Pilotage-RC SIMPLEX COMPETITION User manual
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User's Manual
SIMPLEX COMPETITION
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1
INTRODUCTION 3
WARRANTY 4
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES 5
PACKAGE CONTENTS AND PRODUCT OVERVIEW 7
TECHNICAL GLOSSARY 9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 11
DETERMINING BATTERY TYPE AND SPECIFICATIONS 12
CONNECTIONS 13
SETTINGS AND MAIN SCREEN 15
Memory proles 15
Buzzer Option 16
LCD backlight 16
Display Input and Battery Voltage 17
Button Functions 17
CHARGING LIPOL/LIFE BATTERIES 18
Charging a Li-Pol/Li-Fe Battery Pack 18
Discharging a Li-Pol and Li-Fe Battery pack 22
Cycling a Li-Pol and Li-Fe Battery pack 23
Storing a Li-Pol and Li-Fe Battery pack 25
CHARGING NIMH/NICD BATTERY PACKS 27
Charging NiMH/NiCd Battery Packs 27
Discharging a NiMH/NiCd Battery Pack 31
Cycling a NiMH/NiCd battery pack 32
Storing a NiMH/NiCd battery pack 34
ERROR MESSAGES AND SYMPTOMS 35
TROUBLESHOOTING 37
CONTACT 68
CONTENTS
ENG
2
38
39
41
41
42
43
44
45
47
48
48
48
49
LIPOL/LIFE 50
Li-Pol/LiFe 52
Li-Pol/LiFe 54
Li-Pol/LiFe 56
NIMH/NICD 58
NiMH/NiCd 60
NiMH/NiCd 63
NiMH/NiCd 64
66
68
RUS
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3
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your purchase of this Pilotage Electronics Simplex Competition multi chemistry charger/ discharger. This charger has
been engineered and designed to fulll the needs of radio control modeling enthusiasts. Pilotage has taken great pains to incorporate
the most up-to-date battery charging technology available into this product.
Some of the Simplex Competition’s advanced features are:
• High power 200 watt, 10A charging capabilities
• Dual cooling fans
• Intuitive menu and interface
• Engineered for safe Li-Pol and Li-Fe battery pack charging
• Individual cell overcharge protection (when balancing)
• 10 programmable memories with each storing settings for all battery types
• Adjustable Li-Pol/Li-Fe full charge voltage
• Adjustable NiMH/NiCd Delta Peak voltage
• Adjustable discharge cut-o voltage
• Fast balance charging
• Backlit easy to read LCD display
• Li-Pol and Li-Fe battery recovery mode
• Input/output polarity protection
• Pre-programmed storage algorithms for optimal battery storage
Though the Simplex Competition is loaded with features, the interface remains simple and easy to use. This charger is suitable for
novices and expert modelers alike. Please keep in mind that this product is not a toy. It is an advanced charger that utilizes currents up
to 10A. We hope that this product will bring you hours of enjoyment and entertainment and serve you for years to come. Due to the
sophisticated technical nature of this charger, it is important that you carefully review all the below warnings, precautions, warranty
terms and operational instructions thoroughly to ensure safe use. Please retain the box and this manual for future reference.
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Due to the fact that Pilotage is constantly improving the quality and functional characteristics of its products, some details, colors, and
functions may dier slightly from the images presented on the box and in the instructions.
WARRANTY
Pilotage Marketing LLP guarantees that this product is free from defects both in material and craftsmanship on the date of purchase.
This guarantee does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modication.
Pilotage Marketing LLP’s liability will under no circumstances exceed the original cost of the purchased charger. Moreover, Pilotage
Marketing LLP reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
If upon purchasing this product the buyer nds defects to the product as a result of the manufacturing process, he/she is
recommended to return this product to any Pilotage store located in the country of purchase to exchange or refund the product.
Given that Pilotage Marketing LLP has no control over the nal assembly or use of this product, Pilotage Marketing LLP shall assume
no liability for damage caused resulting from the use by the user of the product. By using this product the user accepts all resulting
liability.
If the purchaser of this product is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this item, they are advised to return this
charger within 14 days of the initial purchase to any Pilotage store in the country of purchase. The product must be in complete and
unused condition along with receipt of purchase at the moment of return.
