Turbo35 SE operating instructions
WARNING
To reduce
the risk of injury, use only high-rate rechargeable nickel cadmium or nickel
metal batteries with the TURBO35. Any other type of battery may burst and cause
personal injury.
DO NOT
leave the TURBO35 unattended. The remote possibility of an electronic failure
could cause an extreme overcharge. This could cause the battery to burst and
cause a fire hazard.
The
TURBO35 is designed to provide data about high-rate rechargeable nickel cadmium
and nickel metal batteries used in R/C car racing. In order to simulate the
discharge rates obtained during racing, the TURBO35 is designed to discharge at
high currents. While the methods used in the TURBO35 are common in selecting
cells, excessive cell heat generated during the process may cause damage to the
cells or cause them to vent battery acids. To reduce the risk of injury, ALWAYS
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES when operating the TURBO35. Since the cells are
extremely hot, be careful not to handle the cells until cooled.
Always
make sure all the batteries in the pack are in the same state of discharge
before charging a pack. Otherwise, the the cells that are partially charged
before charging will get extremely hot and may be damaged or vent battery
acids.
Check your
battery pack occasionally for overheating. If the cells are too hot to touch,
there is something wrong and the pack must be disconnected from the charger.
Competition
Electronics, Inc. shall not be liable for any property damage or personal
injury which may result from the failure to follow these instructions or other
improper use of this product.
GENERAL
DESCRIPTION
The
TURBO35 is a microprocessor based charger/discharger system for high-rate
rechargeable batteries for use in R/C. It is a linear type and can fully
charge 1 to 7 cells at a digitally presettable amperage up to a maximum of 12.0
amps using the peak detection method. It can automatically repeak up to 2 more
times with different charge amp rates and peak detect drop-back volts for each
peak.
After a
charge, the charge time, peak charge volts and time since the charge was done
can be displayed. Turboflex charging (reflex) may also be selected with
intensity being settable from 1 to 9 for every peak.
The
TURBO35 can discharge 1,4,6 or 7 cell packs and automatically turn off at a
user settable cutoff voltage. The settable discharge amps can be between 10 to
35 amps for 1, 4 and 6 cells and between 10 to 25 amps for 7 cells.
After the
discharge cycle, the discharge time and the discharge average cell voltage can
be displayed. Also, the discharge average cell voltage where (pack
voltage/#cells) = 1 volt can be displayed.
It can
also automatically charge, repeak and discharge 1,4,6,7 cells using the
parameters set for the charge and discharge functions. It can automatically
cycle cells up to 9 times with up to a 16 hour wait between cycles.
Upon
completion of the last cycle, all the charge and discharge readings can be
displayed along with the relative and actual internal cell resistance.
The
TURBO35 reads pack voltage down to 1 mV resolution for readings below 2 volts.
This allows greater accuracy for single cell readings and calculations such as
actual internal resistance.
The
TURBO35 can condition battery packs for off-road or oval racing by simulating
discharge characteristics for these applications. This feature may enhance the
performance of battery packs.
Another
available feature of the TURBO35 is the motor break-in mode. Here the motor
voltage and run time may be set. The run current is displayed. Another screen
will display the source supply voltage.
All the
settable values can be saved in one of three available power-down
memories. Upon power up, the last saved setup will be automatically reloaded
from memory.
The
TURBO35 comes standard with keyboard audio feedback. It will also alert the
user when a cycle is done, and the audio annunciator can be set for continuous
mode, a 5-second burst, or no alert at all at the end of a cycle.
The
TURBO35 now includes a serial interface for use with Competition Electronics’
TURBOLABEL© label printing and data collection program.
Finally,
another useful enhancement to the TURBO35 is the new, more “user-friendly” menu
system which allows more intuitive operation of the TURBO35. All TURBO35
functions and display data are grouped under logical control modes for easy
access.
SUPPLY
VOLTS
The
TURBO35 will operate from a 12 volt automobile battery (see above WARNING
notes) or any DC supply within the voltage range of 12 to 16 volts and 12 amp
or more capacity. It will operate with less amperage, but the charge current
will be limited to the maximum capacity of the supply.
