Triton EQ Manual
Triton EQ Manual
Triton EQ Manual
TritonEQ offers all of the specifications and features of the original Triton Jr., and adds a built-in AC power supply,
lithium balancing circuit, and a new reversed LCD with adjustable view angle. The range of currents and cell counts
make TritonEQ great for smaller sized electric flight applications. But it can still be used in various other applications,
such as for Tx and Rx batteries, field batteries, and more. TritonEQ can charge, discharge, and cycle multiple types
of rechargeable batteries with high output power. A Quick Reference Guide, plus state-of-the art programming and
flowcharts make TritonEQ easy to understand and use. Its very small size and light weight make TritonEQ extremely
easy to transport.
It is strongly recommended to completely read this manual 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 pages 9-12 of this manual!
Connect TritonEQ to the AC or DC input power source. (See page 3 for details)
Find the programming flowcharts included in the package.
Press BATT TYPE to find the screen which matches your battery type. (See page 5 for details)
Connect the proper charge adapter to the Output jacks. Connect the battery to the charge lead, observing proper polarity.
To charge:
a. For NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 5.
b. For lithium based batteries see page 11.
c. For lead-acid (Pb) batteries see page 12.
6. To discharge:
a. For NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 7.
b. For lithium based batteries see page 12.
c. For lead-acid (Pb) batteries see page 13.
7. For cycling of NiCd and NiMH batteries see page 8.
INDEX
Specifications .........................................................................2
Special Features and Functions ...........................................2
Important Warnings ................................................................2
Glossary of Terms ..................................................................3
Input Power Connection, Protections and Limitations ....3
Charger Controls and Output Connections .........................4
Determining Battery Type and Specifications......................5
Getting Started Main Menu .................................................5
Care and Handling Instructions for NiMH Batteries ...............5
Charging NiCd or NiMH Batteries .........................................5
Discharging NiCd and NiMH Batteries .................................7
Cycling NiCd and NiMH Batteries .........................................8
Important Care and Handling Instructions for
Lithium-Polymer Batteries .....................................................9
SPECIFICATIONS
AC input voltage:
DC input:
Number of outputs:
Battery types, # cells:
IMPORTANT WARNINGS
Disconnect the battery and remove input power from the charger immediately if the charger or battery
become hot!! Allow the charger or battery to cool down before reconnecting.
NEVER attempt to charge incompatible types of rechargeable batteries as permanent damage to the battery and
charger could result.
NEVER use automotive type battery chargers to power the charger.
NEVER allow water, moisture or foreign objects into the charger.
NEVER block the air intake holes which could cause the charger to overheat.
NEVER attempt to use batteries with more cells or total voltage than listed in the specifications
NEVER leave the room where a battery is being charged or discharged.
2
NEVER place the charger or battery on a flammable surface or near a flammable object while in use. Keep away from
carpets, cluttered workbenches, etc.
NEVER overcharge batteries as permanent damage could result. Do not use a charge or discharge current rate
which exceeds the safe level of the battery. Do not attempt to charge or discharge a battery if it is hot.
ALWAYS disconnect from power source when not in use.
ALWAYS keep out of reach of children.
ALWAYS connect the charge lead to the charger before connecting the battery to the lead. And ALWAYS disconnect the
battery from the charge lead BEFORE disconnecting the charge lead from the charger. Otherwise, if the ends of the charge
lead touch each other while the battery is still connected it will cause a severe and dangerous short-circuit condition.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Amps (A): The unit of measure for charge or discharge 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 x 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, milli-amp hours (mAh), and amp-hours (Ah): Charge energy stored by a battery is called capacity, which
is defined as how much current a battery can supply in 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 x 1hr = 650mAh).
A 3200mAh battery can deliver 3200mA (3.2A) of current for one hour (3200mA x 1hr = 3200mAh), etc. Very large
batteries, such as lead-acid field batteries, are usually rated in Ah or amp-hours. A 12V 7A field battery can deliver
7 amps of current for one hour (7A x 1hr = 7Ah).
