Team Check-point TC-1030 User manual

Brand: Team Check-point

Model: TC-1030

Category: Car battery chargers

Type: User manual

Programmable Charger with 30A Discharge,

Advanced Motor Break-In and Backlit LCD

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Team Checkpoint’s TC-1030 Pro Charger is designed specifically with the competitive racer in mind! The TC-1030 handles all sizes

of NiMH batteries, in addition to NiCd and LiPo batteries. With a maximum charge current of 10 amps, maximum discharge of 30 amps,

a high-powered motor break-in system, plus a custom blue-backlit graphing LCD, the TC-1030 meets the needs of the most demanding

competitors. Quick reference flowcharts are included for easy understanding of all menus. It is strongly recommended to

completely read this manual. Damage resulting from misuse or modification will void your warranty.

INDEX

Special features........................................2

Precautions...............................................2

Controls and connections.........................2

Battery types.............................................3

Input power...............................................4

Navigating menus.....................................4

Getting started – selecting a memory......5

Adjusting main functions...........................5

Starting charge, discharge, and cycle......7

Status screens and graphs.....................10

Motor break-in ........................................12

Motor 4X break-in...................................13

Motor test ...............................................13

User Set-Up menu..................................14

Data View menu .....................................14

Cycle Data menu....................................15

NiMH Four-Step Charge menu...............16

NiMH Three-Step Charge menu.............19

Handling of NiMH and lithium batteries..20

Error messages and troubleshooting .....20

SPECIFICATIONS

Input voltage: 11-15V DC

Battery types, # cells: 1-10 Nickel-Cadmium (1.2-12.0V NiCd)

1-10 Nickel-Metal Hydride (1.2-12.0V NiMH)

1-4 Lithium-Polymer or Lithium-Ion cells

(3.6-14.8V LiPo/Ion)

Battery capacity range: 100-9900mAh

Max. fast charge power: 120 watts

Fast charge current: 0.1-10.0A (2C max for LiPo/Ion)

Fast charge methods: linear, reflex, impulse, 3-step and 4-step

Fast charge termination: peak detection for NiCd and NiMH

constant current / constant voltage for

LiPo/Ion (cc/cv)

optional thermal cutoff for all battery types

Peak sensitivity: 0-25mV adjustable (including 1mV, 2mV)

Trickle charge current: 0-500mA (NiCd/MH only)

Top-off charge: 0-1000mA (NiMH only)

Max. discharge power: 90 watts

Discharge current: 0.1-30.0A adjustable (2C max for

LiPo/Ion)

100% linear current 0-10A, custom pulsed

current 20A, 30A

Discharge cutoff voltage: 0.1-1.1V per cell NiCd & NiMH

2.5-3.7V per cell LiPo/Ion

* Temperature cutoff range:50-132

F (10-55

Cycle count: 1-10 cycles (NiCd/MH only)

Cycle cool-off delay: 1-30 minutes adjustable

Battery memories: 10 battery memories

Display type: 8 x 21 LCD (168 characters max) with

blue backlight

Graphical displays: charge and discharge voltage curves

Output connectors: banana jacks (two adapter leads included)

Motor break-in: single-step and four-step modes, 1.0-8.0V

selectable, 1-180 minutes, 20A constant

(30A surge)

Case size: 5.5 x 1.8 x 5.9” (140 x 45 x 150mm)

Weight: 24.5 oz. (695g)

* requires optional Team Checkpoint Temperature Sensor (TCPP9101)

SPECIAL FEATURES

• 0.1-10.0A linear discharge current (2C max for LiPo/Ion), with custom pulsed 20A and 30A discharge currents for

conditioning of race quality packs, with Dead-Short mode for careful deep-discharging of high powered racing packs

• 0-25mV peak sensitivity for NiCd and NiMH batts (including 1mV and 2mV)

• Five charge methods: linear, reflex, impulse, 3-step and 4-step and cc/cv

• Top-off charge feature fully charges NiMHs without overheating

• Thermal cutoff (temperature sensor optional)

• Three motor break-in functions, including single step, four-step, and a motor test mode. Can maintain 20A at 1.5V.

Adjustable voltage from 1.0-8.0V, 1-180 minutes time setting, also good for commutation lathes and tire warmers.

• Recall data for 10 full cycles

• Blue backlight for graphing LCD

• Displays input and output voltage, battery resistance, max. battery temperature, charge and discharge currents, voltages,

time, and capacity and much more

• Adjustable audible tones, LCD contrast, twin fan operation, temperature scale and more

• Loaded with safety features and warnings, including cool-off time delay, max. charge voltage and battery capacity, reverse

polarity protection, open or shorted output, poor battery voltages and temperatures, poor motor connections, excessive

charger heating, and more…

• Durable aluminum case, with rotating dial and twin pushbuttons for easy menu navigation

• Built-in twin cooling fans for high charge efficiency and extends life of charger

• Banana jacks on output with two charge adapters included (alligator clips and Deans

Ultra

™

male)

• Banana plugs installed on input lead, with large mating alligator clips included

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

• Disconnect the battery and remove input power from charger immediately if the charger becomes hot!!

• Do not attempt to charge incompatible types of rechargeable batteries as permanent damage to the battery and charger

could result.

• Do not use automotive type battery chargers to power the charger.

• Do not allow water, moisture or foreign objects into the charger.

• Do not block the air intake holes, which could cause the charger to overheat.

• Do not attempt to use batteries with more cells or total voltage than listed in the specifications.

• Do not leave the charger unattended while in use.

• Allow the charger or battery to cool down before reconnecting.

• Do not place the charger or any battery on a flammable surface or near a combustible material while in use. Do not charge or

discharge on a carpet, cluttered workbench, paper, plastic, vinyl, leather, and wood, inside an R/C model or full sized automobile!

• Always turn off the power switch or disconnect from power source when not in use.

• Do not overcharge batteries as permanent damage could result. Do not use a charge or discharge current rate which

exceeds the safe level of the battery.

• Keep out of reach of children.

CHARGER CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS

INPUT POWER LEAD: located on the left side of the charger.

TEMPERATURE SENSOR JACK: located on the right side of the charger underneath the banana jacks (temp. sensor

available separately).

PUSHBUTTONS AND CONTROL DIAL: The left “

!” button is generally used to move to the left through the menus. The

right “"” button is generally used to move to the right in the menus. Rotating the dial in both directions will scroll through

menus and adjust parameters quickly and easily.

Pressing down

on the dial acts as another pushbutton, and is often used to

select different parameters on-screen.

OUTPUT BANANA JACKS: located on the right side of the charger. It is strongly recommended to use pre-assembled charge

leads. Two adapter leads are included, one with alligator clips for connecting racing cells to the charger, and another with a

Deans

Ultra male connector. For transmitters, find a charge lead that best matches the type of radio that you are charging.

Look for these and other charge adapters at your local retailer:

ITEM NUMBER CHARGE LEAD DESCRIPTION

GPMM3148 Charge lead – banana plugs to Deans

Ultra male

HCAP0101 Futaba J Tx and Rx charge leads (except 9VAP)

HCAP0102 Futaba J Tx and Rx charge leads (9VAP only)

HCAP0104 Airtronics/Sanwa Tx and Rx charge leads

HCAP0105 JR Tx and Rx charge leads

HCAP0106 Hitec Tx and Rx charge leads

HCAP0108 Charge leads - banana plugs to alligator clips

HCAP0110 9V-style Tx connector, Futaba-J Rx charge lead

HCAP0310 Banana Plugs (3 pair)

HCAP0320 Heavy Duty Banana Plugs (2 pair)

Always connect the charge lead to the charger first, then the battery to the charge lead. Always match polarities on the charge

leads and banana jacks (red, positive (+) lead to red banana jack, black, negative (-) lead to the black banana jack. WARNING!

Never allow a battery’s positive and negative leads to accidentally touch each other. This will result in a short circuit

and cause permanent damage to your battery and/or charger.

DETERMINING BATTERY TYPE AND SPECIFICATIONS

IMPORTANT: What is your battery’s CHEMISTRY TYPE, RATED CAPACITY, AND RATED VOLTAGE? To avoid causing

permanent damage to your battery, carefully read your battery’s label and/or instruction sheet or consult your battery supplier

and determine:

1. Type: Is the battery a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), lithium-polymer (LiPo), or lithium-ion (Li-Ion)?

2. Rated capacity: The amount of charge energy the battery can store should be listed on the battery’s label as “mAh” (“milli-

amp hours”). Capacity is also referred to as the “C” rating. Charge and discharge currents are also expressed as a function

of this “C” rating. For example, a 4200mAh battery would have a “1C”charge or discharge current rate of 4200mA or 4.2 amps.

This battery’s 2C rating would be (4.2 x 2) 8.4 amps, etc.

