Tenergy TB6B Multifunction Balance Charger

Quick Start Guide

Must read and follow the battery manufacturer's instructions before charging the battery. It's important to review the included Warning & Disclaimer sheet before using the Multifunctional Balance Charger. For full details on how to operate the TB6B charger, please refer to the Product Manual. The following quick start guide is intended to help cover the basics of how to charge a Nickel-metal hydride or Lithium polymer battery pack with the TB6B charger.

How to Charge a NiMH Battery Pack

1. Connect everything together:
   • Connect the power supply cord into the AC outlet and DC connector into the DC port on the left side of the TB6B charger.
   • Connect the multi-charging harness to the right side of the charger matching the red prong to the positive (+) slot and black prong to the negative (-) slot.
   • Connect the battery pack to the matching connection (Tamiya, mini Tamiya, JST, HiTec, EC3, Deans, XT60) on the multi-charging harness.
2. Press the Mode/Esc until you see "NiMH BATT".
3. Press the Enter/Start button to see "NiMH CHARGE", and then press Enter/Start button again.
4. Change the current to the desired Amp with the Dec. and Inc. buttons. Refer to your battery pack's instruction for ideal charging current.
5. Verify that the desired charging current is accurate, to begin the charging process press down and hold the Enter/Start button to start the charging process.
6. Do not leave the charger and battery unattended during the charging process. Once the charging process is complete the TB6B will beep once to alert you that the process is done.

How to Balance Charge a LiPO/Li-ion Battery Pack

Please be sure to read the included Warning & Disclaimer sheet before using the TB6B charger for LiPO battery packs and take the necessary precautions. Always charge LiPo or Li-ion battery packs using balance charging mode only, and ensure the included JST-XH balance board is properly connected between the charger and the battery. This charger is specifically designed for charging LiPo/Li-ion battery packs equipped with a balance connector via balance mode. Failure to comply may result in fire or serious injury.

1. Connect everything together:
   • Connect the power supply cord into the AC outlet and DC connector to the DC port on the left side of the TB6B charger.
   • Connect the included JST-XH balance board to the TB6B's balance port.
   • Connect the battery's JST-XH balance connector to the corresponding slot on the JST-XH balance board that matches the battery's series configuration 2S(3pins), 3S(4pins), 4S(5pins), 5S(6pins), or 6S(7pins). JST-XH balance connector is the only connector type that TB6B balance port uses.
   • Connect the battery pack's power connector (Tamiya, mini Tamiya, JST, HiTec, EC3, Deans, XT60) to the matching connection on the multi-charging harness.
2. Press the Mode/Esc until you see "LiPO BATT", then press the Enter/Start.
3. Press the Inc. button to choose "LiPO BALANCE”. Press Enter/Start.
4. Change the Amp to our desired charging speed with the Dec. and Inc. buttons. Then press Enter/Start.
5. Now change the Voltage to match your LiPO battery pack's configuration. Press and hold to begin the charging process.
6. Verify the R: and S: values match and then press Enter/Start to begin the charging process.
   • If they do not match, then the voltage information you provided is likely incorrect, press Mode/Esc to go back to the previous screen to change the voltage.
   • If you encounter a Battery Vol ERR, double check your battery pack's LiPO balance connector is connected with the balance board, and the balance board is securely connected to the Balance socket on the charger.
   • If you encounter a Connection Break error, it is possible your battery pack is wired incorrectly, please double check that the red wire on the battery pack is matching with the red wire on the connection on the harness. If they are aligned, double check that the connection is secure and try again.
7. Do not leave the charger and battery unattended during the charging process. Once the charging process is complete the TB6B will beep once to alert you that the process is done.

