As a lot of us jet guys use the 330 charger I thought I'd post here as there doesn't seem to be many helpful replies to similar problems over onthe batteries forum.

I have had a Schultze 6-330 charger for about 2 years now, but recently it seems to be unable to properly charge NiMh packs. If I set it to formation charge (c/10) and leave it for 14-16hrs and then discharge at 1A, I only get 1/2-2/3 of the rated capacity. A full Auto charge nearly always terminates after 4hrs without completely charging. A manual 1C charge seemed to work ok, but I got very poor discharge capacity results.

I have switched back to my Dymond Super Turbo and get excellent charge/discharge results and close to 100% rated capacity on the discharge.

I am using 2 different brand new NiMh packs for this, and my charging leads are low resistance/ big and relatively short, and are the same ones used with the Super Turbo without problems.


The poor charging performance of the 6-330 seems to be getting worse and I was wondering if it needs to be sent in for calibration or something. I am running the latest 8.06 software. The only place I have seen is RC-Direct, but I have not called them yet.

Help appreciated.

Thanks

Paul

Are your charge leads long ?

Mine seems to prefer the shortest length possible.
Also it has a problem charging brand new NiMh packs the first few times.

I think all peak chargers may have problems with the formation charge (some more than others). I usually use a timed one (automatic thrickle after 15 hours) or keep track of it myself. Then use the Schultze for discharge.

Try changing the peak sensitivity. "sensitive" may be too sensitive. I have most chargers except the Schultze . The 4 hour timeout on a full auto charge doesn't make sense to me - do you have the max current limited? Peak detecting doesn't work too well if the charge rate leads to a full charge time much over an hour.

Two things to check.

Select NiMH type cells and this sets the sensitivity.

During the set up you can limit the max charge amount.
If you set this to 99999 it's the max.

I'm not talking about the charging current here.

CAN WE MAKE A CONCLUSION HERE????..................... IS ONE CASE IS AN INDICATION????????????????????????.


They are the best in market.

On the Schultze, you cannot set the sensitivity, only the battery type. I have it set to NiMh.

Also, the 4hr charge time limit cannot be altered. Only when the charge rate is set at 100 or 250mA is the time limit not imposed.

Setting the max charge level to 99999 will not have any effect as the timer will still cut in at 4hrs.

I'm going to run an experiment with back to back tests on the same pack with my 330 and my Super Turbo. I have cycled a new 2100mAh 5 cell NiMh 3 times at 200mA on my Super Turbo and both times measured a discharge capacity of ~2000mAh. I'll try both chargers at a 2A charge rate and 1A discharge and see what results I get.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Paul

hold down both buttons while turning on the schulze. Then you can choose the sens.

Sonnich,

Unfortunately that option was removed from version 8. Sensitivity is now just dependant on battery type.

Paul

ok, sorry. mine is version 7. something.

Ill just keep my mouth shut

Please, don't do that.



I'll give RC-Direct a call today and see what they suggest.

Also, on the question of length of the charge leads. A few months ago the same problem arose with another battery pack and after multiple attempts to cycle it and bring it back up to capacity I cut off the JR plug and inserted the bare wires into the charger just to see if the lead length was affecting it. With no more than about 2inches of wire between the charger and battery and with no connectors, no difference in charge performance was seen. From this I do not think my 12inch heavy duty charge lead is causing all the problems here.


Paul

Hi Paul,

I have had exactly the same problem with mine so you are not alone. I don't use NiMH in my jets but I do in my cars.....same problem....very frustrating to feel like you have dodgy brand new NiMH cells! I am looking for answers too!

Craig.

I have also experienced problems with the Schultze and NiMH batteries. I tried to condition a Tx pack (1500mAh, NiMH) using the DC pogram and short leads (5 cm) as recommended. It dischages fine but always shows "Error 41" i.e.time out on the charge cycle. Tested the leads on a NiCad pack and it worked just fine. It is very frustrating.

Ross

I spoke to John at RC-Direct yesterday, and apparently the problem with charging NiMh has been reported a number of times. He thought it was related to the low internal resistance of the newer cells.

We are both going to e-mail Mr. Schulze and see if this theory is confirmed.

The latest software available for the 6-330 is 8.11 and I have ordered a new EPROM in the hope that this issue has been addressed.

The only workaround is to use the manual charge and discharge functions.

So much for the recommendations as this is the best charger onthe market.[&o]

Paul

HI all, since this thread started I tested the Camelia and have the same problem, will not charge Nimh battery to a full charge.
Rcpete

Can someone clarify if the issue is charging a brand new NIMH or any NIMH?

I'm not that worried if the issue is for brand new ones were the peak may come too early.

However if it's for any NIMH, then [X(]

Thanks

HI, I always slow charge new NIMH batteries for the first couple of charges, the problem is for older NMIH's
Rcpete

Edgar,

From what I've found so far, the problem is with the Auto modes (C, D, DC, CD, 3CD, 3DC) of the Schulze. Manual mode appears to work fine.

Anyone have experience with the latest software version, 8.11?

Paul

I have had the same problem with the manual mode also!

Craig,

What software version are you using?

Paul

Not sure, will check today and report back...I think it is version 7 but I will let you know.

Just wondering is this problem occuring with charging through the connector lead or is it also occuring with charging through a dedicated, separate, heavy duty charge lead attached to the pack?
Russell.

Russell,

Not sure, but I did try cutting down a battery lead to about 2 inches, and inserting the bare wires into the charger sockets and trapping them in firmly with the banana plugs. It didn't make any difference.

If only 2inches of battery wire causes a problem, I think this charger has more serious probelms, as it was supposedly designed to operate in the real world.

Paul

Paul,
Last night I cycled two identical NIMH packs on the ISL330. Both packs are 5 cell 2400mah.
My setup uses silicon wire heavy gauge leads which are approximately 600mm/24in long with a jetcat connector. This charges into an identical lead which is attached to the pack just for charging. I cycled the packs using the automatic DC program. The results were that both packs discharged 1.7Ah and both accepted 2.4Ah charge. Both packs discharged at a rate of 1.0amp and took approx 2hrs15min and the recharge time was approx 45mins.
It would appear that the batteries are being fully charged. As for the discharge, does it really matter if the charger does not discharge the pack to its fullest? The usual reason is for conditioning a NICAD pack and to eliminate the memory and this requires a full discharge. My understanding is that NIMH do not suffer from the memory effect and therefore i am guessing that the discharge should not be that significant.
???
Russell.