OSherman

iTrader: (3)

Anyone know what the Cool Charge and Cool Discharge times are for??.. How do they work??

Sodom

Thank you for the answer guyz. Very helpful indeed So is it necessary to have an equalizing tray?

kiwirevo

It's the time after a Charge or Discharge before the next part of the cycle starts

yokemad

@sodom
I'm not sure... You can discharge every single cell to certain amount of capacity which will be set by user so after that I don't think we need anything else?

But spintec Advices to use BATMAN to discharge and after 4-5 cycle using the ICC to discharge and equalize the pack...

rcnewb2004

hey yokemad,

I was wondering what type of battery your step charging settings are for?

sodom,

I just charge using icc and discharge using the BM. Since the original concept of equalizing I THINK is to make sure there is a less likely chance that one cell will have more charge than any others, it is no longer necessary when charging with the icc.

yokemad

It is for ib4200 cells but I also charge my gp4300 cells with same setup and works great for them also...hope that helps

Sodom

Thanks alot yokemad and rcnewb2004 U all have been a great help

yokemad

no problem mate...waiting for your thoughts about ICC if you don't mind to share...for me rctech forums worlds no1 rc forums...

billjacobs

iTrader: (65)

I have had an icc for about 8 months and here are my thoughts:
pros:
1) the idea is great, single cell charging is the best way to charge a pack (see balance charging for lipo's -> same thing for nimh)
2) individual temp sensor for each cell is also a great idea
3) new version 1.07 solves some of the issues with the prior versions

cons:
1) solder spring post design is AWEFUL, I have had 1 fail and repaired it.
2) the cells on the left get hotter faster because the heatsink gets hotter on the top left of the charger
3) the cell layout (+ on the bottom left) is the opposite of every discharge tray on the market (+ on the bottom right)
4) the metal probe layout and lever are a poor way to secure a pack (see 1) above)
5) no temp sensor on the 2nd charger leads
6) no LIPO charging (it has been promised for a year)

suggestions:
1) separate the electronics from the battery tray (use a dpd or integy 030 battery tray style holder and probes) and use a controller box (with pack of wires to battery tray)
2) have seperate temp sensors for each cell (6 of them with magnetic temp sensor-> like much more or integer chargers (have 1 mag temp sensor))
3) let user name the battery memories, and have more battery memory slots

thoughts:
1) I don't think this charger is worth $400.
2) lipo will take over nimh within the next 2 or 3 years (making this charger obselete)
3) many reported issues with the charger (quality, reliability, etc.)
4) if you want a good charger for the money, get the checkpoint ($150) or duratrax ice ($110)

Hope this helps.

yokemad

great summary bill cons no1 and no2 happens to everyone pushing lever to open position is the most scariest part of the charger...
Lipo stuff will be done via software updates not a big issue ...
but personally I don't think comparing ICC with rest is not a good idea cos ICC is a unique piece of equipment

billjacobs

iTrader: (65)

I tried to use the charger outdoors on a 90+ degree day, and the temp peak part of the charger is useless. The temp readings go to 110 with hardly any capacity into the pack. I used a duratrax ice which read the temp much more accurately.

Again, good charger if used indoors, not worth $400. The integrated concept in this charger is the biggest problem. They should have separated the tray from the electronics, and they should have used 6 individual magnetc temp sensors.

They have been promising the LIPO for a year. If it was easy, they would have already had it.

MadBrushRacing

Since I have upgraded the charger to the new software I find most of my cells cutoff on temp and not peak on a normal day. I charge my EP4200's @ 6amp, temp cutoff at 45deg C (approx 105 degF) and peak cutoff at 3MV.

If the outside temp is high I was thinking of lowering the peak cutoff to 2/2.5and raising the temp cutoff to make sure that my cells get a full charge.

rcnewb2004

I have read that good temp readings on the upgraded software from spintec only come when fans are ontop of the batteries.Then the charger will cut off more accurately.

Have you guys gave that a try?

billjacobs

iTrader: (65)

Had 2 more of the spring posts fail. The solder joint that holds the spring on broke. Repaired and all is ok.

I never leave the arm in the open position, etc. The design of the posts causes them to fail.

FYI.

tel

iTrader: (9)

It is probably not a good idea to put a fan on the batteries themselves. This eliminates the false temp peaking but can lead to overcharging of the cells as the voltage peak can be delayed due to active cooling. To avoid the false temp peak, set the temp peak high and put a fan or two to blow down on the the external heatsink. This reduces the charger temperature without directly cooling the battery. The tiny internal fan is about useless by itself in outdoor summer temperatures.