Ultra Power UP100AC Plus Multi Charger

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the UP100AC Plus charger by Ultra Power. This product is a rapid charger with a high-performance microprocessor and specialized operating software. Please read this entire instruction manual completely and attentively before using this product, as it covers a wide range of information on operation and safety.

UP100AC Plus Specification

Special Features

• Optimized Operating Software: Features AUTO function to set feeding current during charging/discharging, preventing overcharging and automatically disconnecting the circuit with an alarm upon detecting malfunctions. Settings are user-configurable.
• Balancing Individual Cells For Battery Discharging: Monitors and balances each cell during discharge. An error message is indicated, and the process ends automatically if any cell voltage is abnormal.
• Adaptable to Various Type of Lithium Battery: Compatible with LiPo, Lilon, LiFe, and LiHV batteries.
• Fast and Storage Mode of Lithium Battery: 'Fast' charge reduces charging duration, while 'store' state controls final voltage for long-term storage and battery protection.
• Cyclic Charging/Discharging: Supports 1 to 5 cyclic processes (charge>discharge or discharge>charge) for battery refreshing and balancing.
• Re-Peak Mode of NiMH/NiCD Battery: Peaks charge the battery once, twice, or three times automatically for confirmation of full charge and fast charge reception. Includes a five-minute cool-off delay after each re-peak.
• Data Store/Load: Stores up to 10 charge/discharge profiles for convenience, allowing users to recall data without re-setting programs.
• Terminal Voltage Control (TVC): Allows the user to change the end voltage.
• LiPo Battery Meter: Enables checking of the battery's total voltage, highest voltage, lowest voltage, and each cell's voltage.
• Maximum Safety (Delta-peak sensitivity): Automatic charge termination based on Delta-peak voltage detection for NiMH/NiCd batteries.
• Automatic Charging Current Limit: Allows setting an upper limit for charging current for NiMH/NiCd batteries.
• Capacity Limit: Automatically stops the process if the charging capacity exceeds a set limit.
• Temperature Threshold: Stops the process if the battery temperature rises to a set limit (requires optional temperature probe).
• Processing Time Limit: Allows setting a maximum process time to avoid defects.

Warning and Safety Notes

These warnings and safety notes are particularly important. Follow the instructions for maximum safety to prevent damage to the charger and battery, or fire hazards. Always read the chapter before beginning.

• Never leave the charger unsupervised when connected to its power supply. Terminate the process immediately if any malfunction is found.
• Keep the charger away from dust, damp, rain, heat, direct sunshine, and vibration. Never drop it.
• Allowable DC input voltage: 11-18V DC.
• Allowable AC input voltage: 100-240V AC.
• Place the charger and battery on a heat-resistant, non-flammable, and non-conductive surface. Keep flammable volatile materials away from the operating area.
• Ensure you know the battery specifications to be charged or discharged. Incorrect program setup can damage the battery and charger, potentially causing fire or explosion. This warranty is void for damage resulting from misuse or failure to observe manual procedures.
• To avoid short circuits, always connect the charge cable to the charger first, then to the battery. Reverse the sequence when disconnecting.
• Never attempt to charge or discharge the following types of batteries:
  • Battery packs with different types of cells or manufacturers.
  • Already fully charged or slightly discharged batteries.
  • Non-rechargeable batteries (risk of explosion).
  • Faulty or damaged batteries.
  • Batteries with integral charge or protection circuits.
  • Batteries installed in a device or electrically linked to other components.
  • Batteries not expressly stated by the manufacturer to be suitable for the charger's current output.
• Before commencing charging:
  • Select the appropriate program for the battery type.
  • Set the appropriate current for charging or discharging.
  • Check the battery voltage. Lithium battery packs can be wired in parallel (e.g., 3.7V for 2-cell) or series (e.g., 7.4V for 2-cell).
  • Ensure all connections are firm and secure, with no intermittent contacts.

Standard Battery Parameters

Choose the correct voltage for different battery types carefully to avoid damage, fire, or explosion.

Lithium Battery Connection Diagram

The UP100AC Plus charger can be powered via AC (100-240V AC) or an external power supply (12-18V) or 12V car battery.

PLEASE NOTE: The charger MUST be powered ON before connecting a battery. Failure to do so may cause charger failure if connections are incorrect. If a "Reverse Polarity" warning appears, disconnect the battery immediately. Never remove power from the charger first.

Before connecting any battery, double-check that charging parameters are set correctly. Incorrect settings can damage the battery and may cause it to burst into flames or explode. Verify correct polarity.

To avoid short circuiting, connect charge leads to the charger first, then to the battery. Always unplug the battery from the charge leads when disconnecting, never remove leads from the charger while a battery is connected.

