Great Planes Triton Charger - GPMM3150 - Manual (Page 11)

Triton is capable of discharging batteries at 0.1 – 3.0 amps (2.5A maximum. for
Li-Ion/Li-Po), adjustable in 0.1A increments. However, other settings are required for
using the discharge function for the different battery types. Do NOT attempt to
discharge batteries at rates exceeding recommendations.
The amount of current which can be discharged from a battery is also relative to its
physical size. Sub-C size NiCd and NiMH cells can typically provide higher discharge
currents than “A,” “AA” or “AAA” cells. “AAA” and smaller cells should be subjected to
even lower discharge rates. Do NOT attempt to discharge batteries at excessive
currents as permanent damage could result. Setting a discharge rate of 0.2-0.3A. will
simulate the typical discharge current as seen when used for powering radio
transmitters and receiver batteries.
NiCd and NiMH cell manufacturers recommend discharging batteries down to a pre-set
voltage level PER CELL in the pack, typically being 0.9 volts per cell. This is called the
"discharge cutoff voltage". To determine the proper discharge cutoff voltage, multiply
the number of cells in the pack by 0.9 and enter this total voltage in the "NiCd
discharge" or "NiMH discharge" screen. For example, to discharge a 7-cell battery the
cutoff voltage would be (7 x 0.9) 6.3 volts. Note: When discharging Tx and Rx radio
batteries, the discharge cutoff voltage should be set at 1.1 volts per cell. A 4-cell Rx
battery would therefore have a discharge cutoff voltage of (1.1 x 4) 4.4 volts. Do NOT
attempt to discharge cells to voltages lower than recommended.
“NiCd discharge” and “NiMH discharge:” In either screen, press then rotate the dial
to select and adjust this level from 0.1 – 3.0 amps. Next, press the dial to transfer to
the discharge voltage setting, rotating the dial to select the proper cutoff voltage for
the battery to be discharged, ranging from from 0.4 – 28.9V. Press the dial to confirm
the selection. Press and HOLD the dial to start discharge. Note: Some transmitters
may contain a diode in their charge circuitry which will not allow its internal battery
to be discharged. In this case, the Triton charger might not be able to start the
discharge process. The best option is to remove the battery from the transmitter and
connect it directly to the charger using one of Great Planes’ pre-assembled charge
leads (see rear of manual for a complete list).
“Pb discharge:” Press then rotate the dial to select and adjust discharge current from
0.1 – 3.0 amps. Press the dial to transfer to the voltage setting, rotating the dial to
select the proper cutoff voltage of either 5.4V (for batteries rated at 6.0 volts), 10.8V
(for 12.0V batteries), or 21.6V (for 24.0V batteries). Press the dial to confirm the
selection. Press and hold the dial to start discharge.
“Li-Ion discharge:” Press then rotate the dial to select and adjust discharge current
level from 0.1 – 2.5 amps. It is also necessary to set the discharge cutoff voltage
setting. Press the dial to transfer to the voltage setting, rotating the dial to select the
proper cutoff voltage of either 3.0V (single cells), 6.0V (2 cells), 9.0V (3 cells), or 12.0V
(4 cells). Press the dial to confirm the selection. Press and hold the dial to start
discharge.
DISCHARGE CURRENT & CUTOFF VOLTAGE
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