Cobra16

I am new to the hobby and I need some help in charging batteries. I have 4S 3700MA 20C battery. What Amp setting should I use on the charger. It says on the battery not to exceed 2C. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

jdetray

For a 3700 mAh pack, a 1C charge rate is 3700 mA = 3.7 A.

A 2C charge rate is twice as much: 7400 mA = 7.4 A.

For any battery, just look at the capacity (mAh). A 1C charge rate will always equal that number expressed as mA. A 2C charge rate will be twice that number, expressed as mA.

It's nearly always OK to charge a lipo at 1C. Charge at a rate higher than 1C only if the manufacturer says it is OK to do so. No harm will come from charger at a lower rate, but the charge will take longer.

- Jeff

speedy72vega

Cobra, 2C charge rate is ok for that LiPo pack. 2C means 2x the capacity, in your case the capacity is 3.7 amps. 1000ma = 1 amp, so a 3700ma pack is essentially a 3.7 amp pack. So, a 2C charge rate would be 7.4 amps. If your charger is capable of charging at 7.4 amps, that would be 2C.

I would like to add though, if your packs are brand new, I recommend that you take it easy on the batteries for the first 5 cycles. That means don't push the packs too hard while you're using them, and charge at 1C, for the first 5 cycles. After that, go ahead and run them harder, just don't use more than 70 or 80% of the pack capacity. It will damage the packs or shorten their life if you do.

Cobra16

Thank you both for the help. I have only been charging at he mA rating for the batteries so I should be ok. Thank you both for the help.

TedMo

The advise given on bat is exactly right so why the question?