1. Introduction
The XTAR VC4 Plus is an advanced 4-bay universal battery charger designed for various rechargeable battery types, including 3.6V/3.7V Li-ion (IMR/INR/ICR) and 1.2V Ni-MH/Ni-CD batteries. It features a smart LCD display, multiple charging modes, and comprehensive safety protections. This manual provides essential information for safe and efficient operation of your charger.
2. Safety Information
Please read and understand all safety instructions before using the charger. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or personal injury.
- Use the charger only for rechargeable batteries specified in this manual.
- Do not charge non-rechargeable batteries.
- Keep the charger away from water, moisture, and high temperatures.
- Do not disassemble or modify the charger.
- Ensure proper ventilation during charging.
- Unplug the charger from the power source when not in use.
- Keep out of reach of children.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in your package:
- XTAR VC4 Plus Charger
- USB-C Cable
- US Quick Charge 18W Adapter
- User Manual
- Storage Pouch
Image: Contents of the XTAR VC4 Plus charger package.
4. Product Features
The XTAR VC4 Plus charger offers a range of features for efficient and safe battery charging:
- Wide Compatibility: Supports 3.6V/3.7V Li-ion (10440 to 32650) and 1.2V Ni-MH/Ni-CD (AAAA, AAA, AA, A, SC, C) batteries.
- Smart LCD Display: Shows real-time charging current, battery voltage, charging capacity, internal resistance, and battery type.
- Multiple Operation Modes: Includes Charging, Grading (capacity testing), and Storing modes.
- Adjustable Charging Current: Selectable currents (3A, 2A, 1A, 0.5A, 0.25A) for optimal charging.
- USB-C Input with QC3.0 Adapter: Ensures fast and stable power delivery.
- 0V Activation Function: Can revive over-discharged batteries.
- Comprehensive Protections: Over-charge, over-discharge, short-circuit, reverse polarity, and temperature protection.
- Efficient Heat Dissipation: Designed with stripe cracks for better heat loss and automatic temperature adjustment.
Image: The XTAR VC4 Plus charger's compatibility with a wide range of battery sizes, including Li-ion and Ni-MH types.
Image: An explanation of the information displayed on the charger's LCD screen, including voltage, current, internal resistance, capacity, and battery type.
Image: Visual representation of the various safety features integrated into the XTAR VC4 Plus charger.
5. Setup
- Connect Power: Plug the USB-C cable into the charger's input port and connect the other end to the provided 18W QC3.0 adapter. Plug the adapter into a suitable power outlet. The LCD screen will illuminate.
- Insert Batteries: Carefully insert rechargeable batteries into the charging bays, ensuring correct polarity (+/-). The charger will automatically detect the battery type and begin charging.
Image: The XTAR VC4 Plus charger properly connected to a power source with batteries in its bays.
Image: The Type-C input port on the XTAR VC4 Plus charger.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Basic Charging
Once batteries are inserted, the charger will automatically detect their type and initiate charging. The LCD will display real-time information for each channel.
6.2 Understanding the LCD Display
The LCD screen provides detailed information for each of the four channels:
- Voltage (V): Current battery voltage.
- Current (A): Real-time charging current.
- IR (mΩ): Internal Resistance of the battery.
- Cap (mAh/Wh): Accumulated charging capacity or energy.
- Battery Type: Indicates Li-ion or Ni-MH.
6.3 Changing Charging Current
Press the 'Curr.' button to cycle through available charging currents (0.25A, 0.5A, 1A, 2A, 3A). The charger can deliver a maximum of 3A to a single slot, 2A to two slots simultaneously, or 1A to all four slots.
Image: Illustration of the maximum charging current distribution across the charger's slots.
6.4 Operation Modes
Press the 'Mode' button to switch between the three operation modes:
- Charging Mode: Standard charging of batteries.
- Grading Mode: Tests the real capacity of batteries by fully charging, discharging, and then recharging them. The final charge capacity is displayed.
- Storing Mode: Charges or discharges Li-ion batteries to their optimal storage voltage (typically 3.7V-3.8V) to maximize lifespan when not in use.
Image: The three distinct operational modes of the XTAR VC4 Plus charger.
Image: The sequence of operations performed during the Grading Mode to test battery capacity.
Image: The function of Storage Mode, preparing batteries for extended periods of non-use.
6.5 0V Activation
The VC4 Plus can attempt to revive deeply discharged Li-ion batteries (0V activation). Insert the battery, and the charger will automatically try to activate it. If successful, it will begin normal charging.
Image: The 0V activation feature of the charger, designed to revive over-discharged batteries.
6.6 LED Indicators
The charger features LED indicators for each channel:
- Green: Standby or fully charged.
- Red: Charging.
- Grey/Off: Power supply unconnected or error.
Image: A guide to understanding the LED indicator lights on the XTAR VC4 Plus charger.
7. Maintenance
- Clean the charger regularly with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Ensure the charging bays are free of dust and debris.
- Store the charger in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Avoid dropping or subjecting the charger to strong impacts.
8. Troubleshooting
- Charger not powering on:
- Check if the power adapter is securely plugged into both the charger and the wall outlet.
- Ensure the power outlet is functional.
- Try a different USB-C cable or power adapter if available.
- Battery not charging:
- Verify that the battery is inserted with correct polarity.
- Ensure the battery is a compatible rechargeable type (Li-ion or Ni-MH/Ni-CD).
- Check if the battery is severely over-discharged (0V activation might be needed).
- Clean battery contacts and charger contacts.
- If an error is displayed, the battery might be faulty or incompatible.
- Inconsistent IR readings:
- Internal Resistance measurements can vary slightly. For critical applications, take multiple readings across different slots and average them.
- Ensure good contact between battery and charger terminals.
9. Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | VC4 PLUS |
| Input Voltage | 5V |
| Output Voltage | 5V |
| Compatible Battery Types | 3.6V/3.7V Li-ion (IMR/INR/ICR), 1.2V Ni-MH/Ni-CD |
| Compatible Li-ion Sizes | 10440, 14500, 14650, 16340, 17335, 17500, 17670, 18350, 18490, 18500, 18650, 18700, 20700, 21700, 22650, 25500, 26650, 32650 |
| Compatible Ni-MH/Ni-CD Sizes | AAAA, AAA, AA, A, SC, C |
| Max Charging Current | 3A x 1 slot, 2A x 2 slots, 1A x 4 slots |
| Product Dimensions | 5.5 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches (140 x 107 x 28 mm) |
| Item Weight | 13 ounces (368.5 grams) |
| Manufacturer | XTAR |
10. Warranty and Support
The XTAR VC4 Plus charger comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 24-month warranty for friendly customer service. If you encounter any issues with your product, please contact XTAR customer support. We are committed to resolving any concerns within 24 hours.
For support, please refer to the contact information provided with your purchase or visit the official XTAR website.
