Skyrc MC3000 User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 01.................................................................................................................
WARNING AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.......................................................................
QUICK START GUIDE ........................................................................................................
BATTERY KNOWLEDGE ...................................................................................................
BATTERY VOLTAGES.........................................................................................................
TOTAL OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................
GLOBAL SETUP VIEW .......................................................................................................
SLOT PROGRAMMING VIEW...........................................................................................
SLOT OPERATION VIEW ...................................................................................................
DIAGRAM DRAWING VIEW .............................................................................................
USER CALIBRATION..........................................................................................................
PC LINK ................................................................................................................................
FIRMWARE UPDATE ..........................................................................................................
BLUETOOTH APP................................................................................................................
ERROR MESSAGE ..............................................................................................................
FAQ'S .....................................................................................................................................
GLOSSARY...........................................................................................................................
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................
PACKAGE CONTENTS .......................................................................................................
CONFORMITY DECLARATION ........................................................................................
LIABILITY EXCLUSION ....................................................................................................
WARRANTY AND SERVICE ..............................................................................................
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MC3000 Manual Rev. 1.13

NOTICE
This manual is ment to be an improvement to the original SkyRC MC3000 v1.13 manual
I tried to remove typo’s, inconsistent use of words with the same meaning like depressing /
press and hold / press for 1 second, click / press etc. and -most importantly- removed the
confusing TOV, GSV, SOV abbreviations, replacing them with the words describing the
different screens.
Especially for a beginner, it will make it much easier to come to grips on how to use this
amazing charger.
Have fun!
Erik de Ruiter - Jan, 2017
candlepowerforums name: WWJD
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MC3000 Manual Rev. 1.13

INTRODUCTION
Welcome
Charging batteries is usually a primitive, boring task. Can't fool your friends, it still is. In fact,
this charger merely knows three elementary routines: charge, discharge, rest. However refining,
combining, and repeating them in impressive cycles will make you feel dominant and superior!
We hope that operating the device will bring albeit unconsciously some fun and satisfaction to
an otherwise mundane activity: charging one's empty batteries. The MC3000 may be the most
joyful not so compact 4-bay universal round battery charger in the world. Maybe. The creation
of this product didn't arise out of need but from the desire to finally have a charger as versatile,
accurate and powerful as a SKYRC hobby charger but tailored to a sweet battery tray for
cylindrical single cell batteries; no more hassle with battery holders, fiddly wiring, clamps or
similar DIY solutions. With the agreeable set of options per program, or by sequencing several
such programs, the MC3000 is capable of mimicking virtually any operation mode
recommended by leading battery manufacturers or employed by other commercial chargers.
Features
The charger supports all common round battery sizes and chemistries in 4 independent slots,
has numerous safety mechanisms to protect user, device, and batteries from harm, offers
maximum charge rate of 3A/slot, true constant current for both charging and discharging,
analyzing capability, PC & Bluetooth 4.0 monitor & control, user calibration, high accuracy and
an intuitive user interface, while the updatable firmware ensures flexibility to respond to user
demands and future market or technology changes.
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MC3000 Manual Rev. 1.13

