Mz

i have a 5 cell 1400mah receiver pack for my losi 8. is it ok to charge the battery with a charger that charges at 1.2 amps and 7.2 volts?
thanks

K_B

Yup... here's the formula for charging:

Take the capacity of the battery (1400) and divide it by 1000 which equals (1.4). So you could actually charge it as high as 1.4 amps.

Mz

its a 6 volt pack because its a five cell. is it safe to charge it at 7.2 volts? 6 cell packs are usually 7.2 volt.

Chris_RC

If your charger detects the volts it wont let you charge at 7.2 volts. there is really no upside, besides a blown battery. Otherwise, the charger will just beep saying incorrect voltage. If it is a 5 cell pack, then charge it at 6.0 volts. Simple enough. Charge it at .5-1.4 amps depending on how fast you want it charged and how long you want the battery to last.

rclynx

Not all chargers are smart chargers and if your hooking up a 6volt battery to a seven point two volt charger it could have adverse effects on the battery. Get a smart charger or a 6 volt charger [&o]

huminski

My Feedback: (23)

It will probably be fine. You don't charge a 6.0V battery at 6.0V. 6.0V is the nominal voltage. A fully charged 6.0V pack will read near 7.2 to 7.4 volts fully charged. Should be no problem.

bsrman14

Only if your charger is adjustable rate for a number of cells. If not Then No. I have a Tekin112C charger and can charge any number of cells 1-12.

huminski

My Feedback: (23)

Yeah let me clarify.....

If the charger is designed to charge 7.2v packs, then no, don't use it, as it will likely be putting out upwards of 8 or 9 volts.

If the carger is actually putting out 7.2v (actual output), then it will probably be fine.

There is a difference.

rclynx

DO NOT PUT A 7.2 volt charger on a 6 volt battery IT WILL EXPLODE [sm=angry_smile.gif]

adam-69

lol i don't know about exploding but it won't work.. square peg, round hole... just not meant to happen.

huminski

My Feedback: (23)

There is a chance, albeit slight, of nickel cells exploding if left to overcharge long enough at a high enough amperage.

I stand by what I said. If it's a wall wart that says on the casing OUTPUT: 7.2V, 1.2A, then it will be fine. Of course it will have to be monitored / timed especially at that charge rate.

If it's a charger designed for a 7.2v pack, then no, do not use it, because the output voltage is likely upwards of 8 or 9 volts.

If you have a cordless drill, take a look at the charger. For example, I have a 24V drill, the charger puts out 28V. My 14.4V craftsman
charger puts out 18V.

what_stanger

You can charge it at 1.4amps like some have stated, but I think its better for the batter if you charged it a bit less.

I charge my 1600 milliamp packs usually at about 0.8-0.9 amps. I just cycle them out, and my charger will do two at a time....so its really no problem at all.

In a pinch or if you only have one pack and you don't likel to wait, 1.4 is alright.

46u

My Feedback: (3)

I charge mine at 1/2 amp the night before I race. Then while at the track when I top them up I charge at 1 amp. charging at a lower amperage is easier on the battery and makes the charge last longer in between charges.

rclynx

AMEN