3. Rated voltage: If not printed on the battery’s outer label, consult your battery supplier or determine pack voltage as follows:

A. NiMH and NiCd batteries: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 1.20. A 6-cell pack will have a nominal

voltage of 7.20 volts (6 x 1.20). A 4-cell pack will have a nominal voltage of 4.80 volts (4 x 1.20), etc.

B. LiPo batteries: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.70. A 2-cell pack wired in series will have a

nominal voltage of 7.4 volts (2 x 3.70), etc.

C. Li-Ion batteries: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.60. A 2-cell pack wired in series will have a

nominal voltage of 7.20 volts (2 x 3.60), etc.

DC INPUT POWER

To utilize the charger’s absolute maximum power capabilities the DC power source must be capable of delivering at least 15

amps of current while maintaining 12 volts DC. The charger will be on at all times when connected to input power. Disconnect

the charger from input power when not in use. There are two ways to connect the charger to input power:

1. Connect the banana plugs on the charger’s input cord directly to banana jacks on a DC power supply. Always match

polarities (red lead to red banana jack, black lead to black banana jack).

WARNING! Never accidentally short together the positive (+) and negative (-) input connections when connected to

12V DC power. Failure to do so could result in permanent damage to the power source and the charger. It’s

recommended to disconnect the charger from input power when not in use.

NAVIGATING THE MENUS

Refer to the included Programming Flowchart to understand many of the TC-1030’s menus. Everything begins at the “Main

Memory” screen shown at the far left. Press " to move to screens to the right, and press ! to move backwards towards the

Main Memory screen.

[0]Memory Name...

NiMH 4Cell 1200mAh

chg current : 1.5A

dchg current: 1.5A

peak sens. : 5mV/C

dchg volt : 0.9V/C

trickle curr: 50mA

cut-off temp: 116°F

[0]Memory Name...

NiMH 4Cell 1200mAh

chg current : 1.5A

dchg current: 1.5A

peak sens. : 5mV/C

dchg volt : 0.9V/C

trickle curr: 50mA

cut-off temp: 116°F

[0]Memory Name...

NiMH 4Cell 1200mAh

chg current : 1.5A

dchg current: 1.5A

peak sens. : 5mV/C

dchg volt : 0.9V/C

trickle curr: 50mA

cut-off temp: 116°F

PRESS PRESS

Press dial to

highlight value

[0] Memory Name...

NiMH 4Cell 1200mAh

chg current : 1.5A

dchg current: 1.5A

peak sens. : 5mV/C

dchg volt : 0.9V/C

trickle curr: 50mA

cut-off temp: 116°F

no. of cycles: 1 time

cycle delay: 20min

cycle mode: D>C

max chg capa: 150%

peak delay: 3min

top-off chg: 100mA

In most screens, rotating the dial will move the cursor arrow up

and down the screen as shown at right. The LCD screen

shows 8 lines at one time, but there may be more than 8 lines

to view depending on the menu. Make sure to rotate the dial

completely to see all lines on any screen.

As shown below, press the dial to highlight the first adjustable

feature on any line. If there is more than one adjustable feature

per line, press  or  as necessary to highlight the proper

value. Rotate the dial to adjust the highlighted value. Re-press

the dial to confirm the selection.

2. Alligator clip adapters are included which have a female

banana jack built inside the handle of each clip. Slide the

input lead’s banana plugs into the female jacks on the

alligator clips, and attach the clips onto the terminals of a 12V

battery or power supply noting proper polarities.

GETTING STARTED – SELECTING A MEMORY

There are three main ways to setup and begin using this charger:

A. Select one of the factory pre-programmed memories to handle your battery: The ten memories are factory pre-

programmed for different battery types, charge and discharge currents, etc., as shown in the included battery memory chart.

If your battery and charge/discharge needs match any of the pre-programmed memories, simply select that memory number

[0-9] on the top line of the Main Memory as shown below. You can also set a name for any memory as shown below.

B. Customize a memory to match your battery’s specifications: If your battery and charge/discharge needs do not exactly

match any of the pre-programmed memories, you can customize the settings in any memory as you wish (described in the

next section). Battery memories will hold data until changed again manually. Use the included blank chart to record your own

customized memory settings. You can set a name for any memory as described below.

C. If you do not wish to use a memory, simply alter the settings in the default memory screen as needed to charge,

discharge, or cycle a battery as described in the next section.

To RESET every setting for all memories back to the factory defaults, first disconnect the charger from power. Press and hold

both the

! and " buttons, and then re-connect the input leads to power. An initialization screen will appear, then the Main

Memory screen will show at which time all memory settings will be CLEARED and returned to the factory defaults. Do NOT

perform this reset if you do not wish to clear all settings in the memory!

ADJUSTING MAIN FUNCTIONS

While in a memory screen, rotate the dial to move the cursor up or down. Press the dial to highlight the adjustable value on

any line. Rotate the dial to adjust the highlighted value. Re-press the dial to set the selection into memory. Design information

and recommendations for some settings are included in the boxed-in notes at the end of this section.

1. Battery parameters: Move the cursor next to the first line under the memory name.

a. Press the dial to highlight the battery type. Rotate the dial to find the desired battery type that exactly matches your

battery (NiCd, NiMH, LiPo, or Li-Ion).

b. Press

" to highlight the number of cells (for NiCd/MH) or total voltage (for LiPo/Ion). Rotate the dial to find the

number of cells or voltage which exactly matches the number of cells in your battery. WARNING!! NEVER set this

voltage to a level that is higher than the battery’s rated voltage! LiPo/Ion cells cannot handle overcharging

in any way!!

c. Press " to highlight pack capacity. Rotate the dial to find the battery capacity value which matches the rating of

your battery. If the battery’s exact rated capacity cannot be found, select the capacity which

most closely

matches

the capacity of the battery. WARNING!! For LiPo and Li-Ion batteries, make sure the capacity setting matches

the rating of the battery as closely as possible. Improperly setting this value can cause very serious damage

(including FIRE!) to the batteries and the surrounding area! Be very careful with such batteries that are

assembled in series or series-parallel configurations. Check with your battery’s instructions or supplier if

unsure of the pack’s rated capacity.

d. Press the dial to confirm all of the above settings.

1. Memory number: press

the dial to highlight the

memory number shown in

brackets. Rotate the dial to

find the appropriate memory

number. If you don't wish to

change the memory name,

skip to step 3.

2. Memory name: with the memory number

highlighted in the screen at left press

 to display

the screen above. Rotate dial to move the ^

symbol underneath the characters. Press dial to

select a character, rotate to change the letter.

Press

 to move to the next letter and repeat.

Press

 when finished.

3. Press the dial to confirm selections and the highlight will disappear.

Memory name set-up

[0] Memory name...

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQ

RSTUVWXYZ abcdefg

hijklmnopqrstuvwx

yz 0123456789 -,'

Name Setup Screen

[0] Memory Name....

NiMH 4cell 1200mAh

chg current: 1.5A

dchg current: 1.5A

peak sens.: 5mV/C

dchg volt: 0.9V/C

trickle curr.: 50mA

cut-off temp: 116°F

Main Memory

2. Charge current: Move the cursor down to the “chg current” line. Press the dial, then rotate to find the desired charge

current. Re-press dial to confirm setting.

3. Discharge current: Move the cursor to the “dchg current” line. Press the dial, then rotate to find the desired discharge

current. Re-press dial to confirm the setting. If current is set to 10A or less, current will be drained from the battery in a 100%

linear configuration.

The TC-1030 also offers unique non-linear discharge currents of 20A and 30A for NiCd and NiMH packs only. Here, the battery

is discharged for 2 seconds at the selected current, then discharge is paused for 4 seconds. This process is repeated until the

battery reaches discharge cutoff. These settings are for conditioning of competition level racing packs, to lower a battery’s

internal resistance and improve the battery’s average discharge voltage. These settings are NOT functional with NiCd/MH

batteries having more than 6 cells. Refer to the notes at the end of this section for more details.

4. Peak sensitivity (NiCd and NiMH batteries only): This feature determines the accuracy of the peak detection circuit. The

adjustable range for NiCd batteries is 5-25mV (8-10mV is recommended). For NiMH batteries the range is fully adjustable from

0mV (“ZEROpk”) to 15mV. Some racers prefer 1mV or 2mV settings. See the notes section for further details.

5. Discharge cutoff voltage: This is NOT the discharge cutoff voltage for the ENTIRE pack. Instead, set the voltage level

for EACH CELL in the pack where discharge will stop. See the notes section for more details.

6. Trickle charge current (NiCd and NiMH batteries only): This is the amount of trickle charge current that will be applied

to the battery only after peak charge has ended (not after discharge or cycling). See the notes section for further details.

