Minelab F Series User manual

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P0564-B
DISCHARGE
Ready
Power
Charging
Discharging
F-SERIES
CHARGER
MINELAB
DISCHARGE
Ready
Power
Charging
Discharging
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 

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
3
WARNING
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS
MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LIMITED
RIGHTS TECHNICAL DATA OR
RESTRICTED RIGHTS DATA OR BOTH.
Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd
This work is copyright. Apart from any use
as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968,
no part may be reproduced by any process
without written permission from
Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd,
118 Hayward Avenue,
Torrensville, SA 5031,
Australia.
DISCLAIMER
Certain descriptions and illustrations contained in this manual may
differ from the exact model purchased. In addition, Minelab reserves
the right to respond to ongoing technical progress by introducing
changes in design, appearance, equipment and technical features at
any time.

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
5
The F Series Battery Charger
Operations Manual
CONTENTS
Page No
1. Introduction...............................................................................6
2. List of Parts...............................................................................7
3. Using a DC Source to Charge Batteries.................................... 8
4. Using Mains AC to Charge Batteries.........................................9
5. Using an AC Generator to Charge Batteries ........................... 10
6. Using an AC Source and a DC Source to Charge Batteries.... 10
7. Set-Up Procedure to Charge Batteries....................................11
8. Battery Charging Procedure ...................................................12
9. Battery Discharging Procedure ...............................................14
10. Specifications .........................................................................16
11. Trouble Shooting Guide..........................................................17
12. Internal Fuse Replacement..................................................... 19
13. Warranty Information ..............................................................21
14. Product Information ................................................................21
15. Rechargeable Battery Management Guidelines...................... 22

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
1. Introduction
The F Series Battery Charger is a robust, intelligent, fast charging device
designed to charge Minelab 4.5 Ah 'D' cell rechargeable batteries. The
Charger can charge two sets of four batteries in approximately three hours. A
user initiated discharge-before-charge facility is provided to allow cycling of the
batteries if required.
The Charger has been designed for global portability, and as such can operate
from a wide range of power sources. Automatic detection of input power allows
the Charger to run from 12V or 24V DC automotive supplies, or from 85V to
250V AC Mains and Generator supplies without the need for user intervention.
P0564-A
Figure 1. F Series Battery Charger Unit

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
7
2. List of Parts
The Minelab F Series Battery Charger comprises the following parts:
Minelab
Description Qty Part No
1. F Series Battery Charger Unit 1 0302-0039
2. Bag F Series Battery Charger 1 3001-0035
3. F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual 1 4901-0039
4. DC Power Cable 4 pin/Alligator 1 3011-0048
5. Mains Power Cable
US Mains Cable, or 1 3011-0056
AUS Mains Cable, or 1 3011-0038
EURO Mains Cable 1 3011-0045
Optional:
Battery NiCad ‘D’ Cell 4.5Ah 0303-0010
MINELAB
DISCHARGE
Ready
Power
Charging
Discharging
DISCHARGE
Ready
Power
Charging
Discharging
F-SERIES
CHARGER
P0567-C
1
2
3
4
5
Figure 2. F Series Battery Charger Kit

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
3. Using a DC Source to Charge Batteries
12V or 24V systems such as vehicle power outlets and lead acid batteries are
acceptable sources of power for the Charger. Power sources other than
nominal 12V or 24V cannot be used.
The DC supply to be used must be capable of supplying sufficient current to
operate the number of Chargers connected to it. As each Charger can draw
up to 4 Amps (when charging two sets of batteries), a 12V vehicle battery
system requires the DC supply wiring to be capable of supplying 4 amps for
each Charger.
To avoid completely discharging a vehicle’s battery, an inbuilt feature of the
Charger will suspend charging if the power source voltage drops below a
preset level. As each Charger can draw substantial amounts of power from a
vehicle’s battery, Minelab recommends charging no more than 2 sets of 4
batteries while the vehicle’s engine is switched off. Charging more than this
could result in difficulties when starting the engine.
If the Charger has suspended charging due to low input voltage, normal
operation will resume once the voltage has returned to normal (eg. by starting
the vehicle engine). Similarly, if the power source voltage is too high, the
Charger will suspend charging until the voltage returns to normal.
Insert the four-pin plug of the DC Crocodile Clip lead into the four-pin socket
on the rear panel of the Charger (refer Figure 3). Tighten the plug-retaining
nut to prevent the cable becoming loose – finger tight only.
Next, attach the Red clip to the positive (+) terminal of the battery, and the
Black clip to the negative (-) terminal. Ensure each clip is making good
contact by cleaning the battery terminals first. A poor connection could be
caused by dirt or corrosion.

