Multi-Chemistry, High Output Dual Charger System

SkyRC Technology Co., Ltd. 2010

Version 1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................02
Special features.................................................................................................................................04
Warning and safety notes................................................................................................................07
Program flow chart..........................................................................................................................10
Lithium polymer balance charge program connection diagram....................................................11
Initial parameter setup (users set up).............................................................................................13
Lithium battery (LiIon/LiPo/LiFe) program .........................................................................................15
Charging lithium battery in the charge mode..................................................................................16
Charging lithium battery in the balance mode................................................................................17
Charging lithium battery in the fast charge mode...........................................................................18
Charging lithium battery in the storage mode ................................................................................19
Discharging of lithium battery...........................................................................................................19
Charging NiCd/NiMH battery in the charge mode ...........................................................................20
Discharge of NiCd/NiMH battery......................................................................................................21
Charge/discharge and discharge/charge cycle of NiCd/NiMH battery..........................................21
Charging Pb (lead-acid) battery in the charge mode......................................................................22
Discharging of the Pb battery...........................................................................................................22
Storage data program......................................................................................................................23
Load data program...........................................................................................................................24
Various information in the program.................................................................................................24
Warning and error message............................................................................................................25
Recommended accessories............................................................................................................26
Conformity declaration......................................................................................................................27
Maximum circuit power chart............................................................................................................28
Specification.......................................................................................................................................29
Commonly used terms......................................................................................................................30
Warranty and service........................................................................................................................30

01

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your choice of the iMAX B6 Duo digital intelligent charger fromSKYRC Technology Co., Ltd. You are now the owner of a professional charger/
discharger with battery management and integral balancer.
LCD Screen
DC Input 11V~18V

Output 2 LED

Temperature
Controlled Fan

Capacitive Touch
Button System

Output 1 LED

Select Button,
Output1/2
Type/Stop Button
Select Wheel(Rotary Control)
PC Link Socket

Output 1
Balancing PortUSB Power Supply 5V/1A

Output 2
Temperature
Balancing Port
Sensor02

INC/DEC Enter/Start
ButtonButtonINTRODUCTION
Please read this entire operating manual completely and attentively before using
this product, as it covers a wide range of information on operating and safety. Or
please do use this product in company with a specialist!
The unit is simple to use, but the operation of a sophisticated automatic charger/
discharger such as the iMAX B6 Duo does require some knowledge on the part of
the user. These operating instructions are designed to ensure that you quickly
become familiar with its functions.
It is therefore important that you read right through the Instruction Manual,Warning and Safety Notes before you attempt to use your new automatic charger
for the first time. We hope you have many years of pleasure and success with yournew battery charger.
iMAX B6 Duo employs the circuit that features dual output power of 200 watts each.
Total output power are 400 Watts. Each output can charge or discharge up 18 cellsof NiCd/NiMH or 6 series of Lithium batteries with maximum current of 10A. iMAX B6
Duo has an individual cell voltage balancer, so it does not required any balancer
separately when charging Lithium batteries (LiPo/LiIon/LiFe) for voltage balancing.
More reliable/durable capacitive touch systems are using for charger controls. With nomoving parts to wear out, the wear and tear issues which plague conventional switches
are inherently eliminated. Additionally, because capacitive touch buttons are mounted
behind solid substrates, user and environmental abuse become a non-factor.
The three capacitive touch buttons and the 'Select Wheel' are multi-function charger
controls, as indicated by the printed legends. The 'Select Wheel' has three functions:
1. Rotate to the right: This action change the functions of charger or increase the valueof charger's parameters.
2. Rotate to the left: This action change the functions of charger or decrease thevalue of charger s parameters.
3. Holding + or - button pressed in produces a continuous change. Holding the
button pressed in for a long period accelerates the rate of change.
The fan cooling system is so smart and efficiently. The fan speed is controlled byinternal temperature sensor.
Please BE SURE to read these instructions and Warning and Safety Notes before
you use the charger for the first time.
It can be dangerous to mis-handle batteries and battery chargers, as there isalways a risk of batteries catching fire and exploding.

03

SPECIAL FEATURES
Set contents
1

2

3

4
5
6
1. iMAX B6 Duo Charger
2. XH Adaptor x 2Sets
3. Charger Monitor Program Disk
4. USB Cable

7

8
5. Temperature Probe
6. Crocodile Clip Charging Cable
7. 18AWG Wire Charging Cable x 2Pcs
8. Plug-in Battery Clamps

Special features
Optimized operating software
iMAX B6 Duo features the so-called AUTO function that set the feeding current
during the process of charging or discharging. Especially for Lithium batteries, it
can prevent the overcharging which may lead to an explosion due to the user's
fault. It can disconnect the circuit automatically and alarm once detecting any
malfunction. All the programs of this product were controlled through two way
linkage and communication, to achieve the maximum safety and minimize thetrouble. All the settings can be configured by users!
Internal independent lithium battery balancer
iMAX B6 Duo employs an individual-cell-voltage balancer. It isn’t necessary toconnect an external balancer for balance charging.
Balancing individual cells battery discharging
During the process of discharging, iMAX B6 Duo can monitor and balance eachcell of the battery individually. Error message will be indicated and the process
will be ended automatically if the voltage of any single one cell is abnormal.

