# Battery Charging

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?ab_channel=InspiredFlightTechnologies&v=eP0poXfNyfY>" %}
Battery Charging and Storage Mode for IF1200 Batteries
{% endembed %}

The IF1200A kit includes a Tattu TA3000 battery charger *60A/3000W* (*Fig. 1*) or a TA1200 for charging the flight batteries. The Tattu charger **can charge two batteries simultaneously**, looking at the top of the charger, you can see that both sides of the charger have Charging and Balance Ports (A and B).&#x20;

## Tattu TA3000 Battery Charger

{% hint style="info" %}
NOTE: Please read the [Tattu TA3000 Product Manual](https://device.report/manual/7256860) thoroughly before using the charger regarding important safety information.

* <mark style="color:red;">**DO NOT**</mark> charge the battery above 4.2 volts per cell.
* <mark style="color:red;">**DO NOT**</mark> exceed 1.5C charge rate.
* If you have a [Tattu TA3200, refer to this manual instead](https://manuals.plus/tattu/ta3200-dual-smart-charger-manual). The usage instructions are the same as for the TA3000.
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
IFT programs Tattu batteries with customized CAN data / firmware. Batteries purchased from outside sources will NOT communicate properly with IFT aircraft.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

<div align="center"><figure><img src="https://240141666-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhMePZ0UIa6VYv9VbYu4u%2Fuploads%2FiYdetw4HEH6sNE4pzSdf%2FTA3000%20Display%20and%20Buttons.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6485c3cf-3d8a-4fb6-9585-b1523966aea5" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 1a: TA3000 Orientation</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://240141666-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhMePZ0UIa6VYv9VbYu4u%2Fuploads%2F2YV0Lzo9LN76yfS1E0PN%2FTA3000%20Charging%20Ports.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9b2a617a-eec2-488b-8ad9-82eaa3638838" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 1b: TA3000 Orientation</p></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %}
NOTE: **Balancing Cells**&#x20;

The flight batteries used in the IF1200A contain multiple cells. Differences in the voltages between cells can degrade the performance of the batteries and shorten its life. The Tattu battery charger has a function for balancing the voltages of the cells. Read the included manual to implement this function.
{% endhint %}

## TA3000 and TA3200 Battery Charging Instructions&#x20;

<table><thead><tr><th width="140" align="center">STEP</th><th>ACTION</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center">1</td><td>Connect the<a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-1"> Balance Lead </a>cable to the Balance Interface port and <strong>the</strong> AC power cable into the AC input connector on the back of the charger.</td></tr><tr><td align="center">2</td><td>Connect the other end of the AC power cable to a power source (<em>100V–240 VAC,</em> <em>A.K.A. wall outlet</em>).</td></tr><tr><td align="center">3</td><td>The TA3000 does not have a power ON/OFF button. Connecting to an active power source will turn ON the unit. <em>The internal fans begin spinning, and the LCD displays on top of the charger will illuminate.</em></td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="https://240141666-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhMePZ0UIa6VYv9VbYu4u%2Fuploads%2FLUAmuXwznwsvNIofN9LX%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2a7be998-2896-47af-a75e-597e295ee665" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 2a: TA3000 Display</p></figcaption></figure>

<table><thead><tr><th align="center">BUTTON</th><th width="177.33333333333331">MODE</th><th>FUNCTION</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center">Storage/CH/Back</td><td><mark style="color:yellow;"><strong>Long Press</strong></mark></td><td><mark style="color:yellow;"><strong>Start Storage Mode</strong></mark></td></tr><tr><td align="center"></td><td>Short Press</td><td>Switch Channel, Return</td></tr><tr><td align="center">Stop/Enter/Setting</td><td>Long Press</td><td>Enter the settings when in standby, stop the current task when not in standby.</td></tr><tr><td align="center"></td><td>Short Press</td><td>Confirm</td></tr><tr><td align="center">Up/Fast</td><td>Long Press</td><td>Start Fast Charging</td></tr><tr><td align="center"></td><td>Short Press</td><td>Up</td></tr><tr><td align="center">Down/Standard</td><td><mark style="color:green;"><strong>Long Press</strong></mark></td><td><mark style="color:green;"><strong>Start Standard Charging</strong></mark></td></tr><tr><td align="center"></td><td>Short Press</td><td>Down</td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="https://240141666-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhMePZ0UIa6VYv9VbYu4u%2Fuploads%2FRGPJ9rrsJ8Tes4amzMDB%2FScreen%20Shot%202025-05-14%20at%208.41.22%20AM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d296cc24-6496-441b-bc8b-7e7caed8193b" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 2b: TA3200 Display</p></figcaption></figure>

| BUTTON     | MODE        | FUNCTION                                                                                                               |
| ---------- | ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Channel    | Short Press | View the individual cell voltages.                                                                                     |
| Start/Stop | Long Press  | Start/Stop working                                                                                                     |
| Current    | Short Press | <p>AC110V Input: charging current gear 10A/16A/22A<br><br>AC220V Input: charging current gear 6A/16A/32A</p>           |
| Mode       | Short Press | **Mode Options:&#x20;**<mark style="color:green;">**Charge**</mark>**/**<mark style="color:yellow;">**Storage**</mark> |

