Battery Care

The lapcom VX2000All series uses a very robust battery system  Twicel Nickel Metal Hydrate technology developed by Sanyo.
The intention in utilising rechargeable batteries is to reduce the running costs of the end user.

The V20/100 All series, self cycles the batteries to insure a longer life and further insure that when entering competition the batteries have a full charge. This features fully discharges the batteries, when the unit is not in use, this requires some understanding on the part of the user, with procedures to insure trouble free operation.

The Lapcom charging system is a two stage process controlled by the microprocessor in the gauge.
a/ Fast charge cycle
b/ Trickle charge cycle

In the user manual you are advised to charge the gauge for the first time for a period of 15 hours.
This is a very important step as the battery is shipped and stored in a fully discharged state.
If this is not followed, the batteries can develop a memory that will cause subsequent charging cycles to fail, reducing the discharge current versus time (Reducing running time).

In most instances the memory condition can be overcome by following this procedure.
1/ Charge gauge for 15 Hours
2/ Leaving gauge turned on, allow to fully discharge to where the display is off.
3/ Charge gauge for further 15 Hours.
4/ Repeat this procedure for a second time
5/ After recharging gauge for the third time, discharge the gauge, this time by monitoring the time taken for the gauge to fully discharge, This should be greater then 7 hours. Allow the gauge to fully discharge and store.
Remember to fully charge for 15 hours prior to use.
I stress that charging at 15 hours cycle is critical, don’t charge for more or less then 15 hours and only if the if the gauge is in a fully discharged state.

In normal operation on race day, should the unit require charging, a quick charge (Up to when the red light goes off) will provide sufficient energy for the remainder of the day. how ever if this is used too often the battery will develop a memory and the discharge time will be reduced. Thus insure that the unit is fully cycled and charged per the above instructions.
Should the discharge time not be greater then  7 hours then the battery is permanently damaged, the the unit should be returned to us for service.
We can some times recover the batteries with removal of the batteries and utilising battery rejuvenator. If this fails
we have to fit new cells.