04

SPECIAL FEATURES
Adaptable to various type of lithium battery
iMAX B6 Duo is adaptable to various types of lithium batteries, such as Li-ion,
LiPo and the new LiFe series of batteries.
Fast and storage mode of lithium battery
Purposes to charge Lithium battery varies, ‘fast’ charge reduce the duration of
charging, whereas ‘store’ state can control the final voltage of your battery, so as
to store for a long time and protect useful time of the battery.
Maximum safety
Delta-peak sensitivity: The automatic charge termination program based on theprinciple of the Delta-peak voltage detection. When the battery's voltage exceeds
the threshold, the process will be terminated automatically.
Automatic charging current limit
You can set up the upper limit of the charging current when charging your NiCd or
NiMH battery; it is useful for the NiMH battery of low impedance and capacity in
the 'AUTO' charging mode.

Capacity limit
The charging capacity is always calculated as the charging current multiplied bytime. If the charging capacity exceeds the limit, the process will be terminatedautomatically when you set the maximum value.
Temperature threshold
The battery’s internal chemical reaction will cause the temperature of the battery
to rise. If the temperature limit is reached, the process will be terminated. Thisfunction is available by connecting temperature probe, which is included in the
package.
Processing time limit:
You can also limit the maximum process time to avoid any possible defect.

Data store/load
For users convenience, it can store maximum 10 data of different batteries. You
can establish the data contains program setting of the battery to charge ordischarge. These data can be called back at any time you need and the process
can be executed without program setting.
Cyclic charging/discharging
1 to 5 cyclic and continuous process of charge>discharge or discharge>charge isoperable for battery refreshing and balancing to stimulate the battery’s activity.

05

SPECIAL FEATURES
PC based analysis using USB Communication (For output 1 only.)
The B6 Duo is fitted with a mini USB port on the front side of the case; a USB wire canbe connected to this socket in order to link the charger to a PC.
program enable you to view graphs of charge and discharge curves, with a capacity,
voltage, temperature and ampere display, and individual curves can be individually
suppressed or superimposed to allow a visual comparison of the data.
PC based analysis using USB
Communication

USB Power Supply
The USB power supply can provide 5V, 1A continue current. You can power yourmobile phone, digital camera or even your IPod via the USB power supply.

06

WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES
These warnings and safety notes are particularly important. Please follow
the instructions for maximum safety; otherwise the charger and the battery
can be damaged or at worst it can cause a fire.

Never leave the charger unattended when it is connected to its power supply. If
any malfunction is found, TERMINATE THE PROCESS AT ONCE and refer to theoperation manual.
Keep the charger well away from dust, damp, rain, heat, direct sunshine andvibration. Never drop it.
The allowable input voltage is 11~18V DCThis charger and the battery should be put on a heat-resistant, noninflammableand nonconductive surface. Never place them on a car seat, carpet or similar.
Keep all the inflammable volatile materials away from operating area.

Make sure you know the specifications of the battery to be charged or discharged
to ensure it meets the requirements of this charger. If the program is set up
incorrectly, the battery and charger may be damaged .It can cause fire or
explosion due to overcharging. This warranty is not valid for any damage or
subsequent damage arising as a result of a misuse or failure to observe theprocedures outlined in this manual.

Standard Battery Parameters
LiPo

LiIon

LiFe

NiCd

MiMH

Pb

NominalVoltage

3.7V/cell

3.6V/cell

3.3V/cell

1.2V/cell

1.2V/cell

2.0V/cell

Max Charge
Voltage

4.2V/cell

4.1V/cell

3.6V/cell

1.5V/cell

1.5V/cell

2.46V/cell

Storage
Voltage

3.8V/cell

3.7V/cell

3.3V/cell

n/a

n/a

n/a

Allowable
Fast Charge

1C

1C

4C

1C-2C

1C-2C

Min. Discharge
Voltage

3.0V/cell

2.5V/cell

2.0V/cell

0.85V/cell

1.0V/cell

0.4C
1.75V/cell

Be very careful to choose the correct voltage for different types of battery otherwise
you may cause damage to the batteries. Incorrect settings could cause the cells tofire or explode.

07

WARNING AND SAFETY NOTESNever attempt to charge or discharge the following types of batteries.