CONNECTIONS
The 14
gauge 4 foot pair of leads on the left side of the Turbo 35 are connected to
the power supply. Install provided alligator clips, or your own terminals
on the leads for a good connection. The 12 gauge 18 inch pair of leads on
the right side of the Turbo35 are connected to the battery. Install
provided alligator clips, or your own connector, using correct polarity. You
MUST connect to the supply first, then the battery pack. Otherwise the TURBO35
will not work. The battery pack connector and the supply connector are the
opposite type so they cannot be plugged in backwards. The red alligator clip on
the 5 foot lead connects to the positive (+) on your dc supply. The black lead
connects to the negative (-). The leads supplied for the battery pack hook-up
are the alligator type. Be sure you observe polarity when connecting to your
battery pack, positive to red and negative (-) to black. Damage may result if
polarity is not observed. The connector supplied may be hooked directly to your
battery if it is compatible and the polarity is the same. Other adapters are
available from various manufacturers.
The small
leads from the TURBO35 are voltage sensing leads. They are used mainly for the
discharge or cycle modes to get an accurate voltage measurement. With the
increased resolution of the TURBO35, it is important that you remember
to connect these leads; this will ensure that you get all the accuracy
which the TURBO35 can deliver. Connect them directly to the battery pack while
observing correct polarity. Voltage sensing is also done thru the heavy current
carrying leads but will give slight voltage errors especially with heavy charge
or discharge current. The slight error, however, doesn’t effect the charging of
the battery.
CONNECTION
TO THE OPTIONAL
To connect
to the optional battery box, connect the alligator clips to bare 14 gauge
wires on the battery box, or install a high quality connector of choice - must
be rated at 35 amps if you intend to discharge at full capability. Then connect
the small red alligator clip to the small red lead on the battery box and the
small black alligator clip to the small black lead. The small voltage sensing
leads must be connected to get accurate discharge readings. DO NOT hook up any
extra wire to the battery box high current leads. This can cause the discharge
current to taper off at the end of the discharge.
Mount the
end of the battery box with the springs to a flat surface with the holes
provided. The other end of the box is left free to move. Do not tighten the
screws all the way, otherwise the battery box will not move freely.
The
battery box may be forced open by squeezing the spring end of the rods and the
box between the thumb and the forefingers. This is useful for placing the
battery in the box. The positive terminal of the battery goes to the red lead
end of the battery box. Rotating the battery in the box will ensure good connection
between the contacts and the battery. To remove the battery, place your finger
underneath the battery and push up.
The
contacts used are tin plated brass contacts. The contacts can be cleaned using
a model train track cleaner for brass tracks such as Rail Zip made by Pacer
Tech.
GENERAL
OPERATION
The
TURBO35 can perform four different operations: These operations are charging
(CHRG), discharging (DISCHRG), Cycling through one or multiple charge/discharge
cycles (CYCLE) and running a motor (MOTR). Each mode is entered by pressing the
correspondingly labeled mode button on the TURBO35’s front panel.
Under each
basic operational mode, the user may view or set parameters related to that
mode by repeatedly pushing the mode button. This causes the TURBO35’s
menu display to cycle through all of the available related parameters for the
selected mode.
If the
selected parameter is user-adjustable, you will be able to increment it’s value
by pushing the (UP ARROW/OFF) button. A cursor line will appear under the digit
of any settable values.
If the
selected parameter has multiple characters, press the left arrow button to move
to the next character left. At the far left, one more press will move the
cursor back to the right-most character.
Once all
the user-selectable parameters have been set, return to the main mode screen
and push the start (START) button to begin the selected mode of operation.
NOTE: If
you don’t want to go through the whole menu for the desired mode, select
another mode and then reselect the desired mode. This will take you directly to
the main mode screen for the selected mode.
Keep in
mind that you can only start a mode of operation from a main mode screen(The
screen that appears when you first press the (CHRG),(DISCHRG),(CYCLE) or (MOTR)
button.)
To stop
the TURBO35 at any time, push the (UP ARROW/OFF) button.
In
addition to these modes, there are two other buttons (DATA) and (SETUP).
The (DATA)
button allows the user to configure the serial port operation. Pressing the up
arrow allows selection of graph output, manual computer download, and automatic
computer download.