C rating: Capacity is also referred to as the C rating. Some battery suppliers recommend charge and discharge
currents based on the batterys C rating. A batterys 1C current value is the same number as the batterys rated
capacity number, but noted in mA or amps. A 600mAh battery has a 1C current value of 600mAa 3C current value of
(3 x 600mA) 1800mA. The 1C current value for a 3200mAh battery would be 3200mA (3.2A), etc.
Description
charge lead banana plug to 2-pin connector
charge lead banana plugs to Deans Ultra male
charge lead banana plugs to Deans micro
Balancing lead 1-6S ElectriFly LiPos
Balancing lead 1-6S FlightPower, Thunder Power LiPos
Futaba J Tx and Rx charge leads, except 9VAP
Futaba J Tx and Rx charge leads, 9VAP only
Airtronics/Sanwa Tx and Rx charge leads
JR/Spektrum Tx and Rx charge leads
Hitec Tx and Rx charge leads
Charge leads, banana plugs to alligator clips
9V-style Tx connector, Futaba-J Rx charge lead
Banana Plugs (3 pair)
Heavy Duty Banana Plugs (2 pair)
NiMH and NiCd batteries: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 1.20.
LiPo batteries: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.70.
Li-Ion batteries: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.60.
LiFe batteries (A123): multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.30.
Lead-acid (Pb): multiply the total number of cells in the battery by 2.0.
NEVER allow NiMH batteries to overheat, as this could adversely affect their performance or damage the cells. If this
happens, disconnect the battery from the charger immediately and allow to cool!
NEVER deep cycle NiMH batteries as permanent damage could result.
NEVER attempt to use the NiCd, Pb, or lithium functions with NiMH batteries.
Store NiMH packs with some voltage remaining on the cells (refer to battery supplier).
Battery
Capacity (mAh)
2 Hour
Currents
1 Hour
Currents
100-200
0.1A
0.2A
300-400
0.2A
0.4A
500-600
0.3A
0.6A
700-800
0.4A
0.8A
900-1000
0.5A
1.0A
1100-1200
0.6A
1.2A
1300-1400
0.7A
1.4A
1500-1600
0.8A
1.6A
1700-1800
0.9A
1.8A
1900-2000
1.0A
2.0A
2100-2200
1.1A
2.2A
2300-2400
1.2A
2.4A
2500-2600
1.3A
2.6A
2700-2800
1.4A
2.8A
2900-3000
1.5A
3.0A
3100-3300
1.7A
3.3A
3400-3600
1.8A
3.6A
3700-4000
1.9A
4.0A
4100-4300
2.1A
4.3A
4. To START PEAK CHARGE, press and hold ENTER for 2 seconds. BATTERY CHECK, PLEASE WAIT will
show briefly as TritonEQ evaluates the condition of the battery. If the battery is ready, the charge process will start
automatically at which time youll see a screen like shown below.
Battery
Type
NiMH
10.08V
Output
Voltage
Charge capacity: This is how much capacity (energy, in mAh) has been delivered
to the pack during charge. For a battery which previously had some charge, this
number could be low. For a battery which had little or no charge, this number
should be higher (ideally within 10% of the batterys own mAh rating).
CHG =
charging
CHG
1.4A
Charge
Current
02492
107m
Elapsed charge time: This is the number of minutes the battery has been on charge.
For a battery which previously has some charge, this number could be low. For a
battery which previously had little charge, this number should be larger.
WARNING! It is normal for NiCd and NiMH batteries to become warm during charge. Disconnect batteries
IMMEDIATELY if they become hot at any time! If batteries become overheated, it may be necessary to use a
lower charge current in the future. Never attempt to charge batteries at excessive rates, as permanent damage
could result.
5. When peak charge is finished, the screen will show END and tones will sound for 10 seconds. The charger will
automatically go to trickle charge at this time (see the section below for details), but the battery should now be ready for
use. Other data measured during charge can be viewed in the DATA VIEW screens, as shown on page 14.
