Automatic charging and engine-start assist device with a segmented LCD indicator for general-purpose, automotive, starter, and traction batteries. Compatible chemistries: lead-acid WET, EFB, AGM, GEL; alkaline Ni-Cd, Ni-MH; lithium Li-pol, Li-ion, LTO, LFP.

Vympel-57 — automatic charger and starting aid with an LCD indicator for general-purpose, automotive, starter, and traction batteries. Supported chemistries: WET, EFB, AGM, GEL lead-acid; Ni-Cd, Ni-MH alkaline; Li-pol, Li-ion, LTO, LFP lithium.

WARNING! Before operating the Vympel-57 charger, carefully study the requirements of this manual.

WARNING! Explosive gases. Keep away from flame and sparks. During charging, the battery may emit explosive gases; therefore, any connection that may cause sparking and the charging of batteries must be performed in a well-ventilated area. Ensure adequate ventilation!

WARNING! Follow the prescribed connection sequence for the charger (CU) to the battery (BAT). GOST IEC 60335-2-29-2012, cl. 7.12

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE CONNECTION SEQUENCE MAY LEAD TO AN EXPLOSION OF GASES EMITTED BY THE BATTERY.

1. Make sure the CU is not connected to the 220 V mains.

2. Connect the CU clamp with red marking to the (+) battery terminal.

3. Connect the CU clamp with black marking to the (?) battery terminal.

4. After verifying that the LCD (liquid crystal display) shows the battery terminal voltage (to power the LCD, the terminals must have 8.5 V or higher), rotate the adjustment knobs to set the charging voltage and current according to the type and capacity of the charged battery.

5. Connect the CU to the 220 V mains.

WARNING! The device is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lacking experience and knowledge, unless supervised or instructed regarding the use of the device by a person responsible for their safety. Children must be supervised to prevent playing with the device.

1. PURPOSE

The primary purpose of the Vympel-57 charger (CU) is to charge starter automotive lead-acid batteries (BAT), traction, marine, and other batteries of various capacities, including fully discharged ones (down to zero), both in fully automatic and non-automatic modes with manual adjustment of the charging current. Supported types:

In automatic mode, the charger controls and limits the voltage at the charged battery, preventing intensive gas evolution (boiling) and overcharge. Therefore, the Vympel-57 can be used to charge modern maintenance-free batteries and does not require disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system.

The CU may also be used in non-automatic mode to charge batteries of any electrochemical system whose maximum end-of-charge voltage is below 18 V. When the CU monitors the charging voltage and the voltage reaches 18 V, it reduces the charging current.

The CU allows adjustment of charging current and voltage for various battery types.

In addition, the Vympel-57 can be used as a multi-purpose DC power source for automotive equipment, power tools, halogen lamps, and other devices and instruments.

2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

3. VYMPEL-57 CONSTRUCTION

The CU is housed in a plastic enclosure with ventilation louvers.

Located on the front panel:

1 — Segmented LCD indicator

2 — Charging current control knob

3 — Charging voltage control knob

The mains cord and output leads with clamps are stored in the rear compartment of the enclosure.

The electronic circuit of the charger is a high-voltage, high-frequency converter with pulse-width modulation (PWM) and a control circuit that includes two feedback loops for output current and voltage. This topology provides high efficiency across a wide input-voltage range, nearly ideal output characteristics in current-source and voltage-source modes, reliable galvanic isolation, and excellent specific mass-dimensional and power characteristics.

A digital LCD indicator is used to display the charging current. To protect the power section from overheating, a micro-fan and an output-current limiting circuit are employed. This circuit automatically reduces the output current when the internal temperature exceeds the norm. In this state, manual current adjustment cannot set a value higher than that imposed by the limiting circuit. Once normal temperature is restored, the manual adjustment range returns to normal.

The CU includes reverse-polarity protection implemented within the internal electronic circuitry.

4. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Before operating the CU, study this manual as well as the battery maintenance and operation rules. Before connecting the device to the mains, ensure the insulation of the mains cord is intact (no damage). Prevent chemically active liquids (gasoline, acid, etc.) and water from contacting the charger housing and mains cord. During charging, the battery must be placed in a well-ventilated area. The gases and acid aerosol emitted by the battery must not reach the CU and cables.

WARNING! Although the CU does not require user intervention during charging, do not leave a connected CU unattended, as with any complex equipment, especially when powered by a garage electrical network.

5. FUNCTIONAL CHECK

Remove the leads. Ensure the product housing has no mechanical damage and the cable insulation is intact.

To check CU operation without a battery, connect it to the AC mains. The output terminals must be open.

By rotating the voltage control, verify that the output voltage is adjustable. Set the output voltage to 5–12 V.

Verify that the LCD shows voltage and charging current values. With open terminals, the current must be zero.