The (DATA)
button is also used to view measured and calculated battery data. Here is where
you will view most of the data and calculations which the TURBO35 provides.
The
(SETUP) button allows saving and loading setups from power down memory, setting
the beeper modes, and entering the machine name for computer download.
OVERVIEW
OF THE TURBO35 OPERATING MODES
The
following provides a more detailed description of the various modes of
operation available on the TURBO35.
CHARGE
MODE
Charge
mode allows the user to perform a controlled charge on a cell or battery pack.
Push the
(CHRG) button to get to the charge mode screen directly.
The main
charge idle display will appear, and the cursor will appear under the charge
current setting.
There are
a number of parameters in the charge mode which can be set by the user.
Press the (CHRG)button repeatedly to cycle through the charge-related
parameters. As you cycle through each parameter, the cursor will appear under
the right-most digit that is settable.
To set any
other digit within a given parameter, simply push the (LEFT ARROW) button until
the cursor is under the digit.
To
increment the digit setting, push the (UP ARROW/OFF) button until you reach the
desired setting. When you reach the upper limit of the digit’s settable range,
the digit will be reset to it’s lowest settable value.
The value
of the charge current can be set up to a maximum of 19.9 amps at this time, but
the TURBO35 will only allow you to run a maximum of 12.0 amps when you push the
(START) button.
You can
also set the number of peaks by setting the number in front of the ‘PEAK’ part
of the screen. Using 1 peak will charge your battery completely. Using peaks 2
and 3 will repeak your battery.
To set
trickle charge on/off, long lockout on/off, charge amps for peaks 2 and 3,
delay between peaks, Turboflex intensity, Turboflex on/off and peak detect drop
back voltages press the (CHARGE) button repeatedly until they appear on
the screen.
To run the
charge mode, you must have the message ‘2 PEAK CHRG 3.0’ on the display.
When you
push the (START) button, the message ‘CHARGING 1 XX.XX’ will appear on the
second line of the display. The ‘XX.XX’ is the actual supply voltage, under
load, at the TURBO35. The ‘1’ after ‘CHARGING’ tells which peak the charger is
on. During time delay, the upper left hand number is the amount of delay time
that has been completed. The top line of the display, from left to right, will
show the actual charge time in seconds, the pack volts, the charge current and
will be updated constantly. The actual charge current shown on the display will
fluctuate slightly and will be within 0.1 of an amp of the value selected.
After a
completed charge, the number in the upper left hand corner will be the time
since the charge has been completed. To get the actual charge time, just push
the (CHRG) push button and the time will appear in the upper left hand corner
of the display. It is normal and desirable for the batteries to be slightly
warm at the end of the charge cycle. If your battery false peaks, the cells
will be cold and the charge time will be short. For maximum performance, never
repeak your batteries more than twice.
The charge
mode will only allow a maximum of 3800mahr charge before automatically shutting
off. This is to assure that batteries that tend not to peak will be shut off
before they are overcharged excessively.
The charge
mode has a peak detect drop-back voltage warning built into it. If the peak
detect drop-back voltage exceeds .03 volt for a single cell or .09 for a
multiple cell pack, the warning message ‘PEAK DET TOO
The
standard peak detect lockout time is 60 seconds. This means the charge will run
60 seconds even if the battery voltage is dropping. A long peak detect lockout
of 10 minutes can be selected in the default menu. The long lockout will only
last one charge and must be reselected if needed again. It will also be cleared
if the (UP ARROW/OFF) button is pushed. The long peak detect lockout is meant
to be used with packs that have a bad tendency to false peak.
LONG
LOCKOUT FEATURE
The long
lockout feature causes your TURBO35 to ignore peaking behavior for 10 minutes
when charging battery packs or cells.
The long
lockout will only last one charge and must be reselected if needed again. It
will also be cleared if the (UP ARROW/OFF) button is pushed.
The long
peak detect lockout is meant to be used with packs that have a bad tendency to
false peak.
DATA
OBTAINED DURING A CHARGE CYCLE
After a
charge cycle has been run, the user may examine the data gathered on the battery
pack.
PEAK
CHARGE VOLTS DISPLAY
Peak
Charge Volts is the maximum voltage read across the pack during the charge
cycle.