NiCd
8.1V
Output
Voltage
DSCH =
Discharging
DSCH
0.8A
Discharge
Current
760
057m
Rated
Pack Voltage
*Cutoff
Voltage
1.2
1.1
2.4
2.2
3.6
3.3
4.8
4.4
6.0
5.5
7.2
6.6
8.4
7.7
9.6
8.8
10.8
9.9
10
12.0
11.0
11
13.2
12.1
12
14.4
13.2
13
15.6
14.3
14
16.8
15.4
Discharge capacity: This is how much capacity (energy, in mAh) has been
delivered from the pack during discharge. For a battery which previously had little
charge, this number could be low. For a battery which previously had been fully
charged, this number should be high (ideally within 10% of the batterys own
mAh rating).
Elapsed discharge time: This is the number of minutes the battery has been on
discharge. For a battery which previously had little charge, this number should be low.
For a battery which previously had been fully charged, this number should be larger.
7
5. When discharge is finished, the screen above will show END and tones will sound for 10 seconds. The battery can
now be re-charged, or disconnected from TritonEQ. Other data measured during discharge can be viewed in the
DATA VIEW screens, as shown on page 14.
Notes about discharging NiCd and NiMH batteries:
Some transmitters might contain a diode in their charge circuit which could prevent the battery from being discharged through
the radios charge jack. Here, a No battery error will show. Its best to remove the battery from the Tx and connect it directly to
TritonEQ for discharging. (see page 4 for a list of adapters).
For more accurate discharge readings, its better to use a current which can discharge the pack in 1 or 2 hours.
The maximum discharge current is 1 amp. Maximum power dissipation during discharge is 5 watts, which might cause discharge
currents to automatically be limited for packs having high voltage.
Sub-C and some A size cells are often used for high current/power applications such as driving electric motors (not for radio
system uses). These applications typically result in cells being discharged to voltages below 1.1V per cell. To determine the
condition of these cells, it may be desirable to set the discharge cutoff voltage to 0.9V per cell (multiply number of cells in the pack
by 0.9). Do NOT attempt to discharge cells to voltages lower than recommended.
To determine the condition of a battery, compare the final capacity measurement the battery delivered during discharge to the
capacity rating listed on the batterys label. If a battery provides less than 70% of its rated capacity it may need to be replaced.
Additional cycles can be attempted to try and revive the battery, but if capacity measurements fail to improve the battery should
be replaced.
Discharge can be stopped manually by pressing ENTER, or disconnecting the pack.
Charging
NiMH
C>D
10.08V 1.4A
Output
Voltage
Charge
Current
Charge
Capacity
02492
107m
NiMH
C<D
10.08V 1.4A
Minutes
on Charge
Output
Voltage
Discharge
Capacity
Discharging
Discharge
Current
02492
107m
Minutes
on Discharge
7. When all cycling is finished, END will show on-screen. Press BATT TYPE to see the DATA VIEW screens for all
cycling data (go to page 14). Note that TritonEQ will only show data for the last cycle (not all cycles). If set to cycle 4
times, only data for cycle 4 will be viewable (not for cycles 1, 2, or 3).
Notes for cycling NiCd and NiMH batteries:
Periodic cycling of NiCd batteries (once per month or two months) can be beneficial in keeping them in good operating condition.
Excessive cycling will unnecessarily shorten the lifespan of the battery.
A short time delay of 3 minutes will occur in-between the charge/discharge functions to allow the battery to cool. This is normal,
and cannot be changed.
During cycle mode, the discharge cutoff voltage for NiCd and NiMH batteries is FIXED (not adjustable) at 0.8V per cell.
Cell manufacturers note three main benefits of cycling NiCd and NiMH batteries:
1. Battery maintenance: NiCd batteries benefit the most from regular cycling to help keep them in good operating condition,
and is recommended once monthly. NiMH batteries do not require as much cycling. But excessive cycling will unnecessarily
shorten the lifespan of the battery.