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
9
4. Using Mains AC to Charge Batteries
Using automatic supply voltage detection, the Charger can operate from most
AC Mains supplies around the world. AC power will also be accepted from
most portable generator sets.
Warning: When using Mains AC, ensure the Charger is connected to an
earth socket outlet. If a non-grounded AC supply is to be used, ensure
the Ground terminal on the rear panel of the Charger is connected to a
Ground stake. A qualified person should do this.
To charge using Mains AC connect one end of the supplied AC Power Lead to
the AC socket located on the rear panel of the Charger (refer Figure 3), and
the other end to the AC power outlet.
P0566-C
DC INPUT VOLTAGE
+12V DC to +15V DC
+24V DC to +30V DC
CAUTION
Risk of electric shock.
Dry location use only.
AC INPUT VOLTAGE
85 - 250 VAC
50 - 60Hz
GROUND TERMINAL
CLASS 2 BATTERY
CHARGER
FUSES 2A (In Holder)
Max Power 60VA
MINELAB
SN 00000
MN 0302-0039
Figure 3. F Series Battery Charger Rear Panel
DC Input
Socket
AC Input
Socket

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
5. Using an AC Generator to Charge Batteries
A generator capable of supplying a nominal 110V or 240V is suitable as a
source of power for the Charger. It is important that only self-regulating
generators are used. A generator that has to have its speed manually
adjusted as different loads are connected and disconnected is unsuitable for
use with the Charger. Such generators can easily produce over 350V if no
other loads are connected and the speed is set too high. This could cause
permanent damage to any Charger connected.
Note that the case of the Charger is connected to the Ground pin of the AC
supply socket on the rear panel. As such, a Ground connected AC supply
should be used. When using a generator, either ensure the separate Ground
terminal on the rear panel of the Charger, or the generator itself is properly
connected to a Ground stake.
Connect one end of the supplied AC Power Lead to the AC socket located on
the rear panel of the Charger (refer Figure 3), and the other end to the AC
power outlet of the generator.
6. Using an AC Source and a DC Source to Charge Batteries
If a Charger is connected to both a Mains or generator supply (AC source) and
a vehicle supply (DC source) simultaneously, the Charger will only draw
charging current from the AC supply.
If the Mains or generator is switched off, the Charger will begin to draw
charging current from the DC source in order to complete the battery charging
cycle. This feature allows battery charging to continue should the AC supply
only be available for short periods of time.
Refer to Section 3 for connection details to a DC source, and Sections 4 and 5
for connection details to Mains AC or generator.

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
11
7. Set-Up Procedure to Charge Batteries
To charge one or two sets of batteries:
a. Place the Charger upright on its plastic feet.
b. As NiCad batteries can only be fast charged between 0°C and +45°C,
direct exposure to sunlight, snow or ice could prevent the Charger
entering fast charge mode. Ensure the Charger is protected from rain,
snow or any other liquid.
c. NiCad batteries gradually get warmer whilst being charged. As such, if
warm batteries are inserted into the Charger the charger may, after only
a short time, believe the batteries have received a full charge. To avoid
premature charge termination, allow the batteries to cool to the same
temperature as the Charger before inserting into the battery tubes.
d. Connect the Charger to a suitable power source (refer Sections 3 to 6).
e. The red "Power" LED indicates that the power source being used is
acceptable. If one or both red “Power” LED’s do not illuminate, refer to
the Trouble Shooting Guide at Section 11.
f. The Charger is now ready for use.