The terms of the above warranty are not applicable on the territory of the Russian Federation.
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PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
ATTENTION:
PLEASE REVIEW THOROUGHLY. NOT FULLY COMPLYING WITH THESE PRECAUTIONS MAY RESULT IN A FIRE HAZARD!!!!!!!
• Do not use the charger inside of a vehicle.
• If using a 12V car battery as in input power source, please completely disconnect the battery from the automobile when using this
charger.
• Never leave this charger to charge batteries unattended.
• Prior to charging make sure that the specications and type of the battery match the settings on the charger.
• Make sure to check that the cell count is correct.
• Never attempt to charge a battery pack if it appears to be damaged.
• Use a high quality power supply for input power source.
• If the battery cell heats up rapidly or expands, cease charging immediately and do not use the battery.
• Do not charge when the ambient temperature is extremely high.
• Do not use an automotive battery charger as a power source.
• Ensure that the charging battery has been connected with the proper (+-) polarity.
• Ensure that the battery has had a chance to cool prior to recharging, as cells may heat up signicantly when discharged at high
current rates.
• Ensure that the charger and battery pack have access to fresh air for cooling.
• Never cover the charger with clothing, pillows or any other loose item while the charger is connected to a power source.
• When charging batteries with this charger, do so in a dry, cool place away from ammable and combustible materials.
• Never store or use the charger in direct sunlight.
• Never expose this charger to any form of moisture. If the charger gets wet, cease from using it to prevent short-circuiting.
• After charging a battery cell, always disconnect the battery from the charger. Never store battery cells when connected to the
charger.
• Never puncture a battery casing.
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• Protect your batteries from jolts, bumps, or any other form of trauma.
• Should the battery leak uid onto your skin, ush well with water and consult a medical professional immediately.
• After use, always disconnect the charger from the power source.
• Never disassemble the charger.
• Never use this charger if the case has been removed, or if the wire leads from the charger are fayed or bent.
• Never dispose of batteries or the charger in a re.
ATTENTION:
This charger is not suitable for individuals 14 years of age and under. Any use of this charger by minors should occur under the
close supervision of an adult.
This charger includes small pieces that may act as choking hazard. Use and store it well away from small children.
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PACKAGE CONTENTS AND PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Package Contents
Pilotage Li-Pol/Li-Fe 6S balancer adapter
(for Simplex 6 only)
Pilotage Li-Pol/Li-Fe 4S balancer adapter
(for Simplex 4 only)
Crocodile Input Leads
Pilotage Simplex 4/6 Competition Mini Crocodile Output Leads
Manual Eng/Rus
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Мир радиоуправляемых моделей
User's Manual
Инструкция по эксплуатации
SIMPLEX COMPETITION
8
Product Overview
Input Lead 4mm Bullet Connector
Cooling Vent
Cooling Vent
“Enter” Button
“+”Increase Button
“Battery Type” Button
“-“ Decrease Value Button
Balancer Adapter Lead Socket
Output Socket 4mm Bullet Type
Backlit LCD Panel
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TECHNICAL GLOSSARY
Please take the time to thoroughly review the below glossary of terms as this battery charger is sophisticated in nature and a clear
understanding of the notations and terms used in the contents therein is essential to guarantee long product life and safe exploitation.
Amperes/Amps/A Amperes is a standardized unit that classies the discharge rate of current from the charger to the battery or vice versa.
Mili-Amperes/mA Mili-Amperes is standardized measure of current. One mili-ampere is 1/1000 of an A. Therefore, 1.5A (Amperes) is the same
as 1500mA (1.5x1000). Inversely 1000mA is equal to 1A (1000/1000).
mAh (Mili-Ampere hours)
Mili-ampere hours is a measurement of storable energy capacity in a given battery cell equal to the amount of discharge
current that the cell can supply measured in mili-amperes over the course of an hour. For example a battery cell with a
capacity of 3000mAh can discharge energy constantly at 3000mA over the course of an hour.