7. Cutoff temperature: When used with the optional Team Checkpoint Temperature Sensor (TCPP9101), this charger can

monitor the temperature of the battery connected at the outputs. Monitoring a battery’s temperature in addition to its voltage

can allow the charger to provide the most accurate full charges without damaging the battery, and is STRONGLY

recommended for use with LiPo/Ion batteries. Refer to the notes that follow for details how to use this function. Otherwise,

skip to #8.

8. Number of cycles (NiCd and NiMH batteries only): This is the number of times the charger will automatically perform a

charge-to-discharge or discharge-to-charge cycle. See “Cycle Mode” below for how to set which function to perform first.

9. Cycle delay (NiCd and NiMH batteries only): This is a time delay that will occur between charge and discharge during

a cycle, designed to allow the battery to cool.

10. Cycle mode (NiCd and NiMH batteries only): This sets the pattern in which cycles are performed. Select either to

charge the battery before discharge (C>D), or to discharge before charge (D>C).

11. Maximum charge capacity: If the charger fails to detect full charge, this setting will automatically stop the charge process

when a certain amount of energy has been delivered to the battery. Instead of setting an actual capacity value, set the percent

of full capacity. For example: if the battery capacity entered in 1.c. on page 5 was “4200” and if the value set in this screen is

“110%”, charge will stop automatically when (4200 x 110%) 4620mAh is delivered to the battery. For LiPo/Ion batteries the

recommended maximum value is 105-110%. A secondary use for this feature is to prepare batteries for extended-term

storage. Cell manufacturers recommend applying a partial charge to batteries before being put in storage. For such uses, it’s

recommended to set this value to 30% for NiCd/MH batteries, and to 10% for LiPo/Ion batteries.

• Do not connect a sensor to the charger if you do not wish to use the sensor.

• See the User Setup Menu to change the temperature scale between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

• The maximum recommended temperature for NiCd batteries is 113-130

F (45-55

C).

• The maximum recommended temperature for NiMH batteries is 110-125

F (43-52

C).

• NiCd and NiMH cells which are “AAA” size or smaller should use lower temperatures. For best results, start with lower

temperatures first, then if needed adjust this value upwards in small increments and closely monitor the charge progress.

• For LiPo/Ion batteries, exercise great caution! The maximum temperature for LiPo/Ion cells should not exceed 90-95

(32-35

C). Start with lower temperatures first and if necessary adjust the temperature setting as needed in small

increments and closely monitor the charge progress.

• If the battery reaches the max. temperature setting during charge, the charge process will completely stop and will not

re-start. Setting the temperature value too low may cause the charge process to stop too early, before full charge has

occurred. If so, increase the temperature setting by a small amount, making sure not to allow the battery to overheat.

Setting the temperature value too high may cause the battery to overheat. If so, decrease the temperature setting.

• If the battery reaches the max. temperature setting during discharge, discharge will temporarily pause to allow the

battery to cool to a safe temperature. Discharge will automatically resume when the battery’s temperature drops by about

F (2

C).

12. Peak delay (NiCd and NiMH batteries only): This temporarily de-activates the peak detection circuit only at the

beginning of charge when a battery’s voltage might be unstable, to prevent the charger from accidentally shutting down charge

too early. Usually, a battery’s voltage will stabilize in a very short period of time, after which the peak detection circuit can be

re-activated. Set the number of minutes after charge has begun for the peak detection circuitry to start looking for peak.

13. Top-off charge: For NiMH batteries, when peak charge ends, applying a short “top-off” charge current can help to more

fully charge the battery before trickle charge begins. Top-off charge current is typically higher than trickle charge current. The

recommended top-off current should not exceed 20% of the pack’s rated capacity. So, a battery rated at 3300mAh should have

a top-off current setting of no greater than (3300 x 20%) 660mA.

STARTING CHARGE, DISCHARGE OR CYCLE

Different methods and miscellaneous functions are available for charging or discharging batteries. If you wish to learn about

all such features, read this section entirely. Otherwise, to start charge, discharge, or cycle using the factory default methods

see the diagram below.

[0] Memory Name...

NiCd 4cell 1200mAh

CHARGE < NORMAL >

D-CHARGE< NORMAL >

CYCLE

reserve ( 60m): off

[0]Memory Name...

NiCd 4Cell 1200mAh

chg current : 1.5A

dchg current: 1.5A

peak sens. : 8mV/C

dchg volt : 0.9V/C

trickle curr: 50mA

cut-off temp: 120°F

3. Various options and settings are available for charging and discharging batteries as

described below.

1. To START CHARGE, DISCHARGE

OR CYCLE, or to change the charge

or discharge method, while in the

Main Memory screen press and

HOLD the dial for 2 seconds.

press and hold

dial for 2 seconds

2. Rotate the dial to place the

cursor next to the correct function.

Press and hold the dial for 2

seconds to start the function.

Notes for settings in the Main Memory screen:

• If a NiCd or NiMH battery does not achieve a true peak, the charger will shut down automatically if the battery reaches

2.0V per cell and the “high voltage” error will show.

• The maximum charge voltage for LiPo cells is 4.20V, and 4.10V for lithium-ion cells.

• The maximum charge current applied to LiPo/Ion batteries is automatically limited to their 2C value.

• The maximum discharge current value for LiPo/Ion batteries will be limited to their 2C value.

• When using the 20A or 30A discharge current settings for NiCd/MH batteries, the discharge TIME will only be tracked

during the 2 seconds current is drained from the battery (ignored during the 4 second pauses). The length of these pulses

are long enough that they do NOT harm NiMH cells. Here the graphing display will update data every second. A “battery

voltage too high” error will occur if the battery voltage exceeds 9.6V. As opposed to very quick discharge pulses in some

chargers, this customized process does not harm NiMH batteries.

• Properly setting the peak sensitivity feature to the charge characteristics of a battery can help to achieve better peak

charges. Lower numbers usually result in more precise peak detection, but in certain situations could cause the charger

to errantly stop peak charge too early. In such cases, increasing this value (8mV or greater for NiCd, 5mV or higher for

NiMH) may be necessary - especially if using an external AC power supply on the input.

• Some NiCd and NiMH cell manufacturers rate the capacity of their batteries based on a discharge cutoff voltage of 0.9V

per cell. So, to see if the battery is supplying the amount of capacity as rated by the manufacturer

set the discharge

cutoff voltage to 0.8 or 0.9V. This is also a good voltage for stopping discharge of “sub-C” size cells to determine their

useful run-time in minutes. However, for any “A”, “AA” or “sub-C” size cells that are used to power radio transmitters or

receivers, to find the most realistic run-time set the discharge cutoff voltage to 1.1V per cell. Most R/C receivers are not

capable of maintaining control with a 4-cell NiCd/MH battery that is discharged below 1.1V per cell.

• For LiPo/Ion batteries, a discharge cutoff voltage setting of 2.8 – 3.0V is recommended.

• Trickle charge current range is 0-500mA. If charging “A” or “AA” size Tx or Rx batteries, it is not recommended to set the

trickle current to larger than 50mA. For sub-C batteries, the recommended trickle current setting is roughly C/20 (battery

capacity divided by 20).

• If fast charge is paused because the battery reached the max. temperature setting, trickle charge will not begin until

battery temperature drops about 4

F (2

C) below the max. temperature setting.

• Top-off charge will automatically begin 5 minutes after peak charge has ended (in normal and reflex charge modes only, not for

automatic, impulse, 3-step or four-step charge modes). Top-off charge stops automatically after 20 minutes. If the battery’s voltage

peaks or its temperature reaches the maximum setting before the timer expires, top-off charge will end automatically.

NiCd AND NiMH PEAK CHARGE METHODS

Four different methods are available for peak charging NiCd and NiMH batteries: automatic, normal, re-flex, and re-peak.

Selecting any of these methods is done in the start screen shown at the bottom of page 7. When the cursor is next to

“CHARGE”, press the dial briefly to cause the word to the right in brackets to highlight. Then, rotate the dial to select one of

the optional peak charge modes as described below. Once the desired peak charge mode is selected, re-press the dial to

confirm the selection.

1. “NORMAL” charge mode: 100% linear current is delivered to the battery. Note that a “reserve” time feature will show at

the bottom of the screen, which is a way to schedule the charger to finish charging a battery just prior to the start of a race.

Refer to the “Reserve Time Function” section below if you wish to use this feature. Otherwise, to START CHARGE press and

hold the dial for 2 seconds.

[ REFLEX ] CHARGE

TIME : 000sec

CAPACITY : 000mAh

VOLTAGE : 7.218V

CURRENT : 0.00A

BAT.TEMP : No.Sens

ADD.CAP : 0mAh

[RESERVE] DELAY

START: 1m36s

RESERVE: 60min

EXPECT: 52min

BAT.VOLT: 7.218V

BAT.TEMP: No.Sens

"expect" time

"reserve" time

When NORMAL or REFLEX charge mode is selected, "reserv (00): off" will show at the

bottom of the screen. Think of this "reserve time" feature as a way to program the charger

to FINISH charging a battery just in time to cool off immediately before the start of a race.

