TC1030 Pro Charger (TCPP9100) Tech Note

Posted: January 9, 2008

This charger has been designed to allow for maximum discharges of up to 30 amps for sub-C size nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) type batteries. Some instances have been reported where the charger suddenly stopped functioning while performing a discharge with the current setting at 30 amps. In a few such cases, repair of the charger has been required.

Discharging at 30 amps forces the charger's transistors to dissipate a great amount of power, largely in the form of heat. Twin fans located inside the charger remove much of this heat. And the charger does include a built-in temperature overload protection function. However, if too much heat is generated to quickly, it could damage some components inside the charger.

The following tips can help to avoid having such a problem:

Prop the charger in a more upright position, to allow heat to dissipate away from the all sides of the charger's heat sink (including the bottom side of the charger).
Use a separate fan to blow air directly through the heat sink located along the back edge of the charger.
Do not place the charger in a location which does not allow for heat to dissipate freely. Do not place other items on the charger. Place the charger in a cool location.
Allow extra time for the charger to cool between successive 30 amp discharges.
An option is included in the "User Setup Menu" to turn on the charger's own fans to run constantly (see page 15 in the user's manual). This can help when the charger is being used for many charge / discharge processes in a relatively short period of time.