Set the current control to the far left position (minimum current). Short the output clamps together or, for clarity, connect a 55–110 W automotive incandescent lamp. Rotate the current control to the right and, observing the ammeter reading and lamp brightness, confirm that the current is adjustable and the lamp brightness changes accordingly.

WARNING! The micro-fan switches on automatically when the internal temperature rises and/or when current exceeds 11 A.
In short-circuit mode (output terminals shorted), a slight hum or noise is possible.

6. OPERATING PROCEDURE

6.1 CHARGING IN AUTOMATIC MODE

6.1.1 Setting voltage and current

(The Vympel-57 automatic charger must be disconnected from the battery.)

1. Connect the CU to the AC mains.

2. Change the position of the voltage selector to set the voltage in accordance with the table or the battery datasheet.

REVIEW THE MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE END-OF-CHARGE VOLTAGE IN THE BATTERY DATASHEET.

Float voltage (buffer mode):

6-volt lead-acid batteries ................................. 6.8–6.9 V
12-volt lead-acid batteries .......................... 13.4–13.8 V

Charging voltage in non-automatic (manual) mode:

12-volt lead-acid batteries .......................... 13.4–13.8 V
12-volt lead-acid batteries ............................. 15.5–18 V

3. Current setting (interval I on the graph). Short the output clamps together. Set the current matching the type and capacity of the battery being charged by rotating the current control. (General recommendation: 0.1 of the battery capacity.)

4. Disconnect the device from the mains.

6.1.2 Connecting to the battery and charging

Failure to follow the connection sequence may lead to an explosion of gases emitted by the battery. Connect and disconnect the CU in accordance with GOST IEC 60335-2-29-2012, cl. 7.12 — “Connect the battery terminal not bonded to the chassis to the charger first; make the other connection to the chassis away from the battery and fuel line; then connect the battery charger to the mains supply. After charging, disconnect the charger from the mains; then disconnect the charger from the chassis; then from the battery.”

Explanation: Connecting the second clamp is always accompanied by a small spark, since a capacitor is present at the CU output that charges from the battery at the moment the second clamp is attached. To prevent ignition of an explosive mixture of battery gases or flammable fuel-oil vapors by the spark, the connection is recommended away from fuel lines and the battery. If the second clamp is connected directly to the negative battery terminal, use ventilation (airflow, draft, etc.) to disperse the gas cloud from the negative terminal.

1. Connect the CU clamp with red marking to the (+) battery terminal.

2. Connect the CU clamp with black marking to the (?) battery terminal.

3. Connect the CU to the AC mains. The CU will start charging the battery in automatic mode.

CU operating graph during charging of lead-acid batteries in automatic mode

Time intervals of operation stages:
I — connection, setting the charging current;
II — charging process;
III — final stage of charging;
IV — buffer mode

Note: The time intervals on the graph are schematic.

4. Charging in automatic mode (interval II on the graph) at the current set by the control knob. When the battery reaches the set voltage, the current decreases automatically. The current control will not allow a value higher than that defined by the automation circuit.

Current reduction (interval III on the graph). The beginning of current taper indicates that the battery is reaching a full charge. Completing the charge may require from half an hour to several hours depending on the battery type, capacity, and technical condition.

Buffer mode (interval IV on the graph). During the finishing stage, the CU switches to buffer mode, in which battery self-discharge is compensated by the required charging current.

Spontaneous current reduction at the beginning of charging may indicate sulfation of the battery plates. By reducing current, the CU automatically enters a battery desulfation mode. Depending on the degree of plate degradation, desulfation may take from several minutes to several hours. During desulfation, current will gradually and automatically increase to the value set by the control.

The duration of buffer-mode operation is not limited; moreover, it is beneficial for used batteries since, after several dozen hours, most batteries improve and restore their key characteristics — internal resistance and capacity.

5. Upon completion, disconnect the CU from the mains and remove the clamps. It is recommended to wipe the clamps and leads with a damp cloth and then a dry cloth to remove electrolyte residues. Afterward, lubricate the clamps with any automotive grease to protect against corrosion.

6.2 CHARGING IN NON-AUTOMATIC (MANUAL) MODE

Charging in non-automatic mode differs in that the voltage at which the charging current begins to decrease is set deliberately higher than the maximum permissible end-of-charge voltage for the specific battery. Therefore, the state of charge must be monitored manually by commonly accepted methods (by voltage, by time and current, by electrolyte density, etc.), and charging should be terminated in a timely manner.

6.3 USING THE VYMPEL-57 AS A MULTI-PURPOSE POWER SUPPLY

The Vympel-57 is a stabilized DC voltage source with current limiting (current stabilization). It can therefore power any loads requiring 7.4–18 V, provided the total load current is less than the value set by the current control. In case of overload or accidental short of the output leads, the CU will switch to current-stabilization mode.

