Vapcell S4 Plus (V3.0) User Manual

The Vapcell S4 Plus is currently upgraded to V3.0 with improved performance. It is a revolutionary, intelligent charger capable of 3A per slot and 12A total charging current. It supports almost all cylindrical rechargeable batteries, including 16340, 10440, 14500, 18500, 18650, 26650, 21700, 20700, and even button-top or PCB 21700/20700 batteries, eliminating the need for multiple chargers.

The S4 Plus automatically detects and charges Li-ion, Ni-Mh, and Ni-Cd batteries. Its intelligent charging circuit selects the optimal charging mode (CC, CV, and -dV/dt) for each battery and slot independently.

The charger can intelligently measure the internal resistance (DC IR) of the battery and automatically distribute the appropriate charging or discharging current based on this resistance. It offers both Manual and Auto mode selection for charging and discharging currents.

The S4 Plus features five modes: Charge, Discharge, Cap test (Capacity Test), Storage, and Repair. The Discharge and Cap test modes accurately measure battery capacity, while the Repair mode can help revive Li-ion, Ni-Mh, and Ni-Cd batteries. The Storage mode is designed to extend battery life for Li-ion batteries by maintaining them at around 50% charge.

The LCD display clearly shows voltage, capacity, temperature, internal resistance, charging time, and percentage of capacity. For optimal use, please read these instructions.

1. Function Description:

1.1 Manual&Auto Button

A button on the right side of the charger allows for manual selection of charging and discharging current or automatic intelligent distribution of charging and discharging current.

1.1.1 Manual Button

Manual mode allows the user to choose the ideal charging or discharge current. When charging or discharging begins, the default current is 500mA, which flashes continuously, prompting the user to select their desired current. Refer to the charger parameter table for specific current parameters.

1.1.2 Auto Button

The charger intelligently measures the battery's internal resistance (DC IR) and automatically distributes the appropriate charging or discharge current. Ensure the contactors are clean and free of oil stains for accurate internal resistance testing.

1.2 Mode Button

The charger has five functions accessible via the MODE button: Charge, Discharge, Cap test, Storage, and Repair. The system defaults to Charge mode. Pressing the MODE button cycles through the other functions.

1.2.1 Charge

The system automatically determines the battery type and charges Li-ion, Ni-Mh, or Ni-Cd batteries. Li-ion batteries are charged using CC CV mode, while Ni-Mh and Ni-Cd batteries are charged using the -dV/dt mode.

1.2.2 Discharge

This function measures battery capacity. The system automatically determines the battery type (Li-ion or Ni-Mh, Ni-Cd). The discharge mode proceeds from constant current to a cut-off voltage: 2.5V for Li-ion batteries and 0.9V for Ni-Mh, Ni-Cd batteries. The displayed discharge capacity reflects the current battery capacity. Discharge can be initiated at any time for batteries above their respective cut-off voltages. For example, a Li-ion battery with an initial voltage of 4.0V discharged at 500 mA for 4 hours yields 2000 mAh. Note that this is the discharged capacity, not the total capacity; fully charge the battery first for total capacity measurement.

1.2.3 Cap test

Cap test is a more intelligent method for testing battery capacity, similar to Discharge mode. It involves three steps: Charge-Discharge-Charge. The charger fully charges the battery, then discharges it at a constant current to the cut-off voltage, displaying the capacity. Finally, it fully recharges the battery, though this final charging capacity is not displayed.

1.2.4 Storage

To increase the cycle life of Li-ion batteries, a storage mode has been added. Maintaining batteries at around 50% charge is believed to increase lifespan. This mode involves a discharge and charging process. If a Li-ion battery's initial voltage exceeds 3.70V, it will be discharged to 3.70V and stop. If the initial voltage is below 3.70V, it will be charged to 3.70V. After the storage program, the battery voltage will be approximately 3.7V.

1.2.5 Repair

This mode is for repairable Li-ion and Ni-Mh, Ni-Cd batteries. If a Li-ion battery's over-discharge voltage is less than 2.5V, or a lithium battery with a PCB has an over-discharge voltage lower than its cut-off voltage, the charger activates a small current charge, allowing the battery to be used. For Ni-Mh, Ni-Cd batteries with a memory effect, the charger can refresh them through repeated charging and discharging cycles.

1.3 DISPLAY Button

The parameters shown on the screen interface represent a single battery. For instance, when CH2 is displayed, all data pertains to the second slot. Pressing the DISPLAY button cycles through CH3, CH4, and CH1, showing data for each battery sequentially. The LCD displays voltage (V), capacity (mAh, Wh), temperature (°C), internal resistance (mΩ), charging time (00:00), current (mA), and percentage of capacity (%). The display is active by default during operation. A long press of the DISPLAY button turns off the screen to save power.

1.4 CURRENT Button

In Manual mode, users can select their desired current. In Auto mode, the system measures internal resistance and automatically distributes the current. The S4 Plus charger offers numerous current options; refer to the parameter table for more details.

