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How to charge your Opus D1X

Applies to Opus D10, Opus D12, Opus D14 Two-Way Radios
Background Information

The battery is a critical component of your radio. A degraded battery will reduce the effectiveness and reliability of your system.

The Opus D10, D12 and D14 use an intelligent battery charger and it is important to understand the charging process.

In common with all radio manufacturers, you must turn off the radio whilst it is in the desktop charger. Unlike mobile telephones, two-way radios cannot be used (or switched on) during the battery charging process.

Modern Lithium-ion battery packs can be safely charged following partial use. They do not suffer from the ‘memory effect’ associated with NiCD or NiMH battery packs. However, you must turn off your radio before placing it in the desktop charger.

We do not recommend leaving batteries on charge, unattended, for extended periods (e.g. longer than 48 hours).

Note that the chemicals in battery packs are hazardous. A damaged battery pack is dangerous. Do not use or re-charge a damaged battery. Do not attempt to dispose of a battery in fire. Use a designated recycling point/facility.

All rechargeable batteries have a finite life. As batteries are used, it is normal to expect a decline in performance (operating time). Batteries typically last for 2 years, but in heavy use environments this may be reduced. Allowing a battery to fully discharge before charging will extend the operating life of the battery.

A fully charged battery can be stored for around 12 months without noticeable degradation. However, if you are storing you battery unused for a longer period please try and achieve about 70% charge by either partially charging or discharging as required.

Charging Procedure

You will need an Opus C4L or C6L desktop charger and appropriate AC adaptor.

You can charge the radio battery on or off of the device.

  1. Place the desktop charger indoors, on a flat, level surface, within 1.5m of a suitable mains power socket.
  2. Push the plug on the AC adaptor lead into the socket on the desktop charger.
  3. Plug AC adaptor into a mains socket and switch on the power.
  4. The desktop charger LED will flash RED every 5 seconds to indicate that power is applied.
  5. Turn off your radio.
    .
  6. Check that your radio is turned off again - this is important.
  7. On either side of the inside pocket of the desktop charger, you will see a ridge or fin.
  8. On either side of the battery pack, you will see a slot.
  9. Insert the radio with the battery fitted (or the battery on it's own) firmly into the desktop charger, aligning the slots on the battery with the charger fins.
  10. Ensure the radio/battery is fully inserted into the desktop charger. The connection is deliberately firm to ensure batteries do not fall out if the charger is knocked.
  11. The desktop charger LED will glow RED to indicate that charging is in progress.
  12. Charging may take up to 6 hours depending on the amount of charge already in the battery.
  13. When charging is complete the desktop charger LED will glow GREEN.
  14. Carefully remove the radio/battery. Lift the radio/battery vertically out of the charger - do not pull the radio/battery towards you.
  15. Turn off the mains socket or unplug the AC adaptor to conserve power and reduce your carbon footprint.
Troubleshooting

This list covers issues that you may encounter. Please contact us if you experience any other issues or have different questions or concerns.

Issue
Cause & Resolution
The Radio LED is flashing RED whilst charging.
  • The radio has not been turned off whilst charging. Once complete, the charger stops charging. If the radio is left switched on it will drain the battery again.
  • Remove the radio from the charger. Turn it off. Re-insert into the charger.
Radio emits sounds/messages whilst charging.
  • The radio has not been turned off whilst charging.
  • Remove the radio from the charger. Turn it off. Re-insert into the charger.
Desktop Charger LED does not show any indication.
  • Check that mains power is switched on.
  • Check that AC adaptor is connected correctly.
  • Check that the correct AC adaptor is being used.
  • Possible faulty AC adaptor or Desktop Charger.
Radio does not sit inside desktop charger correctly.
  • Remove radio/battery and insert carefully, aligning the fins and slots.
  • Check for damage to the fins/ridges inside the desktop charger.
  • If damaged, order a new desktop charger.
Desktop Charger rapidly flashes RED
  • Indicates that the battery is faulty.
  • Remove the battery and dispose of according to local regulations.
  • Order a replacement battery.

Desktop Charger never indicates GREEN

  • Possibly using the wrong AC adaptor. Check the AC adaptor has an output of 12V/1A.
  • The radio may be switched on. Remove the radio from the desktop charger. Turn of the radio and re-insert into the desktop charger.
  • The battery may be faulty and unable to accept a full charge. You can send the battery to us for analysis. We will advise if a replacement is necessary.
  • Possible faulty LED inside the desktop charger. Return to us for testing.
Dale Blackman 10 October 2024
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