Peak Electronics SIRIUS CHARGE 200 User manual

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WELCOME TO SIRIUS CHARGE 200
•SIRIUS CHARGE 200 is a fast, fully automatic field charger designed especially for small NiCd
receiver batteries commonly used in hand-launch gliders. It is also well suited for charging small 4 to 8
cell motor batteries used in indoor electric R/C aircraft.
•Our RPC™charging technique cures NiCd "memory", rejuvenates old batteries, and greatly extends the
life of all NiCd and NiMh batteries. Because it is so effective, it totally eliminates the need to “cycle”
your batteries.
•SIRIUS CHARGE is “GOOF PROOF”. You cannot harm the charger OR your batteries by
plugging anything in backwards!
WHAT YOU CAN CHARGE
SIRIUS CHARGE 200 is “optimized” for 200mAh batteries. The onboard computer will self-adjust the
charge cycle to accommodate a battery mAh range of 4:1. Therefore, we recommend this charger for:
4to 8cells (4.8 to9.6 v)
100 to 400 mAh capacity
You may also charge NiCd packs from 400 to 700mAh. When the green LED blinks, just unplug the pack
and plug it back in again to restart and finish the charge.
SIRIUS CHARGE OPERATION
1. Connect the alligator clips to a 12v. DC power source.
See next page for suitable power sources.
2. Plug the battery that you want to charge into the 4 pin universal receiver connector, taking note of
the “+” and “-” on the connector. You may need to make an adapter if you are not using standard
servo connectors.
The computer will automatically turn on and analyze your battery. After 2 seconds, the green LED
will light.
A steady green LED indicates "charging".
3. Wait for the blinking green LED.
The green LED will start flashing whenSIRIUS CHARGE finishes fast charging and enters
Maintenance Mode.
4. You may leave your battery connected until ready for use.
SIRIUS CHARGE will maintain the charge level and condition the pack as long as you leave it on
charge.
IF NOTHING HAPPENS
The SIRIUS CHARGE computer requiresboth a power source anda battery to be connected before it will
turn itself on.
•Check the 12 volt DC input for correct polarity.
•Check the polarity of your NiCd battery.
•Check all wires and connections for possible damage.
IF THE RED LED LIGHTS
SIRIUS CHARGE cannot detect a bad cell in your battery. However, the computer will light the red
“FAULT” LED if the NiCd battery voltage ever exceeds 13.75 volts, or is less than

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SIRIUS CHARGE 200 INPUT POWER
SIRIUS CHARGE 200 requires a 7.3 to 18 volt DC power source capable of delivering 350 mA, such
as:
•A 12 volt battery (Gel Cell, Automobile, etc.)
•A 12 volt DC wall adapter (350mA or higher)
•A 6-or 7-cell electric race car battery*
*Note: SIRIUS CHARGE 200 input voltage must be at least .9 volts higher than thepeak voltage of the battery being charged. NiCd
batteriespeak at about 1.6 volts per cell when fast charged. Therefore,
required input voltage = (#cells x 1.6) + .9
To Charge: 4 cells 5 cells 6 cells 7 cells 8 cells
Requires 7.3 v 8.6 v 10.5 v 12.1 v 13.7 v
UNIVERSAL RECEIVER CONNECTOR
SIRIUS CHARGE 200 is supplied with a Universal Receiver Connector which fits all brands of receiver
batteries. If you prefer a different connector, you may purchase one at your hobby shop and splice it to the
SIRIUS CHARGE wire. On SIRIUS CHARGE, the wire with the white stripe is positive (+).
Warning: Make sure your connections are
WELL INSULATED. Shorting a battery can start a fire or cause the battery to explode!
CHARGING TIME
SIRIUS CHARGE uses a regulated 200 mA current source for charging. To estimate full charge time for
any particular battery, divide the battery capacity by 200. Some examples:
110 mAh receiver pack: 110 ÷200 = .6 hours
270 mAh receiver pack: 270 ÷200 = 1.3 hours
Remember: these times are APPROXIMATE, and are for fully discharged batteries. Batteries
in poor condition will take longer, and partially charged packs will take less time.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Older batteries may have severe "memory". SIRIUS CHARGE can often recondition them to full
power.
Be persistent! You may need to discharge and recharge a battery several times to restore lost performance.
Leave your batteries on charge as long as you like. When the green LED is flashing, SIRIUS CHARGE
is in Pulsed Maintenance Mode. This is NOT a trickle charge! The full current charge and discharge
pulses are carefully timed to chemically condition the cells, keep them fully charged, and eliminate NiCd
“memory” effect without overcharging.
CHARGING TIME
SIRIUS CHARGE uses a regulated 200 mA current source for charging. To estimate full charge time for
any particular battery, divide the battery capacity by 200. Some examples:
110 mAh receiver pack: 110 ÷200 = .6 hours
270 mAh receiver pack: 270 ÷200 = 1.3 hours
Remember: these times are APPROXIMATE, and are for fully discharged batteries. Batteries
in poor condition will take longer, and partially charged packs will take less time.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Older batteries may have severe "memory". SIRIUS CHARGE can often recondition them to full
power.
Be persistent! You may need to discharge and recharge a battery several times to restore lost performance.
Leave your batteries on charge as long as you like. When the green LED is flashing, SIRIUS CHARGE
is in Pulsed Maintenance Mode. This is NOT a trickle charge! The full current charge and discharge
pulses are carefully timed to chemically condition the cells, keep them fully charged, and eliminate NiCd
“memory” effect without overcharging.
Try This!
Attach your SIRIUS CHARGE 100 to:
•A small 12 volt Gel Cell
-or-
•A 6-or 7-cell electric race car battery
Use:
•Rubber bands
-or-
•Double stick (servo) tape
Then, drop the charger into
your pocket, go flying, and charge
whenever you like!
Make sure your electrical
connections are well insulated!

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HELPFUL HINTS:
•Charge your batteries as often as you like. SIRIUS CHARGE will recondition your batteries every time
you use it.
•You do not need to run your batteries all the way down before charging them. The SIRIUS CHARGE
computer is specially designed to deliver the exact amount of energy required to fill your battery; no
more, and no less.
•You can charge your batteries from your auto. Use our cigarette lighter adapter, or connect directly to
your 12v. auto battery. SIRIUS CHARGE is completely immune to the voltage variations in your auto
electrical system.
•Rotate your charger among your batteries: charge one while flying (or storing)another
•If you wish to store your batteries longer than 90 days, store them discharged, to limit cell deterioration.
Our SuperTest Precision Battery Discharger is ideal for this purpose. Call Peak Electronics for more
information.