RF80-K AIRCRAFT BATTERY CHARGER/ANALYZER

The RF80-K Aircraft Battery Charger/Analyzer charges all commonly used types of aircraft batteries such as nickel-cadmium, vented lead acid and sealed lead acid. This sophisticated instrument also analyzes batteries to determine their condition, or useful power capacity. The RF80-K has many user-friendly features, including automatic operation, digital timers and displays, a well organized front panel and simple, accessible controls.

Key Features: • Constant Current/Constant Potential Charge • Dual Charge (Constant Current) • Unique ReFLEX Charging Technique • Exclusive DigiFLEX Analysis • Reconditions NiCd Batteries

CHARGER FUNCTION

The Charger function of the RF80-K is capable of providing the charge method recommended by aircraft battery manufacturers or battery maintenance specialists.

ReFLEX®
ReFLEX charging is customarily used for NiCd batteries with 11, 19, 20 or 22 cells. This exclusive Christie process permits charging batteries in as little as one hour, and also reconditions batteries while they are charging.

Constant Current
In the constant current mode, the Charger/Analyzer can be used to charge NiCd batteries with up to 24 cells, as well as charging individual cells or groups of cells. This method is also recommended for some lead acid batteries. The charging rate and time in the constant current mode are adjustable.

Two Step Constant Current
As an alternative charge method, the Charger/Analyzer can provide a high charge rate for a certain period of time, then drop to a lower charge rate for an equal charge period.

Constant Potential
For vented or sealed lead acid batteries, constant potential charging is available. The Charger/Analyzer can accommodate 6, 12, 24 and 28 volt batteries

Negative Slope Sensing
When charging causes the temperature of NiCd batteries to rise, the voltage of the batteries diminishes, which can result in further heating. As a safety feature, the Charger/Analyzer employs negative slope sensing of the charge curve to detect overcharging, and halt a potential thermal runaway situation of the battery.

ANALYZER FUNCTION

The Analyzer function of the RF80-K permits complete aircraft battery analysis automatically, with a charge-discharge-recharge cycle that can be programmed to match the characteristics of each battery type. The battery condition is evaluated by a "GO / NO-GO" indication. The actual amp-hour capacity can be determined using the elapsed time and discharge rate

Short, Long and Deep Cycles
The Charger/Analyzer permits analysis of a battery based on criteria established by the operator. In the Short Cycle, the battery is discharged for a preprogrammed period. If the battery drops below a minimum acceptable voltage level before the end of the preprogrammed period, the red "Battery Reject" light illuminates. In the Long Cycle, the battery voltage is brought to approximately one volt per cell. In this mode, the exact amp-hour capacity of the battery can be determined. TO recondition or store NiCd batteries, a deep discharge mode is available.

Optional Wait State
To enhance battery life, the Charger/Analyzer can be programmed to introduce a Wait State after the discharge portion of the analysis, allowing the battery to cool before automatic recharge takes place.

METERING FUNCTION

The Metering function of the RF80-K allows the value of the parameter selected by the Meter Switch to be displayed for operator convenience on a single digital panel meter.

Voltage/Current Monitoring
The Charger/Analyzer permits the voltage or current of the battery undergoing processing to be monitored at any point in the process, from initial adjustment of the charge or discharge current through completion of the charge, discharge or recharge stages.

Cell-by-Cell Testing
Front panel jacks allow a pair of test probes to be connected to the Charger/Analyzer. When the Meter Switch is in the "Cell Volts" position, the probes can be used to check the voltages of individual battery cells or groups of cells. A typical application for this capability is cell balance or gas barrier checking during charge.

CONTROLS & INDICATORS All controls and indicators for the RF80-K Charger/Analyzer are conveniently located on the instrument's front panel. To facilitate use of the RF80-K, the operating controls and displays are located generally in three functional groupings. The left third of the front panel relates to the Charger function; the central third to the Analyzer function; and the right third to the Metering function. The Mode Switch, between the charge and analyze sections, allows the process to be selected. The charge method is chosen by a switch in the lower part of the Metering sector.

ReFLEX CHARGING TECHNIQUE

Unique Method
ReFLEX charging was developed by Christie specifically for charging NiCd batteries. This uniquely advantageous charging method employs positive current pulses alternated with negative current discharge pulses.

Reconditions NiCd Batteries
For vented NiCd batteries, the type most commonly used for aircraft starting, ReFLEX charging has an important reconditioning effect, by preventing the formation of gasses across the plat area and restoring the crystalline structure of the cadmium anode. Among the benefits are accelerated charge times, more efficient charging, lower charge temperatures, elimination of "memory effect", improvement in cell balance and significant increase in cycle life.

DigiFLEX Analysis
The ReFLEX charging waveform includes a negative discharge component. The RF80-K incorporates a special circuit called DigiFLEX which measures the battery condition during the charge cycle. This circuit presents information on a "trend bar" type of display. A series of luminescent bars shows the relative battery state of charge and condition of health.

STANDARD ACCESSORIES

The RF80-K comes standard with the following accessories: Battery Cable Assembly - connects battery being charged or analyzed to RF80-K with Elcon connector; Cell-Scanning Probe Set - test probes for manually checking cell voltages