B450 AC .

450AC
Dual Power Balance Charger
Manual INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

It is strongly recommended to read this manual completely before use! Damage resulting
from misuse or modification will void your warranty.

WARNING!! Charging lithium-based rechargeable batteries poses a risk of FIRE! NEVER

treat lithium-based batteries in the same manner as other battery types. NEVER leave
lithium batteries unattended while being charged! ALWAYS charge lithium-based batteries
in a fireproof location! Failure to follow all care and handling instructions contained in this
manual could result in quick, severe, permanent damage to the batteries and all surroundings!!
Follow all safety precautions when using such batteries, as listed on page 3 of this manual!

INDEX
Specifications and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Battery Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Starting Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Glossary of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Charge Complete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Input Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Care and Handling of Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Controls and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Error Messages and Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Battery Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
 SPECIFICATIONS
AC Input: 100-240V AC 50/60Hz
DC Input: 11-15V DC, built in lead with alligator clips
Protective Devices: Solid state reverse polarity and current overload
Case Size: 110 x 83 x 39mm
Weight: 230g

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EACH OUTPUT:

Battery Types: 1-10S NiCd/NiMH
1-4S LiPo/LiFe/LiIon
6-12V Pb
Charge Rate: 0.1- 4.5Amp
Charge Power: 45W Max
Battery Capacity Range: 100-9900mAh(6000mAh Default)
Fast Charge Termination: Peak detection for NiCd/NiMH, CC/CV for Lithiums
Fast Charge Safety Timer: 180 minutes(Default)
NiCd/NiMH Peak Sensitivity: 8mV for NiCd, 5mV for NiMH(Default)
Lithium Balancing Accuracy: 5mV per cell

SPECIAL FEATURES
� With identical features and functions.
� A tiny built-in switching AC power supply is great for portability and cramped pit areas, yet can deliver up to 4.5 amps
of charge current !
� A DC power lead with alligator clips easily connects to many 12V DC power sources.
� Easy to read LCD shows battery voltage, charge current, time and capacity – each output.
� A custom cc/cv algorithm carefully charges lithium-polymer, lithium-ion or lithium ferrite-phosphate (such as
LiFeSource™) batteries fully and safely!
� A precise peak detection system with automatic trickle charge fills NiCd/NiMH packs completely, for optimum battery
voltage and run time.
� Push button controls and audible tones make for easy setup and control.
� Solid state reverse polarity and current overload protection ensure trouble-free operation.

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
� Do not leave the charger unattended while in use.
� Disconnect the battery and remove input power from the charger immediately if the charger
or battery 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 attempt to use batteries with more cells or total voltage than listed in the specifications.
� Do not overcharge batteries as permanent damage could result. Do not use a charge current rate which exceeds the
safe level of the battery.
� Do not place the charger or battery on flammable surfaces or near combustible materials while in use, such as a
carpet, cluttered workbench, paper, plastic, vinyl, leather, and wood, inside an R/C model or full sized automobile!
� Do not connect the charger to AC and DC inputs at the same time.
� Allow the charger and battery to cool down between charges.
� Always disconnect the charger from the power source when not in use.

2
 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Amps (A): The unit of measure for charge current.
Milli-amps (mA): A unit of measure for current, being amps (A) multiplied by 1000 and listed as “mA”. So 2.5A is the same
as 2500mA (2.5 u 1000). Or, to convert mA to amps, divide the mA number by 1000. So 25mA is the same as 0.025A (25
divided by 1000).
Capacity and milli-amp hours (mAh): The amount of energy a battery can store is called its capacity, which is defined
as how much current a battery can supply constantly over one hour of time. Most hobby batteries are rated for capacity
in “mAh” or milli-amp hours. A 650mAh battery can deliver 650mA of current for one hour (650mA u 1hr = 650mAh). A
3200mAh battery can deliver 3200mA (3.2A) of current for one hour (3200mA u 1hr = 3200 mAh), etc.
“C” rating: Capacity is also referred to as the “C” rating. Some battery suppliers recommend charge currents based on the
battery’s “C” rating. A battery’s “1C” current is the same number as the battery’s rated capacity number, but noted in mA or
amps. A 600mAh battery has a 1C current value of 600mA, and a 3C current value of (3 u 600mA) 1800mA or 1.8A. The
1C current value for a 3200mAh battery would be 3200mA (3.2A), etc.