A battery pack which consists of different types of cells (including different
manufacturers)
A battery that is already fully charged or just slightly discharged.
Non-rechargeable batteries (Explosion hazard).
Batteries that require a different charge technique from NiCd, NiMh, LiPo orGel cell (Pb, Lead acid).
A faulty or damaged battery.
A battery fitted with an integral charge circuit or a protection circuit.
Batteries installed in a device or which are electrically linked to other components.
Batteries that are not expressly stated by the manufacturer to be suitable for thecurrents the charger delivers during the charge process.

Please bear in mind the following points before commencing charging:Did you select the appropriate program suitable for the type of battery you arecharging?
Did you set up adequate current for charging or discharging?
Have you checked the battery voltage? Lithium battery packs can be wired inparallel and in series, i.e. a 2 cell pack can be 3.7V (in parallel) or 7.4V (in series).
Have you checked that all connections are firm and secure?
Make sure there are no intermittent contacts at any point in the circuit.

Charging
During charge process, a specific quantity of electrical energy is fed into the battery.
The charge quantity is calculated by multiplying charge current by charge time.
The maximum permissible charge current varies depending on the battery type or its
performance, and can be found in the information by the battery manufacturer. Only
batteries that are expressly stated to be capable of quick-charge are allowed to be
charged at rates higher than the standard charge current.
Connect the battery to the terminal of the charger: red is positive and black is
negative. Due to the difference between resistance of cable and connector, thecharger can not detect resistance of the battery pack, the essential requirement
for the charger to work properly is that the charge lead should be of adequate
conductor cross-section, and high quality connectors which are normally goldplated should be fitted to both ends.
Always refer to the manual by the battery manufacturer pertaining to charging
methods, recommended charging current and charging time. Especially, theLithium battery should be charged according the charging instruction provided
by the manufacturer strictly.

08

WARNING AND SAFETY NOTESAttention should be paid to the connection of Lithium battery especially.
Do not attempt to disassemble the battery pack arbitrarily.
Please get highlighted that Lithium battery packs can be wired in parallel and inseries. In the parallel connection, the battery’s capacity is calculated bymultiplying single battery’s capacity by the number of cells with total voltage
stay the same. The voltage’s imbalance may cause fire or explosion .Lithium
battery is recommended to charge in series.

Discharging
The main purpose of discharging is to clean residual capacity of the battery, or to
reduce the battery’ voltage to a defined level. The same attention should be paid
to the discharging process as charging. The final discharge voltage should be set
up correctly to avoid deep-discharging. Lithium battery can not be discharged tolower than the minimum voltage, or it will cause a rapid loss of capacity or a total
failure. Generally, Lithium battery doesn’t need to be discharged. Please pay
attention to the minimum voltage of Lithium battery to protect the battery.
Some rechargeable batteries have a memory effect. If they are partly used andrecharged before the whole charge is accomplished, they remember this and will
only use that part of their capacity next time. This is a ‘memory effect’ It is said
that NiCd and NiMH batteries are suffering from memory effect. NiCd has morememory effect than NiMH.
Lithium batteries are recommended to be discharged partially rather than fullydischarged. Frequent full discharging should be avoided if possible. Instead,charge the battery more often or use a battery of larger capacity. Full capacity
cannot be reached until it has been subjected to 10 or more charge cycles. The
cyclic process of charge and discharge will optimize the capacity of battery pack.

09

PROGRAM FLOW CHART

10LITHIUM POLYMER BALANCE CHARGE PROGRAM
CONNECTION DIAGRAM
CONNECTING THE CHARGER
IMAX B6 Duo comes with male 4mm Bullet connectors attached to the power INPUT
cables. These cables are appropriate for attaching directly to most high-quality AC-DC
power supply units, such as eFUEL model PSU30A (15V, 30A). Also included are large
Terminal Clips with matching 4mm female bullet connectors, for attaching directly to 12V
car batteries. It is critically important that you use either a fully charged 13.8 car battery
or a high quality AC-DC power supply in the range of 11V to18V DC output, with minimum
current rating of 30A to insure reliable performance.

4mm Bullet
Connectors
plugging
to eFUEL power
supply directly

Using terminal
clip attaching tocar battery

CONNECTING THE BATTERY
Important !!! Before connecting a battery it is absolutely essential to check one last timethat you have set the parameters correctly. If the settings are incorrect, the battery may
be damaged, and could even burst into flames or explode. To avoid short-circuits between
the banana plugs, always connect the charge leads to the charger first, and only then to
the battery. Reverse the sequence when disconnecting the pack.

11

LITHIUM POLYMER BALANCE CHARGE PROGRAM
CONNECTION DIAGRAM
Balance socket:
The balance wire attached to the battery must be connected to the charger’s balancing
prot. Take care to maintain correct polarity!
(Wiring diagram: see below.)This diagram shows the correct way to connect your battery to the iMAX B6 Duowhile charging in the balance charge program mode only.

