How to use SkyRC iMAX B6 Series / LiPo / NiCd Battery Charger
Introducing how to use SkyRC iMAX B6 series, a charger that can be used to charge batteries for various radio-controlled models such as FPV drones / Tiny whoops and electric model guns. Any model of the company's iMAX B6 series (B6 V2 / B6 AC V2 / B6 mini / B6 EVO) can be operated in the same way. For the basic knowledge of LiPo battery, see Drone Battery Knowledge / How to long-lasting and reviving . Also, for more information on micro drones, see Introduction to FPV drone for beginner / How to fly Racing drone .- What is SkyRC iMAX B6 series
- Batteries supported by SkyRC iMAX B6 series
- Introducing SkyRC iMAX B6 AC V2
- Basics of operation method
- Lithium battery charging mode
- Connection with battery
- How to calculate charge current
- Start charging
- End of charging
- Check battery voltage
- Check internal resistance of battery
- Save charging parameters in memory
- Retrieving saved charging parameters from memory
- Check / change system setting values
- Control from PC: How to use Charger Master
- Install Charger Master
- Launch Charger Master
- Charge with Charger Master
- Charger Master setting screen
- Use Program feature of Charger Master
- Charger Master Help screen
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SkyRC iMAX B6 AC V2 50W LiPo LiFe LiIon NiMH NiCd Battery Charger Discharger
SkyRC USD58.99
SKYRC B6AC V2 is the upgraded version for well-known iMAX B6AC. Compared with iMAX B6AC, it is more accurate and stable and also has some new features and functions. Users could set the terminal voltage by themselves and connect it to PC for PC control and firmware upgrade.
What is SkyRC iMAX B6 series
iMAX B6 series are battery charger for radio controll models, compatible with lithium ion, lithium polymer, NiCd, NiMH, lead-acid batteries, etc., made by SkyRC in China, which mainly develops chargers and power supplies for radio controll models. Not only lithium batteries, but also NiCd and NiMH batteries monitor the delta peak and automatically end charging when fully charged. In addition to charging, it is equipped with various functions such as discharging and charging for long-term storage, high-speed charging, and checking battery voltage and internal resistance.First release was in 2007. It is a long-selling product that has been continuously improved since then. You can operate the charger on your computer by connecting with USB cable and using free software "Charger Master" for Windows. You can also control it on your smartphone by connecting with an optional WiFi module and using free app "Charger Master".
iMAX B6 AC V2 introduced here is a model with a built-in AC adapter. Currently in addition, B6 V2 / B6 mini with an external AC adapter and enhanced version B6 EVO are on sale.
The manual for this charger can be downloaded from SkyRC website .
Batteries supported by SkyRC iMAX B6 series
The following types of batteries can be charged.types | Number of cells / voltage |
---|---|
LiPo (Lithium polymer) | 1-6 cells |
LiFe (Lithium ferrite) | 1-6 cells |
LiIon (Lithium ion) | 1-6 cells |
LiHV (Lithium high voltage polymer) | 1-6 cells |
NiMH (Nickel metal hydride) | 1-15 cells |
NiCd (NiCad) | 1-15 cells |
Pb (Lead-acid battery) | 2-20 V |
Introducing SkyRC iMAX B6 AC V2
It has a built-in "Mickey" 3-pin connector for connecting the power cable.
Since dedicated AC adapter is built-in, the charging speed is fast. 4S-300mAh battery can be fully charged in about 12 minutes.
External AC adapter can also be used as a power source. However, if the AC adapter is not capable of supplying a considerably large current, charging will stop due to insufficient power.
The connector labeled "PC LINK" is a microUSB Type-B connector for connecting to a PC, and the connector on the right is for a temperature sensor (sold separately).
Red and black round connectors are banana chip type connectors (4mm) for battery charging. Connect only here for one cell batteries and batteries that do not require balanced charging.
White connectors are JST-XH type for balanced charging. Batteries that require balanced charging connect to both the banana chip connector and this one. Five connectors for 2 cells (3 pins) to 6 cells (7 pins) are lined up. However, only one battery can be charged at the same time.