INPUT POWER
AC Input: For indoor use, this charger includes a built-in switching AC power supply that delivers power by connecting the
AC power cord to a common 100-240V AC outlet.
DC Input: This charger can be powered by a portable 12V DC power source for use at the track. On the left side of the
charger, connect the DC power cord’s alligator clips directly to the output terminals on the 12V DC power source. Always
match polarities (red lead to red “+” terminal, black lead to black “-“ terminal). To utilize the charger’s absolute maximum
power capabilities the DC power source must be capable of delivering at least 5 amps while maintaining 12 volts DC.
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.
This charger is rated for a maximum output power of 45 watts output. Depending on certain conditions
(if charge current is set to maximum, the maximum number of cells are connected to the output, and input
voltage is low), the actual current delivered to the battery might be slightly less than the setting. This is normal.
The charger will be on at all times when connected to input power. Disconnect the charger from input power when not in use.

CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS

TYPE STOP: For selecting NiCd,
NiMH, LiPo, LiFe and Li-Ion battery type,
100-240V AC Input and the charge current rate.
LCD Screen
Also for manually stopping charge.

INC Display: For selecting different data

to be viewed on the LCD.
Also INC Values
DEC START : For starting charge.
11-15V DC Input Also DEC Values
DEC START
TYPE STOP INC Display

Always connect the charge lead to the charger first. Then connect the battery to the charge lead. Always match polarities
on the battery wires, charge leads and banana jacks - black connections to black (–), red connections to red (+).
BALANCE PORTS: To connect an adapter
of balancing of lithium batteries.

Output

Balance Port
3
 DETERMINING BATTERY TYPE AND SPECIFICATIONS

1. RATED VOLTAGE: If not printed on the battery’s label, consult LiPo, Li-Ion and LiFe Pack Voltages
your battery supplier or determine the proper pack voltage as
follows (refer to the charts at right): Number Nominal Voltage
a. NiMH and NiCd: number of cells u 1.20. of Cells LiFe Li-Ion LiPo
b. LiPo batteries: number of cells u 3.70. 1 cell 3.3 V 3.6 V 3.7 V
c. Li-Ion batteries: number of cells u 3.60. 2 cells 6.6 V 7.2 V 7.4 V
d. LiFe batteries (LifeSource): number of cells u 3.30. 3 cells 9.9 V 10.8 V 11.1 V
4 cells 13.2 V 14.4 V 14.8 V

GETTING STARTED

Charge current TYPE

Start charge
TYPE STOP
STOP

LiPo
3 sec
INC
Display

TYPE
STOP 3 sec

Li-Fe
-
DEC
+ INC
START Display
Default
TYPE
3 sec 2 Hours

+
STOP

NiMH/NiCd Sensitivity D.Peak Safety timer

Li-Ion TYPE
INC
Display

-
STOP

3 sec
TYPE
STOP
DEC
START

Ni-MH
- +
TYPE

60*100MAh
+
STOP

3 sec
TYPE
DEC INC
STOP
START Display INC
Display

NI-Cd Capacity Cut-off -DEC

START
3 sec
TYPE
STOP TYPE
STOP
OF-OFF
Pb + INC
Display

-
Key Beep
TYPE
STOP
3 sec
DEC
TYPE START
Set STOP

3 sec
TYPE
STOP

WARNING! NEVER set the battery type to a type that does not match
your battery! For example, accidentally charging a LiPo battery in
the NiCd setting could result in an overcharge condition on the
battery, which could result in an intense FIRE!

4
 Charge current:

NiCd/NiMH Charge Current Recommendations Lithium Charge Current Recommendations

Battery’s Charge Battery’s Charge

Rated Capacity Current Setting Rated Capacity Current Setting
750 –1000mAh 0.8 A 750 –1200mAh 0.8 A
1000 –1400mAh 1.5 A 1200 – 2200mAh 1.5 A
1500 – 2400mAh 3.0 A 2200 – 3500mAh 3.0 A
2500 – 5000mAh 4.5 A 3500 – 7500mAh 4.5 A

BATTERY CONNECTION
1. For NiCd/NiMH: Plug the adapter into the charger FIRST. Then connect the battery to the adapter ONLY after it has
been connected to the charger. Proceed to the “Starting Charge” section.
2. For LiPo, Li-Ion OR LiFe: Lithium batteries for R/C are commonly available in two different assembly/wiring
configurations: wired for balancing, and non-balanced. It’s important to know which configuration you have before
ply to
proceeding. Consult your battery supplier if you are unsure if your battery is wired for balancing, if it’s not
wired for balancing but has a built-in safety circuit, or neither.
WARNING! It is NOT recommended to charge a LiPo battery which is not wired for balancing, or
If this which does not have a built-in protection circuit! Such types of LiPo batteries have NO means to
type protect the equipment or the user from damage that could result from an overcharge condition of any
single cell in the pack.