1.5 USB Output

Batteries can be inserted into each slot to charge digital devices like mobile phones, tablets, and other USB devices. The S4 Plus prioritizes power supply from the highest voltage battery among multiple batteries. If multiple batteries have the same voltage, they supply power together. USB output is exclusively for lithium batteries. During USB output, the comprehensive voltage of Li-ion batteries in the charger slot is converted into a battery capacity percentage. USB output power depends on battery voltage, internal resistance, and the number of batteries. Standard USB output is 5V 1A, with a maximum output of 5V 2A.

2. Operation

2.1 Power Connection

Connect the charger to a 12V5A DC adapter for power. The S4 Plus will start working, indicated by a ringtone. Initially, no parameters are displayed, and "NULL" appears in the center of the LCD screen.

2.2 Mode Selection (Auto/Manual)

Select Auto or Manual mode using the gear on the right side of the charger. Manual mode requires manual current selection, whereas Auto mode handles it automatically. The following explains operations in manual mode.

2.3 Battery Reversed Error

If a battery is inserted incorrectly (reversed), an "Err" message will appear on the LCD. Users should correct the battery placement. Assuming the battery is in the second slot, CH2 characters will appear on the display. The charger will automatically identify the battery type (Li-ion or Ni-Mh, Ni-Cd) and display it.

2.4 Default Modes and Currents

At this stage, the default Charge mode is displayed on the LCD and flickers. To switch to other modes (Discharge, Cap test, Storage, Repair), press and hold the MODE button to find the desired mode. The current, displayed as 500mA, also flickers. The default charge or discharge current is 500mA.

2.5 Common Adjustment Mode

When the charge and current flash simultaneously, it indicates the common adjustment mode, allowing the same mode and current to be set for multiple batteries. Insert multiple batteries of the same type into other slots within 5 seconds, then press MODE or CURRENT to select the desired operation. This saves time. If DISPLAY is pressed within 5 seconds of inserting the first battery, the common adjustment mode is exited, and mode/current will flash to indicate operation. If no operation occurs for over 5 seconds, the common regulation mode exits by default, and only the first battery will charge at 500mA.

2.6 LCD Display Indicators

The top of the LCD screen shows four cylinders representing the four slots, displaying battery charging status. Each cylinder has five small black grids indicating approximate capacity percentage based on battery voltage (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%). If a battery is charging in the second slot, the small grids in that cylinder will fill sequentially. This display indicates charging. The screen shows all data for the second slot: voltage (V), capacity (mAh, Wh), temperature (°C), internal resistance (mΩ), time (00:00), current (mA), and capacity percentage (%). If the battery is discharging, the cylindrical grids will flicker and decrease.

2.7 Multi-battery Operation

When multiple batteries are placed in the charger simultaneously, pressing the DISPLAY button multiple times allows viewing data for each slot individually. Each slot operates independently, supporting charging, discharging, or repair processes without interference. If CH1 is displayed, it shows data for the first slot battery.

2.8 Completion Notification

When charging and other procedures are completed, a bell will sound. The cylindrical lattices on the display will stop animating, and other parameters will be recorded and maintained. The display screen will turn off after five minutes. To disable the ringtone reminder, long-press the DISPLAY button during operation; there will be no ringtone after the program completes.

3. Technical Points

3.1 Measure the Internal Resistance of Batteries

The Auto mode distributes current based on measured internal resistance (DC IR), requiring precise values. Keep the charger's positive and negative connectors, as well as the battery electrodes, clean and free of grease. Ensure the spring in each slot provides good contact between the battery and the charger.

3.2 Measure Battery Capacity

The industry-approved test method involves charging the battery with Li-ion at 4.20V and then discharging it at a constant current of 0.2C to 2.5V at approximately 24°C. Record the discharge time to calculate capacity (mAh) by multiplying discharge current (mA) by discharge time (hours). For accurate measurements, maintain room temperature around 24°C, as low temperatures can significantly reduce capacity. Use an appropriate battery discharge current, around 0.2C. Do not use capacity readings during charging, as batteries may be partially discharged. For accurate discharge capacity measurement, the cut-off voltage for Li-ion batteries is set at 2.5V. High-capacity batteries like 18650 and 21700 may still have 50-200mAh capacity between 3.0V and 2.5V.

3.3 Current Selection

This charger supports high charge currents up to 3A and discharge currents up to 1A. For safety, consult battery specifications and select appropriate currents in Manual mode. Excessive current can cause overheating or explosion. In Auto mode, poor contact or oil stains can lead to smaller allocated currents due to large internal resistance measurements. To increase charging current, press and hold the CURRENT button for at least 2 seconds; the display will flicker, allowing current adjustment by pressing the button again. CC, CV mode is used for Li-ion battery charging. If a Li-ion battery has a high initial voltage (e.g., 4.12V) and low internal resistance, Auto mode may allocate a small charging current, indicating the battery is in the CV stage where voltage is constant, and current gradually decreases.