As shown at right, the number inside the parenthesis is the "expect" time - the number of

minutes the TC-1030 calculates as being needed to fully charge the battery (based on

charge current and battery capacity values entered). The number on the right is the

"reserve" time - the number of minutes from now that you want charge to be finished.

When "NORMAL" or "RE-FLEX" are highlighted, press  to highlight the

reserve time at the bottom. Rotate dial to select a reserve time. Press



to confirm setting. Press and hold dial to start reserve time charge.

The reserve time delay screen above will show, and the "START" timer

will begin counting down. When the reserve time delay expires, the

charge process will start automatically as shown above-right.

[0]Memory Name...

NiMH 6cell 4200mAh

CHARGE < REFLEX >

D-CHARGE < NORMAL >

CYCLE

reserv(042m): 60 min

RESERVE TIME FUNCTION

It may take some practice to get this function to work

as desired. To maximize the effectiveness of the reserve

time function, the "capacity" setting in the main menu may

need to be set to the most realistic possible maximum

capacity for your battery - as opposed to the pack's actual

rated capacity. For example, if your 4200mAh battery pack

can regularly accept a charge of up to, say, 4304mAh, you

should set the capacity value in the Main Memory screen to

4400mAh.

[5]Memory Name...

NiMH 6cell 4200mAh

CHARGE < REFLEX >

D-CHARGE < NORMAL >

CYCLE

reserv(042m): 60 min

[5]Memory Name...

NiMH 6cell 4200mAh

CHARGE < REFLEX >

D-CHARGE < NORMAL >

CYCLE

reserv(042m): 60 min

For example: If the next race starts in 75 minutes and you

want the battery to cool for at least 10 minutes before

starting the race, that leaves (75-10) 65 minutes to charge

the battery. If the charger calculated 42 minutes "(042m)"

are necessary to fully charge the battery, then set the

reserve time somewhere between 42 and 65 minutes.

(Note: the minimum "reserve" time will never be less than

the calculated "expect" time. Maximum reserve time is 600

minutes.)

Minutes until race time

- minutes required to charge battery

- 10 minutes for cooloff

= minimum reserve minutes setting

Re-flex Charge

-5A

time

4ms

normal charge current

re-flex pulse

Normal charge current is delivered

to the battery 99.6% of every second.

very deep DIScharge current (equal

to positive current value x 4) is sent

to the battery for the remaining

4 milli-seconds.

2. “RE-FLEX” charge mode: As shown at right, almost 100% linear current is

delivered to the battery, except for very quick, deep discharge pulses once per

second. Re-flex is believed by some to help remove oxidizing gas bubbles from

a cell’s internal plates, allowing the battery to charge more efficiently. Re-flex is

thought to be especially helpful for older NiCd batteries, but might not be

recommended by some NiMH battery manufacturers. The Reserve Time

function is also available in re-flex charge mode. See below for how to use this

function. Otherwise, to START CHARGE press and hold the dial for 2 seconds.

3. “RE-PEAK”charge mode: With this feature, once the charger has finished peak charging a battery it can automatically re-charge

the battery to peak once or twice more as selected. This helps to ensure the battery is fully charged before a race. The charger will

also track how much additional capacity was added during each re-peak charge. Refer to the section below for full details on how to

use this feature. A good battery should have low charge capacity values for any re-peak charges. Batteries having higher capacity

values for the re-peak charges are not likely holding charge as well. A five minute cool-off delay occurs after each re-peak charge.

Top-off charge is not available for NiMH batteries when using the re-peak charge mode.

4. “AUTOMATIC” charge mode: In this mode, the charger can detect the condition of the battery which is connected and

automatically charge it as needed. IMPORTANT!! Make sure the proper battery type and temperature settings are

entered before starting auto charge! This feature can be handy if unsure of the specifications of your battery, but using the

“normal” charge mode will likely yield better results. In this mode, peak sensitivity is pre-set to 5mV for a NiCd battery, and

4mV for NiMH. To START CHARGE, press and hold the dial for 2 seconds.

LiPo AND Li-Ion BATTERY CHARGE METHODS

The only method this charger uses for lithium-polymer or lithium-ion batteries is the “cc/cv” or “constant current / constant

voltage” process. This method is totally different than any method which is used for NiCd and NiMH batteries.

[ CC-CV ] CHARGE

END: CC-CV FULL

TIME : 912sec

CAPACITY : 1137mAh

VOLTAGE : 8.405V

CURRENT : Trk.

BAT.TEMP : No.Sens

ADD.CAP : 0mAh

[8] Memory Name...

LiPo 7.4V 800mAh

CHARGE < CC-CV >

D-CHARGE< NORMAL >

Once a LiPo or Li-Ion battery is selected in

a memory, press and hold the dial to find the

charge screen. As shown in the diagram at

right, with the cursor next to "CHARGE",

confirm that "CC-CV" is showing in the

brackets. To START CHARGE, press and

hold the dial for 2 seconds.

4 C: 57mAh 7.936V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

[ CYCLE DATA ]

NO CAPACITY VOLTAGE

1 C: 650mAh 7.878V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

2 C: 26mAh 7.957V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

3 C: 45mAh 7.943V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

[ RE-PEAK ] CHARGE

CYCLE : 1/3

TIME : 195sec

CAPACITY : 0mAh

VOLTAGE : 6.932V

CURRENT : 1.34A

BAT.TEMP : No.Sens

ADD.CAP : 57mAh

[0]Memory Name...

NiMH 6cell 4200mAh

CHARGE < RE-PEAK >

D-CHARGE< NORMAL >

CYCLE

re-peak cycle: 3

[0] Memory Name...

NiMH 6cell 4200mAh

CHARGE < RE-PEAK >

D-CHARGE< NORMAL >

CYCLE

re-peak cycle: 1

RE-PEAK CHARGE

1. When "RE-PEAK" charge mode is selected, "re-peak

cycle: 1" will show at the bottom. Press

 to select the

re-peak cycle number.

2. Rotate dial to set the number of times to re-peak

charge the battery. Press

 to confirm selection.

To START CHARGE, press and hold the dial

for 2 seconds.

"ADD CAP": the TOTAL amount of ADDITIONAL charge capacity that was

delivered to the battery during all re-peak charges.

"CAPACITY": the charge capacity delivered to the battery BEFORE ANY re-peak

charges were applied.

"CYCLE 1/3": "1" is the re-peak charge in progress, and "3" is the total number of

re-peaks which will be performed. Will change to "END: DELTA-PEAK" when

finished.

When finished, the charge capacity data for all re-peaks can be seen in the Cycle

Data View screen as shown at right (see flowchart to find the Cycle Data screen).

If a battery was charged or discharged PRIOR to starting re-peak charge, those

capacity values will be shown for cycle #1.

Charge capacity added during re-peak #1 will be shown under cycle #2.

Charge capacity added during re-peaks #1 PLUS #2 will be shown under cycle #3.

Charge capacity added during re-peaks #1 PLUS #2 PLUS #3 will be shown under

cycle #4.

Constant current will be delivered to the battery in the beginning, at roughly the same value which was set in the Main Memory

screen (actual current might be lower if the charger determines the battery is not in suitable condition to receive the full current

setting). When LiPo batteries reach 4.20V per cell, or Li-Ion’s reach 4.10V per cell, the charger will automatically stop

delivering constant current, and start applying constant voltage. It is normal to see a considerable change in output

current part-way through charge. This is because the charger will no longer be forcing a pre-set current to the battery, but

instead be applying a pre-set voltage to the battery. Here, the battery’s voltage will gradually attempt to become equalized with

the voltage at the output of the charger. As the battery becomes more fully charged it will request less and less current from

the charger. Once actual current to the battery drops to approx. 80-100mA, the charger will beep to indicate that fast charge

has finished. The charger will then automatically start a unique “LiPo trickle charge” current, indicated by “Trk.” flashing on the

current line as shown on the screen above-right. This trickle function will stop when current drops to approx. 30mA.

It is STRONGLY recommended to use an optional temperature sensor when charging LiPo/Ion batteries, as these battery

types quickly reach failure mode immediately upon generating heat. Refer to the “Cutoff temperature” feature under

ADJUSTING SETTINGS IN A MEMORY on page 6 for full details.

DISCHARGE METHODS

Selecting a discharge method is also done in the start screen as shown to the right. Rotate the dial to place the cursor next

to “D-CHARGE”. The discharge method (normal or automatic) will be shown in the brackets to the right. To change the

discharge method, press the dial, then rotate to find the desired method. Press the dial to confirm the selection.