2. Determining battery condition: NiCd and NiMH batteries are rated by how much charge energy or capacity they can store
compared to their rated capacity. A battery that can supply only a small fraction of its rated capacity is likely reaching the
end of its useful life and may need to be replaced.
3. Breaking-in batteries: new NiCd and NiMH batteries may need to be broken-in before they will perform to their specifications.
Older batteries which have been unused for an extended length of time may require to be broken-in again to regain their
usefulness. Repeated cycling is the best way to revive such batteries.
Balancing
Connector
To balance a LiPo battery during charge or discharge, connect the appropriate adapter to match your battery to the
chargers balancing jack. The red wire will always be on the left (see photo above left). Then connect the battery to the
balancing adapter. Lastly, connect the batterys main power lead to the proper adapter which is already connected to the
chargers banana jacks (note proper polarity, see photo above right).
Note: Anytime a lithium battery is connected to the balancing jack but NO fast charge is in progress the charger
will attempt to slowly balance the pack by discharging any cells of higher voltage. The LCD will briefly show SLOW
BALANCING every five seconds during this time. See pages 11 and 12 for details about fast charging and discharging
of lithium batteries.
10
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. Its 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 batterys
main power lead to the chargers banana jacks (note proper polarity).
11
LiFe Packs
pack size
cutoff voltage
1S
2.5V
2S
5.0V
3S
7.5V
4S
10.0V
5S
12.5V
6S
15.0V
WARNING!! Do not attempt to discharge a LiPo battery below its recommended cutoff voltage. Doing
so may cause a failure later when attempting to re-charge the battery, and result in a FIRE!
4. To START DISCHARGE, press and hold ENTER for 2 seconds. BATTERY CHECK, PLEASE WAIT will show
briefly, and the charger will start discharging if the battery is in suitable condition.
5. When discharge is finished, the screen will show END and tones will sound for 10 seconds. The battery can now be
re-charged, or disconnected from the charger. TritonEQ will display details about the discharge data for your battery
including discharge capacity, discharge time, etc. A more complete set of data measured during discharge can be
viewed in the DATA VIEW screens shown on page 14.
Notes about discharging LiPo, Li-Ion, and LiFe batteries:
For more accurate discharge readings, its better to use a current which can discharge the pack in 1 or 2 hours.
The maximum discharge current is 1 amp. Maximum power dissipation during discharge is 5 watts, which might cause discharge
currents to automatically be limited for packs having high voltage.
4. To START CHARGE, press and hold ENTER for 2 seconds. BATTERY CHECK, PLEASE WAIT will show briefly,
and TritonEQ will start charging if the battery is in suitable condition.
5. When finished charging the screen will show END and tones will sound for 10 seconds. The battery should now be
ready for use. TritonEQ will display details about the charge data for your battery, including charge capacity, elapsed
charge time, etc. A more complete set of data measured during discharge can be viewed in the DATA VIEW screens
shown on page 14.
Notes about charging Pb batteries:
Lead-acid batteries use the constant current / constant voltage method (cc/cv) as explained in the section for lithium batteries.
However, different voltage levels are used for evaluating the condition of Pb batteries.
Lead-acid batteries do not need trickle charge, and therefore no such feature exists.
Lead-acid batteries have a nominal voltage of 2.0V per cell. For most field batteries, even though you cannot see any individual
cells, there are 6 cells internally. At 2.0V per cell, this makes a total field battery voltage of 12V.
For lead-acid batteries rated at 12V or greater, the actual amount of current delivered to the battery might be limited due to
the chargers maximum rated output power. This is normal, due to various possible circumstances such as the condition of the
battery, limitations of the input power source, charge connector/connection, etc.
DISCHARGING Pb BATTERIES
1. At the Pb CHARGE screen, press to find the Pb DISCHARGE screen.
2. Two values can be adjusted on this discharge screen. Press ENTER to cause the discharge current value to flash.
Press INC or DEC to change this value.