To display
the peak charge volts, push the (DATA) button until you see the message ‘PEAK
CHG V XX.XX’. The ‘XX.XX’ digits show the peak charge volts.
SUPPLY
VOLTS DISPLAY
Supply
volts is a real-time reading of the supply voltage to the TURBO35. It can be
read at any time, not just after a charge.
To display
the supply volts, push the (DATA) button until you see the message ‘SUPLY VOLT
XX.XX’. The ‘XX.XX’ digits show the supply volts.
The supply
voltage reading is useful to detect a nearly dead automobile battery or a
supply that is past the maximum of 18 volts allowable under the warranty.
The supply
volts are also displayed while running main modes of operation. This is useful
for detecting a weak supply during charging.
DISCHARGE
MODE
Discharge
cycle mode allows controlled discharge of a cell or a battery pack. No
relative internal resistance reading will be displayed in this mode - you must
run a cycle to obtain this value.
***Warning***
Cells
temperature can exceed 200 degrees F during discharge. Be careful to let the
batteries cool before handling.
To get to
the discharge mode, push the (DISCHRG) button. The letters ‘DISCHG AMP’
indicate that the TURBO35 is in the discharge mode. The ‘XX’ digits show the
discharge rate selected in amps. Maximum discharge rate for 1,4 and 6 cell is
35 amps or 25 amps for 7 cells. Minimum setting is 10 amps. The ‘XC’ indicates
the number of cells to be discharged.
Set the
amps and number of cells by using the (LEFT ARROW) button and the (UP
ARROW/OFF) button.
The cutoff
volts for 1,4,6 and 7 cell packs can be set in the DISCHARGE MENU. To get there,
just press the (DISCHRG) push button until it appears.
To run the
discharge mode, you must have the ‘DISCHG AMP XX XC’ message on the
display and the voltage ON THE DISPLAY must be above the cutoff voltage and
below a maximum of 1.67 volts per cell. You may have to wait a few seconds for
the voltage to come up when connecting up a pack before you can push the
(START) button. When you push the (START) button, the message ‘DISCHGING XX.XX’
will appear, indicating that you are actually discharging. The ‘XX.XX’ digits
show the supply volts. The actual discharge time in seconds, the pack volts and
the discharge current will be displayed on the top line of the display and are
updated constantly.
After your
pack has reached the drop-out voltage, the message ‘DISCHARGE DONE’ will be
displayed.
To get to
the ‘DISCHG AMP XX XC’ display, push the (DISCHRG) button again.
You can
also immediately start another discharge cycle by pressing (START) again.
The
discharge time for the pack is displayed in the upper left hand corner.
The discharge time is useful to check the amount of time left in your pack to
determine gear sizes. A 20 amp discharge rate is useful to get approximate run
time left for 1/10 scale cars.
ROAD-SIMULATED
DISCHARGE
The
TURBO35 contains a road-simulated discharge mode which can simulate discharge
conditions for both off-road and oval type racing.
It is
designed to condition your battery packs to road conditions and has been found
in some cases to enhance battery pack performance.
Discharge
current data and calculations based upon current measurements are invalid when
road-simulated discharge is in use, as the discharge current rate is varied
during the discharge cycle and measurements are rendered invalid.
Road-simulated discharge mode is intended for conditioning only.
DATA
OBTAINED DURING A DISCHARGE CYCLE
After a
discharge cycle has been run, the user may examine the data gathered on the
battery pack.
ACTUAL
INTERNAL CELL RESISTANCE DISPLAY
After the
discharge mode has been run, the actual internal resistance of the cell can be
displayed. Just push the (DATA) button until the message ‘ACTINT RES
XX.XX’ is displayed.
The actual
internal resistance is calculated using a method very close to the ANSI
specification for NiCd batteries.
