bralex

My Feedback: (1)

I just purchased 4 1650 NIMH's. Two of the four give me the "V.LO" message. Since the voltage of these two are below 4.72 volts, how long do I need to charge them on "R" device? I'm concerned that I need to hang around and watch them so that they don't stay on the high heat for to long? Thanks!

KevinSheen

I usually put that port on the V device, push and hold the V button (it will charge while being held). In some short amount of time (usually minutes), the pack has enough voltage to pass the check and start charging whatever device you decide to use. If you don't want to do that, you can plug it into an old wall wart and let it charge for several hours and then plug it into the alpha4.

Kevin

bralex

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks Kevin,

I ended up putting the two batteries on my Supernova. I put about 100 mah at C2 into each, then put them onto the A4 N device. The checked out fine. Now I need to read through some NIMH archives to see how to form charge them on the A4. Thanks again!

MHawker

My Feedback: (16)

Typically, you need to use the "V" function and press and hold the "R" button. This puts a quick 1amp charge into the pack on that port. Hold it for about 30 seconds and then reprogram the port for whatever charge you desire.

I will cycle my Nimh packs 3-4 times (using the cycle/ c/10/ trickle) function (I can't remember what key that is... I think "C"). This should form your pack/ cells just fine. You could also leave them on the "N" function for a couple of days without fear of overcharging.

There is no "R" device on the Alpha.

bralex

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks Mike,

I believe that "R" device is #5??

Bruce

MHawker

My Feedback: (16)

You're right. I'm an idiot I was thinking the only "R" was for "Run". Duh...

iflyj3

My Feedback: (7)

I have not done NIMH on the A4. However, when I do Nicds and get V LO and I don't have time to fittle, I just program it for one less cell than the pack has. After a while, I reprogram for the actual number of cells. Beats holding the "R" key during voltmeter range.

bralex

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Turns out that holding the "R" button for about 30 seconds did the trick. After that, I put them on "C" and when all of them were finished up they were all over 1800 after completion. Not bad for a 1650 (Thanks Dave)! I guess the A4 lottery has it's spoils to the fortunate! I'll likely be in line for a back up at the next event!

Hobbies for Fun

My Feedback: (4)

Yeah I got Dave's 1650 Nimh packs too and had the same problem. doing the V function adn holding R for about 30 seconds fixed me up to.

as far as a forming charge I did cycle/c10/ trickle funtion about 4 times and now my packs are getting about 1780 mah each.

Gotta love the Alpha and Radical RC packs rock too.

Bg Al

MHawker

My Feedback: (16)

Another happy Radical RC user. We have the 1700mah cells (labeled 1650 on their site) to use in our digital cameras. If you need to make better leads that come from Litco, Dave has GREAT wire for this. It's a silicone jacketed wire with LOTS of strands. I can tell you where to get the same ends Litco uses (much better than Radio Shack). Let me know if you want the link. I don't have it right in front of me at the moment.

iflyj3

My Feedback: (7)

I would like the link.

Thanks,

MHawker

My Feedback: (16)

Here you go...

http://209.3.61.141/cgi-bin/iec/framefly?;PWR25

I ordered 12 or so and they sent me similar ones to Radio Shack- smooth barrels (even though the picture shows the same type that Litco uses). A quick call telling her I wanted the style in the picture and I had replacements.