Great Planes Triton Charger - GPMM3150 - Manual (Page 10)

“Pb charge” and “Li-Ion charge:” Triton utilizes the “constant current / constant
voltage” method (cc/cv) to fully charge lead-acid, lithium-ion and lithium-polymer
batteries. Constant current will be delivered during the initial stages of fast charge.
When the voltage of the Li-Ion/Li-Po battery has reached approximately 4.0V per cell,
Triton will then change its output to apply a constant-voltage to the battery. Lithium
batteries naturally resist charge current as they approach full charge. The constant-
voltage application simply allows the battery itself to dictate how much current the
charger will deliver for safe, full charges. When current to the battery drops below
approx. 100mA, Triton will halt the charge process as the battery will be at full charge.
In the “Pb charge” screen, press then rotate the dial to select and adjust charge
current from 0.1 – 5.0 amps. It is also necessary to set the total voltage rating of the
battery to be charged. Again press the dial to select the voltage level, rotating the dial
to set the proper battery voltage of either 6, 12 or 24 volts (see battery label or
specifications). Re-press the dial to confirm both settings. Press and hold the dial to
start the charge process.
In the “Li-Ion charge” screen, press then rotate the dial to select and adjust this
charge current from 0.1 – 2.5 amps. It is also necessary to set the total voltage rating
for the Li-Ion/Li-Po battery which is to be charged. Press the dial to transfer to the
voltage setting, rotating the dial to select the proper battery voltage from 3.6 – 14.8V
(see battery label or specs). Re-press the dial to confirm both settings. Press and hold
the dial to start the charge process.
Having very low self-discharge rates, Pb and Li-Ion/Li-Po batteries do not need trickle
charge and therefore no such feature exists. No Auto feature exists for Pb or Li-
Ion/Li-Po batteries.
WARNING! Lithium-ion cells are VERY sensitive and volatile. Do NOT attempt to
charge Li-Ion/Li-Po cells at excessive currents or temperatures. Failure to do so
could result in bodily harm and/or permanent damage to the cells as the
lithium-ion chemistry can be very explosive. Lithium-Polymer cells are
sensitive as well. Overcharging can cause Li-Po cells to overheat and swell and
possibly catch on fire. Disconnect all batteries from the charger IMMEDIATELY
if they become very warm to the touch.
THERMAL DETECTION (optional): Pressure builds inside cells as they approach full
charge which also results in an increase in the battery’s temperature. Monitoring a
battery’s temperature in addition to its voltage can result in the most accurate peak
detection method. This feature is optional and requires a thermal probe which is
available separately (GPMM3151), but recommended especially when charging NiMH
and Li-Ion/Li-Po batteries as they can be very sensitive to heat. Refer to the
“Temperature Cut-Off” section in the SETUP MENU (on page 13) for using this
feature.
WARNING! It is normal for batteries to become warm during charge or discharge.
Disconnect batteries IMMEDIATELY if they become hot at any time! Extra
caution must be observed with NiMH batteries as any heating will reduce the
lifespan of the battery. In such case, it may be necessary to reduce the fast
charge current to lower the possibility of heating. Never attempt to charge
batteries at excessive rates, as permanent damage could result.
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