WARNING:
Failure to connect as shown in this diagram will damage this charger.
To avoid short circuit between the charge lead always connect the charge cableto the charger first, then connect the battery. Reverse the sequence when
disconnecting.

12

INITIAL PARAMETER SETUP (USERS SET UP)
Initial parameter set up (Users set up)
IMAX B6 Duo will be operated with the default value of the essential user settings when
it is connected to a 12V battery for the first time. The screen displays the following
information in sequence and the user can change the value of parameter on each screen.
When you are willing to alter the parameter value in the program, press start/enter
key to make it blink then change the value with Inc> or <Dec key. The value will be
stored by pressing start/enter key once.
User setup starting screen.

INC

DEC INCDEC

INC

DEC INC

DEC INC
DEC INC

DEC INC

The screen displays the nominal voltage of Lithium battery. There
are three kinds of Lithium battery: LiFe(3.3V), Lilo(3.6V) or LiPo
(3.7V). This is very important so you have to check the battery
carefully and set it up correctly. If it is different from correct value
the battery may be exploded during charge process.

IMAX B6 Duo recognize the cell count of Lithium battery
automatically at the beginning of charge or discharge process to
avoid from erroneous setting by user. But deeply discharged
battery can be perceived incorrectly. To prevent the error, you can
set the time term to verify the cell count by the processor. Normally,
10 minutes are enough to perceive the cell count correctly. For thebattery of larger capacity, you may extend the time term. But if you
set the time term too long for the battery of smaller capacity, thecharge or discharge process can be finished within the time termwith the erroneous cell count. This may cause the fatal result. If theprocessor recognizes the cell count incorrectly at the beginning of
charge or discharge process, you may extend the time. Otherwise,
you had better use with the default value.
Termination of NiMH and NiCd battery. The effective value ranges
from 5 to 20mV per cell. If the trigger voltage is set higher, there isa danger of over charging the battery; if it is set lower, there is apossibility of premature termination. Please refer the technicalspecification of the battery. (NiCd default: 12mV, NiMH default:
7mV)

13

INITIAL PARAMETER SETUP (USERS SET UP)
DEC INC

DEC INC

DEC INC

DEC INC

DEC INC

DEC INC
DEC INC

An optional feature using temperature probe contacting thesurface of battery, the temperature cut-off can be on or off. If
it is on, set the maximum temperature at which the charger
should allow battery to reach during charge. Once a battery
reaches this temperature during charge, the process will beterminated to protect the battery.
The battery is on the cyclic process of charge and discharge
can often become warm after charge or discharge period. The
program can insert a time delay to occur after each charge anddischarge process to allow the battery adequate time to cool
down before being subjected to the next process. The value
ranges from 1 to 60 minutes.
You can set the trickle charge mode on or off. If it is on, the charger
will automatically supply the trickle charge current to achieve thefull charge without overheating the battery after fast charge has
been terminated.

When you start a charge process, the integral safety timer
automatically starts running at the same time. This isprogrammed to prevent overcharge the battery if it proves to
DEC INC
DEC INC be faulty, or if the termination circuit cannot detect the battery
full. The value for the safety timer should be generous enough
DEC INC
to allow a full charge of the battery.

DEC INC

This program sets the maximum charge capacity that will be
supplied to the battery during charge. If the delta-peak voltage
is not detected nor the safety timer expired by any reason, thisDEC INC feature will automatically stop the process at the selected
capacity value.

DEC INC

The beep sounds at every time pressing the buttons to confirm
your action. The beep or melody sounded at various times
during operation to alert different mode changes. These audible
DEC INC sounds can be turned on or off.

DEC INC

This program monitors the voltage of input battery. If thevoltage drops below the value you set the operation forcibly
terminated to protect the input battery.

DEC INC
DEC INC

You can adjust the brightness of LCD screen at the charger.

DEC INC

14

LITHIUM BATTERY (LIION/LIPO/LIFE) PROGRAM
Lithium battery (LiIon/LiPo/LiFe) program
These programs are only suitable for charging and discharging Lithium batteries
with a nominal voltage of 3.3V, 3.6V and 3.7V per cell. These batteries need toadopt different charge technique that is termed constant current (CC) and aconstant voltage (CV) method. The charge current varies according to the battery
capacity and performance.
V/A/AhThe Lithium battery is charged at aconstant current until it reaches the
final charge voltage of 4.2 V per cell
(B). After this point the voltage is
kept at a constant level, and theresidual charge takes the form of adeclining current curve (C) until the
cut-off point (D) is reached. Charge
current = C/10. At this point the battery
can be disconnected from the charger,
and is ready for use.