BALANCE SOCKET:

Connect the balance wire to the charger, aligning the black wire with the negative marking. Ensure correct polarity.

CONNECTING THE BATTERY

To connect a lithium battery with a balance plug:

1. Connect charge leads to the charger, ensuring correct polarity.
2. Turn on the charger and verify settings match the battery pack.
3. Connect the main leads of the battery to the charger's main leads.
4. Connect the balance lead to the correct balance port on the multi-balance board. Consult your dealer if unsure about the socket.
5. Start the charge cycle and monitor the screen for correct readings.
6. When charging is finished, disconnect the balance lead, then the battery main leads.

WARNING: Failure to connect properly will damage the charger.

Program Flow Chart

The following diagrams illustrate the program flow for different battery types:

• LiPo BATT: BALANCE, CHARGE, FAST CHG, STORAGE, DISCHARGE
• Lilo BATT: BALANCE, CHARGE, FAST CHG, STORAGE, DISCHARGE
• LiFe BATT: BALANCE, CHARGE, FAST CHG, STORAGE, DISCHARGE
• LIHV BATT: BALANCE, CHARGE, FAST CHG, STORAGE, DISCHARGE
• LI BATT METER: For checking individual cell voltages.
• SYSTEM SET: Includes Rest Time, Safety Time, Capacity Cut-Off, Key Beep Buzzer, Input Power Low Cut-Off, and Temperature settings.
• BATT MEMORY: Allows saving and loading up to 10 battery profiles.
• Pb BATT: CHARGE, DISCHARGE
• NiCd BATT: CHARGE, Auto CHARGE, DISCHARGE, RE-PEAK, CYCLE (CHG>DCHG)
• NiMH BATT: CHARGE, Auto CHARGE, DISCHARGE, RE-PEAK, CYCLE (CHG>DCHG)

Lithium Battery Programs (LiPo/LiFe/Lilon/LiHV)

These programs are suitable for charging and discharging lithium batteries with nominal voltages of 3.7V, 3.3V, and 3.8V per cell. They utilize Constant Voltage (CV) and Constant Current (CC) methods. Ensure the charge current and final charge voltage match the battery's specifications (e.g., 4.2V for LiPo, 3.6V for LiFe, 4.1V for Lilon, 4.35V for LiHV).

Charging Lithium Battery at Balance Mode

This function balances lithium-polymer battery cell voltages during charging. The battery must be connected with its balance wire. The charger monitors and controls charging current to equalize cell voltages. It is recommended to use the balance mode for charging lithium batteries.

Charging of Lithium Battery (Normal Mode)

This mode is for charging LiPo/LiFe/Lilon/LiHV batteries in normal mode. Balance lead connection is recommended.

'Fast' Charging of Lithium Battery

Charging current reduces towards the end of charging. The charging current reaches 1/5 during the CV period, resulting in a shorter charging time, though the capacity may be slightly less than normal charging.

'Storage' Control of Lithium Battery

This function is for charging/discharging batteries not used immediately. It sets batteries to a specific original state (e.g., 3.7V Lilon, 3.8V LiPo, 3.3V LiFe, 3.9V LiHV). The program discharges if the original state exceeds the storage voltage level.

Discharging Lithium Battery

The discharge current on the left should not exceed 1C. The voltage on the right should not be below the manufacturer's recommended voltage to avoid over-discharging. Press START/ENTER for more than 3 seconds to begin discharging.

Pb Battery Program

This program is for charging and discharging Pb lead-acid batteries with nominal voltages from 2V to 20V. Pb batteries differ from NiMH/NiCD batteries and deliver lower current relative to their capacity. The optimum charge current is 1/10 of the capacity. Pb batteries cannot be used for fast-charging. Follow battery manufacturer instructions.

Charging of Pb Battery

Set the charge current (0.1-10.0A) and nominal voltage. Press START/ENTER for more than 3 seconds to start charging.

Discharging of Pb Battery

Set the discharge current (0.1-5.0A) and nominal voltage. Press ENTER/START for more than 3 seconds to start discharging.

NiMH/NiCD Battery Program

Charging of NiMH/NiCD Battery

This program is for charging and discharging NiMH/NiCD batteries for R/C models. Use INC. or DEC. buttons to change parameters and START/ENTER to store the value.

Charging NiMH/NiCD Battery in the Auto Charge Mode

The charger detects the battery's condition and automatically charges it. Set the upper limit of the charge current to prevent damage from excessive current, especially for batteries with low resistance and capacity.

Charging NiMH/NiCD Battery in Re-Peak Charge Mode

For NiMH and NiCD batteries only. The charger can peak charge the battery 1, 2, or 3 times automatically. This confirms full charge and assesses fast charge reception. A five-minute cool-off delay occurs after each re-peak charge.

