TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic Features Inventory of Contents Operating Modes Charge Mode Charge Times Defect Indicator Discharge Mode Test Mode Trickle Charge Care and Maintenance Specifications Safety Instruction Warranty Information FCC Disclaimer Page 4 5 6 7 9 11 12 12 16 16 17 18 19 21 1
BC-500 BATTERY CHARGER Instruction Manual BEFORE USING OUR BATTERY CHARGER, PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL. KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SAFE PLACE AS YOU MAY NEED TO USE IT LATER. Attention : To all users of this device - please follow the safety and maintenance instructions in this manual. Read the caution markings on the charger, the manual, and the gift box.
INTRODUCTION: Congratulations on purchasing the BC-500 charging unit. This device provides quick and efficient charging of “AA” and “AAA” rechargeable NiMH or NiCd batteries. The BC-500 offers several charging functions as well as individual LCD displays for the charging compartments. The BC-500 charging unit is reliable, user-friendly and ideal for use in the home, office or while travelling. We hope you enjoy your new BC-500 charger.
rechargeable batteries only. The charger will not charge ZnMn, NiZn or Li-ion batteries. Never use this device to charge other types of batteries, such as alkaline, lithium, carbon zinc battery or any other type of battery that is not specified. The charging unit shall only be used at normal indoor room conditions. Always follow the charging instructions for the rechargeable battery.
simultaneously. Minus delta voltage (-dV) detection for charge termination. Defective battery detection. Discharge mode (first discharging and then charging) to remove memory effect of rechargeable batteries. Test function to check the capacity of rechargeable batteries. The charging/discharge/test function can be launched independently and simultaneously for each rechargeable battery in the compartments. The LCD of the charger displays the operating status of the different modes.
After the AC wall adaptor or DC car power adaptor has been plugged into an appropriate power source (Figure 1), insert a rechargeable battery into the charging unit and plug the DC jack into the battery charger. After about 5 seconds the status will be displayed, along with the battery voltage (example, “1.38V”) Then the “CHARGE” sign will be shown on the LCD. (Figure 1) (AC power adaptor shown) OPERATING MODES OF THE CHARGING UNIT The charging unit provides three operating modes: 1. 2.
3. (TEST) Check the rechargeable battery capacity in Ah. CHARGE MODE When in this mode, the unit charges the rechargeable battery(s). It will automatically switch to trickle charging after the rechargeable battery is fully charged. During the charging process, the display will show the “CHARGE” sign on the LCD. It will also show alternate between the percentage (Figure 3) of the battery charged, and the voltage (Figure 2) of the battery.
(Figure 3) Once the battery is full, the voltage will display the “FULL” sign (see Figure 4). “FULL” sign shows -The battery is fully charged (Figure 4) The trickle charging then starts providing around 5% of the charging current to keep the rechargeable batteries full. The estimated charging time of the different battery sizes is tabulated in Table 1.
Table 1. Charging Time with Two Types of Battery Size Size of Battery Charging current (mA) Estimated battery Capacity charging time AA 2600mAh AAA 1000mAh ~6 hrs around 500mA ~2 hrs Notes: The default charging current is around 500mA. The actual charging current of rechargeable batteries depends on their condition and is controlled by the charger. It Is not user selectable. In the case that the power source terminates, the charger will reset.
When the AC wall adaptor is first plugged into the power source, all the segments light up momentarily and then the version number of the charger (for example “48”) is displayed. If no batteries are in the unit, the “--” sign is displayed (see Figure 5). “--” is displayed when no battery(s) are in the charging unit. (Figure 5) IF ATTEMPTING TO RECHARGE ALKALINE OR CARBON BATTERIES, IT MAY CAUSE RUPTURE, EXPLOSION OR THE LEAKAGE OF HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS.
Carbon or Alkaline batteries may cause the charger to display the “DEFECT”. These types of batteries are NOT suitable for this charger. DEFECT INDICATOR The “DEFECT” indicator will flash (Figure 6) for a while on the LCD while the charger detects the battery condition. If a defective battery condition is detected, the “DEFECT” sign will remain on until the defective battery(s) are removed. Warning: This charger will not necessarily recognize all types of defective batteries.
DISCHARGE MODE To select the Discharge Mode, press the MODE key for 3 seconds after the status of the batteries is displayed. Discharge mode will first discharge the battery, then charge it. When discharging, the “DISCHARGE“ sign and battery voltage (Figure 7) will be shown on the LCD. Discharging voltage (Figure 7) Discharge Mode After fully discharging the battery(s), they will be re-charged again. The display of voltage and percentage will alternate on the LCD.
rechargeable batteries will first be fully charged and then discharged to determine the battery(s) capacity(s). They are then fully charged again. During the first charging cycle, the display of current (Figure 8) and voltage (Figure 9) will alternate on the LCD.
When in the discharging stage, the voltage (Figure 10) and discharging capacity (Figure 11) are displayed alternately. The voltage (Figure 10) Test mode The discharging capacity (Figure 11) Test mode During the second charging cycle, the voltage and the total capacity are displayed alternately.
When the rechargeable batteries are fully charged, the capacity (Ah) (Figure 12) and the voltage (V) (Figure 13) will be shown alternately with “FULLTEST” displayed on the LCD. The capacity (Figure 12) Test mode The voltage (Figure 13) Test mode Note: When any one of the batteries is in the test mode, do not change the other battery(s). To test additional battery(s), you must remove and reinstall the testing batteries and then reset the mode.
TRICKLE CHARGING After the rechargeable battery is fully charged, the charger will give a small amount of current to the rechargeable batteries to maintain the fully charged level. This stage is automatically launched after the rechargeable batteries are fully charged and kept in the charging unit. The “FULL” or “FULLTEST” sign will be displayed on the LCD according to the mode user selected.
SPECIFICATIONS: Input voltage for AC/DC adapter: 110V AC ~ 240V AC Input voltage for DC car adaptor: 12V DC Input voltage for Charger Unit: 12V DC (use supplied adaptors only) Charging current: Approximately 500mA (each battery) Max charging capacity (capacity of rechargeable batteries): 3000mAh Dimensions (L x H x W) - Charging unit: 2.60” x 4.87” x 0.88” (66 x 123.8 x 22.
ATTENTION – WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS! Please carefully read the following important safety instructions: As stated above, only use NiCd or NiMH rechargeable batteries. The unit is for indoor use only. Do not expose it to humidity. Do not place it in water or submit it to rain and/or snow. Do not store or use it near extreme heat. Keep batteries away from fire. Do not use any accessory not supplied with the charger.
WARRANTY La Crosse Technology ®, Ltd provides a 1-year limited warranty on this product against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. This limited warranty begins on the original date of purchase, is valid only on products purchased and used in North America and only to the original purchaser of this product. To receive warranty service, the purchaser must contact La Crosse Technology ®, Ltd for problem determination and service procedures.
carrier); (3) damage to, or deterioration of, any accessory or decorative surface; (4) damage resulting from failure to follow instructions contained in your owner’s manual; (5) damage resulting from the performance of repairs or alterations by someone other than an authorized La Crosse Technology ®, Ltd authorized service center; (6) units used for other than home use (7) applications and uses that this product was not intended or (8) the products inability to receive a signal due to any source of interfer
To contact Customer Support / Warranty Work by email : www.lacrossetechnology.com/support/ La Crosse Technology ® on the Web: www.lacrossetechnology.com FCC disclaimer This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) (2) This device may not cause harmful interference. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. All rights reserved.
