The SkyRC iMAX B6AC V2 can charge and discharge, NiCd, Pb, LiPo, Li-ion, and LiFe batteries with individual cell balancing for up to 6 lithium cells. It features a built-in adapter that can be powered from 100 V to 240 V AC, or it can alternatively be powered via an 11 V to 18 V DC input. With its versatile charging capabilities, PC control software, and advanced features like input power monitoring, delta-peak sensitivity, cyclic charging and discharging, and more, the iMAX B6AC V2 is a great addition to the workbench of any RC, DIY, or robot enthusiast.
Description Specs (0) FAQs (0). Overview The iMAX B6AC V2 is a highly versatile, rapid battery charger, discharger, and balancer from SkyRC. It works with, NiCd, Pb, LiPo, Li-ion, and LiFe batteries, and features an internal independent lithium battery balancer that allows for balance charging and discharging of up to 6 cells. The B6AC has an integrated power adapter that accepts 100 V to 240 V AC (50 Hz to 60 Hz), which makes it compatible with all standard international mains voltages and frequencies, though the included power cable has a three-prong, US-style plug. Alternatively, it can be powered from an 11 V to 18 V DC input (e.g. From a bench-top power supply or a car battery). The charger ships with input power cables, multiple battery connection cables, and a printed (2MB pdf).
The iMAX B6AC V2 is an upgraded version of the that has several new features and is more accurate and more stable. Among its new features are a micro USB connection for interfacing with the SkyRC ChargeMaster PC software and upgrading the firmware, user control over the final battery voltage when charging, a lithium battery meter that lets the user monitor each cell’s voltage, and an internal resistance meter.
In addition, the iMAX B6AC V2 is capable of twice the discharge current of the first version (up to 2A rather than 1A) and has a re-peak mode that lets it automatically peak charge a battery up to three times to ensure the battery is fully charged. SkyRC ChargeMaster software for the iMAX B6AC V2 Balance Charger and Discharger.
I have bought the iMax B8 charger and I'm fairly happy with it but I don't see a thread that specifically gathers all information for the B8 into one place so I'm starting one here. Subjects that I'd like to get input on are: 1 The accuracy issue. In the iMax B6 thread there are data suggesting that, because the voltage sensing resistors used are 1% rather than 0.1% accuracy, this causes a dangerous problem of not having perfectly measured voltages for each cell.
There is a fix for the B6 which involves changing some resistors and this is possible for the B8 but it involves rework of surface mount components and is not for the faint-hearted! I suspect that the importance of this issue may be over-stated but I'm open to looking at objective data. Also I bought mine from Hobby City after they said that new supplies of the charger from the manufacturer would fix issues associated with accuracy. 2 Understanding the Modes. Apart from bad English in the manual, it simply has a missing section on what the LiPO Balance mode does. I'm not sure if the LiPO CHARGE balances while it charges although my observation of the B8's individual cell voltages in this mode seems to indicate that the charger is bringing the cells up to the same voltage.
3 The manual is awful! We should try to get a revised one. 4 PC Software that works with the USB port would be nice to have. Any info on this would be useful.
5 Balancing leads for connecting 2S batteries, 2 x 3S, or 3 x 2S are something I'm already working on. I believe that there ought to be a 2S lead supplied in the box. I'm trying to contact SkyRC to get more info on some of these topics. Feel free to chip in here but please refrain from crass comments like 'should've bought a real one'; this is intended to be a self-help thread for those of us who have this product. I have charged many 3S LiPos in LiPo CHARGE mode with the JST balance connector plugged in and I have monitored the individual cell voltages while charging.
The charger brings each cell up to exactly 4.2 V indicated. I've also tried the LiPo BALANCE mode a few times now, again with the JST balance connector plugged in.
As far as my tests have gone, the LiPo BALANCE mode (that is not mentioned in the manual) seems to do exactly the same as the LiPo CHARGE mode. I sent an email to skyrc yesterday but have had no reply as yet.
Well, I have one coming as of last night. I was looking for a charger with more power than the 50W of the one I am using and the ability to charge LiFePO4 cells (that I don't have yet) and this one seemed too good to be real. Hope that old saying don't come back to haunt me. I was looking at the Mega Power Poseidon-860DS on the Hobby City website and stumbled accross the B8. The big selling point, for me, was that the firmware could be upgraded. As for PC software apparently LogView works with it, which is fine if you speak german. I hope that there is something else that will work with it too.
Well, I have one coming as of last night. I was looking for a charger with more power than the 50W of the one I am using and the ability to charge LiFePO4 cells (that I don't have yet) and this one seemed too good to be real. Hope that old saying don't come back to haunt me. I was looking at the Mega Power Poseidon-860DS on the Hobby City website and stumbled accross the B8. The big selling point, for me, was that the firmware could be upgraded.
