Racers Edge SureCharge 2000 LiPo User manual

SURE CHARGE 2000
Intelligent Digital Balance Charger
www.racers-edge.com

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the SureCharge 2000 LiPo Balance Charger by Racers Edge. This
is a rapid charger with a high performance microprocessor and specialized operating software.
Please read this entire operating manual completely and attentively before using this product, as
it covers a wide range of information on operating and safety. We try our best to serve you better,
thank you for your support!
Specications
Operating voltage Range: DC 11.0-18.0 Volt
AC-DC adaptor (DC 11.0-18.0 V/ 5A)
Circuit Power: Max. charge power 50W
Max. discharge power 5W
Charge current range: 0.1 - 5.0A
Discharge current range: 0.1 – 1.0A
Current drain for balancing Lipo Cells: 300mah/cell
NiCd/NiMH battery cell count: 1-15 cells
Li-ion/Polymer cell count: 1-6 series
Pb battery voltage: 2V-20V
Weight: 370g (Net Weight)
Dimensions: 134 x 95 x 22mm
SPECIAL FEATURES
Optimized Operating Software
The SC2000 features an AUTO function that sets the feeding current during the process of
charging or discharging. Especially for Lithium batteries, it can prevent the overcharging which
may lead to an explosion due to the user’s fault. It can disconnect the circuit automatically and
alarm once detecting any malfunction. All the programs of this product were controlled through
two way linkage and communication, to achieve the maximum safety and minimize the trouble.
These settings can be congured by users!
Internal Independent Lithium Battery Balancer
The SC2000 employs an individual cell voltage balancer. It isn’t necessary to connect an exter-
nal balancer for balance charging.
Balancing Individual Lipo Cells and Battery Discharging
During the process of discharging, the SC2000 can monitor and balance each cell of the battery
individually. Error messages will be indicated and the process will be ended automatically if the
voltage of any single one cell is abnormal.
Capable of Charging and Discharging Various Battery Types
The SC2000 is capable of charging NiMH, NiCd, Li-ion, LiPo, Pb, and the new LiFe series of
batteries.
Lithium Battery Fast and Storage Charge Modes
Fast Charge mode will reduce the duration of charging, while Storage mode will charge to a set
storage capacity if you are not using your cells for a long period of time.
2 3

SPECIAL FEATURES
Safety Programming
The automatic charge termination program is based on the principle of the Delta-Peak volt-
age detection. When the battery’s voltage exceeds the threshold, the charging process will end
automatically.
Automatic Charging Current Limit
You can set up the upper limit of the charging current when charging your NiCd or NiMH bat-
tery: This is helpful for NiMH batteries of low impedance and capacity in the ‘Auto’ charging
mode.
Capacity Limit
The charging capacity is always calculated as the charging current multiplied by time. If the
charging capacity exceeds the limit, the process will be terminated automatically when you set
the maximum value.
Temperature Threshold
The battery’s internal chemical reaction will cause the temperature of the battery to rise. If the
temperature limit is reached, the process will be terminated. This function is available by con-
necting the optional temperature probe, which is included in our case.
Processing time limit:
You can also limit the maximum process time to avoid any possible defect.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Power Input Monitoring
To protect the DC input source form being damaged, like a car battery, its voltage keeps being
monitored. If it drops below the lower limit, the charging process will be ended automatically.
Data store/load
The maximum ve batteries’ data can be stored for users convenience. You can keep the data
pertaining to program setting of the battery for continuous charging or discharging. Users can
call out these data at any time without any special program setting.
Cycle Charging & Discharging
1 to 5 cyclic and continuous process of charge>discharge or discharge>charge is operable for
battery refreshing and Balancing to stimulate the battery’s activity.
The Squid’ Charging Adaptor Included
Connectors for Traxxas HC, Ultra, Tamiya, JST, Receiver, Glow Igniter, and extra leads for your
own customization.
4 5