Ah (Amp hours)
Ampere hours is a measurement of storable energy capacity in a given battery cell equal to the amount of discharge current
that the cell can supply measured in Amperes over the course of an hour. For example a battery cell with a capacity of 3Ah
can discharge energy constantly at 3A over the course of an hour.
CThe term“C” relates to the capacity in Ah or mAh of a battery.
C Rating
“C”Rating is a specic term that relates to the rate that a given battery cell can discharge its stored energy at. A cell with a
1C rating and a capacity of 2000mAh can only safely provide discharge current at 2A. A similar cell with a“C” rating of 5C’s
can safely discharge the battery’s energy at 5 times the capacity, in this instance at 10A. Keep in mind that as the discharge
rate increases the amount of time that the pack can provide energy decreases. Hence a battery that discharges at 1C will
work for one hour to completely discharge. Note however that Li-Pol batteries should never be discharged under 3V per cell.
Likewise, when discharging a battery pack at 5C, the cell will be completely depleted in 12minutes.
LP/Li-Po/Li-Pol
Lithium Polymer is a type of battery chemistry supported by this charger. Lithium Polymer is often abbreviated as Li-Po or
Li-Pol. “LP” on the LCD of the charger indicates this type of cell. The annotation has been shortened to t the constraints of
the size of the display.
LF/LiFe/LiFePO4
Lithium Ferrite Nanophosphate is a type of battery chemistry supported by this charger. Lithium Ferrite Nanophosphate
is often abbreviated as LiFe or LiFePO4. “LF” on the LCD of the charger indicates this type of cell. The annotation has been
shortened to t the constraints of the size of the display.
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NiMH
Nickel Metal Hydride is a type of battery chemistry supported by this charger. Nickel Metal Hydride is often abbreviated as
NiMH. “NiMH”on the LCD of the charger indicates this type of cell. The annotation has been shortened to t the constraints
of the size of the display.
NiCd
Nickel Cadmium is a type of battery chemistry supported by this charger. Nickel Cadmium is often abbreviated as NiCd.
“NiCd” on the LCD of the charger indicates this type of cell. The annotation has been shortened to t the constraints of the
size of the display.
nC The current of fully charging or discharging a battery pack in 1/n hour. For example, for 4000mAh battery pack, 1C means
4A, 2C means 8A, etc.
nS A battery with n cells in series connection. For example, a 2s Li-Pol battery pack has the voltage of 2 cells (3.7x2=7.4V).
CC Charge Constant current charge
CV Charge Constant voltage charge
Imbalance voltage Maximum allowable voltage dierence between any cells within a Li-Pol/Li-Fe pack.
DeltaV (Delta Peak Voltage)
DeltaV is the key indicator that the charger can judge whether a NiMH/NiCd battery is fully charged.
During charge process, a NiMH/NiCd battery’s voltage increases until the battery is full. Once the battery is full the battery’s
voltage begins to drop a little.The charger monitors the voltage drop (DeltaV) and stops the charging process if the voltage
drop reaches your pre-set value. A certain amount of overcharge is usually required to ensure the highest performance from
the cells. A higher value will overcharge your batteries more and a lower value will overcharge your batteries less. Usually
NiCd batteries require a higher value (10mV-20mV/cell) and NiMH batteries require a lower value (1mV-10mV/cell).
Average Discharge Voltage A battery average discharge voltage indicates the output power of the battery at a determined discharge rate. A battery
with a higher value will be more powerful than a battery with a lower value (if tested and used in the same conditions).