Basics of operation method
button | function |
---|---|
BATT/PROG Stop | Return to the previous screen. Or specify "Stop" or "Cancel". |
DEC. | Used to switch menus and change setting values (decrease). |
INC. | Used to switch menus and change setting values (increase). |
ENTER Start | Used to "select" or "save" the settings on the screen. Press and hold for 3 seconds or longer to start charging. |
Initially, LiPo battery balanced charging mode is set. The numbers displayed on the screen indicate that charging parameter is a 2-cell series (7.4V) battery with maximum of 2.0A current.
By pressing [Dec.] [Inc.] Button on this screen, you can switch to another charging mode (fast charging, long-term storage charging, discharging, etc.) with the same LiPo battery selected.
Press and hold [ENTER Start] button for 3 seconds or longer to start charging with current screen settings.
Incorrect charging mode or parameter settings can cause battery to ignite or explode. Carefully set the charging mode and parameters correctly.
Lithium battery charging mode
There are four charging modes for lithium battery (LiPo, LiFe, LiIo, LiHV) in this charger.mode | function |
---|---|
Balanced charging (BALANCE CHG) |
Charge batteries consisting of multiple cells while balancing each cell.
Use this mode to charge 2-6 cell batteries.
For an explanation of "cell" and "balance" of battery, see Drone Battery Knowledge / How to long-lasting and reviving . |
Charging (CHARGE) |
Charge without balance. Used to charge one cell batteries. In this case, system setting value Bal. Connection must also be switched off. |
Fast charging (FAST CHARGE) |
Charge faster than usual. It can only be used with batteries that support fast charging. However, the voltage when charging is completed will be lower than normal charging. |
Charging for long-term storage (STORAGE) |
Charging / discharging battery for long-term storage.
You can specify the voltage when charging is completed.
Battery will be charged or discharged until it reaches the specified voltage.
For explanation of long-term battery storage, see Drone Battery Knowledge / How to long-lasting and reviving . |
Discharge (DISCHARGE) |
Discharges an overcharged battery for long-term storage e.t.c.. |
Connection with battery
Connection with multi-cell lithium battery is as shown in this photo. With any simple charger, only white JST-XH connector for balanced charging is connected, but with this charger, another one, the battery output connector, is connected to the charger via a banana chip. If only balanced charging connector is connected, an error will occur and charging will not be possible.
After that, connect output connector of battery to the cable on banana plug side.
Finally, connect white balanced charging connector of battery to the charger.
If you don't have a cable that fits your battery, you'll have to prepare it yourself.
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Battery Charger Adapter Connector Splitter Cab, Leads
szwisechip USD17.99
connectors, Leads for Banana and Tamiya input, output support for EC3, EC5, XT60, Mini Tamiya, JST, JR FUTABA, Alligator clips, T plug, MCX, MCP X, TRX, TX 5.5 X 2.5
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Tenergy Octopus Charging Harness for TB6,TB6B,TB6AC Balance Charger Compatible
Tenergy USD12.99
Combine with a compatible Tenergy balance charger (like TB6, TB6B, TB6AC, or T108) to reduce the number of charging connectors down to one. Tenergy’s charging harness simplifies 7 connectors down to one easy-to-manage harness.
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2 PCS RC Battery Charge Cable XT30 Female Plug to 4mm Bullet Banana Connector 18AWG
UAV USD6.99
XT30 plug Female to 4.0mm Banana connector. Wire Length: 20CM. Wire: 18AWG. Application: RC battery.
How to calculate charge current
Maximum charge current that can be passed from charger to battery is calculated from the battery capacity (mAh) and the charge / discharge capacity (C) of the battery. For example, a battery labeled "2S-300mAh, 30C/60C" can carry a maximum charge current of 0.3 (A) x 30 (C) = 9 (A). And in this case, it takes about 1/30 hours (= 2 minutes) to fully charge. Be sure to charge below this maximum current.Also, when powering charger from AC adapter, pay attention to the maximum output of connected AC adapter. Charge with smaller of the maximum output current of AC adapter and the maximum charging current of battery.
However, if you charge with the maximum current, battery will heat up and deteriorate. It is recommended to charge with a sufficiently lower current with a margin. It depends on the C value of the battery, but it will be safe if you charge it with max 1 to 2A current.