LITHIUM POLYMER BALANCE CHARGE CONNECTION DIAGRAM
This diagram shows the correct way to connect your battery to the SureCharge 2000 while
charging in the balance charge mode only.
WARNING:
Failure to connect as shown in this diagram will damage this charger.
The main battery leads must be connected along with the balance lead connector as shown in the
above photo before charging your battery.
WARNING:
When using alligator clips, make sure they are unable to touch together, as damage to this
charger and batteries may occur!
6 7
POWER INPUT
11 - 16V DC LCD SCREEN COOLING FAN
BALANCE PORT
4MM
BANANA
PLUG
OUTPUT
RESUME OR START CHARGE PROCESSES
CONFIRM AN ACTION
ALTER VALUES
SEE THE STSTUS OF INDIVIDUAL
CELLS IN BALANCE CHARGE MODE
SCROLL
THROUGH THE
MAIN MENU
STOP ANY
CHARGE
PROCESSES

WARNINGS AND SAFETY NOTES
These warnings and safety notes are particularly important. Please follow the instructions for
maximum safety; otherwise the charger and battery can be damaged, or worse, can cause a re.
Never leave the charger unattended when it is connected to its power supply. If any•
malfunction is found, TERMINATE THE PROCESS AT ONCE and refer to the operation
manual.
Keep the charger away from dust, damp, rain, heat, direct sunshine and vibration. Never•
drop it!
The allowable input voltage is 11-16V DC.•
This charger and the battery should be put on a heat-resistant, nonammable and non-•
conductive surface. Never place them on a car seat, carpet or similar. Keep all ammable
volatile materials away from the operating area.
Make sure you know the specications of the battery to be charged or discharged to ensure •
it meets the requirements of this charger. If the program is set up incorrectly, the battery and
charger may be damaged. Overcharging can cause lipo batteries to expand, and a small risk
of re is possible. Be sure to use a lipo-sac, like the Racers Edge Li-pouch, to provide extra
safety measure while charging you batteries. This warranty is not valid for any damage
or subsequent damage arising as a result of a misuse or failure to observe the procedures
outlined in this manual.
WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES
NiCd/NiMH
Voltage level: 1.2V/cell
Allowable fast charge current: 1C-2C (depends on the performance of cell)
Discharge voltage cut off level: 0.85V/cell (NiCd), 1.0V/cell (NiMH)
Li-ion
Voltage level: 3.6V/cell
Max. charge voltage: 4.1V/cell
Allowable fast charge current: 1C or less
Min. discharge voltage cut off level: 2.5V/cell or higher
LiPo
Voltage level: 3.7V/cell
Max. charge voltage: 4.2V/cell
Allowable fast charge current: 1C or less
Discharge voltage cut off level: 3.0V/cell or higher
LiFe
Voltage level: 3.3V/cell
Max. charge voltage: 3.6V/cell
Allowable fast charge current: 4C or less
Discharge voltage cut off level: 2.0V/cell or higher
Pb
Voltage level: 2.0V/cell
(Lead-acid) Max. charge voltage: 2.46V/cell Allowable fast charge current: 0.4C or less
Discharge voltage cut off level: 1.75V/cell or higher
8 9

WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES
To avoid short circuit between the charge lead always connect the charge cable to the•
charger rst, then connect the battery. Reverse the sequence when disconnecting.
Do not connect more than one battery pack to this charger at any one time.•
Never attempt to charge or discharge the following types of batteries.•
A battery pack which consists of different types of cells
A battery that is already fully charged or just slightly discharged.
Non-rechargeable batteries (Explosion hazard).
Batteries that require a different charge technique from NiCd, NiMh, LiPo or Gel cell
(Pb, Lead acid).
A faulty or damaged battery.
A battery tted with an integral charge circuit or a protection circuit.
Batteries installed in a device or which are electrically linked to other components.
Batteries that are not expressly stated by the manufacturer to be suitable for the
currents the charger delivers during the charge process.
WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES
Please bear in mind the following points before commencing charging:•
Did you select the appropriate program suitable for the type of battery you are charging?
Did you set up adequate current for charging or discharging?
Have you checked the battery voltage? Lithium battery packs can be wired in parallel and
in series, i.e. a 2-cell pack can be 3.7V (in parallel) or 7.4V (in series).
Have you checked that all connections are rm and secure? Make sure there are no inter
mittent contacts at any point in the circuit.
Check to make sure all exposed plugs on your charging adaptor are not exposed. Use the
provided boots to cover them.
Charging•
During charge process, a specic quantity of electrical energy is fed into the battery. The charge
quantity is calculated by multiplying charge current by charge time. The maximum permissible
charge current varies depending on the battery type or its performance, and can be found in the
information by the battery manufacturer. Only batteries that are expressly stated to be capable of
quick-charge are allowed to be charged at rates higher than the standard charge current.
Connect the battery to the terminal of the charger: red is positive and black is negative. Due to
the difference between resistance of cable and connector, the charger cannot detect resistance of
the battery pack, the essential requirement for the charger to work properly is that the charge lead
should be of adequate conductor cross-section, and high quality connectors, which are normally
gold-plated, should be tted to both ends.
10 11

WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES
Always refer to the manual by the battery manufacturer pertaining to charging methods, recom-
mended charging current and charging time. Lithium cells should be charged according to the
charging instruction provided by the manufacturer, strictly.
Special attention should be paid to the connection of Lithium battery packs.
Do not attempt to disassemble the battery pack.
Please pay strict attention that Lithium battery packs can be wired in parallel and in series. In the
parallel connection, the battery’s capacity is calculated by multiplying single battery’s capacity
by the number of cells with total voltage staying the same. It is recommended to charge Lithium
batteries in series.
Discharging•
The main purpose of discharging is to clean residual capacity of the battery, or to reduce the
battery’ voltage to a dened level. The same attention should be paid to the discharging process
as charging. The nal discharge voltage should be set up correctly to avoid deep- discharging.
Lithium cells cannot be discharged to lower than the minimum voltage, or it will cause a rapid
loss of capacity or a total failure. Generally, Lithium battery doesn’t need to be discharged.
Please pay attention to the minimum voltage of Lithium cells to protect them from deep
discharge.
WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES
Program ow chart
12 13

NAVIGATION AND PROGRAMMING
As default this charger will be set to typical user settings when it is connected to a 12V battery
for the rst time. The screen displays the following information in sequence and the user can
change the parameter on each screen.
If you need to alter the parameter value in the program, press “Start/Enter” key to make it blink
then change the value with “INC” or “DEC” key. The value will be stored by pressing “Start/
Enter” key once.
NAVIGATION AND PROGRAMMING
The screen shows the nominal voltage of Lithium battery. There are three
kinds of Lithium battery: LiFe(3.3V), Lilo(3.6V) or LiPo(3.7V). This
information is of critical importance that you have to check the battery
carefully to make sure it is set up correctly. If it is different from correct
value, battery and charger failure may occur.
To avoid from erroneous setting by users, the SC2000 detects the cell count
of Lithium cells automatically at the beginning of charge or discharge
process. But battery that is deep-discharged can’t be detected correctly.
To avoid this error, the time term can be set to verify the cell count by the
processor. Normally, 15 seconds are enough to detect the cell count correctly.
You need to extend the time term limit for the battery of large capacity. But
the charge or discharge process may come to an end within the time term
because of the time limit decided by the wrong count. If you set too long a
time limit for the battery of small capacity. This may cause fatal error. You
have to extend the time term if the processor detects the cell count incorrectly
at the beginning of charge or discharge process. Otherwise, default value is
recommended to use.
This shows the trigger voltage for automatic charge termination of NiMH
and NiCd batteries. The valid value ranges from 5 to 20 mV per cell. Setting
the trigger voltage higher brings a danger of overcharging; whereas setting it
lower brings a possibility of premature termination. Please refer to the techni-
cal specication of the battery. (NiCd default: 12mV, NiMH default: 7mV)
14 15

