Just got my kids their first RC setup. I'm pretty new to the field, so I was hoping to get some feedback on best practices with the charger.

Current batteries are SMC HCL-HP 3S 6,500 mAh. I'm building a low-voltage alarm that I plan to have set at 3.7 V/cell resting. It will have current monitoring so that it can compensate for sag under load.

I don't care much about fast charging or maximizing the power-per-charge (the packs are already oversized). I care more about maximizing total power delivered over the useful life of the batteries. The charging profile below would be the typically used one, but obviously the charge voltage could be increased if extra capacity was needed.


Charging Profile:
Charge current: 3.2 A (0.49 C)
Charge voltage: 12.15 V (4.05 V/cell)
Charge end current: 10% (0.32 A)
Charge balancing start: 3.85 V/cell
Balance difference: 4 mV
Balance set point: 5 mV
Balance over charge: 0 mV
Balance done delay: 2 min
End condition logic: End current AND balance


Storage Profile:
Voltage: 3.85 V/cell
Storage compensation: 0.01 mV/cell
Accelerated storage: On


Discharging (mostly for capacity testing every few months):
Discharge current: 3.2 A (0.49 C)
Discharge voltage: 3.5 V/cell
End current: 50%
Balance Enable: Off

Hi my 2 cents, especially for packs for kids bashers.

Firstly at minimum, I charge at 1C. I really don't think you gain anything charging at 1/2C. If anything it just prolongs charging times and creates the habit of not attending to your charging, that is a no no. You are better off teaching your kids to charge the thing and make sure you don't forget about it.

Secondly as far as ending voltage, for kids, just go all the way to 4.2. Again you are not gaining much in prolonging life of the battery. If anything it will induce more current, give you less power and of course shorter run times.

Setting up the kids ESCs so there is voltage protection is a must as your kids will run them all the way down.

Teach them to take the lipos out and storage charge them when they are done.

The habits of attending to charges and storage charging is what saves batteries for kids, not overly conservative charging profiles.

Just my 2C.

Oh almost forgot, get something fireproof to throw the lipos in when they are both charging and done playing. You don't need the expensive lipo box but a vented ammo can or an old tool box is great for kids.