INTRODUCTION
User Interface
The User Interface can be switched between Dummy, Simple and Advanced menu modes. The
advanced menu lets the user control every single technical parameter of the operation mode
whereas a simpler mode with less options may be more convenient for quick everyday usage.
The key concept behind the User Interface are the numbered user programs: the MC3000
comes with 30 editable programs and whenever the user is operating a slot, he/she is indeed
operating a particular numbered program in that slot and therefore should be well aware of the
program number itself! The 30 programs are defined globally: any ready slot can run the
identical program simply by the user assigning the same program number to the slot. And that is
done fast and efficiently.
Slot Number Buttons
Integral part of the User Interface are the bi-color LEDs of the SLOT NUMBER BUTTONS
indicating one of the 6 possible operational states of a slot:
•An empty slot (=black (unlit) SLOT NUMBER BUTTON) is a slot with no battery in it.
•A ready slot (=blinking red-green SLOT NUMBER BUTTON) is ready to start the program.
•A busy slot (=solid red SLOT NUMBER BUTTON) is running a program.
•A finished slot (=solid green SLOT NUMBER BUTTON) has finished a program normally.
•Error (=blinking red SLOT NUMBER BUTTON) indicates an error, abnormal program
termination, or similar.
•Happiness (=blinking green SLOT NUMBER BUTTON).
!
☛An inactive slot is an empty or ready slot, an active slot is a busy or finished slot.
Control Buttons
The <STOP> button at the bottom left has similar meanings in different contexts. It can mean
Cancel, Discard, Abort, Quit or Exit when programming inactive slots, or Finish or Stop when
operating active slots. It is also the button for accessing the device SETUP.
The <ENTER> button at the bottom right means Enter, Next, or Save when programming
inactive slots, Start for starting ready slots, or Return to the main view when operating active
slots.
The <▲>and <▼>buttons mean Up and Down, or Increase and Decrease, and are for
changing program numbers, scrolling through options or graphs, selecting parameters.
Changing the program number means effectively that you switched to the new program with
the new program number and not only changed the number itself.
☛For faster programming, a changed program can be saved under a new program number, or
copied over to all slots at once.
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MC3000 Manual Rev. 1.13

INTRODUCTION
Screen
The 128x64 LCD screen features five common views which the user should be familiar with:
•The TOTAL OVERVIEW is the main view where other views automatically revert to after
periods of user inactivity. In tabular format, it shows at a glance the most important bits of
information about the operation of the slots. TOTAL OVERVIEW is also used for displaying
quick info lines or error messages, for example at abnormal program termination.
•The MC3000 has numerous explicit options with their respective parameters which the user
can check or control. The more general settings are accessible through SETUP in the GLOBAL
SETUP VIEW. They affect the operation of the entire device, not only of a single slot or
program.
•In SLOT PROGRAMMING VIEW the user can either swiftly change the program to a different
program and or edit its detailed settings. Each of the four slots is independent and can run any
of the 30 global programs.
•Naturally the SLOT OPERATION VIEW is available for active slots only, i.e. slots with an
ongoing or finished program. Apart from the most basic info already given in TOTAL
OVERVIEW, it also shows additional quantities such as energy, power, resistance, temperature,
and time.
•The DIAGRAM DRAWING VIEW provides a quick qualitative overview of the voltage graphs
and of the system temperature graph over time. The graphs are available for active slots and
live for busy slots.
Accuracy
Under lab conditions the accuracy of the MC3000 readings will stay within the maximum
achievable tolerance as stated on its spec sheet, i.e. ±l mV or ±1mA. Under typical conditions,
e.g. analyzing 2-3 batteries at modest loads with no external cooling, the accuracy will reach
maximum precision too. That is because the installed internal cooler and ventilation fan are still
able to dissipate the heat away from the precision electronics.
However, at extreme loads and conditions, 15W constant maximum discharge power on a hot
summer holiday, unremoved heat can affect the accuracy to some albeit rather limited extent.
Stress tests have proven that the charger can work at its operational limits without degradation
but we do recommend that the user helps with extra cooling once the plastic casing gets hot to
the touch.
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MC3000 Manual Rev. 1.13

