Charging cells on Duratrax ICE
03-08-2007, 01:34 PM
#1
Tech Initiate
Thread Starter
Charging cells on Duratrax ICE
Hey guys,
I'm new to electric and was hoping some of you guys could help me out. When I'm charging racing cells (NiMh), what would be the best charge setting on an ICE? Do I discharge then charge? About how long will the batteries take to charge? Also, does anyone out there have a good guide for assembling battery packs? Thanks!
I'm new to electric and was hoping some of you guys could help me out. When I'm charging racing cells (NiMh), what would be the best charge setting on an ICE? Do I discharge then charge? About how long will the batteries take to charge? Also, does anyone out there have a good guide for assembling battery packs? Thanks!
03-08-2007, 02:48 PM
#2
What batteries? Brand, configuration, mah rating? The well known ones the supplier has advice on how to care for them and charge them. How long it takes to charge depends on the mah rating of the batteries, how discharged they are, and the rate of charge. For instance, a 3800 mah IB3800 might take 41 minutes to charge at 6 amps when its been discharged to 0.9volts per cell.
03-08-2007, 02:56 PM
#3
http://www.modelairplanenews.com/rc/...ld_battery.asp
Originally Posted by Vismund Cygnus
Hey guys,
I'm new to electric and was hoping some of you guys could help me out. When I'm charging racing cells (NiMh), what would be the best charge setting on an ICE? Do I discharge then charge? About how long will the batteries take to charge? Also, does anyone out there have a good guide for assembling battery packs? Thanks!
I'm new to electric and was hoping some of you guys could help me out. When I'm charging racing cells (NiMh), what would be the best charge setting on an ICE? Do I discharge then charge? About how long will the batteries take to charge? Also, does anyone out there have a good guide for assembling battery packs? Thanks!
03-08-2007, 04:44 PM
#4
Tech Initiate
Thread Starter
Iceracer-Batteries haven't yet been purchased, but I'm probably going to pick up some Team Brood 4200's.
MadMikeB-Thanks for the link!
MadMikeB-Thanks for the link!
03-08-2007, 10:44 PM
#5
When the batteries are new, you want to put about a 10 minute charge in them, then tray them to .9v/cell. After that either charge them a 6 amps with a 0mv peak or 5 amps with a 3mv peak for a couple of charges. I've noticed on new batteries they get hot the first few charges. Once they "settle" charge at 6 amps with 3mv peak. This is assuming ib4200. As far as assembling: DON'T hold the solder iron on the battery for more than absolutely necessary.
03-09-2007, 04:05 AM
#6
Tech Initiate
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by trilerian
When the batteries are new, you want to put about a 10 minute charge in them, then tray them to .9v/cell. After that either charge them a 6 amps with a 0mv peak or 5 amps with a 3mv peak for a couple of charges. I've noticed on new batteries they get hot the first few charges. Once they "settle" charge at 6 amps with 3mv peak. This is assuming ib4200. As far as assembling: DON'T hold the solder iron on the battery for more than absolutely necessary.
03-09-2007, 09:19 AM
#7
Charge time depends completely on capacity. If you just recharge after a race you might only be putting 2000mah back into the pack which will take a very short time compared to a completely discharged pack that I've seen take upwards of 4900mah.
I know several people that use Tekin's Battery Doc. tray. I do believe though that it's cutoff is a little low (.5v) so if you are not going to be using the pack again the same day you MUST put some charge back into it. A .9v cutoff, I've been told, can sit for up to a week (max) without issues. However, I always put at least 500mah in a pack before a weeks storage.
I know several people that use Tekin's Battery Doc. tray. I do believe though that it's cutoff is a little low (.5v) so if you are not going to be using the pack again the same day you MUST put some charge back into it. A .9v cutoff, I've been told, can sit for up to a week (max) without issues. However, I always put at least 500mah in a pack before a weeks storage.
03-09-2007, 12:29 PM
#8
Tech Initiate
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by gubbs3
Charge time depends completely on capacity. If you just recharge after a race you might only be putting 2000mah back into the pack which will take a very short time compared to a completely discharged pack that I've seen take upwards of 4900mah.
I know several people that use Tekin's Battery Doc. tray. I do believe though that it's cutoff is a little low (.5v) so if you are not going to be using the pack again the same day you MUST put some charge back into it. A .9v cutoff, I've been told, can sit for up to a week (max) without issues. However, I always put at least 500mah in a pack before a weeks storage.
I know several people that use Tekin's Battery Doc. tray. I do believe though that it's cutoff is a little low (.5v) so if you are not going to be using the pack again the same day you MUST put some charge back into it. A .9v cutoff, I've been told, can sit for up to a week (max) without issues. However, I always put at least 500mah in a pack before a weeks storage.
03-09-2007, 12:38 PM
#9
I would repeak it when you get to the track if racing. If practicing, it doesn't matter that much.
Another thing on the Ice is "peak delay". By default it is set for 3 minutes and this causes many false peaks. I set mine for the max of 10 minutes and all is great.
Another thing on the Ice is "peak delay". By default it is set for 3 minutes and this causes many false peaks. I set mine for the max of 10 minutes and all is great.
03-09-2007, 12:45 PM
#10
Tech Initiate
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by fraz
I would repeak it when you get to the track if racing. If practicing, it doesn't matter that much.
Another thing on the Ice is "peak delay". By default it is set for 3 minutes and this causes many false peaks. I set mine for the max of 10 minutes and all is great.
Another thing on the Ice is "peak delay". By default it is set for 3 minutes and this causes many false peaks. I set mine for the max of 10 minutes and all is great.
03-10-2007, 07:34 AM
#11
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Thread Starter
Anyone?
03-10-2007, 07:39 AM
#12
Originally Posted by trilerian
When the batteries are new, you want to put about a 10 minute charge in them, then tray them to .9v/cell. After that either charge them a 6 amps with a 0mv peak or 5 amps with a 3mv peak for a couple of charges. I've noticed on new batteries they get hot the first few charges. Once they "settle" charge at 6 amps with 3mv peak. This is assuming ib4200. As far as assembling: DON'T hold the solder iron on the battery for more than absolutely necessary.
03-10-2007, 07:55 PM
#13
Originally Posted by UN4RACING
Thats a great method. You are actually balanceing the cells. Bringing them down to an even discharge, a perfect way to start a pack. I like that idea its the first time I've heard it.
Originally Posted by vismund cygnus
Cool, thanks for the tip. Know any good tips for alternating between packs during a race? On Promatch's site, it says you shouldn't run a pack more than twice a night during a race, but I don't know how I'll be able to charge other packs efficiently. Thanks for everyones help so far, I really appreciate it!
03-11-2007, 01:45 PM
#14
Tech Initiate
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by trilerian
I can't take credit for that, it is on the promatch instructions. At least I think it is.
I am not quite sure what you are asking. Are you just trying to keep the number of cycles the same, or is it a question of time, or are you asking if you can charge a pack more than twice a race meeting?
I am not quite sure what you are asking. Are you just trying to keep the number of cycles the same, or is it a question of time, or are you asking if you can charge a pack more than twice a race meeting?
03-11-2007, 09:17 PM
#15
How many classes are you running, and how long do you have between heats? To be honest, unless you are trying to break track records or looking for that extra 1/10th of a second for the first couple of minutes, your batteries can be charged 30-45 minutes before you use them. So you shouldn't have problems getting batteries charged. If you run more than two classes you may need to buy another charger.