New battery charger & batteries ???

[ManagerBen]

I spoke with a friend who just bought one of the desktop battery charger units with a new timing system. She mentioned the battery packs and charger unit looked different from the ones she saw online. Both changed in color from white to red and were faster charging.

What changed and will the batteries work in my system I bought 2 years ago? I have the wireless system.

[raceamerica]

Yes, the big change is the enhancement to the Battery Pack now with a fast charge USB-C charge port and USB-C charge logic. The previous battery contained a standard USB MicroB charge port and is not compatible with USB-C chargers. The MicroB battery Packs (pn 55-E670) had white colored ends in contrast to the USB-C Battery Packs (p 55-E682) have red colored ends to differentiate the connectors.

55-E670 with USB-MicroB charge port

55-E685 with USB-C charge port

If you own an older model 5500A or 5500B Battery Charger, the new USB-C Battery Packs will not physically fit into the charge pods. The new 5500C Battery Charger is compatible with the new Battery Packs. If you need to purchase Battery Packs, your older charger can be upgraded (pn 55-PUPG) to swap out the MicroB white charge pods for the USB-C red charge pods. This enables charging both Battery Packs in the same 5500A or 5500B Battery Charger.

Battery Charger with 4-slots upgraded

Don't worry, all your battery powered timing equipment will work with either Battery Pack since the USB-A port supplies power to Beam Emitters and T-Link 3's and is the same on both Battery Packs. If you end up with both Battery Packs over time, you are able to swap out charge pods 2 at a time to balance new and old charging needs.

[ManagerBen]

Thank you for the clarification. The difference in batteries makes sense why the older chargers will not fit the newer batteries.

Where can I find instructions on how to upgrade an older charger? I know I will be asked to help out in the future between the 3 tracks I help with. Somebody is bound to call me for help.

[raceamerica]

Here is a quick set of upgrade notes:

Use #2 screwdriver to remove screw, then pry out

White charger pod removed

Align the cutout to the connector in charger

Slide the red pod into place

Tighten the screw and install is complete