The lower
the internal resistance the more punch the cell will deliver. Another effect
the oval racers find is that the lower resistance SCRC packs have more speed at
the end of the run.
mAHr
DISPLAY
After the
discharge mode has been run, the mAHr rating of the battery pack can be
displayed.
mAHr is an
indication of how long the pack can sustain a certain output current. For
example, a 2000 mAHr rating indicates that the battery pack can supply 2 amps
(200 mA) for 1 hour.
mWHr
DISPLAY
After the
discharge mode has been run, the mWHr rating of the battery pack can be
displayed.
mWHr is an
indication of how long the pack can deliver a certain output power. For
example, a 1700 mWHr rating indicates that the battery pack can supply 1.7
watts (1700 mW) for 1 hour.
DISCHARGE
TIME DISPLAY
After the
discharge mode has been run, the discharge time of the battery pack can be
displayed. This indicates how long it took to discharge the pack.
DISCHARGE
AVERAGE VOLTAGE DISPLAY
After the
discharge mode has been run, the average voltage of the pack or cell during
discharge can be displayed. Just push the (DATA) button until the message ‘DS
AVE V X.XX’ is displayed.
DISCHARGE
AVERAGE VOLTAGE @ 1 VOLTPERCELL DISPLAY
After the
discharge or cycle mode has been run, the average voltage of the pack or cell
when pack (example 6.0 V for 6 cell) = 1 during discharge can be displayed.
Just push the (DATA) button until the message ‘
AUTOMATIC
CYCLE MODE
Automatic
cycle mode is a way to run one or more charge/discharge cycles on a cell or
battery pack. It allows for a cooldown time between each charge/discharge
cycle. You must use this mode to obtain relative I.R.
To get to
this mode, push the (CYCLE) button. The message ‘CYCLES X CELLS X’ appears. The
‘CELLS X’ indicates the number of cells to be cycled. The ‘CYCLES X’ indicates
the number of cycles to be run. Set the number of cycles and cells by
using the (LEFT ARROW) button and the (UP ARROW/OFF) button. The cool
down minutes between cycles for more than one cycle can be set in the
CYCLE MENU by pressing the (CYCLE) button. The message ‘COOL DWN MIN XXX”
appears. Press the (CYCLE) push button again to get back. The TURBO35
will use the charge amps, delay times, no. of peaks and peak detect drop-back
volts set up in the charge mode. It will also use the cutoff volts and
discharge amps set up in the discharge mode.
To start
this mode, push the (START) button. The message ‘CYCLX CHGX XX.XX’ will appear.
The ‘X’ in ‘CYCLX’ indicates the cycle number being run now. ‘CHGX’ tells that
the TURBO35 is charging and that it is working on the the 1st,2nd or 3rd peak.
The ‘XX.XX’ is the supply volts. The first line on the display will show the
actual charge time in seconds, the cell voltage and the charge current.
The
display ‘CYCLX DLYX XX.XX’ indicates that it is in delay number 1,2 or 3 as
designated in ‘DLYX’ by the ‘X’ digit. The delays are set up in the charge
mode. There is a 15 second delay between the last charge peak and discharge.
The
display ‘CYCLX DSCG XX.XX’ indicates that it is in the discharge mode.
The
display ‘COOL DOWN CYCLEX’ indicates that it is in the cool down period between
cycles. The ‘X’ in ‘CYCLEX’ designates the next cycle to be run. The number in
the upper left hand corner is the time that has past in minutes for the cool
down period.
The cycle
mode follows the sequence below.
*Charge
battery - using charge mode setup
*Delay 15
seconds between charge and discharge
*Discharge
battery - using the discharge mode setup
*Cool-down
or completed depending on number of cycles set
DATA
OBTAINED DURING AN AUTOMATIC CYCLE
After an
automatic cycle has been run, the user may examine the data gathered on
the battery pack.
All data
gathered during individual charge and discharge cycles will be available after
an automatic cycle is run. In addition, relative internal resistance will be
calculated and displayed.
RELATIVE
INTERNAL CELL RESISTANCE DISPLAY
After the cycle
mode has been run, the relative internal resistance of the cell can be
displayed. Just push the (DATA) button until the message ‘REL INT RES
XXX’ is displayed. The method of calculating the internal cell resistance
was developed by Jeff Pack.
The lower
the internal resistance the more punch the cell will deliver. Another effect
the oval racers find is that the lower resistance packs have more speed
at the end of the run. The RC-1700/2000 will have a range from 25 to 40 for a
single cell.