V

4.2V

A

Ah

A

B

C

D
t

The final voltage of charge process is also very important; it should be precisely
matched with the charged voltage of the battery. They are 4.2V for LiPo, 4.1V for
Lilo, and 3.6V for LiFe. The charge current and nominal voltage as for cell countset on the charge program must always be correct for the battery to be charged.
When you are willing to alter the parameter value in the program, press start/enter
key to make it blink then change the value with Inc> or <Dec key. The value will be
stored by pressing start/enter key once.

15

CHARGING LITHIUM BATTERY IN THE CHARGE MODE
Charging lithium battery in the charge modeThis charging mode is for charging Li-Po/Ion/Fe battery without balance lead.
The left side of the first line shows the type of battery you
choose. The value on the left of the second line of thecharger is current user set, After setting the current andvoltage, press Start/Enter key for more than 3- +- +DEC INC
DEC INCseconds to start the process.(charge current: 0.1-10.0A,
voltage: 3.7-22.2V).
Batt type
Start
Stop

Enter '> 3 seconds'

Start
Enter

This displays the number of cells you set up and theprocessor detects. “R” shows the number of cells
detected by the charger and “S” is the number of cells
set by you at the previous screen. If both numbers are
identical you can start charging by press Start/Enterbutton. If not, press Batt Type/Stop button to go backto previous screen to carefully check the number of cellsof the battery pack before going ahead.
This screen shows the real-time status during charge
process. Press Batt Type/Stop key once to stop the
charge process.

Number Charging
Batteryofvoltage Charged
time
capacity
cells
Charging
current

16

CHARGING LITHIUM BATTERY IN THE BALANCE MODE
Charging lithium battery in the balance modeThis function is for balancing the voltage of Lithium-polymer battery cells while charging.
In the balance mode, the battery needs to have a balance lead to connect to the individual
balance port of the charger. And you need to connect the battery's power lead to the output
of charger. Charging in this mode is different from the normal modes, because the built-in
processor monitors voltage of individual cell and control input current fed into each cell toequalized voltage of individual cell.

- +

DEC

- +

INC

DEC

Batt type
Stop

INC

The left side of the first line shows the type of battery you
choose. The value on the left of the second line of thecharger is current user set, After setting the current andvoltage, press Start/Enter key for more than 3 seconds
to start the process.(charge current: 0.1-10.0A, voltage:
3.7-22.2V).

Start
Enter '> 3 seconds'

Start
Enter

This displays the number of cells you set up and theprocessor detects. “R” shows the number of cells detectedby the charger and “S” is the number of cells set by you atthe previous screen. If both numbers are identical you canstart charging by press Start/Enter button. If not, press
Batt Type/Stop button to go back to previous screen to
carefully check the number of cells of the battery pack before
going ahead.
This screen shows the real-time status during charge
process. Press Batt Type/Stop key once to stop the
charge process.

Number Charging
Batteryofvoltage Charged
time
capacity
cells
Charging
current

17

CHARGING LITHIUM BATTERY IN THE FAST CHARGE MODE
Charging lithium battery in the fast charge mode
The charging current is getting smaller as the process goes to the near end termof Lithium battery charging. To finish charging process earlier, this program
eliminate certain term of CV process. Actually, the charging current will goes to
1/5 from the initial value to end the process while the normal charging goes to
1/10 during CV term. The charging capacity may be a bit smaller than normal
charging but the process time will be reduced.

- +
DEC

INC
Batt type
Stop

- +
DEC

INC

The value on the left side of the second lines sets the
charge current. The value on the right side of thesecond lines sets the battery pack's voltage. Aftersetting current and voltage, press Star/Enter for
more than 3 seconds to start the process.

Start
Enter'> 3 seconds'

Start
Enter

This displays the number of cells you set up and theprocessor detects. “R” shows the number of cells
detected by the charger and “S” is the number of cells
set by you at the previous screen. If both numbers are
identical you can start charging by press Start/Enterbutton. If not, press Batt Type/Stop button to go backto previous screen to carefully check the number of cellsof the battery pack before going ahead.

This screen shows the real-time status during charge
process. Press Batt Type/Stop key once to stop the
charge process.
Charging Supplied Current
Number time
capacity voltage
batteryofChargecells
current

18

CHARGING LITHIUM BATTERY IN THE STORAGE MODE
Charging lithium battery in the storage modeThis is for charging or discharging Lithium battery not to be used for the time being.
The program will determine to charge or discharge the battery to the certain voltage
depending on the voltage of the battery at its initial stage. They are different from thetype of the battery, 3.75V for LiIo, 3.85V for LiPo and 3.3V for LiFe per cell. If thevoltage of battery at its initial stage is over the voltage level to storage, the program
will start to discharge.