NAVIGATION AND PROGRAMMING
There is a 3-pin port on the left of the charger used as USB interface or temperature sensor port. If the screen
displays temperature, you can use the optional temperature probe to connect to the surface of the battery. If
it is set as the USB port, you can connect the charger to your PC through the optional USB cable to monitor
the charging process through optional software. The maximum temperature of the battery can be set during
the charge process. The process will be terminated automatically to protect battery once the temperature of
battery reaches this value. This feature is accomplished through included temperature probe.
The battery becomes warm after cycles of charge/discharge process. The program
will insert a time delay after each charge/discharge process to allow the battery
enough time to cool down before beginning next cycle of the charge/discharge
process. The valid value ranges from 1 to 60 minutes.
When the charge process starts, the integrated safety timer starts to run
simultaneously. If error detected or the termination circuit can not detect whether the
battery is fully charged or not, this unit is programmed to prevent overcharging.
The program provides maximum capacity protection function. If the Delta- peak
voltage cannot be detected or the safety timer times out, the charge process will stop
automatically, when the battery reaches the user-set maximum charge capacity.
The beep to conrm users’ operation sounds every time a button is pressed. The
beep or melody sounds at various times during operation to conrm different mode
change. These functions can be switched on or off.
This function monitors the voltage of the input battery used to power this charger. If
the voltage is lower than user-set value, the program will end forcibly to protect the
input battery.
NAVIGATION AND PROGRAMMING
Safe Timer Calculation
When charging NiCd or NiMH batteries, divide the capacity by current, then divide the result
by 11.9, set this number of minutes as the value for safety timer setting. If the charger stopped at
this time threshold, about 140% of the capacity will have been fed into the battery. For example:
Capacity Current Safety Time
2000mAh 2.0A (2000/2.0=1000)/11.9=84 minutes
3300mAh 3.0A (3300/3.0=1100)/11.9=92 minutes
1000mAh 1.2A (1000/1.2=833)/11.9=70 minutes
Lithium (Lilo/LiPo/LiFe) program
The program is only suitable for charging/discharging Lithium-polymer batteries with a nominal
voltage of 3.3/3.6/3.7V/cell. Different batteries have different charge technique. There are two
methods termed as constant voltage and constant current. The charge current varies according to
battery capacity and specication. The nal voltage is very important; it should precisely match
the voltage of the battery: LiPo is 3.6V, LiLo is 4.1V and LiFe is 3.6V. The current and voltage
of the battery should be correctly set. When you want to change the values of parameters, please
press START/ENTER key to make it blink and then use DES or INC to change the value. Then
press START/ENTER key again to store the value.
16 17

LITHIUM BATTERY CHARGING
The left side of the rst line shows the type of battery you choose.
The value on the left of the second line of the charger is current
user set, after setting the current and voltage, press
START/ENTER key for more than 3 seconds to start the process.
(charge current: 0.1-5.0A, voltage: 1-5V)
This displays the number of cells you set up and the processor
detects. “R” shows the number of cells detected by the charger and
“S” is the number of cells set by you at the previous screen. If both
numbers are identical you can start charging by press
START/ENTER button. If not, press BATT TYPE/STOP button to
go back to previous screen to carefully check the number of cells
of the battery pack before going ahead.
This screen shows the real-time status durning charge process.
Press BATT TYP/STOP key once to stop the charge process.
Lithium Balance Charging Mode
This function is for balancing the voltage of Lithium-polymer battery cells while charging. In
the balance mode, the battery needs to have a balance lead to connect to the individual port at
the right side of the charger. And you need to connect the battery’s output plug to the output of
charger. Charging in this mode is different from the normal modes, because the built-in proces-
sor monitors voltage of individual cell and control input current fed into each cell to normalize
the voltage.
LITHIUM BATTERY CHARGING
The value on the left side of the second lines sets the charge current.
The value on the right side of the second lines sets the
STAR/ENTER for more than 3 seconds to start the process.
This displays the number of cells you set up and the processor
detects. “R” shows the number of cells detected by the charger and
“S” is the number of cells set by you at the previous screen. If both
numbers are identical you can start charging by press
START/ENTER button. If not, press BATT TYPE/STOP button to
go back to previous screen to carefully check the number of cells of
the battery pack before going ahead.
This screen shows the real-time status during charge process. Press
BATT TYPE/STOP Key once to stop the charge process.
Individual Cell Connection Diagram (pin-assignment of 8-pin) Balance Diagram
18 19