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="173" align="center"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center">4</td><td>Choose the Charge Mode.  <em>There are three charging modes: Standard, Fast, and Storage.</em></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><strong>NOTE:</strong> <em>The balance cable for the IF1200A is different from the balance cable for IF1200.</em></td><td>Locate the <strong>Balance Interface</strong> cable in the Aircraft Kit (<em>Fig. 4</em> below).</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Charging Modes

<table><thead><tr><th width="168">Charge Mode</th><th width="294.3333333333333">When to Use</th><th>How long will it take to charge? </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Storage</strong> </td><td>Use Storage mode to lower voltage levels to a safe state and as a way to correct battery cell imbalance issues.</td><td>varies</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Standard</strong></td><td>Normal charging</td><td>1 hr +/-</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Fast</strong></td><td>Typically used in the field</td><td>45 min +/-</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
NOTE: Faster charging rates shorten the battery’s lifespan.
{% endhint %}

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="159" align="center"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center">5</td><td><p>Once connected, the battery enters a <strong>10 second pre-charge countdown</strong>, then begins charging. (TA1200 only) </p><p></p><p>For TA3000 chargers, <strong>Long Press</strong> the <strong>Down/Standard</strong> button to initiate charging.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="https://240141666-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhMePZ0UIa6VYv9VbYu4u%2Fuploads%2FiXW2W2IOEG3FZgfhzHLo%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1fc62915-c789-4b67-8056-c1488894f530" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 3: TA3000 Split Screen Display</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ceDRT4STcyzRWCAGehPASdRX_IO0NZ91zeJxb7hywTjcqccjv8RzPVJgQ_VJJjSQGpcQIvgOXeIUJ6tWU6dLVpERKnUO_WgFm4-TaIbeZ3cY9Rpfp1QtVeX6RMhqbc0s7dvGH9GzxS3iKEXyPm4XFFiQUrpan3iffVqibcfVG61AX1PsuiQanCZw6L8BuA" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 4: IF1200A Balance Cable</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
NOTE:&#x20;

The white connector on the balance cable is not used during charging.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
NOTE: **Skip Pre-Charge Countdown**

Hold the ‘Charge’ button for 2 seconds, this will skip the 10 second countdown and automatically begin charging. **(TA1200 only)**
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
NOTE: **Checking Cell Voltage and Battery Levels**

Cell voltages and battery levels are displayed on the LCD screen.&#x20;

When the batteries are fully charged, each cell voltage should be about 4.20 Volts, and the charger will display ‘Fully Charged’, 'Done', or 'Idle'.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:red;">IMPORTANT!</mark> <mark style="color:red;"></mark><mark style="color:red;">**Unplugging Batteries Before Reaching Full Charge**</mark>

If you can’t wait for the batteries to fully charge, press the 'Charge' button (TA1200), 'Stop' button (TA3000), to discontinue the charging process <mark style="color:red;">**BEFORE unplugging the batteries**</mark><mark style="color:red;">.</mark>
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:red;">WARNING!</mark> <mark style="color:red;"></mark><mark style="color:red;">**Disconnecting**</mark>

DO NOT disconnect the battery cable from the charger while the battery is charging. Doing so may result in electrical arcing, causing severe burns to the operator.
{% endhint %}

## TA1200 Battery Charger

*The IF1200A kit includes a Tattu TA1200 battery charger (see below) for charging the flight batteries. The Tattu charger can charge two batteries simultaneously. Looking at the top of the charger, you can see that both sides of the charger have the same controls, outputs, and displays.*

{% hint style="info" %}
NOTE: Please read the [Tattu TA1200 Product Manual](https://device.report/manual/7256860) thoroughly before using the charger.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iR809KT-yTAY0ll8NVCqtUlaIDOMU0ikT-fcBJ9dFyB3TmUWv6UVw7eh1pZBopOcqAe21X_-Y-bcwVgHig6WgWX6KUR1y1mS-98FOXDfnKqceIEnJxHMYki6E8UFlYQj884e-b8VouEOtVHZrkJ0t80" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 1: TA1200 Charger Orientation</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
IMPORTANT! Read the accompanying charger manual thoroughly before connecting power and batteries to the charger. It contains important safety information.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
NOTE: **Balancing Cells**