At this screen, you can set up the current and voltage ofthe battery pack. Charging and discharging will make thebatteries come to the voltage level of “storage” state.
- +
DEC

INC
Batt type
Stop

- +
DEC

INC

Start
Enter '> 3 seconds'

This screen shows the real-time status charging. Press
Batt Type/Stop key once to stop the charge process.
Current
NumberElapsed Supplied voltage
capacity
timeofbattery
Chargecells
or discharge
current

Discharging of lithium battery

- +
DEC

INC

Batt type
Stop

- +
DEC

INC

The value of discharge current on the left can not exceed
1C, and the value on the right can not be under the voltage
recommended by the manufacturer to avoid deep
discharging. Press Start/Enter for more than 3 seconds
to start discharging.

Start'> 3 seconds'
Enter

This shows the real-time status of discharging, you canpress Batt Type/Stop key to stop discharging.
Discharged
Number elapsed
Battery capacity
timeofvoltagedischarge
cells
current

19

CHARGING NICD/NIMH BATTERY IN THE CHARGE MODE
Voltage balancing and monitoring in the discharge process
The processor monitors voltage of each cell when the battery packs are during its“storage” and “discharging” process. If voltage of any cell is abnormal, iMAX B6
Duo will show error message and terminate the program forcibly. So if there isbattery damage or disconnection, you can see the error message and press Inc
to know which cell is damaged.
The processor detects voltage of one cell is too low.
INC

The 4th cell was damaged. The value of voltage may be
zero if disconnection occurs.

Charging NiCd/NiMH battery in the charge modeThis program charge the battery using the current you set up. In the “auto” state,
you should set up the upper limit of the charge current to avoid damage by excessive
feeding current. Some batteries of low resistance and capacity can lead to higher
current in the “auto” charging mode. But in the manual mode, it will charge with thecurrent you set. You can make it blink in the current field and press Inc and Dec
simultaneously to swap between Auto and Manual Mode. NOTE: Allowable fast
charge current: 1C-2C

- +
DEC

INC

Batt typeStop- +DEC INC
Start
Enter '> 3 seconds'

This program is for charging of NiCd/NiMH batteries
associated with R/C models applications. You can press
Start/Enter key to make it blink and then Inc or Dec
to change the parameter value. Press START/ENTER
key to store the value.
The screen shows the real-time status. Press Batt
Type/Stop key to end the program. The sound will
emitted to indicates the end of program.

Battery
ElapsedBattery time Chargevoltage Charged
type
capacity
current

20

DISCHARGE OF NICD/NIMH BATTERY
Discharge of NiCd/NiMH battery
Set discharge current on the left and the final voltage on
the right. Range of the discharge current is 0.1-5.0A;
range of final voltage is 0.1-25.0V. Press Start/Enter
key for more than 3 seconds to start the program.
- +
DEC

INC

Batt type
Stop

- +
DEC

INC

Start
'> 3 seconds'
Enter

The screen indicates the discharging state. You can press
Start/Enter key to alter discharge current. Press
Start/Enter again to store the value. Press Batt Type/Stop
key to stop discharging. The emitted sound alerts the endof discharging.

Battery
Battery Elapsed
voltage Discharged
time
type
Discharge
capacity
current

Charge/discharge and discharge/charge cycle of NiCd/NiMH battery
You can set up sequence on the left and the number ofcycles on the right. Range of the cycle number is 1-5.

- +
DEC

INC

Batt type
Stop

- +
DEC

INC

Start
'> 3 seconds'
Enter

Press Batt Type/Stop key to stop program, you can press
Start/Enter key to alter charge current. The soundindicates the end of program.

Elapsed Battery Discharged
Batterytime
voltage or charged
type
capacity
Discharge
or charge
current

When it approaches to the end, you can see the capacityof the battery being charged or discharged. You can press
Inc or Dec key to display result of each cycle.

21

CHARGING PB (LEAD-ACID) BATTERY IN THE CHARGE MODE
Charging Pb (lead-acid) battery in the charge modeThis program is only suitable for charging Pb lead-acid battery with nominal
voltage from 2 to 24V. Pb lead-acid battery is completely different from
NiCd/NiMH battery. These batteries can only deliver current lower in comparison totheir capacity. The same restriction applies to the charging process. Consequently,
the optimum charge current can only be 1/10 of the capacity. Pb battery can not be
used for fast-charging, please follow the instructions provided by the battery
manufacturer. Due to the chemistry characteristic of Pb battery, the cut off point
may be difficult to detect sometimes. We recommend user to use CAPACITY CUT
OFF feature to protect the battery. You can press Start/Enter key to make itblink and alter the value of parameters using INC or DEC key, press Start/
Enter key to store the value.
Set up the charge current on the left and nominal voltage
on the right. Range of current is 0.1-10.0A, the voltage
should match the battery being charged. Press Start/
Enter key for more than 3 seconds to start charging.
- +
DEC

INC

Batt type
Stop

- +
DEC

INC

Start
'> 3 seconds'
Enter

ChargedBattery Elapsed Battery capacity
voltagetime
type
Chargecurrent

The screen displays the real-time discharging status.
Press Start/Enter key to alter discharge current.
Press Start/Enter key again to store the parametervalue you set. Press Batt Type/Stop key to end theprogram.