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
DISCHARGE DISCHARGE
CAUTION
: Use only Minelab
specified rechargeable batteries.
Other types of batteries may burst
causing injury to persons and damage.
Ready
Power
Charging
Discharging
Ready
Power
Charging
Discharging

 

P0565-A
Figure 4. F Series Battery Charger Front Panel
8. Battery Charging Procedure
Warning: Do not attempt to recharge alkaline or carbon batteries. Use
only 4.5Ah NiCad batteries with the Charger.
Ensure that the Set-up procedure (Section 7) has been completed.
a. Remove either the two left or two right hand side battery retaining caps
from the Charger by rotating them one quarter turn anti-clockwise. Note
that a set of four batteries will not charge if two are placed in one right
side tube, and two in one left side tube. Never mix batteries with
different levels of charge. Mixing discharged batteries with partially
charged batteries could result in damage to the batteries.
b. Insert four “D” cell rechargeable batteries into the battery tubes (two
batteries per tube) ensuring the ‘+’ end of each battery faces to the front
of the Charger.

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
13
c. Replace the battery caps by lining up the metal ridges with the slotted
holes. Lightly push the caps into the tubes and lock them into position
by rotating them one quarter turn clockwise.
d. If required, place a second set of four batteries to be charged in the two
unused tubes in the same manner.
e. Note that batteries placed in the right side tubes are charged
independently of those in the left side tube. This allows two sets of
batteries to start and finish charging independently of each other.
f. Once the batteries have been inserted, the orange "Charging" LED for
that side will flash for several seconds. This indicates that the Charger
is checking the state of the batteries before beginning its fast charge
cycle.
g. When the "Charging" LED remains illuminated the Charger has begun
its fast charging cycle.
h. Once the batteries have been fully charged the green "Ready" LED will
illuminate and the "Charging" LED will switch off. This indicates that
the batteries are ready for use. (Until the batteries are removed, and
while power remains connected to the Charger, the batteries will receive
a trickle charge, which will keep them fully charged.)
Note: If at any time the input power voltage drops below or rises above the
preset limits, all LEDs will switch off and charging will stop. When the supply
voltage returns to normal, charging will recommence. Even fully charged
batteries will begin receiving a fast charge again, but in approximately 10
minutes charging will stop and the “Ready” LED will illuminate again.

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
DISCHARGE DISCHARGE
Ready
Power
Charging
Discharging
Ready
Power
Charging
Discharging
P0568-A
Figure 5. Front Panel Display
9. Battery Discharging Procedure
Minelab supplied batteries do not require discharge before recharging.
However, if cycling of a set of batteries is required, the Charger can be used to
automatically conduct a discharge-before-charge cycle once initiated by the
user. Discharging a set of Minelab batteries in a Charger will take around nine
hours.
Ensure that the Set-up procedure (Section 7) has been completed.
Note: If the discharge button has been pressed and discharge is not required,
remove and replace one battery end cap to reset the Charger.
To discharge a set of four batteries:
a. Remove either the two left or two right hand side battery retaining caps
from the Charger by rotating them one quarter turn anti-clockwise.
Insert the four “D” cell rechargeable batteries to be discharged into the
battery tubes (two batteries per tube) ensuring the ‘+’ end of each
battery faces to the front of the Charger. Replace the battery caps by
lining up the metal ridges with the slotted holes. Lightly push the caps
into the tubes and lock them into position by rotating them one quarter
turn clockwise.
b. Press the "Discharge" button. The "Charging" LED should re-
commence flashing and will continue to flash until the batteries are
fully discharged (approximately nine hours for fully charged 4.5Ah
batteries).

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
15
c. Once the batteries have been fully discharged, the Charger will
automatically enter the charging mode, as indicated by the constantly
illuminated "Charging" LED.
d. Charging will proceed as normal, until fully charged. Once the
batteries have been fully charged (approximately three hours) the
green "Ready" LED will illuminate and the "Charging" LED will switch
off. This indicates that the batteries are ready for use. (Until the
batteries are removed, and while power remains connected to the
Charger, the batteries will receive a trickle charge, which will keep
them fully charged.)
e. The “Discharge” button can be pushed again if another discharge-
before-charge cycle is required. This process can be repeated as
many times as required, but is normally required only once.

