simba

iTrader: (3)

up until now i have been running NIMH batteries, i have now made the switch to LIPO. Now the Intellipeak ICE Duratrax charger says it can handle 1-4 cell lipo batteries. But can it balance the lipo batteries. I cant see anywhere where it says it can, and i cant see a plug on it for the balance lead. Whats the point if it charges lipo but cant balance
cheers

thecman26

iTrader: (112)

Negative, you need to get an external balancer, like a "blinky"....
It all depends on the balancing port on your lipo battery

SpraydbySprague

iTrader: (64)

Ya gonna need one of these.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXMGS7&P=ML

Depending on what style balance plug is on your packs, you may need one of these.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXNGC6&P=V

I actually was able to save a few dollars by picking up these for my personal packs.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXSEK0&P=V

Then I modified them to work like these.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXSEK4&P=V

By simply cutting the outer two wires off the end that plugs into the pack and soldered a Dean's plug to them. I already had a bunch of Dean's plugs layin around.

sugs

iTrader: (4)

+1 This is what you need. How I do it to.

MotoGod

iTrader: (118)

I use an Astro Blinky with my ICE. Works like a charm.

Duster_360

iTrader: (21)

The Equinox is charge thru limited to 3amps unless you get the high power adapters which you'd have to buy. This is the same balancer, but will handle 10amps without buying or needing anything extra -


http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...oducts_id=2916

LMRacing

iTrader: (27)

you dont "need" to ballence with every charge. Ballence chargeing typicaly takes longer because you have to use a lower amp rate. I've got a good SMC pack that I check the ballence on the pack every time I charge it but almost never ballence charge it.

simba

iTrader: (3)

ok cheers guys thanks heaps

SpraydbySprague

iTrader: (64)

For the longest and most reliable performance from a LiPo pack, balance charging is the way to go. As per my conversation with Thunder Power over a year ago.

With the high power adapters I'm able to balance charge my TP5000 40C Pro Race packs at 1C(5amps) and my TP5400 40C saddle pack for my B44 at 1C(5.4amps) with out any problems.

It may take a little longer, but it's never been an issue. I can run 2 heats with these packs, re peak, then get two more heats.

Duster_360

iTrader: (21)

I've never heard that or seen that written anywhere and the 10yrs or so I've been using lipo, that has def not been my experience. I suggest you check your source cause its not correct.

I balance charge my 2Sand 3S 5000mah Neuenergy's at 10 and 15amps and have been doing it for a while. I know guys balance charging their TPs at 25amps and they've been doing it since the 5Cs came out. RC Groups has plenty doing the same thing.

Hard to believe they get a full charge in 12min and they've had to charge at a lower rate cause they're balancing.

You're right on the balancing every charge, they're your lipos so you decide how to treat/use/maintain them. You're giving up a layer of safety protection when charging without balancing. But thats your call.