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Specication Simplex 4 Competition Simplex 6 Competition
Li-Pol/Li-Fe Cell Count 1 – 4 Cells 1 – 6 Cells
NiMH/NiCd Cell Count 1 – 10 Cells 1 – 16 Cells
Maximum Charge Output 10A/170W 10A/200W
Maximum Discharge Current 10A/80W 10A/80W
Size 180x135x63mm / 7.1’’x5.3’’x2.5’’
Weight (with wires & connectors) 690g / 1.52lb
Input Power 11-18V
Memory Prole 10
Supported Battery Chemistries Li-Pol, Li-Fe, NiMH, NiCd
Li-Pol/Li-Fe Charge Control CC/CV
Li-Pol – CC to CV Charge Voltage 3.20-4.25V/cell (default 4.20V)
Li-Pol – Full Charge Voltage Adjustable, up to 4.25V/cell
Li-Fe – CC to CV Charge Voltage 3.00V-3.8V/cell (default 3.6V)
Li-Fe – Full Charge Voltage Adjustable, up to 3.8V/cell
NiCd/NiMH Charge Control CC – Delta Peak Voltage
Charge Current 0.2–10A Max 180w
Discharge Rate 0.2–10A Max 75w
Capacity Display 0 – 9999 mAh
Display Tolerance 0.5%
Display Type Laser Blue Backlit LCD 20x2 letters
Output Charge Terminal 4mm standard banana socket
Input Wire 16 AWG silicon insulated
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
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DETERMINING BATTERY TYPE AND SPECIFICATIONS
Prior to connecting any battery to your Pilotage Simplex Competition it is essential that you determine the type of battery and its
specications prior to charging it. Required information about your battery pack can be determined by examining the label and any
instructions that might accompany the battery pack.
1. Type – Is the battery: Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium Polymer (Li-pol/Lipo) or Lithium Ferrite
Nanophosphate (LiFe/A123)
2. Capacity: The capacity of your pack usually can be found on the battery label and is usually denominated in mAh. Never charge a
battery if you are uncertain of the capacity!!
3. Voltage: If not explicitly listed on your battery back you can determine the pack’s voltage in the following manner:
• NiMH/NiCd – number of cells connected in serial multiplied by 1.2V, for example a pack of 6 Sub C NiMH/NiCd cells will have a
rated voltage of 7.2V.
• Li-Pol – Number of cells connected in serial multiplied by 3.7V, for example a pack of 3 Li-Pol cells in serial will a have a rated
voltage of 11.1V.
• Li-Fe (A123) – Number of cells connected in serial multiplied by 3.3V, for example a pack of 3 Li-Fe cells will have a rated voltage of
9.9V.
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CONNECTIONS
Connect the charger to a power supply:
Connect the input power leads to a 12V deep cycle battery or regulated power
supply. When connecting the charger to the 12V DC power supply or battery
ensure that the polarity (+, -) on the charger matches that of the power supply,
“+”connects to “+”and “-“ connects to“-“.
Note:
When you charge at the maximum rating, the minimum input current
required is 10A.
Connect batteries to the charger:
1. When charging NiCd or NiMH battery packs, connect the pack to the output
terminal. Charging leads with 4mm bullet connectors that match your
battery are widely available at hobby stores, hardware stores, and consumer
electronic suppliers. When connecting the charging lead to the output
socket of the charger, and when you attach the lead to the battery pack
ensure that polarity of the connection is correct.
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2. When charging Li-Pol or Li-Fe battery packs connect the battery pack to the
charger’s output terminal (observing polarity) and connect the battery’s
balancer connector to the balancer adaptor. Use separate wires and
connectors if your battery’s output terminal and/or balancer adapter do not
match those of the charger.
**Note: The battery type setting must be correct (incorrect battery settings
may result in a re).
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SETTINGS AND MAIN SCREEN
While powering up, the model name and software version will be displayed on the LCD for 2 seconds, following which the charger
enters the main screen. The main screen displays the settings of the memory prole you used the previous time. You can modify the
main settings in the same screen.
On the main screen, you can select from your saved
memory proles, adjust battery type and charge/
discharge/cycle/storage function. After you choose
each parameter, the display will automatically
update corresponding to your selection.
Memory proles
The charger has 10 memory slots. Each memory slot can store the settings of dierent types of batteries. The most popular battery
charging settings have been pre-programmed and stored in the memory slots. From the main screen, press the“Enter” button until
the memory selection eld ashes. Using the“–“ and “+” button, select the desired memory slot from M01 to M10. The battery
settings and charge/discharge function programmed for that slot will automatically be displayed in that memory slot.
By pressing“Enter” the display will scroll through the parameters that you can change.
