Tejera Microsystems Engineering CHARGEminder 2000 User manual

CHARGEminderTM
USER’S MANUAL MODEL 2000
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations for having purchased the CHARGEminder by Tejera
Microsystems Engineering, Inc.. You are now the owner of the best and most cost
effective way of keeping your NiCd batteries safely and automatically in a constant
state of readiness. The CHARGEminders' unique microprocessor circuitry works with
your existing overnight charger(s) to prevent overcharging. It also safely maintains
the charge on your batteries indefinitely by converting your charger into a pulse
trickle charger. The gentle pulse trickle effect not only gives you a visual indicator
but tests have proven it is actually better for your NiCd battery’s life than conven-
tional trickle charging. The CHARGEminder is simple to use since it just plugs into
the wall outlet before your charger. There is nothing else to buy and no soldering is
required. Simply plug it in and go! For obtaining the maximum benefit from this
product please read the following instructions very carefully.
I. INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT NOTE:
DO NOT PLUG ANY SURGE PROTECTING STRIPS (REGULAR POWER STRIPS WITH
BREAKERS ARE OK), OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF DEVICE EXCEPT FOR OVERNIGHT NiCd
BATTERY CHARGERS INTO THE AUTO-TRICKLE ADAPTER. Before operating the unit the
CHARGEminder must be set to match the SPEED of the battery charger. Pick the time (in hours)
on the CHARGEminder that either exactly matches or is slightly lower than the time recommended
by your chargers manufacturer.
INSURING COMPATIBILITY - PLEASE READ
The CHARGEminder IS COMPATIBLE with almost all inexpensive (or
dumb) chargers.
To insure compatibility prior to use, the following test must be made. Note
that this test does not require the use of the CHARGEminder.
STEP 1. Fully charge your batteries in the normal fashion.
STEP 2. Unplug the battery charger from the wall while leaving the batteries
connected to the charger.
STEP 3. On a daily basis for the next seven days, test the batteries by
temporarily connecting them to your equipment and verifying normal operation. If
after seven days your batteries still have adequate capacity to operate your equip-
ment, the charger is "trickle compatible" with the CHARGEminder Adapter.
The reason for this test is that some charger designs can actually DIS-
CHARGE the batteries when unplugged from the AC outlet. The CHARGEminder
ADAPTER uses an on / off technique to create a pulse trickle effect. Chargers that
load down (discharge) your batteries may not effectively produce enough charge to
maintain an effective trickle. A diode may easily be added to your charger to rectify
this problem if necessary. For more information on this consult the factory or their
web site at "www.TMEnet.com"
V. SPECIFICATIONS
POWER: 120 VAC, 60Hz, 120 WATTS MAXIMUM, 1 A. FUSE;
CHARGE TIMER: Programmable 3,5,7,9,12,16 hours
CHARGER REQUIREMENTS: Most 3 to 16 hour fixed current chargers.
TRICKLE RATE: PULSED AC line voltage duty cycle meets C/40 requirements
BOX DIMENSIONS: 2.25" X 4.1" X 2.65"
LIMITED WARRANTY
The AUTO-TRICKLE ADAPTER is warranted to the original purchaser for a full 2 YEARS from the
date of purchase to be free from defects in material and workmanship. During this period Tejera Microsystems
Engineering Inc. will repair or replace, at their discretion, the defective unit. Be sure you fill out and return your
warranty registration card below.
This warranty does not apply to any unit which has been abused, improperly installed, improperly
used, used for purposes other than those purposes for which the unit was designed, handled roughly, damaged
in shipment, nor to any unit which has been altered or repaired by unauthorized personnel. Under no
circumstances will the buyer be entitled to incidental or consequential damages. This Limited Warranty gives
you specific legal rights, you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT THE COMPATIBILITY OF THIS DEVICE BE
VERIFIED BEFORE RELYING ON IT. AS A NORMAL PRECAUTION WE RECOMMEND THE
TESTING OF ALL BATTERIES PRIOR TO AND DURING OPERATION WITH RADIO CONTROLLED
EQUIPMENT.
WARRANTY PROCEDURE:
NOTE: Fuse replacement is not covered under this warranty.
A minimum charge of $4.00 to cover shipping and handling is required on all returned units, and
should be enclosed with the unit. You must enclose your Bill of Sale as proof of purchase with the unit. ( A
legible photocopy is acceptable.) In the event that the work is not covered under the warranty, the unit will be
repaired and returned C.O.D. (for repair charges) to the owner unless special instructions are received with the
unit.
REPAIRS:
For out of warranty repairs the standard repair fee per unit is 50% of the
suggested retail price plus $4.00 shipping and handling charges. Please prepay or
supply credit card information along with a telephone number or we will repair and
return the unit C.O.D.
ALL RETURNS MUST BE SENT TO:
Tejera Microsystems Engineering, Inc.,
Visit our web site for our current address.
www.TMEnet.com
Warranty Registration
TME, Inc. limited warranty becomes effective upon the date of purchase.