Discharging of NiMH/NiCD Battery

Set the discharge current (0.1-5.0A) and final voltage (0.1-25.2V). Press START/ENTER for more than 3 seconds to start the program.

Charge/Discharge & Discharge/Charge Cycle of NiMH/NiCD Battery

Set the sequence (CHG>DCHG or DCHG>CHG) and the number of cycles (1-5).

Battery Memory Set

The UP100AC Plus can store and load up to 10 battery data profiles. This allows recalling charging/discharging specifications without re-setting the program. Press START/ENTER to make a parameter blink, then use INC. or DEC. to adjust it. Press START/ENTER again to save.

• BATT MEMORY [1]: Example for LiPo battery pack (2S/7.4V).
• Set voltage and number of cells (1S-6S).
• Set charge current (0.1-10.0A).
• Set discharge current (0.1-5.0A).
• Set discharge voltage (3.0-3.3V/Cell).
• Set terminal voltage (4.18-4.30V).
• Set cut-off temperature (20°C/68°F - 80°C/176°F).
• SAVE PROGRAM: Press START/ENTER for >3 seconds to save.
• BATT MEMORY [1] LiPo 7.4VC2S): Indicates the saved profile.
• BATT MEMORY [1] C: 4.9A D: 2.2A: Load data from the "save data" program. Press START/ENTER for >3 seconds to load a memory.

Lithium Battery Meter

Allows checking of the battery's total voltage, highest voltage, lowest voltage, and each cell's voltage. Connect the battery to the charger with main battery lead and balance wires to the balance socket.

System Set Up

Operates with default user settings when connected to a DC 11-18V battery for the first time. Users can change parameter values.

• Rest Time: Inserts a time delay (1-60 minutes) after each charge/discharge process for battery cooling.
• Safety Time: Automatically starts when a charge process begins to prevent overcharging if the battery is faulty or the termination circuit fails.
• Safe time Calculation: For NiMH/NiCD batteries, divide capacity by current, then divide the result by 11.9 to set the safety time.
• Capacity Cut-Off: Sets the maximum charge capacity. Stops the process at the selected capacity value if delta-peak voltage is not detected or safety time expires.
• Key Beep Buzzer: Enables or disables button press sounds and operational alerts.
• Input Power Low Cut-Off: Monitors input battery voltage and terminates operation if it drops below a set value to protect the input battery.
• External and Internal Temperature: Displays external and internal temperatures.

Various Information During the Process

• LOAD FACTORY SET: Press Start/Enter for >3 seconds to load factory settings.
• VERSION: Displays the software version.
• Users can inquire about various information on the LCD screen during charging or discharging. Pressing the Dec. button displays user settings.
• Monitor individual cell voltage by pressing the Inc. button when the individual connection cable is linked to a Lithium battery.
• End Voltage: Final voltage when the program ended.
• IN Power Voltage: Present input voltage.
• Ext. Temp / Int. Temp: Displays external and internal temperatures.
• Safety Time: Indicates if safety time is on and its duration in minutes.
• Capacity Cut-Off: Indicates if the function is on and the set capacity value.
• Check voltage of each cell in the battery pack when connected with a balance lead.

Warning and Error Message

The system verifies processes and electronics state. Errors are displayed on the screen with an audible sound.

• REVERSE POLARITY: Incorrect polarity connected.
• CONNECTION BREAK: Battery is interrupted.
• CONNECT ERROR / CHECK MAIN PORT: Battery connection is wrong.
• BALANCE CONNECT ERROR: Balance connection is wrong.
• DC IN TOO LOW: Input voltage less than 11V.
• DC IN TOO HIGH: Input voltage higher than 18V.
• CELL ERROR LOW VOLTAGE: Voltage of one cell is too low.
• CELL ERROR HIGH VOLTAGE: Voltage of one cell is too high.
• CELL ERROR VOLTAGE INVALID: Voltage of one cell is invalid.
• CELL NUMBER INCORRECT: The cell number is wrong.
• INT.TEMP. TOO HI: Internal temperature is too high.
• EXT.TEMP. TOO HI: External temperature is too high.
• OVER CHARGE CAPACITY LIMIT: Battery capacity exceeds the user-set maximum.
• OVER TIME LIMIT: Charging time exceeds the user-set maximum.
• BATTERY HAS FULL: Battery voltage is higher than the user-set maximum when charging in balance mode.

Warranty and Service

Ultra Power guarantees the UP100AC Plus charger to be free of manufacturing and assembly defects for one year from the date of purchase. The warranty covers material or operational defects present at the time of purchase. Repairs or replacements for defective products will be provided free of charge during this period. Proof of purchase (invoice or receipt) is required. This warranty is void for damage resulting from misuse, modification, or failure to observe the procedures outlined in this manual.