Pilotage Simplex 4(6)
Competition V1 . 6
Battery Capacity
Memory Series
Battery Type
Charge/Discharge/Cycle/Storage Function
Balancer
Battery Parameters
M01 LP CHG 4 .20V 4S
5000mAH 5 . 0A BLC - OFF
Charge Current
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The charger will beep each time you press a button. The buzzer is on by default. To switch the
buzzer o, press and hold the ”–“ button while powering up the charger. To switch the buzzer
on, press and hold the + button while powering up the charger.
The warning buzzer sound of the charger is not aected by this option.
Buzzer Option
LCD backlight
The LCD backlight will be on by default. During the charging or discharging process, you can press“-” button to turn the backlight o
and press“+” button to turn the backlight on.
When a parameter ashes it can be modied by using the“+” and“-“ button.
Note when the“Battery Type”eld is ashing, the battery chemistry can be modied only by pressing the“Battery Type” button. Your
settings are automatically saved in the designated slot the instant they are modied.
In order to stop the menu settings from ashing, rst check that the battery chemistry is not
the eld that is ashing. Then press the“Battery Type”button and the menu will cease ashing.
When no elds are ashing use the“+” or“-” button to cycle through available charging
programs that apply to your selected battery chemistry such as: charge, discharge, cycle, and
storage.
M01 NiMH CHARGE 6C
3000mAH C=3.0A D10mV
M01 NiMH CHARGE 6C
3000mAH C=3.0A D10mV
BUZZER
ON
BUZZER
OFF
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Button Functions
The charger has 4 buttons that are used to change and modify various charging functions.
Battery Type
Enter
+ –
• Press this button to change the battery chemistry while“Battery Type”eld is ashing on the main screen.
Press this button to exit setting any parameter while other elds are ashing.
• Press and hold this button from the main screen to view the input and output voltages.
• During charging/discharging process, press this button to view the battery resistance; press twice to view
the voltage of individual cells (Li-Pol/Li-Fe only).
• By pressing“–“ or ”+”you can decrease/increase the value of a parameter when it is ashing on the main screen.
• While on the main screen and no text is ashing, press – or + to select between charge, discharge, cycle or
storage mode.
• Turn on/o the backlight of LCD during charging and discharging.
• By pressing this button you can cycle through the parameters on the main screen.
• By holding this button you can start the charging or discharging process. Press this button during
charging or discharging to suspend the process.
INPUT = 13.75V
OUTPUT = 07.74V
CHARGE 0:47:53 2553
LP BAT.RES = 27mΩ
1 = 3.87V 2 = 3.87V
3 = 3.87V 4 = 3.87V
To display the actual input and battery voltages, rst connect your battery to the charger,
then press and hold the“Battery Type” button from the main screen until you see the voltages
are displayed. If the battery is not connected to the charger, only the input voltage will be
displayed.
Display Input and Battery Voltage
INPUT = 12.00V
OUTPUT = 07.00V
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M01 LP CHG 4.20V 3S
1800mAH 1.8A BLC-ON
M01 LF CHG 3.60V 3S
1800mAH 1.8A BLC-ON
CHARGING LIPOL/LIFE BATTERIES
IMPORTANT Li-Pol Charging Safety Notes:
• Never leave batteries to charge unattended
• Charge Li-Pol/Li-Fe batteries in a reproof location
It is absolutely essential to select the correct battery type.
ATTENTION: CHARGING BATTERIES WITH THE INCORRECT CHARGE SETTING IS A FIRE HAZARD. BE SURE TO CHECK THE BATTERY TYPE
PRIOR TO PROCEEDING.
While in the main screen, keep pressing“Enter” button until the battery type is ashing. Keep pressing the“Battery Type” button until
LP (Li-Pol) or LF (Li-Fe) is selected. A Li-Pol battery is used in this manual as the detailed example.
Charging a Li-Pol/Li-Fe Battery Pack
** Very Important: Be sure that the cell count is correct. **
ATTENTION: Do not set the charge current above 1C unless the pack’s technical documentation explicitly states that it can be
charged at higher C rates. Doing so may damage your battery pack and act as a re hazard. For example, if the battery pack
has a capacity of 2100mAh, then under no circumstances should you set the charge current above 2.1A unless otherwise
noted.
When you choose Li-Pol or Li-Fe battery type, the charger will enter into Li-Pol or Li-Fe charging mode.
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