NON-BALANCED packs are wired so the charger can only detect the voltage of
the entire pack (not individual cells), so there is only one charge lead. It’s highly
recommended to ONLY use such types of LiPo packs if they have a built-in charge
safety circuit which prevents any single cell in the pack from being overcharged.
Simply connect the battery’s main power lead to the charger’s banana jacks (note
proper polarity).

STARTING CHARGE
1. Once the proper settings and connections have been made, the battery is ready to be charged.
2. To START CHARGE.
3. During charge, the LCD will alternate between the battery voltage and charge current screens so you can quickly
determine if charge is progressing correctly.
4. Pressing the Display button during charge will manually scroll the LCD through these screens .

1S V 1S V 1S V
2S A 2S A 2S A
3S mAh 3S mAh 3S mAh
4S Time 4S Time 4S Time

Shows the actual voltage Shows the actual current Shows how much charge
measured on the output. being sent to the battery, energy has been sent to the
in amps. battery, in milli-amp hours.

1S V
2S A
3S mAh
4S Time

The number of time the

battery has been charging.

5
 These screens are only shown for lithium based batteries.
1S V 1S V 1S V
2S A 2S A 2S A
3S mAh 3S mAh 3S mAh
4S Time 4S Time 4S Time

Shows actual voltage of Shows actual voltage of Shows actual voltage of

Cell 1 on lithium battery. Cell 2 on lithium battery. Cell 3 on lithium battery.

1S V 1S V
2S A 2S A
3S mAh 3S mAh
4S Time 4S Time

Shows actual voltage of Shows actual voltage of Enter INC

Display
y 3 s will Display
lithium battery. Cell 4 on lithium battery.

For NiCD and NiMH batteries, a linear charge current will be delivered to the battery. The peak detection method will be
used to accurately look for the highest battery voltage during charge. Once this is detected, the charger will automatically
stop fast charge and go to trickle charge mode.
CAUTION: Make sure the charge current setting is safe for your battery to prevent overheating of the cells.
“AAA”, “AA”, “A” and “2/3A” size batteries generate heat more quickly than large sub-C batteries. Most radio
batteries should NOT be charged at currents greater than 1.5A. Failure to follow this recommendation could
permanently damage your battery.
Lithium batteries are charged using the “constant current/constant voltage” method (CC/CV). Constant current is delivered
during the first part of fast charge. When the battery reaches a pre-set voltage, constant current is no longer delivered,
and a constant voltage is applied to the battery. As the battery’s voltage becomes equalized to the voltage on the charger’s
output, charge current will steadily begin to drop. This is normal. When current reaches an approximate value of 1/10C,
the charge process will end completely.

CHARGE COMPLETE
When the charger has determined the battery is full it will automatically stop charge and show “FULL” on the LCD. Audible
tones will sound for about 10 seconds (pressing STOP while the tones are sounding will turn them off). Information
regarding the finished charge can be recalled by pressing the “DISPLAY” button. Please refer to the flow chart on page
6 for the data that can be recalled.

For NiCd and NiMH batteries, the trickle charge current value is Trickle Charge
set automatically by the charger as shown in the chart at right, and
shown in amps “A”. The charger will remain in trickle charge mode Fast Charge Approximate
until the battery is disconnected from the charger, or the STOP Current Setting Trickle Current
button is pressed again.
0.8A 0.05A (50mA)
Trickle charge will NOT be applied to lithium batteries. When fast 1.5A 0.10A (100mA)
charge ends, lithium batteries can be disconnected from the charger 3.0A 0.15A (150mA)
and are ready for use. 4..5A 0.25A (250mA)

If the fast charge 180-minute backup safety timer expires before the battery is fully charged, the display will show “STOP”.
If this occurs, you might want to attempt to re-charge the battery by starting another charge. Refer to the Trouble Shooting
Guide for more details.

