performula

iTrader: (4)

From what I understand, if all the maH ratings are the same, the batteries are within 0.5V of each other, and the S rating doesn't exceed the charger's max cell count, two batteries can be charged at the same time. I wouldn't do this but only so often if I didn't have time. How would I go about doing this? I'm a little confused on how they are hooked up to the charger.

hpikillr

iTrader: (1)

just make a splitter.. like people use on erevo and the like to put 2 batteries in series u just want 2 batts in parallel.. if u are using deans thats 2 male plugs soldered to 1 female plug

performula

iTrader: (4)

Thank you! I ended up getting this:

http://www.hobbypartz.com/41p-paraboard.html

Dave H

That's a good way to go, it's a safer method. Remember they need to be the same cell counts (S) at a time (comment only prompted by your thread title). They can vary in mAh (capacity). Plug the board into the charger first to avoid live male plugs.

Johnnysplits

iTrader: (1)

You need to have the same cell count and within .5v of each other. You set the charger for the total mah of both lipo's. Charge at 1C and you should be good. DO use a paraboard. Connect the balance plugs first, then the power leads after you have plugged the paraboard into the charger.

performula

iTrader: (4)

Dave H and JohnySplits,

What I'm getting is:

I can charge pretty much any set of lipo batteries, in any maH, as long as the cell count is the same and the total maH rating is set in the charger. Correct?

Johnnysplits

iTrader: (1)

Yes! Just remember, cell count HAS to be the same. On mah, you can go as far as the charger will go. I would just go slow (1C) and monitor battery temps and resting voltage after the charge is complete just to be sure your batteries are not getting over-charged.

Dave H

Johnny, wouldn't it be better to connect the battery main leads before the balance plugs? I'd be concerned that the current surge as the packs balance in voltage could be too much for the small balance wires.

Johnnysplits

iTrader: (1)

Yeah that's how I always did it, but I just bought a cellpro powerlab 6 and it was recommended to plug the balancer in first, then the power leads. I know, it doesn't make any sense to me either. Im gonna ask the owner of the company just for some peace of mind.

Johnnysplits

iTrader: (1)

Ok, i've checked this out with revolectrix, iCharger, and a few other different sources. All agree to connect balance plug first, then discharge cables. The idea is that when you plug the balance connector in first, the cells within the pack will equalize themselves. Im not an electronics expert, but they are so this will be my lipo connection procedure from now on.

Hoese37

iTrader: (5)

If you charge 2 packs @ a 1C rate, it gets divided between the packs, so each pack only sees a .5C charge rate. You should be able to go 2C easily.

performula

iTrader: (4)

Really? That's twice a regular charge correct? Most people charge at 1C?

Bigwave

Not really true, you just charge at 1c rate for both packs combined. Example would be 2x5000mah packs parallel charged is the same as charging one 10000mah pack. So you set the charger at 10amps for a 1C charge rate.

Johnnysplits

iTrader: (1)

Supposedly, there is less stress on the packs when you parallel charge. Yeah, 2C to 3C is what I do too. I think most people charge at 1C due to old style charging practices and/or less than capable charging equipment.

Hoese37

iTrader: (5)

Yes. I was referring to 1C per battery.