Discharging of the Pb battery

- +
DEC

INC

Batt type
Stop

- +
DEC

Set up the discharge current on the left and nominal voltage
on the right. Range of discharge current is 0.1-5.0A, thevoltage should match the battery being charged. Press
Start/Enter key for more than 3 seconds to start charging.

INC

Start
Enter '> 3 seconds'

The screen displays the real-time discharging status. Press
Start/Enter key to alter discharge current. Press Start/Enter key again to store the parameter value you set.
Press Batt Type/Stop key to end the program.

Battery
Battery Elapsed
voltage Discharged
time
type
Discharge
capacity
current

22

STORAGE DATA PROGRAM
Storage data programFor your convenience, iMAX B6 Duo has a data storage and load program. It canstore ten batteries data representing the respective specifications of batteries.
You can call back the data when charging or discharging without setting up the
program again. Press Start/Enter key to make it blink, and use Inc or Dec to set
up the parameter.

Start
Enter

Data CapacityType of
Voltage number
battery

Setting of the parameter in the screen will not affect the
charge and discharge process. They just present the
specification of the battery. The example is NiMH battery
pack, including 12 cells, the capacity is 3000m Ah.

Batt type Start
Enter '> 3 seconds'
stop

Set up the charge current in the manual mode, or current
limit in the auto mode. Press Inc and Dec key simultaneously
to make the current field blink to switch the charge mode.

DEC INC- +DEC INC

Set up the discharge current and final voltage.
- +- +DEC INC
DEC INC
DEC INC

Set up the charge/ discharge sequence and cycle number.
- +

DEC

INC

- +
DEC INCStart'>
3
seconds'
Enter

Saving the data

23

LOAD DATA PROGRAM
Load data programThis program is to load the data stored at the “save data” program. Press
Start/Enter key to make the data field blink and press INC or DEC for morethan 3 seconds to load the data.

Start
Enter

Choose the data number you want to call back. The data
you want to call back will be displayed.
Start
Enter '> 3 seconds'

Loading the data.

Various information in the program
You can inquire various information on the LCD screen during the charging anddischarging process. Press Dec key, the charger will display users' setting. You
can press Inc key to monitor voltage of each cell while the battery’s balance leadis connected to the charger.

It comes to the final voltage when the program ended.
Displayed capacity cut-off function is turn on and the setting
value of capacity.
Displayed safety timer is turn on and duration of time inminutes.
Displayed temperature cut-off function is turn on.

The external temperature is displayed when the temperatureprobe is used.
Present input voltage.
The battery is connected with balance lead, you can checkvoltage of each cell in the battery pack.
C5:4.18 C6:4.15V
C7:0.00 C8:0.00V

24

WARNING AND ERROR MESSAGE
iMAX B6 Duo incorporates a various functions of protective and monitoring thesystem to verify functions and the state of its electronics. In any case of occurring
error, the screen displays the cause of error that is self-explanatory with audible
sound.
Incorrect polarity connected.

Battery connection is interrupted.

Short-circuit of the output termination.
Input voltage wrong.

The voltage of the battery pack has been selected incorrectly!

The charger has malfunctioned for some reason. Seek
professional advice.
The voltage is lower than which is set. Please check the number ofcells in the battery pack.

The voltage is higher than which is set. Please check the number ofcells in the battery pack.

Voltage of one cell in the battery pack is too low, please check thevoltage of each cell.
Voltage of one cell in the battery pack is too high; please check thevoltage of each cell.
Wrong connection of the connector detected; please check theconnector and cable.

The internal temperature of the unit goes too high. Cool down the unit.
The processor cannot control the feeding current, please repair it.

25

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIESDC Power Supply
500W

Temperature
Sensor Cable

EH Adaptor

XH Adaptor

TP/FP Adaptor

HP/PQ Adaptor

Tamiya charging
cable

TRAXXAS charging
cable

Glow charging cable

Bullet charging cable EC3 charging cable

Dean charging cable

JST/BEC charging
cable

Futaba RX
charging cable

26

Crocodile clip
charging cableCONFORMITY DECLARATIONIMAX B6 Duo satisfy all relevant and mandatory EC directives and FCC Part 15
Subpart B: 2008.
For EC directives:
The product has been tested to meet the following technical standards:

This symbol means that you must dispose of electrical from theGeneral household waste when it reaches the end of its useful life.
Take your charger to your local waste collection point or recycling centre.
This applies to all countries of the European Union, and to other European
countries with a separate waste collection system.