3.4 Charger Temperature Control

Temperature sensors in each slot monitor battery temperature in real-time. If the battery temperature is too high, the charging current is intelligently reduced for safety. A milky white thermal conductive adhesive is used below the circular metal to enhance temperature sensitivity. If a small amount seeps out, wipe it with a cloth.

• If temperature exceeds 65°C and charging current is above 1500 mA (excluding 1500 mA), the current will be reduced by 2 levels (e.g., 3000mA becomes 2000mA).
• If slot temperature exceeds 70°C and charging current is above 500 mA (excluding 500 mA), the charging current will be forced down to 500 mA.

Available battery charging current levels: 250mA, 500mA, 1000mA, 1500mA, 2000mA, 2500mA, 3000mA.

3.5 Re-change MODE or CURRENT

While charging or discharging, modes can be changed by pressing the MODE button for 2 seconds. The current can be changed immediately after changing the mode, but previous display data will be lost. When the charger is in automatic mode, press and hold the CURRENT button for over 2 seconds to forcibly change the current, useful when grease or other factors affect internal resistance measurement. In manual mode, pressing and holding the CURRENT button does not change the current.

3.6 Extending the Service Life of Charger

This is an intelligent multi-function charger. For a longer service life, operate in a dry indoor environment with adequate space for heat dissipation. To prolong its lifespan, avoid discharging/charging all four slots at full load for extended periods, as this can increase charger temperature and accelerate component aging.

4. Parameters and Features

4.1 Parameters

Notes: Batteries are excluded.

Apply to (battery diameter: 10-26mm, length: 34-75mm)

Li-ion: 10340(RCR123), 10440, 14500, 16340, 16650, 17500, 17650, 17670, 18350, 18490, 18500, 18650, 20700, 21700, 22650, 26500, 26650

Ni-MH/Ni-Cd: AAAA, AAA, SC, C

4.2 Features

• 3A per slot, 12A in total.
• Supports Charge/Discharge/Capacity test /Storage/Repair modes.
• Automatically selects the optimum charge current.
• Allows easy selection of desired current in manual mode.
• Wide range of charging current choices: 0.25A /0.5A /1A/1.5A/ 2A/ 2.5A/ 3A for each slot.
• Displays charging status in real-time, including voltage, capacity, temperature, time, and current.
• Sufficient space for 21700 batteries, including button-top and PCB 21700 types.
• Top surface features a button-top type contact for recessed batteries.
• Supports 4 slots charging independently without interference.
• Automatically activates and repairs '0 voltage' lithium batteries.
• Automatically calculates battery percentage.
• Includes charging protection, over-discharge protection, reverse polarity protection, short circuit protection, and broken battery detection.
• Features temperature control protection for battery and user safety.
• Functions as an intelligent power bank (5V 1A).
• Certified by FCC, CE, ROHS.

4. Precaution

• Operate indoors only, with adequate space for heat dissipation.
• Do not disassemble the charger.
• Keep the charger dry when not in use.
• Do not charge leaking, corroded, or dead batteries.
• Disconnect power when not in use.
• Keep the charger away from rain, water, or snow.
• Handle the charger with care, as it may get hot during prolonged operation.
• This charger is intended for cylindrical lithium-ion (3.7V), Ni-Mh, and Ni-Cd batteries. Do not charge LiFePO4 (3.2V), non-rechargeable, rechargeable alkaline (RAM), or lead-acid batteries, as this can cause explosions.
• Read instructions before use and pay attention to recommended charging currents; never choose the wrong current.
• Use the default 12V5A adapter. Using a lower-power adapter may limit functionality or prevent operation.
• Disconnect power and remove batteries when charging is complete.
• Charger data is for reference; consult professional instrumentation for accurate data.
• Do not attempt self-repair; contact professional maintenance personnel.
• Ensure correct program and settings are chosen. Incorrect settings may damage the charger or cause fire/explosion.
• Do not misuse the charger; use only for its intended purpose.

5. Warranty Service

After-sales warranty service is provided for products purchased from authorized sources and is compliant with all regulations. Within 15 days of purchase, quality issues can be addressed with the dealer for free replacement. A one-year free warranty service is provided. Beyond 12 months, a limited warranty covers labor and maintenance costs, but not accessories or replacement parts.

The free warranty does not cover:

• Man-made destruction, dismantling, or modification of the product.
• Incorrect operation resulting in product damage (e.g., refitting batteries, charging non-rechargeable batteries, or violating warnings).
• Product damage caused by battery leakage.

For the latest information on Vapcell batteries and services, contact a local Vapcell distributor or email admin@szfyte.com.

6. Upgrade Content

Company Information

Shenzhen Vapcell Technology Co.,LTD.

ADD: #49, Long Tou Road, long jian Tian, Huang Jiang, Dongguan, Guangdong Province

Zip Code: 523765

TEL: 86-181-2991-3986

Web: www.vapcelltech.com

E-mail: admin@szfyte.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VapCellIMR/