Radient RC Ascend User Manual - page 5
SAFE START MENU SYSTEM AND SOFTWARE FEATURES
5
Simple • Capable •
Safe
Although different from the original implementation of Safe Start technology first seen in the Primal charger, the Ascend features the same logic.
The Safe Start menu system is different from any charger you may have used before and thus designed to help you, the user consciously select the
correct charging mode for your batteries to protect both yourself and your equipment, while remaining easy to operate and understand what you are
doing with the charger.
Safe Start Logic:
When the charger is powered on you will be greeted and automatically routed to the area of the software where you can select your desired func-
tion. The default start screen is always the LiFe charge mode. This default provides the simplest menu system that also incorporates the highest
level of safety seen in today’s chargers. Here’s why:
• Due to the charging algorithm used, charging in LiFe charge mode is the safest option of those offered by the Ascend charger as it charges
to the lowest termination voltage. Many batteries will fall out of the voltage limits of that mode if you accidentally try to charge a battery not
designed for it.
• The LiFe mode is a balance only charging mode that requires you to insert a balance plug into one of the ports (or aftermarket universal
adapter board). Since NiXX type batteries do not have a balance plug and thus cannot be connected, as part of the Safe Start system the
charger will not charge these batteries in LiFe mode. If a LiPo battery is by chance at a low enough voltage to be accepted by the charge
mode, it will only receive a partial charge, still a safe result from the opposite alternative
Charge Mode (Charge Rate Calculation Mode):
The Ascend is equipped with two charging modes relative to each battery primary chemistry which allows setting of the charge rate based on either
the capacity of the battery being charged or a user input value (the last value used is remembered for each charge mode for your convenience). We
recommend charging by capacity charge mode as it offers the safest operating conditions. Here’s a description of both options that are available
under the “Options” menu of your charger. This option can be set independently of chemistry (LiXX/NiXX).
• Capacity Mode:
› After selecting a charge mode (LiFe, Li-Ion, LiPo, NiMH/NiCd) from the main menu, you are presented with the screen to set the
battery capacity.
› Enter the “mAh” value printed on your battery pack.
» Minimum value: 100mAh
» Maximum value: 9900mAh
› After entering the battery capacity the charger will calculate the maximum allowable charge current as 1C but. The following confir-
mation screen will display the calculated maximum allowable charge rate. Using common sense calculation (like having an idea of
how much change you should get back from a teller after a cash transaction) make sure this value is not higher than expected. If it
is, go back and double check the entered value for mAh.
› When the charger measures the capacity increase in the battery at the entered value, the charge cycle will automatically stop to
prevent over charging.
• Current Mode:
› After selecting a charge mode (LiFe, Li-Ion, LiPo, NiMH/NiCd) from the main menu, you are presented with the screen to set the
charge current.
› NOTE: See the index in this Owner’s guide for a guide to calculate the charge current based on a battery’s charge C rating
» Minimum value: 0.1A
» Maximum value: 6.0A
» Note: The charger will always try to achieve the desired paremeters that you have entered for charging while taking into
account the attached battery and input power source. However to keep the charger in safe operating limits the maximum
charge current may be reduced as needed.
» A standard 120min safety time is used in current mode. Some high capacity batteries or batteries charged at less than 1C
may take longer than this to complete the charge. Use your discretion to determine if the battery needs to be charged again
before use.
»
WARNING: Always allow batteries to cool completely before re/charging.
CAUTION: It should always be noted that safety timers of any type do not alone prevent over charging, they
are meant to be useful in the most typical charging conditions however they can all be circumvented. For this
reason its is always recommended to never leave your batteries unattended while charging and to monitor their
condition periodically. Disconnect input power and battery immediately if the battery, connector, or charger
becomes hot or changes form (swells, bulges, indents, etc.) during use.