The flight batteries used in the IF1200A contain multiple cells. Differences in the voltages between cells can degrade the performance of the batteries and shorten its life. The Tattu battery charger has a function for balancing the voltages of the cells. Read the included manual to implement this function.
{% endhint %}

## TA1200 Charging Instructions

<table><thead><tr><th width="130" align="center">STEP</th><th>ACTION</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center">1</td><td>Connect the included AC power cable into the AC input connector on the charger.</td></tr><tr><td align="center">2</td><td>Connect the other end of the AC power cable to a power source (100V–240 VAC).</td></tr><tr><td align="center">3</td><td>Press the power button on the side of the battery charger (see below) to power on the unit. The internal fans begin spinning, and the LCD displays on top of the charger illuminate.</td></tr><tr><td align="center"></td><td><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/LQGGiq0wLSDw0I2-mhr2MyzgqjMYRplv1lpVrsEW7IpY7H63xsJ6T14oBKG3hEmpWXiDznLpToXxnQYl0WkdDt25aFsViOWgD0jUaU121KUCqL6eKuksD-8TOA3XkdLse1aBPLurLsFVarhg2yZ8kT4" alt=""></td></tr><tr><td align="center">4</td><td><p>Rotate the Charge Mode dial (see below) to select the charge mode.</p><p>There are three charging modes:</p><ul><li>Trickle: The slowest charging rate. Use Trickle mode, when possible, to extend the battery life.</li><li>Standard: A compromise between Trickle and Fast</li><li>Fast: Typically used in the field</li></ul><p><br><strong>NOTE: Faster charging rates shorten the battery’s lifespan.</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td align="center"></td><td><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/MxxwdHc4L_OCfSmg0dT9VsrzRuwHAmyHE8z0pduG24Zqykxjhp1ES6HyBABwvGoyoPBNRs90VTtZEimnqVWyTfT3aVhA9hzSjNDP7J76id_i6fbrOkCpKgLdVFarINHrFBKlsDEqzfvnMsK_wVoL1gI" alt=""></td></tr><tr><td align="center">5</td><td><p>Uncap the battery cable and plug it into the Power Interface port on the charger (see below).</p><p></p><p><strong>NOTE: The battery cable and Power Interface port on the charger are designed to prevent incorrect mating of the two.</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td align="center">6</td><td><p>Locate the Balance Cable in the aircraft kit (see Figure 8, below).</p><p></p><p><strong>NOTE: The balance cable for the IF1200A aircraft's battery is different from the balance cable for IF1200 aircraft's battery.</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td align="center"></td><td><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/axBHfDIxv2EBJwEZhq_tCInTa_y_9v78pBv1SgKx3-FnDKpNDT-14oXeQ9RdJwMXRaU2hqZtIayDvyI1EubTN86H3blwb0hn2X0y0oJsCGhcZ02uiUSt88RgPiOkFaY321uCvxMbmju2qDtmCZrk3Pc" alt=""></td></tr><tr><td align="center">7</td><td><p>Connect one end of the Balance Cable to the Balance Interface on the charger (see Figure 7), and the other end to the Balance port on the battery.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>NOTE: The white connector on the balance cable is not used during charging.</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td align="center">8</td><td><p>Once connected, the battery goes through a precharge countdown for 10 seconds, then begins charging automatically.</p><p></p><p><strong>NOTE: To skip the precharge countdown, hold the ‘Charge’ button for 2 seconds.</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td align="center">9</td><td>Cell voltages and battery levels are displayed on the LCD screen. When the batteries are fully charged, each cell voltage should be about 4.20 Volts, and the charger will display ‘Fully Charged’.</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
NOTE: If you can’t wait for the batteries to fully charge, press the 'Charge' button to discontinue the charging process BEFORE unplugging the batteries.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:red;">WARNING!</mark> DO NOT disconnect the battery cable from the charger while the battery is charging. Doing so may result in electrical arcing, causing severe burns to the operator.
{% endhint %}

&#x20;

## Battery LED Light Indicators Explained

<figure><img src="https://240141666-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhMePZ0UIa6VYv9VbYu4u%2Fuploads%2FGUtqaMGmB5VwumXNH0WG%2FBattery_Light_Explainer.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=c883a13c-8bb8-4f24-a91d-c6524d5d72b5" alt=""><figcaption><p>Battery LED indicator light chart</p></figcaption></figure>

[^1]: Benefits to charging with a balance lead is to ensure each of the batteries charge evenly to their full capacity.  The leads monitor cell voltage and limit the battery pack capacity.  This also helps prolong they battery life preventing premature failure.  These also serve as safety benefits avoiding potential issues with over charging and overheating.