indicators
The A75R front panel has six LED indicators as ell as a three digit seven segment LED display. Additionally
there is an analog DC ammeter for the output current.
Figure 7 - Status and Alarm Indicators
Current Limit – This Red LED indicator illuminates hen the charger output reaches the set maximum output
current and stays on until the battery is partially charged and the output current has fallen.
Temp. Comp. Disable – This Red LED indicator illuminates if the internal temperature compensation s itch is
in the disable position and there is no external probe connected.
AC On – This Green LED indicator illuminates to indicate the correct AC voltage is present.
Ni Cad – This Yello LED indicator illuminates to indicate that the Nickel Cadmium battery type is selected.
Lead Acid – This Yello LED indicator illuminates to indicate that the Lead Acid battery type is selected.
Charger Failure/LC Alarm – This Red LED indicator illuminates to indicate rectifier failure. It ill blink hen
lo output current is present.
3.1 Charger Fail Alarm Operation
The Charger Fail Alarm shares the LED indicator and the alarm relay contacts ith the Lo Current alarm. The
Charger Fail Alarm ill trigger if the charger is not able to regulate the output voltage. The Charger Fail Alarm
ill also indicate if the AC po er is removed (and DC po er remains). The Charger Fail alarm is a latching
alarm and ill not clear until the AC po er is cycled off and on. The Alarm LED ill blink in the lo current
condition and ill remain solid for Charger Failure .
The Lo Current Alarm and Charger Failure Alarm share the same set of Form C contacts. The contacts ill
change state under either alarm condition.

8
3.2 Low Current Alarm Operation
The Lo Current Alarm shares the LED indicator and the alarm relay contacts ith the charger failure alarm.
The Lo Current Alarm ill trigger hen there is no current driven from the unit for 20 seconds. The alarm ill
clear hen at least 0.25A is pulled from the unit. The Alarm LED ill blink in the lo current condition and ill
remain solid for Charger Failure. The Lo Current alarm can be disabled by s itching the SW1 DIP s itch to
the on position.
Disabling the Lo Current Alarm ill not affect the Charger Failure Alarm.
The Lo Current Alarm and Charger Failure Alarm share the same set of Form C contacts. The contacts ill
change state under either alarm condition.
3.3 Remote Shutdown Operation
The remote shutdo n feature allo s the user to check the battery ithout disconnecting it from the charger.
The remote shutdo n terminals allo for a bipolar input, hen a ±12-24VDC signal is applied to these
terminals, the charger output voltage ill drop to approximately 10.5VDC (21VDC for 24V chargers).

9
Quic Start Guide

10
General Maintenance Procedure
Yearly
1. Blo out rectifier/inverter ith a lo -pressure air hose.
2. Make sure all connections are tight.
3. Perform a visual check on all internal components.
4. Check front panel meters and alarms for accuracy.
4th Year
REPEAT ABOVE WITH THE ADDITION OF:
1. Check relay contacts for pitting or corrosion.
2. Check capacitors for leakage.
7th Year
REPEAT ALL, WITH THE ADDITION OF:
1. Filter capacitors should be replaced.
10th Year
REPEAT ALL WITH THE ADDITION OF: (except replacing capacitors, they should be replaced every 7 years)
1. Check magnetics, components and iring for signs of excessive heat.

11
Manufacturer’s Warranty
All La Marche Manufacturing Co. equipment has been thoroughly tested and found to be in proper operating
condition upon shipment from the factory and is arranted to be free from any defect in orkmanship and
material that may develop ithin three (3) years from date of purchase.
Any part or parts of the equipment (except fuses, DC connectors and other ear-related items) that prove
defective ithin a three (3) year period shall be replaced ithout charge providing such defect, in our opinion,
is due to faulty material or orkmanship and not caused by tampering, abuse, misapplication or improper
installation.
Should a piece of equipment require repair during the arranty period, the equipment can be returned to the La
Marche factory to have the inspection, parts replacements and testing performed by factory personnel. Should
it be necessary to return a piece of equipment or parts to the factory, the customer or sales representative must
obtain authorization from the factory. If upon inspection at the factory, the defect as due to faulty material or
orkmanship, all repairs ill be made at no cost to the customer during the first three years. Transportation
charges or duties shall be borne by purchaser.
In accepting delivery of the equipment, the purchaser assumes full responsibility for proper installation,
installation adjustments and service arrangements. Should minor adjustments be required, the local La Marche
sales representative should be contacted to provide this service only.
All sales are final. Only standard LaMarche units ill be considered for return. A 25% restocking fee is charged
hen return is factory authorized. Special units are not returnable.
In no event shall La Marche Manufacturing Co. have any liability for consequential damages, or loss, damage or
expense directly or indirectly arising from the use of the products, or any inability to use them either separately
or in combination ith other equipment or materials, or from any other cause. In addition, any alterations of
equipment made by anyone other than La Marche Manufacturing Co. renders this arranty null and void.
La Marche Manufacturing Co. reserves the right to make revisions in current production of equipment, and
assumes no obligation to incorporate these revisions in earlier models.
The failure of La Marche Manufacturing Co. to object to provisions contained in customers' purchase orders or
other communications shall not be deemed a aiver of the terms or conditions hereof, nor acceptance of such
provisions.
The above arranty is exclusive, supersedes and is in lieu of all other arranties, expressed or implied,
including any implied arranty of merchantability or fitness. No person, agent or dealer is authorized to give
any arranties on behalf of the Manufacturer, nor to assume for the Manufacturer any other liability in
connection ith any of its products unless made in riting and signed by an official of the manufacturer.

12
Document Control and Revision History
Part Number: 133006
Instruction Number: P25-LA75R-3
Issue ECN: 20993 – 10/15
21002 – 11/15