Table of Content

• Introduction
• Specifications
• Key Features
• Operating Instructions
• Warning and Error Messages
• Safety Message
• Warranty

Specifications

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the TB6B Balance Charger. This product is a rapid charger with a high performance microprocessor and operating software. Please be sure to read this entire operating manual completely before you use this product for the first time, as it covers a wide range of information on operation and safety. It can be dangerous when batteries or chargers are mishandled. There are always risks of batteries catching fire and exploding when they are subjected to improper charging.

Key Features

Individual Voltage Balancer for Li-ion/Li-Polymer Batteries

The TB6B has an individual-cell-voltage balancer inside, eliminating the need for a separate balancer when charging Li-ion/Li-Polymer batteries (Li-ion/LiPo/LiFe) connected via the JST-XH balancing connector.

Balance Individual Cells on Discharge

The TB6B can monitor and balance individual cells of the battery pack during the discharge process. If any cell's voltage varies abnormally, the process will be stopped, and an error message will appear.

Accepts Various Battery Types

The TB6B supports Li-ion, LiPo, LiFe, NiCd, NiMH, and Pb battery types. Ensure the correct type is selected before starting the process.

Battery 'Fast' and 'Storage' mode

Li-Ion/Li-Polymer batteries can be charged for special purposes. 'Fast' charge reduces charging time, while 'Storage' mode controls the final voltage for long-term storage, keeping the battery at 40% capacity.

Data Store/Load

The charger can store data for up to 5 batteries. Once configured, you can automatically start the process without re-entering settings.

Cyclic Charging/Discharging

Continuously perform 1 to 5 cycles of charge ➡️ discharge for battery refreshing and balancing.

Robust Outer Aluminum Case

The high-quality aluminum case is durable and efficient at cooling internal heat.

Operating Instructions

Main Menu

When the charger TB6B first powers up, the LCD screen displays the name of the charger for 2 seconds. To select the desired program, press the Mode/Esc button to cycle through the options: LiPo BATT, NiMH BATT, NiCd BATT, Pb BATT, SAVE DATA, LOAD DATA.

Initial Parameter Setup

Once the desired program is selected, press the Enter/Start button to enter the submenu. In the submenu, press Enter/Start to make parameter numbers blink, and cycle through options using the left (Dec.) and right (Inc.) "Status" keys.

***Please be sure to select the correct battery chemistry and battery voltage (refer to Table A on Page 11). Misuse may lead to a fire or explosion***

LiPo/Li-ion/LiFe Check Time

Normally, the charger determines cell count at the beginning of charge/discharge. If the battery is significantly discharged, it may not correctly determine the cell count. In this case, set the "check time" to 10 minutes, which should be sufficient for the device to correctly determine the cell count.

NiMH/NiCd Sensitivity

Delta Peak shows the trigger voltage for automatic charge termination of NiMH and NiCd batteries. D. Peak default setting is 12mV for NiCd and 7mV for NiMH. Refer to battery technical specifications for the ideal value.

USB/Temp Select

For the optional thermometer attachment, this setting allows changing the temperature cut-off.

Waste Time

The cooling period between cycle charging and discharging. Set more than 10 minutes to allow the battery time to cool down between cycles.

Safety Timer

A backup alarm to prevent overcharging. This feature can be turned off or the timer extended.

Capacity Cut-Off

An additional safety feature to prevent overcharging. Set the maximum amount the charger can charge before shutting down.

Key Beep & Buzzer

Key Beep: Enable or Disable sound when pressing buttons. Buzzer: Enable or Disable alarm.

Input Power Low

The charger stops charging if the input voltage drops below this value.

Table A

Battery Specifications by Type

How to connect the wires

Lithium Batteries (Li-ion/LiPo/LiFe)

Follow the instructions to select the correct battery type and parameter value for your application.

• CHARGE: For individual batteries or packs without a balance port or cell count. The screen shows the battery and selected current.
• BALANCE: For 2-6 cell Lithium batteries with a balance port. The battery's balance connector plugs into the balance board connected to the charger.
• FAST CHARGE: For rapid charging, slightly reducing final capacity but shortening charge time.
• STORAGE: For charging/discharging batteries not in use. Keeps battery at 40% capacity for long-term storage.
• DISCHARGE: Allows discharge of over 90% for Lithium batteries.

