4 | OPERATION |
4.1. Charging the Battery | |
Note: If a DC output adapter is used, connect the adapter to the charger output | |
connector prior to supplying AC power to the charger. | |
4.1.1 Ensure that the charger is either unplugged from AC power or is in | |
standby mode. | |
4.1.2 Connect the charger output connector to the vehicle/battery connector. |
4.1.3 Plug the AC line cord into a nearby outlet. Turn on wall switch (if used). The yellow light will illuminate to indicate that AC power is present. After several seconds the green light will flash to indicate that charging is in process. If no lights are illuminated, or if the yellow light flashes, refer to the Troubleshooting section. Charge time may vary from less than 1 hour to 10 hours.
4.1.4 When charging is complete both the yellow and green lights will remain on and the charger will be in standby mode. The charger is now ready to be disconnected from AC power or from the battery. Note: if the charger is disconnected from the battery and connected to another battery with out removing AC power it resets itself over a three minute period. During this reset, the yellow light will flash briefly and the charger will return to standby mode prior to beginning a charge cycle.
4.2. Programming the Charger
The Model 1604 or 1608 charger has a number of parameters that can be programmed by the user, using a Curtis 1311 handheld programmer. These programming variables allow the charger's performance characteristics to fit the needs of the individual application. To use the 1311 refer to the 1311 instruction manual, Curtis P/N 53028.
While programming can be performed when the charger is connected to the batteries or when charging, it is recommended that the charger be disconnected from power and from the batteries prior to commencing programming. Connecting the programmer to the charger while charging will result in the immediate termination of the charge cycle. The charger will remain in standby as long as the programmer is connected.
There are two Program menu options - Basic Settings and Top Off Settings.
There are four options under the Basic Settings. They are described in the following order. They are listed in the text by the names that appear on the programmer's Program Menu: (bold text indicates default settings)
-Constant Voltage
-Amp hour Capacity
-End of Charge Mode
-Fan Modulation
Constant Voltage (CV, see figures 1, 2, 3 and 4)
Constant voltage defines the battery voltage at which point the charger changes from constant current mode to constant voltage mode. Three Constant Voltage set- points are available:
Option | Setpoint (VDC) | Battery Chemistry | |
| 12VDC charger | 24VDC charger |
|
1 | 14.0 | 28.0 | Gel |
2 | 14.3 | 28.6 | AGM, Gel, SLA, VRLA |
3 | 14.6 | 29.2 | special applications as required by the |
|
|
| battery manufacturer |
Curtis 1604/08 Manual | page 5 |