A “DEADSHORT” discharge mode can also be selected for NiCd and NiMH batteries. This is a way to deeply discharge a

battery below 0.8V per cell at greater than 5 amps. WARNING! If you are not sure about deep discharging your batteries,

do NOT use DeadShort mode! Dead-short mode is recommended only for very experienced racers. Some battery

manufacturers might recommend NOT deep discharging their cells as it could cause permanent damage (such as shortened

run-time). Consult with your supplier if unsure if your batteries can handle DeadShort discharge mode. Refer to the diagrams

that follow to use Dead-Short discharge mode.

TO START DISCHARGE, make sure the cursor is next to “D-CHARGE” and press and hold the dial for 2 seconds. Press

anytime to manually stop discharge mode.

[0]Memory Name...

NiMH 4cell 1200mAh

CHARGE < NORMAL >

D-CHARGE< NORMAL >

CYCLE

The “NORMAL” discharge method can be used with any battery type, and is

guided by all user settings in the Main Memory screen. Discharge current is

linear, and cutoff voltages are those which are set manually.

The “AUTOMATIC” discharge method can only be used with NiCd and NiMH

batteries. Here, most user settings in the Main Memory screen are ignored.

Instead, the charger automatically sets the discharge current based on the

condition of the battery, and cutoff voltage is pre-set to 0.8V per cell. The auto

mode is convenient, but the charger will likely yield better discharge results if the

“normal” discharge method is used.

CYCLE MODE

CHARGE AND DISCHARGE STATUS SCREENS AND GRAPHS

While a function is being performed a status screen like shown below will automatically appear on-screen. All information

shown will be updated every second while the function is being performed.

set so graphs can be adjusted "automatically" or "manually"

[ CYCLE ] CHARGE

dch->chg : 2/2

time : 341sec

capacity : 1021mAh

voltage : 5.808V

current : 0.00A

bat. temp : No.Sens

add. cap : 0mAh

peak temp : 0.0°F

peak. volt: 5.812V

avg. volt : 0.000V

in volt : 12.635V

batt. res : 0mΩ

graphs : auto

"additional capacity" provided during "top-off" or re-peak charge

STATUS SCREEN

elapsed time in seconds

energy delivered during charge, or removed during discharge

voltage measured at the output banana jacks

charge or discharge current

battery temperature when a sensor is used

maximum battery temperature during a function

maximum battery voltage during charge

voltage measured at TC-1030's input

average battery voltage during discharge

battery's internal resistance, measured during dsch in milli-ohms

number of discharges and charges performed

[0]Memory Name...

NiMH 4cell 1200mAh

CHARGE < NORMAL >

D-CHARGE< NORMAL >

CYCLE

Cycling is available only for NiCd and NiMH batteries. While in the Main Memory

screen, press and hold the dial for 2 seconds to find the screen at right. Rotate

the dial to move the cursor next to “CYCLE”. To START CYCLING, press and

hold the dial for 2 seconds.

Setting all other cycling parameters (number of cycles, cycle delay, etc.) is done

in the Main Memory screen. For cycles, only the “normal” charge and discharge

methods are used.

Press the

! button to manually abort any charge, discharge, or cycle if necessary.

[0]Memory Name...

NiMH 6cell 3800mAh

CHARGE < NORMAL >

D-CHARGE< DeadShort >

CYCLE

D-short time: 10min

[0]Memory Name...

NiMH 6cell 3800mAh

CHARGE < NORMAL >

D-CHARGE< DeadShort >

CYCLE

D-short time: 10min

1. Place the cursor next to

"D-CHARGE".

2. Press dial to highlight the

discharge method.

3. Rotate to find "DeadShort"

mode.

4. Press

 to highlight the "D-short time" setting at the bottom.

5. Rotate dial to select the amount of time the charger should remain

in DeadShort mode. The battery will be in DeadShort discharge mode

for the ENTIRE time set (regardless of actual battery voltage).

6. Press dial to confirm settings.

7. Press and hold the dial for 2 seconds to start DeadShort discharge.

DeadShort Discharge Set-Up Screen

[ Normal] DISCHARGE

TIME 1sec

CAPACITY 0mAh

VOLTAGE 7.20V

CURRENT 5.00A

BATT TEMP 88°F

ADD CAP 0mAh

[DeadShort] DISCHARGE

TIME 600sec

CAPACITY 833mAh

VOLTAGE 4.80V

CURRENT 7.00A

BATT TEMP 88°F

ADD CAP 0mAh

A fixed current of 5 amps

will be discharged from

the battery. Time will count

up from 0 seconds.

[DeadShort] DISCHARGE

END: DEAD-SHORT

TIME 0sec

CAPACITY 920mAh

VOLTAGE 0.20V

CURRENT 0.00A

BATT TEMP 92°F

ADD CAP 0mAh

PRESS

When battery reaches 0.8V per cell,

deadshort discharge will activate.

The timer will count down from the

user setting. Current will automatically

adjust, and can be as high as 30 amps,

but will drop as battery voltage falls.

When time runs out, the display

will show "END: DEAD-SHORT".

All discharging will be stopped

at this time.

DeadShort Discharge Status Screen

The voltage shown on the Status Screen at the bottom of page 11 will be the voltage of the battery while it’s under a load.

Loading often skews the voltage reading, which is normal. A higher load will skew the reading more than a smaller load.

The display can also show voltage curve graphs during charge or discharge. While in the Status Screen, move the cursor to

the “graphs” line at the bottom. Press the dial to highlight the selection, then rotate the dial to set the graph in either “auto”

mode (graph settings automatically set by charger) or “manual” mode (graph settings can be adjusted manually).

“Manual” graph view: Place the arrow next to “graphs”, and press

" to view the graph (charge or discharge has to be in

progress for at least 5 seconds before the graph will show). This manual graph mode allows you to manually adjust several

features about the graph display, as explained below:

Graphs always moves automatically from right to left. As shown above, the top line of all graphs shows the elapsed time in

seconds in which charge or discharge has been active, the current level in amps and the voltage present at the charger’s output

at the time of the last measurement.

Press

" anytime while a graph is showing to return to the Status Screen. Press ! anytime to STOP the charge or discharge

function completely, and stop the graph from advancing.

When charge ends the Status Screen will flash a message indicating the final result of the function which just ended.

Messages are as follows:

END: DELTA-PEAK: NiCd or NiMH battery finished charge when battery voltage peaked, then fell to the pre-

determined “peak sensitivity” value set in the main menu.

END: ZERO DELTA-PEAK: NiCd or NiMH battery finished charge when battery voltage reached peak while the peak

sensitivity function was set to “0mV”.

END: CC-CV FULL: LiPo or Li-Ion battery reached full charge.

0783s 02.68A 5.494V

4.894Vc R: auto x1

time in

seconds

"auto" will alternate with actual

graph voltage range

output

voltage

current

"Auto" graph view: When "auto" is

selected on the setup screen, press



to view the graph. "Auto" will flash

next to "R:" along the bottom of the

screen. Here, only the zoom function

can be adjusted manually. When

adjusting the zoom factor, the voltage

center (Vc) and voltage range (R:)

values will change automatically.

Auto Graph Mode

Press dial to highlight "Vc", which

is the voltage at the center point

of the y-axis (vertical). Rotate

dial to change the voltage at the

center point of the graph.

1352s 00.02A 4.701V

4.367Vc R: 0.36V x5

1352s 00.02A 4.701V

4.367Vc R: 0.36V x5

Press dial to highlight "R:". Rotate

to set the voltage range of the

y-axis. As above, with R: being

0.36V, the highest voltage on the

graph is (4.367 + 0.36) 4.727V,

and the lowest voltage is (4.367

- 0.36) 4.007V.

4.007V

4.367V

4.727V

Rotate dial to adjust zoom

factor in the lower-right.

"x1" = 2 minute screen width,

data updates every second

"x5" = 10 minute screen width,

data updates every 5 seconds

1352s 00.02A 4.701V

4.367Vc R: 0.36V x5

voltage center

Manual Graph Mode

voltage

range

END: TEMPERATURE: Charge or discharge ended automatically as battery temperature reached the maximum setting.

END: MAX CAPACITY: Charge ended when the amount of energy delivered to the battery reached the “max chg capa”setting.

END: TOP-OFF TIME: NiMH charge ended as the amount of capacity in the “top-off chg” setting was delivered to the battery.

END: FLAT-LIMITED: During charge a NiCd or NiMH battery’s voltage stopped rising – but also did not fall as should

normally occur, and charge was stopped automatically as a safety precaution.

END: TIME LIMITED: Charge was ended automatically as the maximum charge time (after 15 hours for NiCd/MH or

2 hours for lithium) was reached.