MOTOR RUN
MODE
The motor
run mode will allow you to break in new brushes on a motor, or run a motor
lathe, for example.
To get to
this mode, push the (MOTR) button. The ‘X.XX’ indicates the
volts you wish to run the motor at. Set the volts desired by using the
(LEFT ARROW) button and the (UP ARROW/OFF) button. The motor run time in
seconds can be set in the MOTOR MENU. To get there, just press the (MOTR) push
button. Press the (MOTR) push button again to get back.
To start
the motor run mode, you must have the ‘MOTOR VOLTS X.XX’ message on the
display. Push the (START) button and the message ‘MOTOR ON XX.XX’ will
appear to indicate that you are actually running. The ‘XX.XX’ digits show the
supply volts. The current run time in seconds, the motor volts and the motor
run current will be displayed on the top line of the display and are updated
constantly. It takes a few seconds for the voltage reading to respond.
The
TURBO35 checks to make sure there is no voltage on the leads before it will start
the motor. This will prevent you from starting this function if there is a
battery hooked up to the leads. If you start the motor and then turn it off
with the (UP ARROW/OFF) push button, a voltage will remain shown on the screen
for a few seconds. This will prevent you from starting the motor again until
the voltage reading goes close to zero.
The motor
will take about 3 seconds to wind-up to speed. This is due to the soft start
mode used by the TURBO35. This keeps the power supply from going into current
limiting caused by the start-up current of the motor.
THE SETUP
BUTTON
Setup mode
allows the setting of TURBO35 system values, as described below.
SAVE SETUP
SETTABLE VALUES
To get to
this mode, push the (SETUP) button until the message ‘SAVE SETUP X‘ appears.
Pushing the (START) button will store all the settable values in one of the
three selectable power down memories for use the next time you power up the
TURBO35.
LOAD SETUP
SETTABLE VALUES
To get to
this mode, push the (SETUP) button until the message ‘LOAD SETUP X‘ appears.
Pushing the (START) button will load all the settable values from one of the
three selectable power down memories.
BEEPER
To get to
this mode, push the (SETUP) button until the message ‘BEEPER: XXXXXX‘
appears. Pressing the ((UP ARROW/OFF) button will increment through the
possible settings.
The beeper
can be set to beep continuously, to beep for five seconds, or not to beep when
a charge, discharge, or automatic cycle is complete.
NAME
The
TURBO35 can hold a unique, 9 character name for each of it’s 3 setups. This is
primarily used to identify machine data within TURBOLABEL© when more than one
machine is connected to the PC running TURBOLABEL©.
It can be
set using the standard methods described for editing the other user-changeable
settings.
DATA MENU
The data
menu can be selected by pushing the (DATA) push button. This menu contains
various data collected during the charge, discharge, and cycle functions. The
following is a list of the data displayed in the DATA menu:
*Setup for
*Peak
Charge Voltage
*Relative
Internal Resistance
*Actual
Internal Resistance
*mA Hr
*mW Hr
*DIscharge
Time
*DIscharge
Average Voltage
*Discharge
Average Voltage @1 Volt Per Cell
*Supply
Voltage
These
values are populated accordingly depending on what cycles have been run.
OPERATING
POINTERS
The
following are some operating pointers and information you will find useful.
WHAT IS
TURBOFLEX?
The
TURBO35 employs our own version of reflex charging called TurboFlex. TurboFlex
charging can recondition cells by lowering the internal resistance thru
breaking up of the crystalline structure formed by aging cells, It can also
reduce heat buildup during charging by reducing gas build up in the cells. It
is intended for use with NiCd cells only.
Before
charging you may select one of 9 intensities for each of the three peaks in the
default menu. Also TurboFlex may be turned on or off for each of the three
peaks. intensity 1 is the lowest and 9 is the highest. We recommend intensity 6
for RC-2000/2400.
You can
get to the TurboFlex screen for the first peak by pressing the (CHRG) button
repeatedly until the screen appears. Keep pressing the (CHARG) button to get to
and set the rest of the TURBOFLEXparameters.
WHAT ARE
FALSE PEAKS?