CARE AND HANDLING OF NiMH BATTERIES

� DO NOT allow NiMH batteries to overheat! Disconnect overheated batteries from the charger immediately and
allow to cool.
� DO NOT attempt to use the charger’s lithium functions with NiMH batteries.
� Store NiMH packs with some voltage remaining on the cells (refer to battery supplier).
� It is important to recharge NiMH batteries immediately prior to use, as they have a high self-discharge rate.
� “AAA”, “AA” and “A” size radio batteries can safely be peak charged at currents up to 1.5C to 2C (battery capacity u
1.5 or 2.0). High charge currents can overheat batteries and thus reduce service life, especially for smaller size cells.

6
 CARE AND HANDLING OF LiPo, Li-Ion, and LiFe BATTERIES
WARNING!! DO NOT try to charge lithium-polymer (LiPo) or lithium-ion (Li-Ion) or LiFe cells in the
CARE AND HANDLING OF LiPo, Li-Ion, and LiFe BATTERIES
same way as other battery types! Always read the instructions that are included with your lithium
batteries carefully before use. Failure to follow these care and handling instructions can quickly
WARNING!! DO NOT try to charge lithium-polymer (LiPo) or lithium-ion (Li-Ion) or LiFe cells in the
result in severe, permanent damage to the batteries and their surroundings and even start a FIRE!
same way as other battery types! Always read the instructions that are included with your lithium
� ALWAYS batteries carefully
charge lithium before in
batteries use. Failure location,
a fireproof to followwhich
thesecould
care be
and handling made
a container instructions
of metalcan quickly
or ceramic
result in severe, permanent damage to the batteries and their surroundings and even start
tile. Monitor the area with a smoke or fire alarm, and have a lithium approved fire extinguisher available a FIRE!
at
all times.
� ALWAYS charge lithium batteries in a fireproof location, which could be a container made of metal or ceramic
NEVER
� tile. attempt
Monitor the to extinguish
area a lithium
with a smoke or fifire
re with water
alarm, andorhave
a non-lithium approved fifire
a lithium approved re extinguisher!
extinguisherUse ONLY at
available a
“Class
all D” fire extinguisher.
times.
� ALWAYS provide adequate
NEVER attempt ventilation
to extinguish around
a lithium fire LiPo/Li-Ion/LiFe
with water or abatteries during
non-lithium charge, fiwhile
approved in use, and during
re extinguisher! storage.
Use ONLY a
� “Class
NEVERD”allow
fire extinguisher.
LiPo, Li-Ion or LiFe cells to overheat at any time, as they can and usually will become physically
damagedprovide
� ALWAYS and could possibly
adequate EXPLODE
ventilation around catch FIRE!! Ifbatteries
orLiPo/Li-Ion/LiFe a battery becomes
during charge,overheated
while in use,(over 140°F,storage.
and during 60°C),
disconnect it from the charger IMMEDIATELY!
� NEVER allow LiPo, Li-Ion or LiFe cells to overheat at any time, as they can and usually will become physically
NEVER continue
� damaged to charge
and could LiPo,
possibly Li-Ion or LiFe
EXPLODE batteries
or catch FIRE!!if the
If acharger
battery fails to recognize
becomes full charge.
overheated (over LiPo
140°F,and LiFe
60°C),
cells which itswell
disconnect fromorthe
emit smokeIMMEDIATELY!
charger may be in an overcharge condition and should be disconnected from the charger
immediately.
� NEVER continue to charge LiPo, Li-Ion or LiFe batteries if the charger fails to recognize full charge. LiPo and LiFe
NEVER
� cells setswell
which the charger’s LiPo/Li-Ion/LiFe
or emit smoke may be in anbattery voltage condition
overcharge settings to a voltage
and should bethatdisconnected
is HIGHER thanfrom the
the nominal
charger
rating of the battery itself, as such cells cannot handle overcharging in any way.
immediately.
� NEVER charge
set the LiPo, Li-Ion
charger’s or LiFe batteries
LiPo/Li-Ion/LiFe at currents
battery voltagegreater than
settings to athe maximum
voltage rated
that is current
HIGHER as specifi
than ed by
the nominal
the battery’s
rating manufacturer.
of the battery itself, as such cells cannot handle overcharging in any way.
� NEVER allow
chargeLiPo cells
LiPo, to come
Li-Ion in contact
or LiFe with
batteries moisture greater
at currents or waterthan
at any
thetime.
maximum rated current as specified by
the battery’s manufacturer.