3. Lead-acid batteries are discharged to 1.8V per cell. Most hobby batteries have a nominal voltage rating of 12 volts
being 6 cells at 2V each. So the proper discharge cutoff voltage for 12V field batteries would be 10.8V (1.8V x 6 cells).
Press ENTER to cause the discharge cutoff voltage value to flash. Press INC or DEC to adjust the voltage value as
necessary. Press ENTER to confirm the value.
4. To START DISCHARGE, press and hold ENTER for 2 seconds. BATTERY CHECK, PLEASE WAIT.. will show
briefly, and TritonEQ will start discharging if the battery is in suitable condition.
5. When discharge is finished, the screen will show END and tones will sound for 10 seconds. The battery can now
be re-charged, or disconnected from TritonEQ. The charger will display details about the charge data for your battery,
including discharge capacity, elapsed time, etc. A more complete set of data measured during discharge can be
viewed in the DATA VIEW screens shown on page 14.
Notes about discharging Pb batteries:
For more accurate discharge readings, its better to use a current which can discharge the pack in 1 or 2 hours.
The maximum discharge current is 1 amp. Maximum power dissipation during discharge is 5 watts, which might cause discharge
currents to automatically be limited for packs having high voltage.
The proper discharge cutoff voltage for batteries with a nominal rated voltage of 2V is 1.8V, 4V batteries should be discharged
to 3.6V, 6V batteries should be discharged to 5.4V, 8V batteries should be discharged to 7.2V, and 10V batteries should be
discharged to 9V.
MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS
Buzzer: Audible tones will sound to identify when a function has started or stopped, when an error occurs, and will
sound once for each push of a button to aid in setup. This buzzer cannot be adjusted or turned off.
Memory: When settings are adjusted in the programming, TritonEQ will memorize these settings until changed again
manually (even when power is removed from the charger). Note, however, that all measured test data is lost when power
is removed from the charger.
Safety Timer: A backup timer is built-in to protect the charger for safety purposes. If TritonEQ does not properly identify
a battery having reached full charge, this timer will automatically stop fast charge to prevent any damage from occurring
due to overcharge. The fast charge safety time for NiCd and NiMH batteries is fixed at 1.5 hours (90 minutes), and is 3
hours (180 minutes) for LiPo, Li-Ion, LiFe, and Pb batteries. This function can be turned off (see page 14), but is ONLY
recommended if charging NiCd or NiMH batteries at very low currents. Do NOT turn this function off when charging
lithium-based batteries.
13
Peak Delay at Start: The voltage of NiCd and NiMH batteries can be unstable during the very early stages of charge.
For this reason, the peak detection circuit is automatically turned off for the first 3 minutes of charge to prevent a
premature termination of the charge function. After 3 minutes, the peak detection circuit is automatically turned back on
and TritonEQ can accurately detect peak when it actually occurs.
Peak Sensitivity: TritonEQ will automatically stop charging NiCd and NiMH batteries when it detects the batterys
voltage has actually dropped very slightly just after peak. Identifying this voltage change is called peak sensitivity, which
is fixed at 8mV per cell for NiCd batteries, and 5mV per cell for NiMH batteries.
INPUT
14.04V
OUTPUT
10.36V
DEC0.00
0.00
DEC-
INC+
0.00
0.00
0.00V
0.00V
INC+
Charge / Dsch
12345 / 12345mAh
DECPEAK
11.98V
CELL1: Shows the voltage for cell number 1. Press ENTER to see voltages for other cells
in the pack.
AVERAGE: Shows the average of all cells in the pack.
INC+
SAFETY TIMER
ON
DEC-
INC+
CELL1
0.00V
AVERAGE 0.00V
DEC-
This screen shows voltages of individual lithium cells when the balancing function is used.
Voltages for cells 1, 2, and 3 are on the top line. Voltages for cells 4, 5, and 6 are on the
bottom line.