As for PC software apparently LogView works with it, which is fine if you speak german. I hope that there is something else that will work with it too. Well still no reply from SkyRC and I have to say that the firmware on the B8 seems flaky at best; there is clearly an issue with the button debounce software as you often have to press the buttons 2 or 3 times for them to work and then you may get 2 presses. It also seems that iMax have moved on to a new improved B8 which may be what we need for improved accuracy? From my perspective, it looks like we've bought an early product that is now left behind by the manufacturers who appear uninterested in providing support of any kind; that doesn't give me a warm feeling about throwing good money after bad.
Well still no reply from SkyRC and I have to say that the firmware on the B8 seems flaky at best; there is clearly an issue with the button debounce software as you often have to press the buttons 2 or 3 times for them to work and then you may get 2 presses. It also seems that iMax have moved on to a new improved B8 which may be what we need for improved accuracy?
From my perspective, it looks like we've bought an early product that is now left behind by the manufacturers who appear uninterested in providing support of any kind; that doesn't give me a warm feeling about throwing good money after bad. I think it is still too early to tell if this is 'really' a improved version of the new B8.But a E-station BC8 is for sure a safe bet for your money but at twice the amount of money.
Description Specs (0) FAQs (0). Overview The iMAX B6AC V2 is a highly versatile, rapid battery charger, discharger, and balancer from SkyRC. It works with, NiCd, Pb, LiPo, Li-ion, and LiFe batteries, and features an internal independent lithium battery balancer that allows for balance charging and discharging of up to 6 cells. The B6AC has an integrated power adapter that accepts 100 V to 240 V AC (50 Hz to 60 Hz), which makes it compatible with all standard international mains voltages and frequencies, though the included power cable has a three-prong, US-style plug. Alternatively, it can be powered from an 11 V to 18 V DC input (e.g. From a bench-top power supply or a car battery).
The charger ships with input power cables, multiple battery connection cables, and a printed (2MB pdf). The iMAX B6AC V2 is an upgraded version of the that has several new features and is more accurate and more stable. Among its new features are a micro USB connection for interfacing with the SkyRC ChargeMaster PC software and upgrading the firmware, user control over the final battery voltage when charging, a lithium battery meter that lets the user monitor each cell’s voltage, and an internal resistance meter. In addition, the iMAX B6AC V2 is capable of twice the discharge current of the first version (up to 2A rather than 1A) and has a re-peak mode that lets it automatically peak charge a battery up to three times to ensure the battery is fully charged.
SkyRC ChargeMaster software for the iMAX B6AC V2 Balance Charger and Discharger.
. INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the B6 LiPro Balance Charger by iMAX.This product is a rapid charger with a high performance microprocessor and specialized operating software. 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. SPECIAL FEATURES SPECIAL FEATURES Optimized operating software B6 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. SPECIAL FEATURES Maximum safety Delta-peak sensitivity: The automatic charge termination program based on the principle 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. SPECIAL FEATURES Cyclic charging/discharging 1 to 5 cyclic and continuous process of chargedischarge or dischargecharge is operable for battery refreshing and Balancing to stimulate the battery’s activity. Output charge lead Input power cable 4mm banana plug 11-18V DC Balance lead sockets LCD screen JST-XH ports.Scroll through the Main Menu.Resume or start charge processes.Stop any charge processes.Confirm an action Alter values See the status of individual cells in balance charge mode. LITHIUM POLYMER BALANCE CHARGE PROGRAM CONNECTION DIAGRAM LITHIUM POLYMER BALANCE CHARGE PROGRAM CONNECTION DIAGRAM This diagram shows the correct way to connect your battery to the B6charger while charging in the balance charge program mode only.
WARNING: Failure to connect as shown in this diagram will damage this charger. The main battery leads must be connected along with the balance lead connector as shown before charging your battery. WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES 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 damagedor at worst it can cause a fire. Never leave the charger unattended when it is connected to its power supply. Marquee faceted font.
If any malfunction is found, TERMINATE THE PROCESS AT ONCE and refer to the operation manual. WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES NiCd/NiMH Voltage level: 1.2V/cell Allowable fast charge current: 1C-2C (depends on the.performance of cell) Discharge voltage cut off level: 0.85V/cell (NiCd), 1.0V/cell(NiMH) Li-ion Voltage level: 3.6V/cell Max. Charge voltage: 4.1V/cell Allowable fast charge current: 1C or less Min. WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES To avoid short circuit between the charge lead always connect the charge cable to the charger first, then connect the battery. Reverse the sequence when disconnecting. Do not connect more than one battery pack to this charger at any one time.
