ORIGINAL: dolstinske
JB, how much current do you use to charge these packs? I am playing with an older pack that someone gave me, and at 1 amp (it is a Zippy's 5000MAh pack) is taking almost 90 min now. almost done.
Dale
The 'rule of thumb' is to charge at 1C max . . e.g. with your 5000mAh it is a 5A charge rate.
I have tried different rates . . and they WILL handle a higher charge rate (NOT recommended) . . BUT I have had best results with charging at the corresponding rate of the exhausted capacity. i.e. if you fly about 2000mAh out of the pack, charge at 2A.
It's sort of theoretical to some degree . . but many of us have found the combination of:
1/ Fly only 1/2 to 2/3 of the rated capacity from the pack
2/ Store the packs 1/2 discharged
3/ Charge at the corresponding 'C' rating of the discharged value of the pack
. . ensures the best possible life from the packs (this is what we do, and it's our opinion only).
NB. SURE you can run them harder, and charge them faster, etc. (The ZIPPY H packs handle it easily) . . just not for as many cycles
Cheers, JB