Team Grid RC

iTrader: (3)

Almost all of the older and new cheapy chargers are just peak detectors and do not have software and hardware safety features. Even at a 1C, if the pack has a bad cell can still rupture at 1C if the charger is a stupid charger.

High powered iChargers, PowerLabs and other incorporate intensive software/hardware safety features. There are still a lot of fancy packaged RC car chargers that lack safety features.

A good lipo bag is also important as added measure. Saw this on YouTube but can't seem to find out who sells it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX1MdkSU56M And the other question, who makes the best Lipo bag?

The Turnigy bunker is very effective and can be reused again whereas a bag is one-time-use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rusHrUSMmcw

DarthRacer

iTrader: (8)

I find this thread very interesting. I had no idea that people were charging above 1C. Can this be done with any pack? Can I safely charge at 2C to 5C on packs that were originally labeled to charge at 1C? My charger has a temp probe option so should I have that before attempting higher charge rates?

EAMotorsports

iTrader: (79)

If your packs say 1S charge on them I would probably not go much beyond that. I know some of the newer TP, Trinity and SMC packs are rated above 1C charge along with mine. But if the pack says 1C I would take their recommendation as they are the only ones that truly know what is inside the case and what it will handle.

And if you decide to go above 1C make sure you use a lipo sack, use a balance type charger always and dont leave the area while charging.

EA

DarthRacer

iTrader: (8)

So my takeaway from this is if the manufacturer says you can change at Xc then it is OK to do as long as you follow the safety guidelines.
Thanks.

Team Grid RC

iTrader: (3)

I have done 3C and 4C on packs labeled 5C with no problems with a PowerLab, but won't do it with a cheapo charger. I won't go as far as 5C which is the limit.

The important note here is, does your charger have software/hardware safety feature to detect cell problems or is it a plain lipo charger.

RedBullFiXX

iTrader: (34)

When, or if, you all decide to push the envelope on your lipos to win that Big Club race...

Please have a good understanding of the environment around your pit area
Note where fire extinguishers, and or sand buckets are

You may also want to take into account if there are small children playing near your area

DarthRacer

iTrader: (8)

I have the Hitec X2 Ultima.

http://www.hitecrcd.com/products/cha...ipment/x2.html

JiuHaWong

Is there anyway to compile a list of chargers that will provide me an accurate 1c or 2c charge? For the record, I don't mind spending a lot, I just want a good, accurate piece of equipment.

So far, based on what has been said, I have:

Powerlab 6 or 8
Hyperion (which models?)
Icharger (which ones?)

What about the Thunder 1030? link: http://www.hobbypartz.com/75p-1030-charger.html

Or the SkyRC chargers: http://www.hobbypartz.com/26p-ultimate400-charger.html and http://www.hobbypartz.com/26p-ultimate800-charger.html

Any help appreciated!

Team Grid RC

iTrader: (3)

The 6S models are all you need if you are using it only for RC cars since 1S, 2S 4S is the norm.

For example, a PowerLab 6 or iCharger 206B or 306B will work fine. Not familiar with Hyperion, so others can help here.

MDawson

iTrader: (27)

This resource came up in another thread. http://www.tjinguytech.com/charging-how-tos

orcadigital

iTrader: (61)

Turbo 35 GFX (needs lipo update if it does not already have)
Turbo 35 (needs lipo update if it does not already have)
Icharger 206b
Icharger 208b
Icharger 3010B

That is what I have used and can personally vouch for.

I currently use 2 Turbo 35's, 1 GFX, a 208B and for my receiver pack/tx pack, a 106b.

beebone

I usually charge IP and Orca Lipo pack at 20A with Powerlab6, no problem at all.

MDawson

iTrader: (27)

PL8 in the for sale section

mkorn

The safest way to charge is to balance charge every single time. 99% of all accidents are when people don't balance charge. A charger can only detect individual cells on balance mode. Even the best charger on standard charge mode will start a fire if you're charging a battery with a bad cell you were unaware of.

It's safe to charge up to triple the mah of your battery. If your battery is a 4200 mah you can charge at 12.6a and so on.

Never ever leave a charging lipo unattended. I don't suggest ever charging in your home either. But if you do, monitor the charge from start to finish.

Xpress

iTrader: (3)

If I was charging 1 cell packs I'd be all over the CE stuff, but I'm not sure that the lipo update for the GFX incudes balancing software? I've been charging 2 cell lipos at 20amps since the icharger 208 came out. The first pack had a cell go bad, but I never balanced it. Luckily I caught it before anything happened. I bought another pack and balance charge every time. I have had zero issues with the second pack and have well over 100 cycles on it.