CB36

Hi all;
I'm totally new to electrics, so please bear with me.

I have a 2 meter Vista EP raedy to go. I bought a 3000mA Electrifly NIMH battery for power. I already had an Acucycle Elite charger, but I'm absolutely confused about quick charging.

I "formed" the battery with a 12 hour slow charge. What can I do at the field to recharge quickly for multiple flights? How much current can I safely give to this battery? How long a charge time can I expect at the field? Should I have multiple batteries?

Any amp settings you could advise would be appreciated.

Thanks!!!

JohnW

My Feedback: (6)

Cell design has everything to do with how well the cells tolerate high charging currents. Without know which cells you have, it will be impossible to know what charging currents were recommended by the manufacturer. However, as a general rule of thumb, I never like to go over 1C. In your case, that would mean 3 Amps. But, if the pack really starts warming up at a 1C rate, you will need to drop the current. Charge time will depend upon many factors, such as how far your drained the battery, the charger, your charge rate, etc. But in general figure 45 to 90 minutes for a 1C rate including cool down periods. Multiple batteries will depend upon if you want flights more often than the 45-90 minutes.

-pkh-

My Feedback: (2)

I've found the slower you can charge them, the longer they'll last. With the NiMH packs I've had, 1C rates heat them up pretty good, and they don't last very long. I've had the best luck with 1/4 - 1/10 C rates. 1/4 C rates let me charge up packs in an evening, and they just get warm, not hot. Batteries seem to last longer with 1/4 C to 1/10 C charging as well.

Stick 40

I thought that 1C was a slower (lower amps) than 4C, or are these different that li-po's?

Rodney

Are you sure you do not mean 1/4C and 1/10C; not 4C and 10C as either of these later will most probably burn up your batteries in short order.

frenchie79

I'm lost, never could keep this straight. Is not 1c 1/10th the rating. 1000 mah would be 1 amp or 600mah batt= .6 of an amp????

JohnW

My Feedback: (6)

This got all jacked up really fast. Rewind. 1C = battery capacity. So 1/10C is 0.1C, or ten times smaller than 1C, etc.

I think phk may have mistyped and meant 1/4C (0.25C) and 1/10C (0.1C). While these slower rates are easier on the battery, the overall difference in lifespan is insignificant IF the cells were designed to handle higher charge rates, which is why I made the cell inquiry. Quite honestly, if you don't know the specs on the cells, all you can do is guess. This is why I only get batteries that I know exactly what cells are being use, i.e. Sanyo 2200 SCR series, etc.

-pkh-

My Feedback: (2)

Sorry for the confusion guys, I corrected my original post. I meant 1/4 to 1/10 C charge rates (0.25 to 0.1C).

GRANT ED

Basically the answer is. Aviod charging at rates higher than 1C (in this case is 3 amps). If the batts get hot then reduce the charge rate. Its better for the packs to charge slower rather than faster.

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

The real bottom line for enjoying your day is to have as many batteries as neccessary charged and ready and eventually this is what most folks end up doing. It is the dark deep secret of hidden costs that electric folks never want to tell you about.

John