NOVAK DIGI-PEAK Operating Instructions
NOVAK ELECTRONICS, INC.
18910 Teller Avenue
Irvine, CA 92612
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The DIGI-PEAK and DIGI-PEAK PLUS chargers are constant-current chargers designed to
charge 4 to 8 cell nickel-cadmium battery packs from a 10 to 18 volt DC power source.
The DIGI-PEAK chargers feature 10-bit Digital Peak-Detection Circuitry™ with automatic
shut-off. Three different charging modes allow you to fine-tune the charging. PULSE Mode
with 0 to 10 amps, LINEAR Mode with 0 to 5.0 amps, and TRICKLE Mode with 0 to 300
milliamps linear trickle charge. A built-in LCD meter on the DIGI-PEAK PLUS, and output
jacks for an external voltmeter on the DIGI-PEAK, let you monitor battery pack voltage.
DIGI-PEAK chargers are equipped with Solid State RVP™, thermal overload protection, and
heat sink temperature sensing auto-fan circuitry to control the optional cooling fan Kit #5635.
SPECIFICATIONS
Charging Capacity
4 to 8 cells
(1.2 volts DC/cell)
Peak Detection
10 bit digital
PULSE Mode Charging Rate
0 to 10 amps
(adjustable,
±
10%)
LINEAR Mode Charging Rate
0 to 5 amps
(adjustable,
±
10%)
TRICKLE Mode Rate
(Linear only)
0 to 300 milliamps
(adjustable,
±
10%)
Power Source Input
10 to 18 volts DC
Lock-Out Time
100 seconds
Reverse Voltage Protection
Solid State RVP™
(Input and Output)
Overload Protection
Thermal
Size
(Width x Depth x Height)
4.00" x 7.10" x 2.72"
Input Connector
(Source)
Associated
(6 ft zip cord w/alligator clips)
Output Connector
(Battery)
Alligator Clips
(12 inch)
INTRODUCING THE DIGI-PEAK
Refer to the back page for more information.
STEP 1
CONNECT INPUT
• Connect the input alligator clips on the back of
the charger to a 10 to 18 volt DC power source.
DIGI-PEAK SET-UP
POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS
As a general rule, the voltage of the input power source should be 1.5 volts DC above the
peak-voltage of the battery pack you are charging.
Example: (8 cell transmitter pack peak-voltage* = 13.5 volts) + (1.5 volts) = 15 volts DC
*Older battery packs will peak at higher voltages–Do not exceed 18 volts DC input voltage
ACCEPTABLE POWER SUPPLIES
UNACCEPTABLE POWER SUPPLIES
Car Battery
12 volts DC
Automotive Battery Charger
Power Supply
10 to 18 volts DC
SELECTING CHARGE MODE & RATE
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
The following precautions will help to prevent possible damage to the charger, battery pack,
and the input power source.
• Charge only nickel-cadmium rechargeable battery packs. Nickel-cadmium batteries can
become damaged if the charging current used is too high. Maximum charging rates can
be obtained from the battery manufacturer. Do not trickle charge at a rate higher than
20% of the cell's rated mAh capacity for longer than two hours.
• Never allow water, moisture, or other foreign materials to enter the charger.
• Automobile battery chargers should not be used to power the charger. False peaks can
occur, and excessive voltage spikes can damage the charger.
• Do not charge battery packs with less than 4 or more than 8 cells connected in series.
• The heat sink on the back of the charger can get extremely hot during charging. Do not
obstruct or cover the heat sink or cooling fan (if equipped), as this will cause it to over-
heat and shut down. When charging 4-cell packs, the DIGI-PEAK's heat sink will get very
hot. If the heat sink gets too hot, the charger will go into thermal shutdown mode.
• To help cool the heat sink, use the optional Novak Cooling Fan Kit #5635. The charger's
Auto-Fan circuitry only runs the cooling fan when needed.
(Fan cycling on and off is normal)
• Never use an input power source which exceeds 18 volts DC to power the charger.
• Avoid open flames and sparks which may ignite battery gases. Always disconnect the zip
cord from the charger before connecting or disconnecting the alligator clips to a lead-
acid battery. Using a lead-acid battery as a power source generates hydrogen gas and
should only be used in a well ventilated area, as gases built up may ignite if sparks occur.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
ADJUSTING THE CHARGE RATE
LINEAR / PULSE Mode
Selection Switch
Minimum
Maximum
Charge Rate
Adjustment
NOTHING
CHARGES
LIKE A
NOVAK!
The DIGI-PEAK chargers have three adjustable charge modes (LINEAR, PULSE, and TRICKLE)
for charging nickel-cadmium rechargeable battery packs. The following table lists typical
charging rates and recommended charging modes for popular cells used in the remote
control industry. While higher charging rates will peak your cells sooner, use of excessive
charging rates (above those listed below) may damage your batteries.
STEP 3
SELECT THE CHARGING MODE
Determine the proper charging mode from table above. Slide the LINEAR / PULSE
mode select switch to either LINEAR or PULSE. Refer to illustration in Step 4
The charger runs hotter in the more common LINEAR charging mode and may require the
optional Novak Cooling Fan Kit #5635 if overheating occurs. The PULSE mode will allow
higher charging rates and cooler operating temperature, which can be used if the charger
overheats in the LINEAR mode. Please note that charging rates higher than 5 amps may
decrease the number of useful cycles in the life of the battery pack.
TRICKLE CHARGING
Trickle charging is only available in the LINEAR mode and can be used to slow charge the
battery or equalize the cells in the battery pack. When the battery pack is connected and
the charger is in the LINEAR mode, it will automatically begin trickle charging until the
START button is pressed. When the battery pack peaks in the LINEAR mode, the charger
will again automatically trickle charge the pack. If the TRICKLE dial is set to zero, no trickle
charging will take place either before or after the charge cycle.
BATTERY PACK TYPE
CHARGING RATE
CHARGING MODE
SCRC cells
3.0 to 6.0 amps
LINEAR
SCE, P-170, and P-180 cells
2.0 to 3.5 amps
LINEAR
SCR cells
(except Panasonic)
3.0 to 6.0 amps
LINEAR or PULSE
Receiver Battery Pack
(50 mAh)
0.5 amp
LINEAR (Only)
Transmitter Battery Pack
(AA)
0.5 to 1.5 amps
LINEAR
TRICKLE CHARGE
CHARGING RATE
CHARGING MODE
SCRC, SCE, P-170, and P-180 cells
170 milliamps
LINEAR (Only)
SCR cells
140 milliamps
LINEAR (Only)
STEP 4
ADJUST THE CHARGING RATE
Determine the proper charging rate from table above.
Rotate the current adjustment dial that corresponds to
the charging mode used. Refer to illustration below
Use the enclosed screwdriver
or a small flat blade screwdriver
to make this adjustment.
Current dials are
±
10% accurate
Power Supply
CAUTION: Do not connect
to AC power side.
STEP 2
CONNECT OUTPUT
• Connect the output alligator clips on
the front of the charger to a 4 to 8 cell
nickel-cadmium battery pack.
(1.2 volts DC/cell)
Car Battery
Red = Positive
Black = Negative
DIGI-PEAK & DIGI-PEAK PLUS
Part #4400, 4410, 4450, & 4460