Your
TURBO35 uses the peak-detection method to determine when your pack or cell is
fully discharged. When a pack or cell is fully charged, it’s voltage drop as
measured by the TURBO35 will cease to increase, as it does during the bulk of
the charge time, and will begin to drop. Your TURBO35 detects this drop, and
terminates the charge cycle.
Peak detection
is normally a highly reliable method of detecting a fully charged condition.
However, under certain conditions, a battery pack or cell can exhibit a “false
peak.” Under these circumstances, it peaks before it is charged, and the result
is that the battery pack or cell does not receive a full charge.
False
peaks can be caused by several things. Batteries that have been fully
discharged can false peak for several minutes. Use the long lockout to
alleviate this problem.
Another
cause is using alligator clips on solid leads. This can produce a poor
connection that can’t handle the charge current. It is best to clip onto
braided wire or multi-strand wire where more area is contacted by the alligator
clips.
Using
connectors that are worn or dirty can also produce false peaks because of poor
connections.
Turboflexing
can also cause batteries that haven’t been flex charged before to false peak.
Either continue to restart the TURBO35 until the batteries continue to charge
or use the long lockout so the batteries will charge 10 minutes before the peak
detecting occurs.
DISCHARGING
FOR PERFORMANCE - NiCd only
To get
maximum performance from your batteries, discharge them first using the
discharge function then fully discharge them using a .1 ohm 10 watt or a 1 ohm
5 watt resistor across each cell until the pack is cool. Any longer than that
is not necessary and may cause them to false peak at the beginning of a charge.
By putting a resistor across each cell, all cells will be fully discharged. Store
NiMh cells with partial charge.
OVER
TEMPERATURE
DO NOT
BLOCK THE AIR FLOW AROUND THE SLOTS OR THE FAN INLET IN THE BACK OF THE CASE.
THIS COULD CAUSE EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD UP AND MAY SHORT OUT THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT
FETS WHICH WOULD VOID THE WARRANTY. BLOW OUT DIRT IN THE FAN AND HEATSINK AREA
OCCASIONALLY. OTHERWISE THERE MAY BE EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD UP THAT COULD CAUSE
THE UNIT TO FAIL.
FUSES
Sooner or
later you will blow a fuse by hooking up the supply backwards. It is best to go
out and buy extra 15 and 20 amp fuses at the automotive store now so you will
have them on hand.
We have
seen fuses that looked OK but were cracked. The opening in the case with the
double fuses contains two 20 amp fuses in parallel. It is almost certain if one
of these fuses are blown, they both are blown. They will fatigue after a while
and finally blow. How long they last will depend on the discharge current. The
higher the normal discharge current used, the shorter the life. They are the
fuses that are in series with the battery pack. The single fuse in its own
opening is for the power supply and is rated at 15 amps.
USING THE
The
TURBO35 contains an RS-232 serial port which can be used for printing battery
pack and cell data and for transmitting data to be used with TURBOLABEL©.
The serial
port has a fixed data speed of 9600 baud.
Using the
(DATA)button, the serial port can be configured for three different modes, as
follows.
GRAPH
MANUAL
When the
port is set for GRAPHMANUAL, pressing the (START) button when the port mode
appears on the display will cause the TURBO35 to transmit a group of data
formatted for a printer out of the serial port.
This data
will include whatever data was collected during the cycle. It will also include
a graph of pack voltage readings taken at five second intervals, if a discharge
or automatic cycle was run.
In order
to make use of this data, a printer with a serial port is required, or a serial
to parallel converter is required.
COMPMANUAL
When the
port is set for COMPMANUAL, pressing the (START) button when the port mode
appears on the display will cause the TURBO35 to transmit a “data packet” out
of the serial port which is formatted for TURBOLABEL© use.
COMP
AUTOMATIC
When the
port is set for COMPAUTOMATIC, each time the TURBO35 completes a cycle, the
TURBO35 will transmit a “data packet” out of the serial port which is formatted
for TURBOLABEL© use.
COMPUTER
INTERFACE CONSIDERATIONS
When
interfacing the TURBO35 to a PC, you will not experience successful data
transfer unless you obtain and use the correct cable configuration.