Never attempt to charge or discharge the following types of batteries. WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES Please bear in mind the following points before commencing charging: “ Did you select the appropriate program suitable for the type of battery you are charging? “ Did you set up adequate current for charging or discharging?.
WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES Always refer to the manual by the battery manufacturer pertaining to charging methods, recommended charging current and charging time. Especially, the Lithium battery should be charged according the charging instruction provided by the manufacturer strictly. Attention 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 in series.
WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES Program flow chart Start Start Program Select LiXX Enter Enter LiXX Charge LiXX Balance Lithium Battery Fast Charge Bat. Type Stop LiXX LiXX Discharge Storage Start Enter Program Select NiMH NiMH NiMH Charge NiMH Battery Discharge Cycle ‘Aut/Man’. WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES As default this charger will be set to typical 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 parameter on each screen. If you need to alter the parameter value in the program, press Start/Enter key to make it. WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES The screen shows the nominal voltage of Lithium battery.
There are LiFe LiFe L i F e three kinds of Lithium battery: LiFe(3.3V), Lilo(3.6V) or LiPo(3.7V). 3 V V.Type V.Type 3.3V. WARNING AND SAFETY NOTES There is a 3-pin port on the left of the charger used as USB interface or temperature sensor port.
Imax B6 Lipo Charger
If the screen displays temperature, you can use the optional temperature probe to connect to the surface of the battery. If it is set as the USB port, you can connect the charger to your PC through the optional USB cable to monitor the charging process through optional software.
Safe timer Calculation Safe timer Calculation When charging NiCd or NiMH batteries, divide the capacity by current, then divide the result by 11.9, set this number of minutes as the value for safety timer setting. If the charger stopped at this time threshold, about 140% of the capacity will have been fed into the battery. Charging of Lithium battery Charging of Lithium battery The left side of the first line shows the type of battery you choose.
NiMH Sensitivity L i P o B A L A N C E The value on the left of the second line of the charger is current 2. Charging of Lithium battery The value on the left side of the second lines sets the charge NiCd Sensitivity L i P o F A S T C H G current. The value on the right side of the second lines sets the 2. Fast charging of Lithium battery Fast charging of Lithium battery Charging current will become lower when it progress to the end of charging. A specific CV process will be reduced to end the charging L i P o F A S T C H G 2.
Imax B6 Charger
Storage control of Lithium battery At this screen, you can set up the current and voltage of the battery L i P o S T O R A G E pack. Charging and discharging will make the batteries come to the 2. Voltage balancing and monito ring in the dis charge process Voltage balancing and monito ring in the dis charge process The processor monitors voltage of each cell when the battery packs are during its “storage” and “discharging” process. To achieve this feature, plug each battery to the charger individually. If voltage of any cell is abnormal, B6 will show error message and terminate the program forcibly. Discharge of NiCd/NiMH battery 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. Discharge of NiCd/NiMH battery Set charge current on the left and the final voltage on the right. Range N I M H D I S C H AR G E of the charge current is 0.1-1.0A. Charge/discharge and discharge/charge cycle of NiCd/NiMH battery Charge/discharge and discharge/charge cycle of NiCd/NiMH battery You can set up sequence on the left and the number of cycles on the NiCd Sensitivity N I M H C Y C L E right.
Charging of the Pb battery Charging of the Pb battery Set up the charge current on the left and nominal voltage on the right. P b C H A R G E Range of current is 0.1-5.0A, the voltage should match the battery being 4. Data storage program Data storage program For your convenience, B6 has a data storage and load program.
It can store five battery 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. Load data program Load data program This 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 more than 3 seconds to load the data. P R O G R A M S E L E CT L O A D. Various information in the program E n d V o l ta g It comes to the final voltage when the program ended.
6 v ( 3 s ) C a p a c i t y C u t -O f f 5 0 0 0 m A h S a f e t y. Warning and error information Warning and error information B6 incorporates a variety of functions for the systems to verify processes and the state of the electronics.
In case of an error the screen will display the cause of error and emit an audible sound. Warning and error information The voltage is higher than which is set.
Please check the number of B A T T E R Y CH E C K H I G H V O L T A G E cells in the battery pack. Voltage of one cell in the battery pack is too low, please check the B A T T E R Y V OL T A G E. Warranty and service Warranty and service We guarantee this product to be free of manufacturing and assembly defects for a period 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. All specifications and figures are subject to change without notice. Printed in China 2007.