Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Batteries & Chargers => Topic started by: The long Build on February 23, 2012, 01:54:08 pm

Title: Multiple Charging
Post by: The long Build on February 23, 2012, 01:54:08 pm

If you have say 2 set of batteries both 7.2v 3300 can you charge them from the same unit at the same time ?.

Title: Re: Multiple Charging
Post by: Martin (Admin) on February 23, 2012, 02:52:10 pm

Big NO!

 Battery packs MUST always be charge individually, that way the charger can monitor current, voltage and in some cases, temperature.

Title: Re: Multiple Charging
Post by: Patrick Henry on February 23, 2012, 03:27:39 pm

Ooh, heck as like...I've been charging battery packs like that for years and never had any trouble.


 :embarrassed:   :D

Title: Re: Multiple Charging
Post by: Netleyned on February 23, 2012, 03:46:25 pm

Depends on the charger The main thing is three packs equals three times the charge time
No real advantage apart from not changing the packs after each is charged.

Ned

Title: Re: Multiple Charging
Post by: Martin (Admin) on February 23, 2012, 05:12:11 pm

OK for trickle charge I guess....

Title: Re: Multiple Charging
Post by: nick_75au on March 10, 2012, 06:18:11 am

OK a bit of time from the last post, but here is my input, the best way to charge Ni-XX packs is in series, this is the way the chargers algorithm is expecting to see the battery. Charging and discharging in parallel isn't recommended for Ni-XX.

Nick

Title: Re: Multiple Charging
Post by: malcolmfrary on March 10, 2012, 10:01:56 am

If they are permanently connected, they CAN be regarded as one large battery.  If they are ever disconnected and/or used separately, they will be at different stages of discharge, and recoupling them for recharging will likely not do much good.  The charger, if its a smart one, will get misleading information and either overcharge or not fully charge.  A slow trickle charge might bring all up to full charge, but will take just as long as doing them separately.

Title: Re: Multiple Charging
Post by: The long Build on March 10, 2012, 10:07:29 am

Thanks for the info, I think reading this its best to charge 1 main battery at a time to be on the safe side.. :-))

Title: Re: Multiple Charging
Post by: Tombsy on March 10, 2012, 06:56:32 pm

Lipo's can be parallel charged if they are the same cell count and the same state of charge, I use this MPA board to charge up to 6 packs at up to 40 amps.
http://www.revolectrix.com/MPA_XH.htm (http://www.revolectrix.com/MPA_XH.htm)