When discharge ends the Status Screen will flash a message indicating the final result of the function which just ended.

Messages are as follows:

END: CUT-VOLTAGE: discharge ended as the battery reached the pre-determined “dchg volt” value set in the main menu.

END: DEAD-SHORT: discharge ended as the charger determined the battery was too close to reaching full discharge condition.

Go to the “Data View” screen to see finalized data, including graph screens as shown on page 16.

MOTOR BREAK-IN

The TC-1030 includes a simple function for breaking-in the brushes on brushed motors. The initial surge current rating is 30

amps during motor movement, and the continuous current thereafter is rated at 20 amps. The TC-1030 can continuously

supply 20A to the motor while maintaining 1.5V on the output. Voltage to the motor can be adjusted from 1.0-8.0V but output

current will become limited as output voltage is increased. The break-in time can be adjusted from 1-180 minutes. It is

important that the power source can maintain 12 volts and 20 amps to fully utilize this feature.

Press

" to find the Motor Break-In screen shown below. Rotate the dial to move the cursor up or down to set output voltage

and run time.

3. Make sure the motor is firmly mounted to a motor stand, and the motor’s output shaft is NOT touching anything

prior to starting this function! Connect the motor’s (+) positive terminal to the charger’s red banana jack, and the motor’s

(-) negative terminal to the charger’s black banana jack.

4. To START MOTOR BREAK-IN, make sure nothing is highlighted on the LCD. Press and hold the dial for 2 seconds.

“OPERATION – MOTOR BREAK-IN” will show on-screen, which will change to “FINISH” when the run time expires. The

running time, output voltage, and output current will show at the bottom of the screen and be updated constantly as time

progresses. While a motor is running, the output voltage can be changed by pressing the dial to highlight the voltage, rotate

the dial to find the new voltage setting. Re-press the dial to proceed.

The TC-1030 charger can also power commutation lathes and tire warmers in the Motor Break-In screen.

[ MOTOR Break-In ]

set volt : 7.2V

set time : 10m 00s

TIME : 2m 16s

VOLTAGE : 7.20V

CURRENT : 12.38A

1. Set voltage: place the arrow next to "set volt",

and press the dial to highlight the voltage value.

Rotate the dial to set the appropriate voltage to the

motor of 1.0-8.0 volts. Re-press the dial to confirm

the setting. Set the voltage to match the nominal

operating voltage specification of your motor as

closely as possible. Do not set the voltage too high,

as permanent damage to the motor could result.

2. Set time: place the cursor next to

"set time", and press the dial to highlight

the time in minutes. Rotate the dial to

select the desired number of minutes

in the operation time...

[ MOTOR Break-In ]

set volt : 7.2V

set time : 10m 00s

TIME : 2m 16s

VOLTAGE : 7.20V

CURRENT : 12.38A

[ MOTOR Break-In ]

set volt : 7.2V

set time : 10m 00s

TIME : 2m 16s

VOLTAGE : 7.20V

CURRENT : 12.38A

PRESS

Press

 to highlight the seconds

value. Rotate the dial to adjust the

number of seconds in the operational

time. Press the dial to confirm the

total break-in time setting.

MOTOR 4X BREAK-IN

A more detailed four step motor break-in system is also included. As shown in the programming flowchart, this screen is found

by going to the regular motor break-in screen, then rotate the dial downwards. Here, motor break-in is done in four steps,

where output voltage, run-time, and a cool-off time can be custom set for each step. In addition, you can set how many times

to “cycle” through all four steps, and the “speed” at which the charger rises from 0V to the voltage setting in each step. Refer

to the diagrams below:

4. Once voltage has been set, rotate the arrow next to “T” to set the run time per step. Time can be set from 1 second to 90

minutes in varying intervals.

5. Rotate the arrow next to “D” to set the length of the time delay between each step. Delay time options are the same as run

time.

6. Rotate the arrow next to “SPEED” and press the dial to select the value. This sets how quickly the charger will increase

output voltage from 0V to the voltage setting for each step. “1” increases voltage the slowest, and “5” is the fastest.

7. Press

" to highlight the value for “CYCLE”. When this motor break-in goes through all four steps one time it’s considered

one break-in “cycle”. This value determines how many break-in cycles to perform consecutively (range is 1-99). Press the dial

once all values are entered.

8. To START FOUR STEP BREAK-IN, press and hold the dial for 2 seconds. “OPERATION – MOTOR 4X BREAK-IN” will

show while in progress, and “FINISH” will show when done.

[ MOTOR 4X Break-In ]

0.00V 0.00A 0CYCLE

0m 0s -0s

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

V 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

T 00m 00m 00m 00m

D 00m 00m 00m 00m

SPEED:0 CYCLE: 00

PRESS

1. To set output voltages for each

step, rotate arrow next to "V". Then

press the dial to start setting values.

[ MOTOR 4X Break-In ]

0.00V 0.00A 0CYCLE

0m 0s -0s

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

V 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

T 00m 00m 00m 00m

D 00m 00m 00m 00m

SPEED:0 CYCLE: 00

STATUS LINES - show output volts

and current, break-in cycle number,

total break-in time, and time left per

step while break-in is in progress.

2. Press  to highlight value for

step 1. Rotate dial to find desired

voltage (1.0V through 8.0V).

3. Press

 to move to next step,

and repeat. Press dial to confirm

all voltage settings.

[ MOTOR 4X Break-In ]

0.00V 0.00A 0CYCLE

0m 0s -0s

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

V 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

T 00m 00m 00m 00m

D 00m 00m 00m 00m

SPEED:0 CYCLE: 00

[ MOTOR 4X Break-In ]

0.00V 0.00A 0CYCLE

0m 0s -0s

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

V 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

T 00m 00m 00m 00m

D 00m 00m 00m 00m

SPEED:0 CYCLE: 00

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

V 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

T 00m 00m 00m 00m

D 00m 00m 00m 00m

SPEED:0 CYCLE: 00

step numbers

volts per step

run time per step

cool-off delay time per step

"SPEED" is how fast the charger ramps

up from 0V to the voltage setting in each

step...1 is slowest, 5 is fastest.

"CYCLE" is the number

of times to run through

all four steps (1-99).

MOTOR TEST

This function is designed to check the general operating condition of a motor through a series of voltages. Like the other motor

break-in functions, this screen can be found by going to the regular motor break-in screen, then rotate the dial and move the

arrow downwards.

At the top, the “test volt” line determines the maximum output voltage that will be reached during this function. Press the dial,

then rotate to set to either 4.8V or 7.2V. Then, to START AUTOMATIC MOTOR TEST press and hold the dial for 2 seconds.

The test will automatically start with an output voltage of 1.20V, which will be applied for 5 seconds, and then turned off for 3

seconds. Then, the output voltage will automatically be increased by 1.20V and the process will repeat until the voltage setting

on the top line is reached (4.8V or 7.2V).

For each output voltage applied to the motor, the average (“avg”) and peak (“pk”) output currents will be tracked and displayed.

“OPERATION – MOTOR TEST” will show while testing is in progress, followed by “FINISHED” when complete.

USER SETUP MENU

While in the Main Memory screen, press " twice to find the User Setup screen, where various miscellaneous functions can

be configured. As shown below, rotate the dial to move the cursor up or down the screen, then press the dial to select any

function. Rotate the dial to adjust the value, then re-press the dial to confirm the selection.

From the name setup screen, press ! to return to the User Setup screen. Confirm the name entered shows at the bottom of

this screen. Press ! twice to return to the Main Memory screen.

User Setup Menu

[ USER SETUP ]

fan control : auto

temp. mode : °F

button sound: on

finish sound: 20sec

melody : 1

LCD contrast: 12

LCD backlite: on

(user name...)

User name set-up

(user name.....)

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQ

RSTUVWXYZ abcdefg

hijklmnopqrstuvwx

yz 0123456789 -,'

"on" = fan runs continuously

"auto" = fan automatically runs when charger's internal temp. reaches 122°F

select fahrenheit (°F) or celsius (°C)

select "on" for beeps to sound anytime a button is pressed or dial is rotated

select length of time for sounds to emit when a function has ended

select one of 5 different tunes for the "finish sound"

adjust LCD contrast level from lightest (1) to darkest (12)

Setting the user name is done in the same manner as setting a

battery name into memory as explained earlier in the instructions.

This name will appear on the opening screen of the charger

when power is applied.