� NEVER allow the internal electrolyte from LiPo, Li-Ion or LiFe batteries to get in the eyes or on skin – wash affected
areas immediately
� NEVER allow LiPo ifcells
theytocome
comeinincontact
contactwith
withthe electrolyte
moisture and contact
or water your physician!
at any time.
� NEVER allow
attempt
thetointernal
use theelectrolyte
charger’s from
NiCdLiPo,
and NiMH functions
Li-Ion or for LiPotoorget
LiFe batteries Li-Ion batteries.
in the eyes or on skin – wash affected
areas immediately if they come in contact with the electrolyte and contact your physician!
� ALWAYS keep lithium batteries away from children.
� NEVER attempt to use the charger’s NiCd and NiMH functions for LiPo or Li-Ion batteries.
ERROR
� ALWAYS MESSAGES
keep lithium batteriesAND TROUBLESHOOTING
away from children. GUIDE
Several safety features are included in this charger to protect itself and the battery against certain unwanted conditions,
ERROR MESSAGES AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
as follows:
Several safety features
LCD MESSAGE PROBLEM are included in this charger to protect itself and the battery against certain unwanted conditions,
AND SOLUTION
as follows:
“Err.1” The DC input voltage is below 11.0V or exceeds 15V DC. Make sure the input voltage is within this range.
“Err.0”
LCD Probably
MESSAGE the charging
PROBLEM cable (red and black) is not connected to the battery
AND SOLUTION
“Err.2” A battery is not connected to the output. Make sure a good connection exists between the battery and charger
“Err.1” The DC input voltage is below 11.0V or exceeds 15V DC. Make sure the input voltage is within this range.
and re-try.
“Err.2”
“Err.3” The
A battery is is
battery not connected
connected to the output.
backwards to theMake sure
output. a good connection
Re-connect exists
the battery to thebetween the
charger’s battery
output and
with thecharger
proper
and re-try.
polarity.
“Err.3”
“Err.4” The battery
battery ishas
connected
becomebackwards to the
disconnected output.
during Re-connect
charge. the battery
Re-establish to the
a good charger’s
physical output with
connection the proper
between the
polarity.
battery and charger, and re-start charge.
“Err.4”
“Err.5” The
Some battery
type ofhas become
electronic disconnected
interruption during charge.
or malfunction Re-establish
has occurred. a goodthat
If you believe physical
some connection between
external force the
might have
battery
caused and charger,toand
the charger err, re-start
and thatcharge.
a true circuit malfunction has not occurred, you might attempt a re-start charge.
Otherwise, if you believe the charger is not functioning properly, disconnect the battery from the charger, and the
“Err.5” Some type of electronic interruption or malfunction has occurred. If you believe that some external force might have
charger from the input power, and contact Hobby Services for further details.
caused the charger to err, and that a true circuit malfunction has not occurred, you might attempt a re-start charge.
“Err.6” The
Otherwise,
chargerif has
you somehow
believe thefallen
charger
out is
ofnot functioning properly, disconnect the battery from the charger, and the
calibration.
charger from the input power, and contact Hobby Services for further details.
“Err.7” Li-xx Bat Low and Hi voltage error. When pack voltage of the connected lithium battery is not certain.
“Err.6” The charger has somehow fallen out of calibration.
“Err.8” Balance voltage error. When charging Li-xx with the balance cable connected to the charger, if balance cell voltage
“Err.7” Li-xx BatorLow
is more lessand Hiacceptable
than voltage error. Whenofpack
voltage eachvoltage
battery,ofthis
theerror
connected
shouldlithium
occur. battery is not certain.
“Err.8”
“STOP” Balance voltage error.
The 180-minute backupWhen charging
safety Li-xx
timer has with the
expired. balance
You cable charge
can re-start connected to the charger,
or disconnect if balance
the battery fromcell
thevoltage
charger.
is more or less than acceptable voltage of each battery, this error should occur.
“FULL” The battery is full.
“STOP” The 180-minute backup safety timer has expired. You can re-start charge or disconnect the battery from the charger.
“FULL” The battery is full.
7