WARNING AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Never leave the charger unattended when it is connected to power. If any malfunction is
found, terminate the process at once and refer to the operation manual.
Please make sure the correct program and settings are chosen and set. Incorrect program or
setting may damage the charger or cause fire or explosion.
Never attempt to charge primary cells such as Alkaline, Zinc-Carbon, Lithium, CR123A,
CR2, or any other unsupported chemistry due to risk of explosion and fire.
Never charge or discharge any battery having evidence of leakage, expansion/swelling,
damaged outer wrapper or case, color-change or distortion.
Use the original adapter and cord for power supply. To reduce the risk of damage to the power
cord, always pull by connector rather than the cord. The allowable DC input voltage is
12-18V DC.
Do not operate the device if it appears damaged in any way.
Do not expose the device to direct sunlight, heating devices, open flames; avoid extreme high
or extreme low ambient temperatures and sudden temperature changes.
Do not expose the device to rain, water, moisture, high humidity, or dust due to risk of fire
and corrosion. The device should only be used at normal indoor room conditions.
Operate on a hard fiat nice clean smooth heat-resistant noninflammable nonconductive
surface in a well-ventilated area. Never place the device on a carpet, car seat, or similar. Keep
all the inflammable volatile substances away from operating area.
Avoid mechanical vibration or shock as these may cause damage to the device.
Do not short-circuit slots or other parts of the device. Do not allow metal wires or other
conductive material into the charger.
Observe polarity diagrams located on the charger. Always place the battery cells with positive
tip facing the top.
Do not touch hot surfaces. The rechargeable batteries or the device may become hot at full
load or high power charging/discharging.
Never block the cooling fan or the air ventilation holes at the bottom and top of the charger.
Do not overcharge nor over discharge batteries. Recharge drained batteries as soon as
possible.
Remove all batteries and unplug the charging unit from the power source when not in use.
Opening, disassembling, modifying, tampering with the unit may invalidate its guarantee,
check warranty terms.
Do not misuse in any way! Use for intended purpose and function only.
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MC3000 Manual Rev. 1.13

QUICK START GUIDE
Quick Start Guide
Read the Warning and Safety Precautions first and follow them.
Operating Instructions
1. Proper handling suggests that all batteries be removed prior to operation.
2. First connect the 11-18V(60W or more) DC power adapter plug to the device, then plug
the 110/230 V AC power cable plug into the mains wall socket. <In this order>.!
If you reverse this order, you may get sparks when (dis)connecting the power plug on the
MC3000 device.!
!
The device boots up and displays -after a prior Factory Reset- the User Interface Mode
selection screen:!
Select the User Interface Mode you feel more comfortable with by using the <▼>and <▲>
keys. ☛This page appears only once. You may switch User Interface Mode under the
SETUP menu later if desired (see step 5).!
!
Let's select Dummy Mode. !
!
☛This mode supports NiMH and LiIon only!!
☛In Dummy Mode you can adjust charging current only, see step 4.
3. Insert round batteries in the empty slots observing correct polarity. In this particular User
Interface Mode the battery type is detected automatically. Check if the displayed TYPE
matches your battery chemistry correctly. !
!
The SLOT NUMBER BUTTONS -with batteries inserted- will be blinking alternately green and
red to indicate that the slots are ready. !
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MC3000 Manual Rev. 1.13

QUICK START GUIDE
4. Press a blinking SLOT NUMBER BUTTON. It’s corresponding current value on the screen will
be blinking to indicate that the charging current can be adjusted now. Press <▼>or <▲>to
alter the charging current. Press <ENTER> button to start the charging process.!
!
☛When the battery is fully charged the LED of the SLOT NUMBER BUTTON will turn green
and you will hear a beep tone.
Video Tutorials
Please scan the QR code and watch the tutorial video above how to
operate the charger in dummy mode.
Page 9
MC3000 Manual Rev. 1.13
Press
SLOT NUMBER BUTTON

QUICK START GUIDE
5. To change Dummy Mode to Simple- or Advanced Mode, press the <STOP> button to stop
the operation of the charger first. Then press and hold the <STOP> button to enter the
SETUP menu. Click <▼>to select the UI Mode option, then press <ENTER>. Click <▼>
to select the new User Interface Mode. Press and hold <ENTER> to confirm and save your
selection. You will hear a confirmation beep tone and get transferred back to the TOTAL
OVERVIEW screen.
example of the TOTAL OVERVIEW screen:#
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MC3000 Manual Rev. 1.13