(Note: when the "button sound" feature is turned off, beeps

will still sound if the charger detects operational errors)

[ MOTOR Test ]

test volt 4.8V

1st 6.8A avg 12.5A pk

2nd 5.9A avg 15.7A pk

3rd 6.2A avg 18.4A pk

4th 5.5A avg 18.3A pk

5th 00.0A avg 00.0A pk

6th 00.0A avg 00.0A pk

[ MOTOR Test ]

test volt 7.2V

1st 6.5A avg 10.6A pk

2nd 5.5A avg 15.3A pk

3rd 5.9A avg 18.0A pk

4th 5.4A avg 17.9A pk

5th 5.2A avg 18.1A pk

6th 5.0A avg 16.8A pk

Output

voltage

1.2V

2.4V

3.6V

4.8V

6.0V

7.2V

DATA VIEW MENU

Notes for settings in the Data View screen:

Battery resistance measurements will start 2 minutes after discharge has stopped, and is shown in milli-ohms (Ω).

Battery resistance will not be measured if a NiCd/MH cell is below 1.0V, or if a LiPo/Ion cell is below 3.0V, as the

best time to judge a battery’s internal resistance is when it is closer to full charge. A lower resistance value means

the charger can likely condition the battery more efficiently and accurately. A battery whose internal resistance

gradually worsens is likely showing the signs of aging and may soon need to be replaced. Internal resistance can

be greatly affected by the quality of the connection between the battery and charger.

Charge time doesn’t include when a battery is in trickle charge or top-off charge.

For NiCd/MH batteries, the full graph should show in a single LCD frame. For lithium batteries, the total graph

period is designed for a maximum of 3 hours based on a 1C rate (data past 3 hours won’t be displayed). When

using the automatic charge or discharge mode, the overall graph period will be 2 hours maximum.

Information is NOT shown in graph form for re-peak charge mode, time delays, top-off charge, cycles, or discharge-

before-charge steps.

Press  to select the total voltage

range (R:) of the graph. The highest

point on the graph equals Vc + R:

(4.197+0.94V). The lowest point on

the graph equals Vc - R: (4.197-0.94V).

Rotate dial to set the range.

Press

 twice to select the

vertical center voltage setting

(Vc). Rotate dial to change

the voltage at the center point

of the graph.

center

RNG: manual 4.082V

4.197Vc R: 0.94V x5

4.197V

3.257V

5.137V

RNG: auto 4.082V

4.197Vc R: 0.94V x5

Press

 to select the zoom factor,

shown in the lower-right. "x1" is

closest view. "x5" is widest view.

Manual Graph Mode

RNG: manual 4.082V

4.197Vc R: 0.94V x5

Press the dial anytime to return to the Data View screen.

The graph will first show in "auto" mode. A straight vertical line will appear in the

the graph, which is the "graph cursor". Rotating the dial will cause the cursor to

move sideways. The voltage at the point where the cursor intersects the curve

is shown in the upper-right corner.

volts

RNG: auto 4.667V

4.894Vc R: 0.42V x5

Graph cursor

time

Auto Graph Mode

Graphic data view: The LCD can show final charge or discharge voltage curves

(but not for cycles). Move the cursor to the "graphic data view" line at the bottom

of the Data View screen above. Press the dial to view the graph shown at right.

voltage

at cursor

To manually adjust different parameters in the graph, press  twice to highlight

"auto", rotate the dial to select "manual" and refer to the diagram below:

measured at the input

graphic data view

[ Data View ]

input volt: 12.435V

output : 0.000V

batt. temp: No.Sens

peak temp: 0.0°F

bat res. : 0mΩ

chg time : 0s

dchg time : 0s

measured at banana jack outputs

battery temperature when a sensor is used

maximum recorded battery temperature

battery's internal resistance during discharge

total charge time in seconds

total discharge time in seconds

view charge or discharge voltage curves

(not for cycles)

While in the Main Memory screen,

press

 three times to find the Data

View screen shown at right, where

various types of operational data

pertaining to the input or output is

shown. This screen will show only

before a function has started or

after a function has ended.

CYCLE DATA

While in the Main Memory screen, press " three times to find the Cycle Data screen. This screen shows the battery’s

capacity and voltage readings for each charge and/or discharge for up to 10 full cycles. The cycle number is shown on the left

side of the screen. Rotating the dial will scroll the cursor up and down the screen for viewing of all 10 cycles.

4-STEP CHARGE FOR NIMH BATTERIES

WARNING! NEVER USE THIS FEATURE WITH LiPo OR Li-Ion BATTERIES AS SEVERE,PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE

BATTERY AND ITS SURROUNDINGS WILL RESULT!! This feature is recommended for use by experienced users only.

If set improperly, this feature can cause severe, permanent damage to a battery. If unsure about how to use this

function, do not use it.

This feature is designed for high performance NiMH batteries for racing. It can be used on NiCd batteries, but only if the peak

sensitivity value is set properly as described below. The true advantage of this function is to deliver as much energy to the

battery as possible for racing “punch”yet allow for the most accurate peak detection as possible for maximum run-time, without

damaging the battery as a result of overheating.

Functions in the Four-Step screen are totally independent from the settings in the Main Memory screens. So all options in the

Four-Step screen shown below must be set properly if using this charge method. A temperature sensor MUST be used in

Four-Step Charge mode, otherwise this function will not operate.

8 C: 0mAh 0.000V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

9 C: 0mAh 0.000V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

10C: 0mAh 0.000V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

4 C: 0mAh 0.000V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

5 C: 0mAh 0.000V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

6 C: 0mAh 0.000V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

7 C: 0mAh 0.000V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

[ CYCLE DATA ]

NO CAPACITY VOLTAGE

1 C: 0mAh 0.000V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

2 C: 0mAh 0.000V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

3 C: 0mAh 0.000V

D: 0mAh 0.000V

Charge data is marked by “C:”, with the charge capacity shown in “mAh”and the

peak

battery voltage

is shown on the right.

Discharge data is marked by “D:”, with the discharge capacity shown in “mAh” and

the

average battery discharge voltage

shown at right.

Cycling can help to determine a battery’s ability to store its maximum rated capacity. If a

battery can only store a small fraction of its rated capacity it’s likely reaching the end of

its useful life and may need to be replaced. Cycling NiCds once monthly can help

maximum the overall performance of the cells. NiMH batteries benefit much less from

cycling. New batteries, or older batteries which have not been used or cycled frequently

may need to be broken-in before they will perform to their rated capacity.

Comparing how much energy that was delivered to a battery during charge vs. the

amount of capacity taken from the battery during a discharge thereafter can help to

determine how well the battery was able to hold charge. Comparing a battery’s

measured discharge capacity to its rated capacity is also an indication of the battery’s

general condition. If a fully charged battery provides less than 70% of its rated

capacity it may no longer be near the end of its useful life. Additional cycles can be

attempted to try and increase the battery’s storage capacity further, but if repeated

attempts fail to improve performance the batteries should be replaced.

Setting Four-Step Charge

1. Press " to find the Four-Step screen shown above-right.

2. The cursor will show next to the second line on the LCD. All settings on this line must be set to match the battery being

charged. Press the dial to highlight the number of cells, and rotate dial to adjust this value. To change peak sensitivity or

maximum temperature values, press

" to highlight either of these selections. Rotate dial to adjust the settings as needed.

Press the dial to confirm all settings for this line.

3. Rotate the dial to move the cursor down to the capacity line (just under the graph). Four different capacity values are

shown, each being the maximum capacity that will be delivered to the battery during each of the four steps. The

capacity value for each step must be set:

a. Press dial to highlight the capacity value for step #1. Rotate dial to adjust this capacity value as needed.

b. Press

" to select the capacity for steps 2, 3, and 4, and set the capacity for each step accordingly.

c. Press dial to confirm all capacity settings.

4. Rotate the dial to move the cursor to the bottom line, which shows the four different charge current values which will be

delivered to the battery during each of the four steps

You must set the charge current value for each step:

a. Press dial to highlight the current value for step #1. Rotate dial to adjust this capacity value as needed.

b. Press " to select the currents for steps 2, 3, and 4, and set the current for each step accordingly.

c. Press dial to confirm all capacity settings.

In step 1, it’s important to stabilize the condition of the battery, so a conservative charge current should be set. Once the

battery is stabile and well into the charge process, much higher current can be delivered in step 2. The high current in step 2

may eventually heat the battery, so current in step 3 should be reduced. Lastly, it’s best to reduce current in step 4 to again

stabilize the battery for the most accurate peak detection (fullest charge). Remember that the peak detection circuit

functions ONLY in step 4 (not steps 1-3).

During charge, the charger automatically moves from one step to the next once the capacity setting for each respective step has

been delivered to the battery. Be careful not to set the capacity value too high - especially in steps 2 and 3 where the current settings

are higher. The higher the capacity setting for any step, the longer that current will be applied to the battery during that step, and the

more likely the battery might overheat causing the temperature sensor to trip and stop fast charge completely.

Step 2 - Delivering Punch:

1. Set capacity to 50-75%

of pack's rated capacity.