However, this form must be filled out and returned within 10 days to validate
the warranty.
DatePurchased________________Productmodel# Model__CMD-2000___
Name___________________________Signature______________________
Address_____________________________________________________
City________________________STATE______________ZIP_______________

OPERATION
Using your CHARGEminder it is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
STEP 1. Plug it in.
Plug the CHARGEminder into the wall outlet first. Then plug the charger you want
automated into the CHARGEminder’s outlet on the front.
STEP 2. Set the timer once.
The CHARGEminder allows you to select programmable times for 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, and
16 hour chargers. If your charger is between these numbered hours, pick the next
lower number. Example: You have a 8 hour charger, pick the 7 hour setting. The
trickle charge at the end will insure a full charge.
Push and hold the start button on the face of the unit for more than 3 seconds.
Continue to hold until the lights indicate the number of hours your charger is rated.
When you see the proper time selected immediately let go of the button.
NOTE: For 3, 5 and 7 hour timing there will only be one RED light on at a time.
When one light is on, use the number ABOVE the RED light. When the GREEN light
on the right comes on, use the number BELOW the RED light to indicate the number
of hours.
STEP 3. Push Start to begin charging.
Once the CHARGEminder is set as shown above, the CHARGEminders RED light
will blink on and off to indicate it is in TRICKLE or maintenance charge. Momen-
tarily push the start button to start a charge cycle.
Note that during the charge cycle the red light will stay on and not blink. The RED
light and the charger you have plugged in will remain ON for the pre-selected number
of hours. It will then automatically go back to trickle until you push the start button
again.
If for any reason you want to abort the charge timer and go back to trickle, just
momentarily push the start button and you will see the CHARGEminder’s lights
blinking again.
NOTE: For battery safety reasons, a prolonged power blackout will reset your
CHARGEminder to the 3 hour setting. Please verify the number of hours before you
push the start button.
II. FUSE REPLACEMENT
If your charger does not work when connected to the unit, you may have
exceeded the maximum 120 watt capacity and blown the fuse. To check or replace
the fuse you will need to UNPLUG THE UNIT and carefully remove the four screws
on the box. The fuse may be removed by gently pulling it away from its clips. Be sure
to replace with a 1 Amp Fast blowing fuse only. Carefully reassemble the unit before
plugging it into a power receptacle.
III. SPECIAL NOTES
WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND AND I DON'T WANT TO QUICK CHARGE MY BATTERIES?
To stop the charge timer and go back to trickle mode prematurely, simply
push the switch once again. The charger will go back to trickle mode.
WHEN SHOULD I CHARGE MY BATTERIES?
When using chargers that fully charge your batteries in less than 12 hours or
less DO NOT initiate a full charge period to a fully charged battery. Best results are
obtained by using your batteries until they just begin to die out before placing them
back on charge or leave them on trickle as described below. When using 16 hour or
"overnight" chargers, you may initiate a full charge period even if there is a residual
charge in the battery. Overnight chargers are much more forgiving to overcharging.
However do not initiate a full charge period to a fully charged overnight battery more
than twice per week.
IF YOU ARE NOT IN A HURRY
In most cases the trickle rate alone will fully charge your discharged batteries
in about three to four days. If you are not going to need your batteries charged right
away, TRICKLE is the ideal way to let your batteries slowly come up to charge.
IV. CHARGING TIPS and SUGGESTIONS
If battery running time is VERY IMPORTANT to you then it is VERY
IMPORTANT TO CYCLE or CONDITION (test) your NiCd batteries once every
two or three months of use. We also recommend testing after a very long term period
in trickle mode simply as a precautionary test.
The main reason for cycling is to predict any negative trends and to uncover
anything that has gone wrong with your charging system. This is critical with flying
models. Cycling immediately after use allows you to gauge your systems operating
time.
KEEP YOUR BATTERIES COOL! The CHARGEminder ADAPTER will
safely reduce the output current of your chargers to prevent internal heat buildup.
However, storing or charging them in a hot garage or basement will speed up the
chemical reactions in a NiCd. Charging in a hot environment will result in reduced
battery capacity and can lead to premature shorts.
THE CHARGEminder ADAPTER may be used with some overnight GEL
CELL and WET CELL battery chargers. MAKE VERY SURE before trying that if
you take 25% of your chargers available output current, that your battery’s
maximum float or trickle rate is not exceeded. Once the GEL OR WET CELL IS ON
TRICKLE, IT IS BEST TO DISCONNECT IT FROM THE CHARGER. THESE
CELLS DO NOT SELF DISCHARGE AS FAST AS NiCd BATTERIES AND
THEREFORE DO NOT REQUIRE A TRICKLE CHARGE. Leaving GEL CELLS
on for long periods may cause leakage. Wet cells may dry out in time as well.