6.4 USING THE VYMPEL-57 AS A STARTING AID

To facilitate engine start, connect the CU to the battery (see section 6.1 Charging in automatic mode) and set the current control to maximum. Thus, revive the battery for 5–30 minutes and then, without disconnecting the CU, start the engine. A battery revived by pre-start charging can deliver significantly higher current in the first seconds of starter operation. This eases the initial rotation of viscous oil, ensures good mixture formation and spark (or ignition in a diesel), often eliminating the need for an expensive booster pack, while reducing cranking time and battery load, extending its service life.

If unsuccessful, repeat the procedure. To increase starting current, several CUs may be connected in parallel.

The CU operating time in any of the above modes is not limited.

7. INFORMATION DISPLAY

7.1 WELCOME SCREEN

When connected to the 220 V mains, the device briefly displays the CU model number and firmware version.

7.2 PARAMETER DISPLAY

The screen shows the current and voltage values.

Screens switch in a loop at short intervals.

7.3 STATISTICS DISPLAY

The screen shows charge time, ampere-hours delivered to the battery, and percent state of charge.

The percent value is based on an estimation algorithm and allows an approximate assessment of the time to full charge.

7.4 SETTING DISPLAY

When the voltage and/or current control knobs are adjusted, the screen displays “SETUP”, and the parameter being set flashes for several seconds.

Transition to this screen occurs immediately when the current/voltage control is changed.

The CU operating time in any of the listed modes is unlimited.

8. PRECISE VOLTAGE ADJUSTMENT

1. Set the device to no-load operation (output clamps disconnected).

2. Make a preliminary voltage setting.

3. Wait until the flashing of the set value stops and the “SETUP” label disappears.

4. Slowly turn the voltage control knob to change the voltage value.

9. PRECISE CURRENT ADJUSTMENT

1. Set the device to short-circuit mode (output clamps connected together).

2. Make a preliminary current setting.

3. Wait until the flashing of the set value stops and the “SETUP” label disappears.

potentiometer (current trim control)">

4. Gently rotate the potentiometer (current control) to change the current value.

10. CHARGE COMPLETION

WARNING! The “CHARGE COMPLETE” message on the charger screen is advisory.

The message may appear in the following cases:
• The battery is ready for operation
• The battery is not connected to the charger (e.g., poor clamp contact on oxidized terminals)
• The charge parameters do not match the battery type
• The battery is sulfated or faulty

The CU’s electronic circuit monitors voltage and current during charging. If the voltage at the CU clamps has stabilized and the current does not exceed 10% of the value set at the start of charging, the CU considers the battery charged.

The screen will show “CHARGE COMPLETE”.

11. OVERHEAT PROTECTION

To protect the power section from overheating, an output current-limiting circuit is used.

This circuit automatically reduces output current when the internal temperature exceeds the threshold. The screen will flash the "t°C" label and an alarm icon. After the internal temperature decreases, the source will return to normal operation.

12. REVERSE-POLARITY PROTECTION

The Vympel-57 charger has electronic reverse-polarity protection. In the event of incorrect connection, the CU disconnects from the battery; when connected correctly, operation is restored automatically.

13. DIGITAL VOLTMETER

The Vympel-57 can be used as a digital voltmeter.

To do this, connect the CU clamps to the battery terminals, observing polarity: red to (+), black to (?).

Voltmeter measurement range: 8.5–23 V, accuracy ± 0.1 V

WARNING! In “VOLTMETER” mode, the device must be disconnected from the 220 V mains. Connecting the mains automatically switches the CU to charging mode.

14. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

During prolonged operation of the CU, it is recommended to perform the following maintenance periodically:

1. Remove corrosion and lubricate the crocodile clamps.
2. Blow out the ventilation louvers to remove dust.
3. Check the integrity of the mains cord insulation.

Standard service life of the CU — 5 years.

The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the device design and output characteristics.

15. WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS

The product complies with regulatory requirements: GOST IEC 60335-2-29-2012; GOST 30805.14.1-2013; GOST 30805.14.2-2013; GOST 30804.3.2-2013; GOST 30804.3.3-2013 and holds the EAEU Customs Union Certificate of Conformity KG 417/KLIA.027.RU.02.00172 dated 24.06.22.

The warranty period is 12 months from the date of sale.

Claims regarding device performance are not accepted and warranty repair is not provided if:
no warranty card is available
mechanical damage to the device is present
factory seal integrity is violated
malfunction is due to improper operation
the product appearance is not preserved, contamination or other traces of external impacts are present

In case of malfunction, subject to compliance with all requirements, warranty repair (replacement) is performed at the place of purchase. Post-warranty repair is carried out at: 192283, Saint Petersburg, Zagrebsky Boulevard, building 33, lit. “A”.