SKYRC iMAX B6AC V2 AC/DC Dual Power Professional LiPo Battery Balance Charger/Discharger User Manual

1. Introduction

The SKYRC iMAX B6AC V2 is an advanced, microprocessor-controlled charge/discharge station designed for a wide range of battery types. This device features an integral equalizer for Lithium-Polymer (LiPo), Lithium High Voltage (LiHV), Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFe), and Lithium-Ion (LiIon) batteries, supporting up to six cells. It also handles Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), and Lead Acid (Pb) batteries. The B6AC V2 offers both AC and DC input power options, making it versatile for various charging environments. This manual provides detailed instructions for safe and efficient operation of your charger.

2. Safety Precautions

Please read all safety warnings and instructions carefully before using this product. Failure to follow these instructions may result in property damage, personal injury, or death.

• Never leave the charger unattended during operation. Always monitor the charging process.
• Ensure the charger is used in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials.
• Verify that the battery type, cell count, voltage, and current settings match the battery being charged. Incorrect settings can cause fire or explosion.
• Avoid short-circuiting the output terminals. Always connect the charger to the battery before connecting to power.
• Keep the charger and batteries out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not charge damaged, swollen, or leaking batteries.
• Use only genuine SKYRC accessories and power adapters.
• Disconnect the power supply immediately if any abnormal behavior is observed.

3. Product Overview

The SKYRC iMAX B6AC V2 charger is designed for precision and versatility. Key features include:

• Dual Power Input: Operates on both AC (100-240V) and DC (11-18V) power.
• Multi-Chemistry Support: Compatible with LiPo, LiFe, LiIon, LiHV, NiMH, NiCd, and Pb batteries.
• Integrated Balancer: Balances individual cell voltages for Lithium batteries (1-6S).
• Multiple Operating Modes: Charge, Balance Charge, Fast Charge, Storage, Discharge, Re-Peak, Cycle.
• Advanced Safety Features: Automatic charging current limit, capacity limit, temperature threshold, processing time limit.
• Data Storage: Stores up to 10 charge/discharge profiles.
• PC Connectivity: Allows for PC control and firmware upgrades.
• Battery Meter Functions: Measures Lithium battery voltage and internal resistance.

Figure 1: Front view of the SKYRC iMAX B6AC V2 charger. This image displays the blue metallic casing, the LCD screen showing "LiPo BALANCE 5.0A 22.2V (6S)", and the control buttons labeled "BATT/PROG", "DEC", "INC", and "ENTER". The right side features balance ports for 2 to 6 cells and output terminals.

4. Setup

4.1 Connecting to Power

The B6AC V2 supports both AC and DC power inputs.

• AC Power (100-240V): Connect the supplied AC power cord to the AC input port on the side of the charger, then plug it into a wall outlet.
• DC Power (11-18V): Connect a DC power source (e.g., a 12V car battery or a regulated DC power supply) to the DC input ports on the side of the charger. Ensure correct polarity.

4.2 Connecting the Battery

1. Identify the correct charging cable for your battery type.
2. Connect the main charging cable to the output terminals (red for positive, black for negative) on the charger.
3. For Lithium batteries, also connect the balance lead of the battery to the corresponding balance port on the right side of the charger. Ensure the correct cell count port is used (e.g., 6S battery to the 6-cell port).
4. Connect the other end of the main charging cable to your battery.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Basic Navigation

The charger is operated using four buttons:

• BATT/PROG: Enters the program selection menu or returns to the previous menu.
• DEC (<): Decreases values or moves left/up in menus.
• INC (>): Increases values or moves right/down in menus.
• ENTER/START: Confirms selections or starts/stops a process (long press to start/stop).

5.2 Program Selection

From the main screen, press BATT/PROG to cycle through the main program menus:

• LiPo BATT
• NiMH BATT
• Pb BATT
• SAVE DATA
• LOAD DATA
• USER SET PROGRAM
• BATTERY METER
• INTERNAL RESISTANCE

5.3 Charging Lithium Batteries (LiPo/LiFe/LiIon/LiHV)

After selecting the appropriate Lithium battery type (e.g., LiPo BATT), you can choose from several modes:

1. BALANCE CHARGE: Recommended for regular charging. This mode charges and balances individual cell voltages simultaneously. Set the charge current and cell count. Long press ENTER/START to confirm and begin.
2. CHARGE: Charges the battery without balancing. Use with caution. Set current and cell count. Long press ENTER/START to begin.
3. FAST CHARGE: Charges the battery faster than balance charge, but balancing is less precise. Set current and cell count. Long press ENTER/START to begin.
4. STORAGE: Charges or discharges the battery to a safe storage voltage (e.g., 3.85V/cell for LiPo). Set current and cell count. Long press ENTER/START to begin.
5. DISCHARGE: Discharges the battery to a set voltage. Set discharge current and final voltage. Long press ENTER/START to begin.

5.4 Charging NiMH/NiCd Batteries

After selecting NiMH BATT, choose a mode:

1. CHARGE: Charges the battery. Set charge current. Long press ENTER/START to begin.
2. AUTO CHARGE: Automatically adjusts charge current based on battery condition. Set maximum current. Long press ENTER/START to begin.
3. DISCHARGE: Discharges the battery. Set discharge current and final voltage. Long press ENTER/START to begin.
4. RE-PEAK: Charges the battery, then discharges and recharges to maximize capacity. Set charge current. Long press ENTER/START to begin.
5. CYCLE: Performs a charge/discharge or discharge/charge cycle multiple times. Set cycle count, charge/discharge current. Long press ENTER/START to begin.

5.5 Charging Pb (Lead Acid) Batteries

After selecting Pb BATT, choose a mode:

1. CHARGE: Charges the battery. Set charge current and voltage. Long press ENTER/START to begin.
2. DISCHARGE: Discharges the battery. Set discharge current and final voltage. Long press ENTER/START to begin.

5.6 User Set Program

This menu allows customization of various charger parameters, including:

• Safety Timer (e.g., 120 minutes)
• Capacity Cut-off (e.g., 5000mAh)
• Temperature Cut-off (requires optional temperature sensor)
• Input Power Low Voltage Cut-off
• Terminal Voltage Control (TVC) for Lithium batteries

5.7 Battery Meter and Internal Resistance

The charger can display the total voltage and individual cell voltages of Lithium batteries, as well as their internal resistance. Navigate to these options from the main menu and connect the battery's balance lead.

6. Maintenance

• Keep the charger clean and free from dust and debris. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
• Store the charger in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Regularly inspect cables and connectors for damage. Replace any worn or damaged components immediately.
• Firmware updates may be available from the SKYRC website. Connect the charger to a PC via a USB cable (not included) to perform updates.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

• Input Voltage: AC 100-240V / DC 11-18V
• Max Charge Power: 50W
• Max Discharge Power: 5W
• Charge Current Range: 0.1-6.0A
• Discharge Current Range: 0.1-2.0A
• LiPo/LiFe/LiIon/LiHV Cell Count: 1-6S
• NiMH/NiCd Cell Count: 1-15S
• Pb Battery Voltage: 2-20V
• Balance Current: 300mA/cell
• Dimensions: Approximately 135 x 144 x 36 mm (5.32 x 5.67 x 1.42 inches)
• Weight: Approximately 632 g (2.2 pounds)

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official SKYRC website or contact your authorized dealer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.