Charging IP3800's w/old charger
 

Just got back into RC a few months ago and bought my first new Matched pack (IP3800). Its my first set of Ni-MH batts ever, I used to race SCR's only. I still own my TEKIN BC210 Pro-Flex ancient charger. Will this still be ok? Should I scrap it and upgrade?

I can set the charger on two main modes..SCR/SCE repeak <--> SCE. From what i know, I want to use the SCE setting. Anyone have expierience that can help? Still want to charge them at 4.5-5 amps to be cautious. Im curious if the Pro-flex option is going to harm the cells. I hear Pulse charging is bad for the Ni-HM cells.

Help

Doesn't the SCE setting mean linear charging on that unit?

As long as it doesn't overheat batteries I'd go with it.

Thats the thing...these new IP3800's are my babys...don't want to F*** them up or blow them up for that matter.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...fects6/NEO.jpg



I checked out the manual on the TEKIN website and it gives no help.

http://www.teamtekin.com/Manuals/BC210.pdf

When i left the hobby I used Sanyo 1700's. Charger was sweet for these old cells. BTW...they still run strong after a 7 year storage! I'm thinking this charger 'could' charge this new age batt, yet when this charger was in its hey-day...it never expected cells like the 3300/3800/4200 etc... And I have no way of monitoring the charging process other than hooking up a volt meter..........

Unless someone lets me know how to charge them safely with this OldSchool charger, Im not hookin it up to the electric chair.

I'm going to give Tekin a try, yet didn't want to wait the week for a response.

Thanks for the help...appreciated..

--NoEffect6

You could do it by monitoring the temp of the pack but that is a pain. And I forgot what temp to look for. I had an old tekin charger bc112 or something like that and sold it. I believe they can convert that charger to do nimh's, so maybe they can convert yours too. Other than that I'd look for a used lrp pulsar on the forums here or ebay. They are nice chargers and go what I consider pretty cheap when used.

jbrow, thanks...I have already been looking. I just wanted to build my pack and race it before having to get a new charger.

Still If my charger will work, I will keep it....lot of good memorys!

No problem. I would ask in one of the onroad threads if they think your charger can be updated. The onroad guys seem to always know what can and can't be done with the batts/chargers thing. They can probably tell you how to safely use your charger until you find a different one if that's the route you have to take as well.

Will do..thanks again...

if i were you i'd upgrade. just to be safe on the batteries. try finding a used charger on here or ebay. something like a novak or pitbull. whatever can charge NI-MH batteries with no harm and is in your price range.


hope this helps.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLBB6&P=7

I love my integy ac/dc chargers, what more can I say....

Yeah...this Tekin charger is very old. I have checked things out and will probably get the Competition Electronics Pitbull X3. Great features and exactly what I need.

Plus they sell fairly cheap on Ebay.

I guess it will be Sanyo 1700's till I get my tax return!

Thanks for all the help guys...