1. Introduction
The XTAR VC4SL is an advanced 4-slot battery charger designed for various rechargeable batteries. It features a Type-C input, QC3.0 fast charging capabilities, and a colorful LCD screen that displays real-time charging information. This charger supports capacity grading and storage functions, making it a versatile tool for battery management.
Key Features:
- USB Type-C port for convenient power input.
- Compatible with 3.6/3.7V Li-ion and 1.2V Ni-MH batteries.
- Capable of charging protected 21700 batteries.
- QC3.0 fast charge, delivering up to 3A for a single slot.
- Manual adjustment of charging current (0.25A to 3A).
- Battery real capacity test (grading) and storage functions.
- Revives most over-discharged batteries.
- Multiple built-in safety protections for safe charging.
2. Package Contents
The XTAR VC4SL package includes the following items:
- XTAR VC4SL Battery Charger
- USB-A to USB-C Charging Cable
- User Manual
- Storage Pouch
For a visual guide to the package contents, please refer to the official product video:
3. Setup
3.1. Connecting to Power Supply
The XTAR VC4SL charger features a Type-C input port. Connect the provided USB-A to USB-C cable to the charger and then to a compatible USB power adapter (QC3.0 recommended for fast charging).
3.2. Inserting Batteries
Once the charger is connected to a power supply, insert the batteries into the charging slots. The charger will automatically detect the battery type and begin charging.
The charger supports a wide range of battery sizes and types:
- 3.6V/3.7V Li-ion/IMR/INR/ICR: 10440, 14500, 14650, 16340, 17335, 17500, 17670, 18350, 18490, 18500, 18650, 18700, 20700, 21700, 22650, 25500, 26650, 32650.
- 1.2V Ni-MH/Ni-CD: AAAA, AAA, AA, A, SC, C, D.
- Note: Can charge protected 21700 batteries.
4. Operation
4.1. LCD Display
The VC4SL features a 170° view angle colorful VA LCD screen that provides clear, real-time information about the charging process.
4.2. Button Functions
The charger has two buttons: 'Curr' and 'Mode'.
- In Charging Mode:
- Press the 'Mode' button to switch the display of information: Current (Cur.), Charged Capacity (Cap.), and Internal Resistance (IR).
- Press the 'Curr' button to adjust the charging current: 3A, 2A, 1A, 0.5A, or 0.25A. The current cycles back to the initial setting after a full rotation.
- Long press 'Mode' button: To switch between Charging mode, Grading mode ('Grad.'), and Storage mode ('Store').
4.3. Charging Modes
The VC4SL offers three main operational modes:
- Charging Mode:
Insert batteries, and the charger will automatically begin charging. The LCD will show real-time charging status. Once fully charged, 'FULL' will be displayed. - Grading Mode ('Grad.'):
In this mode, the charger performs a charge-discharge-charge cycle to test the actual capacity of the battery. This helps determine if the battery's stated capacity is accurate.
Image: Diagram illustrating the Charge-Discharge-Charge cycle for testing actual battery capacity in Grading mode. - Storage Mode ('Store'):
This mode charges or discharges batteries to their rated voltage (typically 3.7V for Li-ion and 1.2V for Ni-MH) to maximize battery lifespan when not in use for extended periods or during transportation.
4.4. Fast Charging (QC3.0)
When using a QC3.0 compatible adapter, the charger can deliver up to 3A to a single slot if the battery's internal resistance is low. For multiple batteries, it supports 2A x 2 slots, or 1A x 3/4 slots. If a non-QC3.0 adapter is used, the charging current will be 2A x 1 slot, 1A x 2 slots, or 0.5A x 3/4 slots.
4.5. OV Activation Function
The charger can revive most over-discharged batteries. When an over-discharged battery is inserted, the charger will attempt to activate it. If activation fails, 'Err' will be displayed, indicating a broken battery.
4.6. Backlight Control
The LCD screen's backlight will dim automatically after 1 minute of inactivity. Long press the 'Curr' button to turn off the backlight completely. Any button press will reactivate it.
5. Safety Features and Protections
The XTAR VC4SL is built with multiple protections to ensure safe charging:
- Over-charge Protection
- Over-voltage Protection
- Over-current Protection
- Short-circuit Protection
- Over-temperature Protection
- Anti-reverse Polarity Protection
The charger is constructed from flame-retardant and fire-resistant ABS materials, and features a temperature monitoring design for optimal heat dissipation.
6. Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | VC4SL |
| Input | QC3.0 (5V=3A/9V=2A) |
| Constant Current | 3Ax1/2Ax2/1Ax4/0.5Ax4 |
| Cut-Off Voltage | 4.2±0.05V/1.45±0.1V |
| Cut-Off Current | ≤120mA |
| Operating Temperature | 0-40°C |
| Voltage range | USB (5-20V DC) |
| Output Power | ≤37.5 |
| Data Transmission | Type-C |
| Output Current | 3A |
| Power Source | Other |
| Output Interface | USB |
| Package | Yes |
| Use | Standard Battery |
| Display screen | Yes |
| Intelligent Charge | Yes |
| Quick charge | Yes |
| Type | USB |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Certification | CE,FCC,RoHS |
| Voltage | 3.7 V |
| Item Type | XTAR VC4SL |
| Noted | Batteies not INCLUDED |
| 20700 Cargador USB Port | Type-C INPUT |
| Current | Max 3A for a single slot |
| 18650 charger Function | Battery real capacity test and storage |
| Fast charge | Protected 21700 batteries |
| Support Charging | 3.6/3.7V Li-ion and 1.2V Ni-MH batteries |
| USB C Chage Fit For | Rechargeable 10400-32650 Li-ion Batteries |
| cargador de pilas | VC4 PLUS |
| Control Current | Charging current by yourself (0.25A to 3A) |
| Portable Charger | AAA AA Battery carregador |
7. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your XTAR VC4SL charger, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Keep the charger away from humidity, water, and excessive dust.
- Clean the charging slots and contacts regularly with a dry, soft cloth to prevent corrosion and ensure good contact.
- Store the charger in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Avoid dropping or subjecting the charger to strong impacts.
- Do not disassemble or attempt to repair the charger yourself if it is damaged. Contact customer support for assistance.
8. Troubleshooting
The XTAR VC4SL is designed with intelligent detection and error reporting. Here are some common indicators and their meanings:
- 'Err' on LCD: Indicates a reverse connection, battery damage, or an over-discharged battery that cannot be revived. The LED indicator will be green.
- 'null' on LCD: Indicates battery damage or over-discharge.
- 'FULL' on LCD: Indicates the battery is fully charged.
- Red LED Indicator: Self-examining, charging, or activating.
- Green LED Indicator: Standby, fully charged, or grading/storage process finished.
- No Light: Power supply is not connected.
If the power supply is insufficient, the charger will automatically reduce the charging current. Ensure you are using an appropriate power adapter, especially a QC3.0 adapter for optimal performance.
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty claims and technical support, please refer to the official XTAR website or contact their customer service.
Warranty Policy:
- 15 days: Free replacement.
- 24 months: Free repair.
- After 24 months: Free repair service, but charges apply for parts used.
- Lifetime: Technical support is offered.
Note: Artificial damage is not covered under warranty. For any questions, contact service@xtar.cc.
Anti-Fake Verification:
- Scratch the anti-counterfeiting label on the product package to reveal an 18-digit security code.
- Enter this code on the XTAR official website (www.xtar.cc) under the 'Contact Us - Anti-fake' section to verify authenticity.
For the full user manual in PDF format, please refer to the official document: XTAR VC4SL User Manual (PDF).
10. User Tips
- Battery Capacity Testing: Utilize the 'Grading' function to accurately test the real capacity of your batteries, especially new ones, to ensure they meet advertised specifications. Be aware that the discharge phase for grading can be slow for high-capacity batteries.
- Fast Charging: For optimal charging speeds, particularly for single slots at 3A, ensure you use a QC3.0 compatible power adapter.
- 21700 Battery Fit: The charger is confirmed to fit button-top 21700 batteries, which is a significant advantage over many other chargers.
- Display Visibility: While the display is generally bright, some users have reported reduced visibility after extended use (around a year).
- Voltage Accuracy: When checking battery voltage with a multimeter immediately after charging, it should be around 4.2V (e.g., 4.198V). Note that voltage naturally drops slightly after a minute or so.
- Old Battery Management: The grading function is excellent for checking the usability of old batteries, helping you decide which ones are worth keeping.