Selecting the Correct Cell Count

Once battery type and cell count are selected, press and hold the Enter/Start button for 2 seconds. This displays a screen to double-check the cell count. 'R' shows the charger's detected count, and 'S' shows the user-selected count. If they match, press Enter. If not, press Mode to return, verify battery specifications, and repeat.

Checking the Individual Voltage and Capacity

Connect the balance plug. Using the Status buttons, you can check safety capacity cut-off, safety timer, safety temperature, and present voltage. You can also check individual cell voltages while charging.

NiMH/NiCd Battery Program

Use the Mode and Status buttons to cycle through options.

• Charge mode: Default is "AUT". Select upper charge current limit. In "MAN" mode, the device charges at the previously set current. Switch between AUT and MAN by pressing the left (◄) and right (►) arrow buttons simultaneously at the NiMH Charge Current setting screen.
• Discharge mode: Recommended voltage for NiMH is 1.0V/cell, NiCd is 0.85V/cell. Refer to manufacturer recommendations.
• Cycle mode: Performs 1-5 cycles of Discharging/Charging for new or long-term Ni batteries. Use only if the battery requires it.

Once steps are completed and verified, press and hold Enter/Start to begin.

Pb Battery Program

Use this program for Pb batteries with voltages between 2 and 20V. Do not use rapid charging for Pb batteries.

Charging a Pb Battery

The screen shows Amp on the left and voltage on the right. After verifying the voltage matches your battery manufacturer's requirement, press and hold the Enter button for 2 seconds to start. The charge can be stopped anytime by pressing the Mode/Esc button.

Discharging a Pb Battery

Set discharge current on the left and final voltage on the right. Press and hold Enter to begin. The charge can be stopped anytime by pressing the Mode/Esc button.

Save and Load Data Program

The charger can store data for up to 5 batteries. Once set, you can automatically start the process without re-entering settings.

Save Data

Press Mode until "Save Data" is selected, then press Enter to enter the submenu. The blinking number indicates the data slot. Change this by pressing left/right arrows and select with Enter. Continue by selecting battery type, voltage, capacity, etc., and set data with Enter. Press and hold Enter to save.

Load Data

Using the same process, select the "Load Data" screen from the main menu. Use left/right arrow buttons to select data. Press and hold Enter for 2 seconds to load.

Warning and Error Messages

WARNING

Failure to follow these WARNINGS may result in fire or personal/property damages.

• When the charger is running, keep the device uncovered and in a well-ventilated area so it does not get too warm. This is especially true if you're discharging a battery.
• Do not store or use in an environment colder than 41°F (5°C) or hotter than 122°F (50°C).
• Do not store or use in a wet or corrosive environment.
• Keep all flammable and volatile materials away from the device.
• Take care of the charger by not letting it fall or get shaken.
• Do not attempt to use voltage higher than recommended by the battery manufacturer.
• Ensure that the type and voltage of the battery is properly selected. Do not charge different batteries at the same time.
• This device is made for charging one battery pack. Please purchase separate accessories for multiple battery packs.
• Do not attempt to use this device on a non-rechargeable or damaged battery.
• Keep the charger away from pets and children at all times. Never leave this device unsupervised when connected to a power supply.

Warranty

This Tenergy product is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal consumer use for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase date or thirty (30) days after replacement, whichever occurs later. The warranty provider's responsibility with respect to this limited warranty shall be limited solely to repair or replacement, at the provider's discretion, of any product that fails during normal use of this product in its intended manner and in its intended environment. This warranty does not cover damage or defect caused by misuse, neglect, accident, alteration, abuse, improper installation or maintenance.

To obtain warranty coverage, contact the Tenergy Customer Service Department at service@tenergy.com.