LITHIUM BATTERY CHARGING
Fast Charge Mode
Charging current will become lower when it progress to the end of
charging. A specic CV process will be reduced to end the charging
process earlier. In fact, the charging current will goes to 1/5 when the
charging process comes to 1/10. Charging capacity will be a little
smaller than normal charging, but charging time will be shortened
accordingly.
Press START/ENTER key to display voltage conrmation. Then press
START/ENTER key again to conrm and begin to charge.
This screen shows the real-time status of “fast charging”. Press
BATT TYPE/STOP key once to stop the charge process.
Storage Control of Lithium Battery
This function is for charging/discharging batteries which are not used at once. This program is
designed for charging or discharging of batteries of specic original state. They are classied by
types: 3.75V Lilo, 3.85V LiPo and 3.3V LiFe. The program will begin to discharge if the original
state of the battery exceeds the voltage level of storage.
STORAGE CONTROL OF LITHIUM BATTERY
At this screen, you can set up the current and voltage of the battery
pack. Charging and discharging will make the batteries come to the
voltage level of “storage” state.
This screen shows the real-time status charging. Press BATT TYPE/
STOP key once to stop the charge process.
DISCHARGING LITHIUM BATTERIES
The value of discharge current on the left cannot exceed 1 C, and the
value on the right cannot be under the voltage recommended by the
manufacturer to avoid deep discharging. Press START/ENTER for
more than 3 seconds to start charging.
This shows the real-time status of discharging, you can press BATT
TYPE/STOP key to stop discharging.
20 21

VOLTAGE BALANCING AND MONITORING IN THE DISCHARGE PROCESS
The processor monitors the voltage of each cell when the battery packs during “storage” and
-discharging” process. To achieve this feature, plug each battery to the charger individually. If
voltage of any cell is abnormal, the SC2000 will show an error message and terminate the
program forcibly. So if there is battery damage or disconnection, you can see the error message
and press INC to know which cell is damaged.
The processor detects voltage of one cell is too low. The 4th cell
was damaged.
The value of voltage may be zero if disconnection occurs.
Charging NiMH/NiCd Batteries
This program is for charging and discharging of NiCd/NiMH
batteries associated with R/C models applications. You can press
START/ENTER key to make it blink and then INC or DEC to change
the parameter value. Press START/ENTER key to store the value.
This program charges the battery using the current you set up. In the
“auto” state. You should set up the upper limit of the charge current
to avoid damage by excessive feeding current. Some batteries of low
resistance and capacity can lead to higher current in the “auto”
charging mode. But in the manual mode, it will charge with the
current you set. You can make it blink in the current eld and press
INC and DEC at the same time to switch mode.
DISCHARGING NIMH/NICD BATTERIES
The screen shows the real-time status. Press BATT TYPE/STOP
key to end the program. The sound will emitted to indicates the end
of program.
Set charge current on the left and the nal voltage on the right.
Range of the charge current is 0.1-1.0A; range of nal voltage is
0.1-25.0V. Press the Start/Enter key for more than 3 seconds to
start the program.
The screen indicates the discharging state. You can press START/
ENTER key to alter discharge current. Press START/ENTER again
to store the value. Press BATT TYPE/STOP key to stop
discharging. The emitted sound alerts the end of discharging
2322

CYCLING OF NICD/NIMH BATTERY
You can set up sequence on the left and the number of cycles on the
right. You can balance, refresh and break-in the battery with this
function you can set a temporary cool-off procedure in the user’s
setting. Range of the cycle number is 1-5.
Press BATT TYPE/STOP key to stop program, you can press START/
ENTER key to alter charge current. The sound indicates the end of
program.
When it approaches to the end, you can see the capacity of the battery
being charged or discharged. You can press INC or DEC key to display
result of each cycle.
Pb (lead-sulphuric acid) Battery Program
This program is only suitable for charging Pb (lead-acid) battery with nominal voltage from 2
to 20V. Pb (lead-acid) battery is completely different from NiCd/NiMH battery. These batteries
can only deliver current lower in comparison to their capacity. The same restriction applies to the
charging process. Consequently, the optimum charge current can only be 1/10 of the capacity. Pb
battery cannot be used for fast charging, please follow the instructions provided by the battery
manufacturer.
You can press START/ENTER key to make it blink and alter the value of parameters using INC
or DEC key, press START/ENTER key to store the value.
CHARGING PB BATTERIES
Set up the charge current on the left and nominal voltage on the
right. Range of current is 0.1-5.0A; the voltage should match the
battery being charged. Press START/ENTER key for more than 3
seconds to start charging.
The screen displays the real-time discharging status. Press START/
ENTER key to alter discharge current. Press START/ENTER key
again to store the parameter value you set. Press BATT TYPE/STOP
key to end the program.
Discharging Pb Batteries
Set up the discharge current on the left and nominal voltage on
the right. Range of discharge current is 0.1-5.0A; the voltage should
match the battery being charged. Press START/ENTER key for
more than 3 seconds to start discharging.
The screen displays the real-time discharging status. Press START/
ENTER key to alter discharge current. Press START/ENTER key
again to store the parameter value you set. Press BATT TYPE/STOP
key to end the program.
24 25

