Description
Ultralife MRC-86A Rugged Military Battery Charger & Conditioner
The Ultralife MRC-86A Self-Contained Battery Charger delivers intelligent, fully automated charging and conditioning for mission-critical military battery systems. Engineered within a rugged enclosure, the MRC-86A supports simultaneous charging of up to two batteries while automatically sensing battery chemistry to apply the correct charge profile—without operator programming.
Advanced smart-charge modules continuously monitor battery condition, detect defective cells, and prevent unsafe charging scenarios. The unit’s wide-range AC and DC input capability allows operation from nearly any power source encountered worldwide, making it ideal for deployed and fixed installations alike.
An integrated conditioning cycle enables controlled discharge and recharge to maintain battery readiness and extend service life. Each string of cells is recharged independently, ensuring a complete and balanced recharge across supported NiMH, NiCd, and Li-ion military battery platforms.
Technical Specifications
| Part Number | MRC-86A |
| NSN | 6130-01-566-9962 |
| AC Input | 95–260 VAC, 50–60 Hz |
| DC Input | 12–36 VDC |
| Charge Rate | 1.0A per string |
| User Interface | Battery type, charging, discharge, 90% charged indicators |
| Dimensions | 35.6 × 30.5 × 15.2 cm (14 × 12 × 6 in) |
| Weight | 5.44 kg (12 lbs) without batteries |
| Operating Altitude | 55,000 ft (16,764 m) |
| Humidity | Up to 95% relative |
Features and Benefits
— Automatically detects battery chemistry and defective cells
— Prevents overcharging without operator programming
Global Power Compatibility
— Accepts wide-range AC and DC input for worldwide use
Battery Conditioning
— Discharge/recharge cycle maintains battery performance
Independent String Charging
— Ensures a complete, balanced recharge of each cell string
Comparison Chart
| Feature | MRC-86A | Basic Military Charger | Commercial Charger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Battery Detection | Yes | Limited | No |
| Supports Multiple Chemistries | NiMH / NiCd / Li-ion | Single | Single |
| Independent Cell String Charging | Yes | No | No |
| Conditioning Cycle | Yes | No | No |
| Wide AC/DC Input | 95–260VAC / 12–36VDC | Limited | AC Only |
| Ruggedized Enclosure | Yes | Partial | No |
| Unattended Safe Charging | Yes | Limited | No |
About Ultralife