2. Set a higher current, up

to the battery's 2C rating to

deliver "punch" for racing.

step4

capacity

step1

step3

current

[ STEP CHARGE SETUP ]

4cell 5mV/C 116°F

600 1000 1100 1300

1.5A 3.0A 2.5A 2.0A

step2

Step 1 - Getting Started:

1. Set the capacity value

to 33-50% of pack's rated

capacity.

2. Set a conservative

current, slightly under the

pack's 1C rating.

Step 3 - Avoid Heating:

1. Set capacity to 75-100%

of pack's rated capacity.

2. Reduce reduce current

below the value in step 2

(~1.2-1.5C) to prevent

battery heating.

Step 4 - Stabilize Battery:

1. Set capacity to 120%

of pack's rated capacity.

2. Reduce current below

the value in step 3 for

stabilization and peak

detection.

charge current

max. charge capacity

[ STEP CHARGE SETUP ]

4cell 5mV/C 116°F

600mAh

1.5A

step1

current

capacity

[ STEP CHARGE SETUP ]

4cell 5mV/C 116°F

1000mAh

3.0A

current

capacity

step2

[ STEP CHARGE SETUP ]

4cell 5mV/C 116°F

1300mAh

2.0A

[ STEP CHARGE SETUP ]

4cell 5mV/C 116°F

1100mAh

2.5A

current

step3

capacity

current

capacity

step4

This function divides the overall charge time

into four periods or "steps". The diagram at

right shows the total charge profile for four-step

charge mode, which is also what will show on

the charger's LCD. A maximum charge capacity

and charge current must be set for ALL FOUR

steps, as outlined in the diagrams below.

must set number of cells,

peak sensitivity, and max.

batt. temperature

See the following examples for an idea of how one might set current and capacity settings for a 4200mAh battery and 1200mAh

NiMH battery. It may take some practice and careful attention to customize the settings in this function to match your battery.

Battery size Setting Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

4200mAh capacity 1200mAh (29%) 2900mAh (69%) 3500mAh (83%) 4400mAh (105%)

current 2.9A (0.7C) 8.4A (2C) 6.3A (1.5C) 5.0A (1.2C)

1200mAh capacity 500mAh (36%) 800mAh (67%) 1000mAh (83%) 1300mAh (108%)

current 0.7A (0.6C) 2.2A (1.8C) 1.8A (1.5C) 1.4A (1.2C)

“Expect” and “reserve” times: these two lines work together to provide the “Reserve Time Function” as described earlier in

this manual. Again, think of this as a way to schedule when the charger should start charging the battery immediately before

a race.

When the capacity and charge current values are entered in the Four-Step charge screens, the charger will calculate how

much time will be “expected” to reach maximum capacity in step 4 - based on the charge current settings. This time will be

shown on the “expect time” line.

The “reserv time” should be set to take into account the displayed “expect time”, plus how many minutes you want the battery

to cool immediately just before the start of a race. If set properly, the cool-down time will end only minutes before the race

starts, so that your pack is at peak race readiness. You cannot set a “reserve time” which is shorter than the “expect time”.

The reserve time will not include the time needed for “discharge-before-charge” as explained below.

Trickle charge: This sets the trickle charge current that will be applied to the battery only after the fourth charge step ends.

Discharge > charge: This “discharge-before-charge”feature automatically discharges the battery before charge begins. This feature

is simply turned on, or off. It might be best to set this to “on” to empty the battery before starting the four-step charge mode.

Re-flex charge: Re-flex charge can also be applied at ANY of the first 3 steps, but not step 4. In addition, re-flex and impulse

charge can be applied to the battery at the same time. See the diagram below for how to set this function.

time

0.5 sec

7.5A

Impulse charge: This charge method can be thought of as the

opposite of the re-flex charge method. Instead of applying very

short, high level discharge pulses, impulse charge applies short,

high level charge pulses, equal to the charge current setting x 1.5,

for 0.5 seconds, every 3 seconds. Charge current at all other

times is as set in the Four-Step Charge screen. This method is

also thought to help clear oxidizing gas bubbles from a cell's

internal plates, allowing it to perform better. Impulse charge can

be applied during ANY of the first 3 steps in the charge process,

but not step 4. See the diagram below for how to set this function.

impulse current

pulse

normal charge

current level

[ STEP CHARGE SETUP ]

4cell 5mV/C 116°F

600 1000 1100 1300

1.5A 3.0A 2.5A 2.0A

[ STEP CHARGE SETUP ]

expect time: 51min

reserv time: off

trickle chg: off

dchg > chg : on

IMPULSE chg: 1 2 3

REFLEX chg : 1 2 3

temp check : 1 2 3

current

step3

step2

step1

capacity

step4

calculated time needed to fully charge the battery

minutes until next race starts + battery cool-off time

trickle current applied only after step-charge

set all steps where impulse charge should be applied

discharge before every charge, or turn off

set all steps where temp. monitoring should be active

set all steps where re-flex charge should be applied

Four-Step Charge Screen

Four-Step charge includes a modified version of the

"reserve time" function described earlier in this

manual, plus the ability to add impulse or re-flex

charge methods during certain steps, and the option

to custom-set at which steps a temperature sensor

can be active. Rotate the dial to move cursor as far

down screen as possible to see all additional features

for this function, as shown here:

Temperature check: A temperature sensor MUST be used with Four-Step charge mode, or charge will not begin. The temperature

sensor can be set to function in any of the first 3 steps, but will automatically be active during the fourth step. See the diagram below

for how to set this function. If the battery reaches the maximum temperature (set at the top of the screen) during steps 1, 2, or 3, fast

charge will pause until the battery’s temperature drops approx.4

F (2

C) below the temperature setting, at which time fast charge will

automatically re-start. If max. temp. is reached during step 4, fast charge will completely stop.

To START FOUR-STEP CHARGE, press and hold the dial for 2 seconds. When Four-Step Charge ends, go to the Data View

screen to see the final charge data.

[ STEP ]

STEP < 1 > IMP FLX

time : 229sec

capacity : 95mAh

voltage : 3.932V

current : 1.50A

bat.temp : 74.4°F

add.cap : 0mAh

[ STEP CHARGE SETUP ]

expect time: 51min

reserv time: off

trickle chg: off

dchg > chg : off

IMPULSE chg: 1 2 3

REFLEX chg : 1 2 3

temp check : 1 2 3

step being

performed

[ STEP ] CHARGE

STEP < 2 > IMP FLX

time : 2431sec

capacity : 1013mAh

voltage : 5.292V

current : 3.0A

bat.temp : 74.4°F

add.cap : 0mAh

[ STEP ] CHARGE

STEP < 3 > IMP FLX

time : 2753sec

capacity : 1147mAh

voltage : 5.534V

current : 2.5A

bat.temp : 74.4°F

add.cap : 0mAh

[ STEP ] CHARGE

STEP < 4 > IMP FLX

time : 3161sec

capacity : 1286mAh

voltage : 5.784V

current : 2.0A

bat.temp : 74.4°F

add.cap : 0mAh

impulse

charge

indicator

re-flex

charge

indicator

While Four-Step charge is in progress, the LCD will show which step is being performed. If the impulse method is being

used on the current step, "IMP" be highlighted. If the re-flex method is being used on the current step, "FLX" will be

highlighted. Neither impulse or re-flex charge methods will function in step 4. Peak detection and the temp. protection

circuit always functions in step 4.

When Four-Step charge is in progress, the LCD will indicate which step

is being performed, and which unique charge methods are being used in

that step (if any). For example, if the charger is set to use impulse and

and re-flex charge in varying steps like shown in the example at right.

Press dial to place a new

cursor before "1". Press



to select step "1".

[ STEP CHARGE SETUP ]

expect time: 51min

reserv time: off

trickle chg: off

dchg > chg : off

IMPULSE chg: 1 2 3

REFLEX chg : 1 2 3

temp check : 1 2 3

Rotate dial to move cursor

before "2". Press

 to

select "2".

[ STEP CHARGE SETUP ]

expect time: 51min

reserv time: off

trickle chg: off

dchg > chg : off

IMPULSE chg: 1 2 3

REFLEX chg : 1 2 3

temp check : 1 2 3

[ STEP CHARGE SETUP ]

expect time: 51min

reserv time: off

trickle chg: off

dchg > chg : off

IMPULSE chg: 1 2 3

REFLEX chg : 1 2 3

temp check : 1 2 3

To set the impulse, re-flex, or temp. check functions, move the cursor beside the function you wish to set...

Rotate dial to move cursor

before "3". Press

 to

select "3".

Press  anytime to confirm the impulse, re-flex, and temp. check settings.

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Team Check-point TC-1030 User manual

Brand: Team Check-point

Model: TC-1030

Category: Car battery chargers

Type: User manual

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Team Check-point TC-1030 User manual

Team Check-point TC-1030 User manual

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