Futaba 3PK - Manual (Page 49)

49
CARING FOR YOUR NiCd BATTERIES
Charging Your System’s Batteries
1. Connect the transmitter charging jack and receiver
NiCd batteries to the transmitter and receiver
connectors of the charger.
2. Plug the charger into a wall socket.
3. Check that the charger LED lights.
The initial charge, and any charge after a complete discharge,
should be at least 18 hours to ensure full charge. The
batteries should be left on charge for about 15 hours when
recharging the standard NiCd batteries after normal use.
You should fully discharge your system’s batteries periodically to prevent a condition called memory. If you
regularly use only a small amount of the battery's capacity, the memory effect can reduce the actual capacity even if the
battery is fully charged. You can cycle your batteries with a commercial cycling unit*, or by leaving the system on and
exercising the servos by moving the transmitter sticks until the transmitter shuts itself off. Cycling should be done every
four to eight weeks, even during the winter or periods of long storage. Keep track of the batteries’ capacity during cycling;
if there is a noticeable change, you may need to replace the batteries.
*Note that your 3PK transmitter system is protected from overcharge. If the battery is charged with a quick charger for
other than digital RC systems, it may not be fully charged.
NiCd Handling Precautions
• CAUTION - NiCd electrolyte is a strong alkali. Should you come in contact with even the smallest amount:
• EYES: DO NOT RUB, wash immediately with water, and seek medical attention at once. The electrolyte can
cause blindness.
• CLOTHING/SKIN: Wash with water immediately. Seek medical attention if rash occurs.
• DO NOT attempt to charge your 8-cell transmitter pack on the 4-cell receiver plug of the wall charger!
• NEVER plug charger into an outlet other than the standard voltage (US is 110V).
• NEVER insert or remove the charger while your hands are wet.
• ALWAYS use the provided charger or a quick charger specifically for remote control modeling. Overcharged
NiCds can result in severe burns, fire, breakage, or electrolyte leakage.
• NEVER try to recharge an alkaline dry cell battery.
• ALWAYS disconnect the radio from the charger and the charger from the wall when not in use.
• ALWAYS double-check that your batteries are fully charged prior to use.
• ALWAYS remove or disconnect the receiver NiCd when the vehicle is not in use to avoid accidental turn-ons.
• NEVER use commercially provided single NiCd battery cells. Charging these cells in your R/C system or with
R/C system chargers may result in damage to the equipment and chargers.
• NEVER drop the NiCd battery or expose it to strong shock or vibration. Crashed equipment should always be sent
for service to test for internal damage.
• NEVER leave the R/C system or batteries within the reach of small children.
• ALWAYS store the system with the batteries in a discharged state and in a cool/dry place.
• ALWAYS remove the transmitter and receiver batteries from the transmitter/vehicle for long-term storage.
Charger
TX: Transmitter charging indicator
RX: Receiver charging indicator
To transmitter charging jack
Receiver Ni-Cd battery