27

MAXIMUM CIRCUIT POWER CHART
Maximum circuit power chart (Output 1 & 2)
The actual amount of charge current feeding to the battery is automatically belimited to 200 Watts each, so not to exceed the charger's maximum rated charging
power. The maximum discharge power is approximately 25 Watts. The discharge
current delivered to the charger is limited by charger's internal thermal sensor for
maximum discharge current. If the internal temperature over 80 Celsius, thecharger will be cut off and "TEMP OVER ERR" will show on the LCD. In this case,please decrease discharge current. Please refer following chart for maximum
charging/discharging current.

Battery
Type

28

MAXIMUM CIRCUIT POWER CHART
BatteryType

Specification
Operating voltage range
Circuit power

DC 11.0~18.0 Volt
Max. Charge power 2x200Watts
Max. Discharge power 2x25Watts

Charge current range
Discharge current range
Current drain for balancing Li-Po/Ion/Fe
Li-ion/Fe/Polymer cell count
NiCd/NiMH battery cell countPb battery voltage
Net weight
Dimension

0.1~10.0A
0.1~5.0A
200mA/cell
1~6cells
1~18cells
2V~24V727g
200x135x57mm

Liability exclusion
This charger is designed and approved exclusively for use with the types of battery
stated in these Instruction Manual. SkyRC accepts no liability of any kind if thecharger is used for any purpose other than that stated.
We are unable to ensure that you follow the instructions supplied with the charger,
and we have no control over the methods you employ for using, operating andmaintaining the device. For this reason we are obliged to deny all liability for loss,
damage or costs which are incurred due to the incompetent or incorrect use andoperation of our products, or which are connected with such operation in any way.
Unless otherwise prescribed by law, our obligation to pay compensation,
regardless of the legal argument employed, is limited to the invoice value of those
SkyRC products which were immediately and directly involved in the event in which
the damage occurred.

29

COMMONLY USED TERMS
Commonly used terms
Final charge voltage: the voltage at which the battery's charge limit (capacity limit)
is reached. The charge process switches from a high current to a low maintenance
rate (trickle charge) at this point. From this point on further high current charging
would cause overheating and eventual terminal damage to the pack.
Final discharge voltage: the voltage at which the battery's discharge limit isreached. The chemical composition of the batteries determines the level of thisvoltage. Below this voltage the battery enters the deep discharge zone. Individual
cells within the pack may become reverse polarised in this condition, and this cancause permanent damage.
A, mA: unit of measurement relating to charge or dis-charge current.
1000 mA = 1 A (A=Ampere,mA=Milliampere)Ah, mAh: unit of measurement for the capacity of a battery (Amperes x time unit;h = hour). If a pack is charged for one hour at a current of 2 A, it has been fed 2 Ahof energy. It receives the same quantity of charge (2 Ah) if it is charged for 4 hours
at 0.5 A, or 15 minutes (=1/4 h) at 8 A.
'C'-rating: Capacity is also referred to as the 'C' rating. Some battery suppliers
recommend charge and discharge currents based on the battery '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, anda 3C current value of (3 x 600mA) 1800mA or 1.8A. The 1C current value for a
3200mAh battery would be 3200mA (3.2A).
Nominal voltage(V): The nominal voltage of the battery pack can be determined
as follows;-.NiCd or NiMH: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 1.2. A 8-cell pack
will have a nominal voltage of 9.6 volts (8x1.2).
-.LiPo: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.7. A 3-cell LiPo wired inseries will have a nominal voltage of 11.1 volts (3x3.7).
-.LiIo: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.6. A 2-cell LiIo wired inseries will have a nominal voltage of 7.2 volts (2x3.6).
-.LiFe: multiply the total number of cells in the pack by 3.3. A 4-cell LiIo wired inseries will have a nominal voltage of 13.2 volts (4x3.3).
If the nominal voltage of the battery is not printed on the battery's label, consult
your battery manufacturer or supplier. Do not guess the rated voltage of battery.

Warranty and service
We guarantee this product to be free of manufacturing and assembly defects for aperiod of one year from the time of purchase. The warranty only applies to material
or operational defects, which are present at t he time of purchase. During that
period, we will repair or replace free of service charge for products deemed
defective due to those causes.
You will be required to produce proof of purchase (invoice or receipt). This
warranty is not valid for any damage or subsequent damage arising as a resultof misuse, modification or as a result of failure to observe the procedures outlinedin this manual.

30

Manufactured by
SKYRC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
www.skyrc.com
All specifications and figures are subject to change without notice.
Printed in China
2010