Note: When charging a battery with unknown C value, set charging current of charger assuming C value of 1 or less to avoid dangers such as ignition. For example, when charging a 300mAh battery with an unknown C value, set the charging current to 0.3A or less. In this case, it will take about 1 hour to charge.
For the basic knowledge of LiPo battery, see Drone Battery Knowledge / How to long-lasting and reviving .
Start charging
Even in the case of charging for long-term storage or discharging, screen transition is the same as in the case of normal charging.
"LP2s" indicates charging in LiPo 2 cell mode.
"1.0A" indicates charging current for now. It starts with large value at first and decreases as it approaches full charge.
"8.39V" indicates total output voltage of the battery for now. As it approaches full charge, it gradually increases and decreases and approaches target value.
"BAL" indicates balanced charging is in progress.
"003: 22" indicates elapsed time (minutes: seconds) from the start of charging.
"00065" indicates the amount of charge (mAh) that has been injected into the battery so far with this charge.
You can stop charging by pressing [BATT / PROG Stop] button while charging.
"Fuel" number indicates the charged capacity as a percentage. However, even if it reaches 100%, charging does not end immediately.
"Cell" number indicates the average voltage per cell for the entire battery.
This value can be changed on Charger system setting change screen .
"Ext.Temp" number indicates detection value of external temperature sensor (sold separately).
"Int.Temp" number indicates temperature inside the charger.
End of charging
To remove battery, remove white balance connector first, and then banana plug side battery connector in the reverse order of installation. If you do not continue to charge another battery, it is safe to unplug the charger before removing battery.
Check battery voltage
You can check battery voltage by using a function called BATTERY METER.Press [Dec.] Button on this screen to return to the previous screen.
Press [BATT / PROG Stop] button to exit BATTERY METER and move to upper level menu.
Check internal resistance of battery
You can check internal resistance of battery by using a function called BATTERY RESISTANCE. As battery deteriorates, the internal resistance value increases. By checking internal resistance value on a regular basis, deterioration status can be grasped.Press [Dec.] Button on this screen to return to the previous screen.
Press [BATT / PROG Stop] button to exit BATTERY METER and move to upper level menu.
Save charging parameters in memory
This charger has "memory" function that allows you to store up to 10 different charging parameters and recall them to charge. First, I will explain how to save the charging parameters in the memory.To change the value, press [ENTER Start] button. Then the value blinks, so change the value with [Dec.] or [Inc.] Button. Press [ENTER Start] button again to confirm the value.
Press [Dec.] or [Inc.] Button to advance to the previous / next parameter.
label | meaning | initial value |
---|---|---|
BATT TYPE | Battery type | LiPo |
BATT VOLTS | Battery voltage (number of cells) | 7.4V(2S) |
CHARGE CURRENT | Maximum charging current | 2.0A |
DISCH CURRENT | Current at the time of discharge | 1.0A |
DISCH VOLTAGE |
Target discharge voltage per cell.
If you specify a value lower than the battery specifications, the battery will be over-discharged and will not be usable. Please be careful. |
3.2V/CELL |
TVC (Terminal Voltage) |
Target charging voltage per cell.
If this value is set incorrectly, there is a risk of the battery catching fire or exploding. Only users with sufficient knowledge should make changes. |
4.20V |
If you press [ENTER Start] button here, you can check or change the memory settings again.
Press and hold [ENTER Start] button for 3 seconds or longer to start charging with current screen settings.
Press [BATT / PROG Stop] button to move to upper level menu.
Retrieving saved charging parameters from memory
This charger has a memory function that allows you to store up to 10 different charging parameters and recall them to charge. Here, we will explain how to retrieve the saved charging parameters.If you press [ENTER Start] button here, you can check or change values set in the memory again.
If you press and hold [ENTER Start] button for 3 seconds or longer ...
Press and hold [ENTER Start] button for 3 seconds or longer to start charging with current screen settings.
Press [BATT / PROG Stop] button to move to memory number selection screen.
Check / change system setting values
If you press [Dec.] [Inc.] Buttons here, you can switch to the screen of different system setting values.
To change the value, press [ENTER Start] button. Then the value blinks, so change the value with [Dec.] or [Inc.] Button. Press [ENTER Start] button again to confirm the value.