INC+
HI CELL
0.00V
LOW CELL 0.00V
DEC-
INC+
AVG DSCH
7.35V
This is a backup safety timer that will automatically shut down the charge process after a
certain time if the charger does not recognize that the battery has reached full charge. This
timer can be shut off in this screen, which is useful if you wish to slow charge a NiCd or NiMH
battery. Leave set to ON for lithium batteries! Press ENTER to change this setting. This
timer will reset to ON each time power is removed from the charger.
Charge: The amount of energy (mAh) sent to a battery during a charge period (or charge
portion of a cycle). For cycles, only data from the LAST cycle will be shown.
Dsch: The amount of capacity (mAh) drained from the battery during a discharge period
(or discharge portion of a cycle). For cycles, only data from the LAST cycle will be shown.
PEAK: The highest or PEAK battery voltage measured during charge.
AVE DSCH: The batterys average voltage measured over the course of an entire discharge
process is calculated and shown at right.
BATTERY CONDITION: Tracking these voltages over time is helpful for evaluating a batterys
overall condition as it ages. Peak and average voltages will decrease as a battery approaches
the end of its lifecycle.
14
HEAT VENTILATION
Holes are designed in the case to allow hot air to escape to help keep the electronic circuitry cool. This helps to maintain
accurate operation and maximize the lifespan of the charger itself. CAUTION: Do not block the vent holes during
operation, as it could cause the charger to overheat and possibly cause permanent damage.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM: Display does not work when unit. Check power supply for proper power. Check input connections for
proper contact.
PROBLEM: Charger doesnt recognize battery. Make sure battery is not connected backwards. Check for faulty
connection or wiring. Perhaps there is a defective cell in the pack, in which case the pack should be replaced.
PROBLEM: Does not automatically stop charge after 1.5 hours for NiCd/MH batteries, or 3 hours for LiPo/Ion batteries.
Internal problem might exist. Disconnect battery IMMEDIATELY and contact Hobby Services.
PROBLEM: Battery voltage low after charge is completed. Make sure charge current setting isnt too low. Battery might
be defective and require replacement. Check to see if the backup safety timer expired before full charge was reached.
For lithium batteries, make sure the battery capacity value entered in the programming matches the rated capacity of
the battery.
PROBLEM: Will not lock into discharge mode. An improper discharge voltage was entered for the battery. Adjust the
battery voltage in the discharge screen to match the number of cells in the pack. Tx might have a diode in charge circuit,
in which case its best to connect the battery to the charger directly (outside of the Tx). Battery might be defective and
require replacement. Battery might already be discharged.
PROBLEM: Low mAh readings after discharge. Batteries might not have been fully charged prior to discharge. Batteries
might have been old or unused for an extended period of time, which may require additional cycles to see if capacity
improves. Battery might be defective and require replacement. Discharge current setting might be too high, and should
be lowered. An improper discharge voltage was entered for the battery. Adjust the battery voltage to the proper value for
the battery. Battery might already be discharged.
PROBLEM: LCD and/ or controls do not function properly. Input power might be connected backwards, and require reconnection. Input fuse might be blown and require replacement.
15
GPMM3155MNL V1.1
ElectriFly
TritonEQ
Cycling: Press ENTER to select value. Press INC+ or DECto adjust value. Repeat for each value including cycle count.
Press ENTER or wait 5 seconds to set new values.
Cycling: Press ENTER to select value. Press INC+ or DECto adjust value. Repeat for each value including cycle count.
Press ENTER or wait 5 seconds to set new values.
Cycling: Press ENTER to select value. Press INC+ or DECto adjust value. Repeat for each value including cycle count.
Press ENTER or wait 5 seconds to set new values.
Cycling: Press ENTER to select value. Press INC+ or DECto adjust value. Repeat for each value including cycle count.
Press ENTER or wait 5 seconds to set new values.
When battery type is selected as LiFe, default voltages will be 3.3V per cell nominal,
and 3.60V maximum.