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
10. Specifications
Electrical
AC Input: 85V - 250V, 50 - 60 Hz
60W maximum
AC Fuses: 2 x 2A fuses in AC supply socket (5x20mm Fast Blow)
2 x 5A internal fuses (5x20mm Fast Blow)
DC Input: 12V to 15V and 24V to 30V
4A maximum
Output voltage: 4VDC to 8VDC
Output Current: Fast charge: 2A approx.
(per battery set) Trickle charge: 130mA approx.
Reverse Polarity
Protection: Yes - built-in
Environmental
Temperature: Operation: 0°C to +45°C
Storage: -20°C to +75°C
Humidity: Operation: 10% to 90%
Storage: 0% to 100%
Vibration: Will withstand vibration consistent with normal road
transport conditions without damage.
Physical
Size: 13.5cms (W), 14.4cms (H), 21cms (D)
Weight: 2.2kg (Charger only, without batteries or bag)
Certification
The Minelab Charger has been tested and found to comply with UL1310, the
Underwriters Laboratories electrical safety standard for Class 2 power
supplies.
The ‘CE’ symbol indicates compliance of this device with the relevant
directives of the European community including the EMC (Electromagnetic
Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards.

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
17
11. Trouble Shooting Guide
Problem Solutions
AC Mains or Generator power is
connected but "Power" LED will not
illuminate.
• Generator voltage too low.
• Blown fuse (Generator voltage
too high).
• Check generator output.
• Check generator output and fuses in
AC input socket. Replace if blown.
(Refer Figure 6.)
DC charging power is connected but
"Power" LED will not illuminate.
• Voltage not within limits.
• Bad connection.
• Blown fuse.
• Refer to Specifications for limits.
• Check connection of DC power lead
plug and crocodile clips.
• Check fuses in AC input socket.
Replace if blown. (Refer Figure 6.)
"Charging" LED keeps flashing.
• Discharge button has been
pressed.
• Batteries or Charger too hot.
• Batteries or Charger too cold.
• Batteries over-discharged.
• Batteries faulty.
• If discharge is not required, remove
and replace one battery end cap to
reset Charger.
• Batteries will not charge if above
45°C. Place Charger in cool place
and wait for batteries to cool down.
• The batteries will not charge if below
0°C. Place batteries and Charger in
warmer place.
• Leave in Charger for 1 hour. If
“Charging” LED still flashing,
replace batteries.
• Replace batteries.

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
"Charging" LED flashes, stops, then
flashes again.
• Input DC source is not adequate
to supply the Charger, or is
faulty.
• - Ensure DC Power Lead is
connected correctly.
Will not charge batteries.
• No power source connected.
• Charger or batteries too hot.
• Incorrect battery installation.
• “Power” LED illuminated but no
other LEDs illuminated on one
side.
• Connect AC or DC power.
• Place Charger or batteries in cool
place and wait to cool down.
• Check that all batteries have the +
end facing towards the front of the
Charger.
• Blown internal fuse. Replace fuse
(see Section 12),
P0846-C
AC Input Socket -
Main Power
Fuse Location
(2 Fuses
240V, 2A
5mm x 20mm
each)
DC INPUT VOLTAGE
+12V DC to +15V DC
+24V DC to +30V DC
CAUTION
Risk of electric shock.
Dry location use only.
AC INPUT VOLTAGE
85 - 250 VAC
50 - 60Hz
GROUND TERMINAL
CLASS 2 BATTERY
CHARGER
FUSES 2A (In Holder)
Max Power 60VA
MINELAB
SN 00000
MN 0302-0039
Figure 6 Charger Main Power Fuse Location on Rear Panel

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
19
12. Internal Fuse Replacement
NOTE
A qualified person should do this
If both ‘Power’ LEDs are illuminated but one side of the charger won’t charge
or discharge, the internal fuse on one side may be blown. To replace the fuse:
a. remove the 12 screws and 2 washers from the rear panel and slide the
rear panel out from the charger (see Figure 7)
1. Remove the 12 screws and 2
washers from the rear panel.
2. Slide the rear panel
(with attached PCB)
from the charger.
P0847-A
Figure 7 Rear Panel Removal
b. locate and remove the fuse (5A fast blow 5mm x 20mm) and replace it
(Fuse location shown in Figure 8).

F Series Battery Charger Operations Manual
Figure 8 Internal Fuse Location
c. refit the Rear Panel into the Charger and refit the 12 screws and 2
washers.