First parameter displayed is "Safety Timer". This is a feature that limits the maximum charge time to prevent overcharging when the charger does not correctly detect the end of charge of the battery. Initial value is ON (valid), and time is set to 180 minutes. 1 minute to 720 minutes can be specified.
This is a feature that limits the maximum charge amount to prevent overcharging when the charger does not correctly detect the end of charging or when "Safety Timer" does not work for some reason. Initial value is ON (valid), and amount of charge is set to 8000mAh. 100mAh to 50000mAh can be specified.
This is a feature to stop charging when the temperature rises too much while charging the battery. To measure the temperature, you need to attach an optional temperature sensor to the battery. Initial value is ON (valid), and the temperature is set to 50 degrees. 20 ° C (68 ° F) to 80 ° C (176 ° F) can be specified.
Select the unit for temperature display. Initial value is Celsius. You can choose Celsius or Fahrenheit.
With a NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) or NiCd (nickel-cadmium) battery, you can repeat charging and discharging (Cyclic charging) to reduce the memory effect. This is a function that specifies the break time between charging and discharging to avoid overheating of the battery at that time. The initial value is set to 10 minutes. You can specify 1 to 60 minutes.
Specifies the sensitivity of delta peak to determine when NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery is fully charged. Default (4mV / Cell) is set as initial value. 5 to 15 mV / Cell can be specified.
Specifies the sensitivity of delta peak to determine when NiCd (nickel-cadmium) battery is fully charged. Default (4mV / Cell) is set as initial value. 5 to 15 mV / Cell can be specified.
You can specify whether to play beep sound (Key Beep) when buttons are pressed, and beep sound (Buzzer) at the time of various notifications. Both are set to ON by default.
This function stops charging when input voltage to the charger drops below this value. If you are using a battery for input, you can avoid over-discharging that battery. If you are using power from AC outlet, you can ignore it. Initial value is set to 11.0V. 10.0V to 11.0V can be specified.
You can specify whether to use the balance connector (built-in balancer) when charging. The initial value is set to ON (use).
When charging one-cell battery (balance connector is not used), so you need to turn it off. Otherwise, an error will occur if the balance connector is not connected.
Resets the charger parameter settings to factory defaults. Press [ENTER Start] button to initialize.
Shows hardware and firmware version of the charger. Latest firmware for the charger can be downloaded from "Downloads" on each product introduction page on SkyRC website .
Displays serial number of the charger. It alternates with the version screen shown above. However, the serial number displayed here is different from the serial number on the sticker on back of charger body.
Control from PC: How to use Charger Master
Connect iMAX B6 series to your PC with USB cable and control it using free software "Charger Master" for Windows provided by SkyRC.Download Charger Master
You can download a file of about 60MB such as “Charger Master V1.08.rar”. If you unzip this in any folder, you will get an installer of about 63MB such as “charger master V1.08.exe”.
Install Charger Master
Launch Charger Master
There are two types of USB cables: "For data communication" where all terminals are connected, and "For charging" where only power supply terminals are connected. You need to use "For data communication" to operate the charger from PC. Please note that some cables attached to bonus of mobile phone or charger, battery are "For charging".
Charge with Charger Master
Charging parameters are displayed on the left side of the screen. Voltage of each cell of the battery is displayed at the top of the screen. Current supplied to the battery is displayed in a graph at the bottom right of the screen.
Click "Full Screen" button at the top right of the graph to display the graph in full screen.
Click "Fit to View" button at the upper right corner of the graph to adjust the size of the graph to fit the display area. However, the graph is usually displayed to fit, so clicking this will not change the screen.
Similarly, clicking "View" in the "Voltage" column will display a graph of charging voltage, and clicking "View" in the "Temperature" column will display a graph of battery temperature. However, if you are not using an optional thermometer, the temperature graph will always be zero.
Charger Master setting screen
Click "Load from Charger" button to read values set in the charger to PC screen.
Click "Save to Charger" button to write values set on PC screen to the charger.
Click "Factory default" button to reset parameters to factory default values.
Use Program feature of Charger Master
Like the "memory" of the charger itself, Charger Master has the ability to store multiple charging parameters and recall them for charging. This is called "program". Charger Master can store up to 20 types of "program"s.Charger Master Help screen
The text and PDF files displayed here are stored in the Charger Master installation folder.