Generally,
you need two items for successful interface:
* a 9-pin
straight through (pin 1 connected to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2, etc.) with a male
DB-9 connector on one end and a female DB-9 connector on the other, and
* a
NULL-MODEM connector with DB-9 connectors which mate with the cable and the PC.
both of
these items can be obtained at the nearest national electronics supply store
chain.
OPERATING
The
OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE for the TURBO35 is 32 TO 100
degrees Fahrenheit.
IF IT
DOESN’T WORK
Make sure
that you have connected the supply leads first and then the battery leads.
Check the
fuses to make sure that they are not blown. See section on FUSES.
Please
call us before you send the unit back. We may be able to tell you if the unit
is malfunctioning or if there is some operating consideration that needs
further explanation. Phone no. (815) 874-8001.
REPAIR
POLICY
All
repairs are normally completed within 5 working days. Total charges will
include parts cost, labor and return shipping.
It is best
to contact us before you ship the unit back. The method of payment can be
established at this time, and you will enable us to serve you more efficiently
by avoiding irritating delays.
The
preferred method of payment is Mastercard or Visa. Include your card type (VISA
or MASTERCARD only), card number, your name as it appears on the card, and the
card’s expiration date. If you would prefer to pay by UPS COD, provide a
daytime phone number so we can call you with the exact cost. You will
need to obtain a cashiers check or money order in the correct amount,
When you
return your TURBO35, include your return address, a daytime phone number and an
explanation of the problem. For warranty repairs, include a dated receipt of
purchase. See the separate warranty sheet for specific warranty information.
SUGGESTED
NiMh - Charge
at 4 amps with 1 peak. Discharge at 20 amps for stock racing, 30 amps for
modified racing.
NiCd -
Charge at 5 amps with 2 peaks. Discharge at 20 amps for stock racing, 30
amps for modified racing.
The
primary number used for matching batteries is the discharge time. Group cells
in a pack as close as you can. The discharge average voltage is an important
number for matching batteries for stock class. You want as high a discharge
average voltage as you can get. Use the discharge time first as the primary
number, then the discharge average voltage to grade with. The higher the
discharge average voltage the more punch the motor will have. Use the actual
internal resistance also as a grading factor for punch. The lower the
resistance the better the punch. This combination will give you the most speed
and punch. For packs used with modified motors, the actual internal resistance
should be the second number to grade by. The discharge average voltage is not
as important because you can always go to a lower wind motor to compensate for
the voltage. To obtain the best possible matching, cycle new batteries 3 or 4
times. This will insure the maximum performance from each cell.
*****LIMITED
WARRANTY*****
COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC., warrants the product manufactured
by it to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 90
days from date of purchase by the original purchaser for use. COMPETITION
ELECTRONICS, at its option, will repair or replace without charge, or refund
the purchase price of, any product which fails during the warranty period by
reason of a defect in material or workmanship found upon examination by
COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC., to have been the cause of the failure.
This warranty does not cover any failures attributable to abuse,
mishandling, failure to follow operating instructions, alteration or accident.
To make claim under this warranty, the purchaser must return the
product to COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC., at the address shown below, properly
packed and with shipping charges prepaid. All claims must be made in
thirty (30) days after the product failure and, in any event, within thirty
(30) days after the expiration of the 90 day warranty. All claims must be
accompanied by a sales slip or other written proof of date of purchase.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXCLUDED; ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES NOT EXCLUDED ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO 90 DAYS FROM DATE OF
PURCHASE. INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED
FROM THE REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO PURCHASER, AND THE REMEDIES PROVIDED IN THIS
WARRANTY SHALL BE EXCLUSIVE TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
(Note: Some states do not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the foregoing limitations and exclusions may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state.)
If any product returned by the purchaser is found by COMPETITION
ELECTRONICS, INC., to require service not covered by warranty, COMPETITION
ELECTRONICS, INC., will so advise the purchaser and request further
instructions. COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC., will recondition to working
order any product returned to it regardless of condition upon the purchaser’s
remittance of payment of 1/2 current retail price, if it is still manufactured
by COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC.
Competition
Electronics, Inc.
(815)
874-8001
FAX (815)
874-8181
www.competitionelectronics.com
© Copyright 1996-2002
Competition Electronics, Inc.