DATA STORAGE PROGRAM
For your convenience the SC2000 has a data storage and load program. It can store ve battery
data representing the respective specications of batteries. You can call back the data when
charging or discharging without setting up the program again. Press START/ENTER key to
make it blink, and use INC or DEC to set up the parameter.
Setting of the parameter in the screen will not affect the charge and dis
charge process. They just present the specication of the battery. The
example is NiMH battery pack, including 12 cells, the capacity is 3000m
Ah.
Set up the charge current in the manual mode, or current limit in the auto
mode. Press INC and DEC key simultaneously to make the current eld
blink to switch the charge mode.
Set up the discharge current and nal voltage.
Set up the charge/discharge sequence and cycle number.
Saving the data.
LOAD DATA PROGRAM
This program is to load the data stored at the “save data” program. Press START/ENTER key to
make the data eld blink and press INC or DEC for more than 3 seconds to load the data.
Choose the data number you want to call back. The data you want to
call back will be displayed.
Loading the data.
Programming Information
You can inquire various information on the LCD screen during the charging and discharging pro-
cess. Press DEC key, the charger will display users’ setting. You can press INC key to monitor
voltage of each cell while the battery is connected with each port of the charger.
26 27

PROGRAMMING INFORMATION
It comes to the nal voltage when the program ended.
3-pin connector is selected to be the USB port.
The external temperature is displayed when the temperature probe is used.
Present input voltage.
The battery is connected with each port through cable; you can check
voltage of each cell in the battery pack. When the cable is connected with
the ports on the right of the charger, the program will display voltage of up
to 6 batteries. The battery pack needs an output connector connected with
each cell.
WARNING AND ERROR INFORMATION
The SureCharge 2000 incorporates a variety of functions for the systems to verify processes and
the state of the electronics. In case of an error the screen will display the cause of error and emit
an audible sound.
Incorrect polarity connected.
Battery connection is interrupted.
Short-circuit of the output termination.
Erroneous selection of voltage of Lithium pack, please check the voltage of
the battery pack.
The voltage of the battery pack has been selected incorrectly!
The charger has malfunctioned for some reason. Disconnect from battery
rst, then AC or DC power supply. Reconnect AC or DC power after a few
moments. If the error remains the same contact customer support.
The voltage is lower than which is set. Please check the number of cells in the
battery pack.
28 29

WARNING AND ERROR INFORMATION
The voltage is higher than which is set. Please check the number
of cells in the battery pack.
Voltage of one cell in the battery pack is too low, please check the
voltage of each cell
Voltage of one cell in the battery pack is too high; please check the voltage of
each cell.
Wrong connection of the connector detected; please check the connector and
cable.
The internal temperature is too high, please cool down.
The processor cannot control the feeding current, please repair it.
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY
We guarantee this product to be free of manufacturing and assembly defects for a period of one
year from the time of purchase. The warranty only applies to material or operational defects,
which are present at the time of purchase. During that period, we will repair or replace free of
service charge for products deemed defective due to those causes.
You will be required to produce proof of purchase (invoice or receipt). This warranty is not valid
for any damage or subsequent damage arising as a result of misuse, modication or as a result of
failure to observe the procedures outlined in this manual.
Contact us:
Racers Edge
2371 South 3600 West
West Valley City, UT 84119
[email protected]
30 31

www.racers-edge.com