porterdog

iTrader: (3)

I use Gens Ace 5300mAh 2S packs with my iCharger 208b. I can charge one in about 20 minutes at 20A! (They say on the label that 5C charging is ok, and it seems to be. There's no battery heating at that charge rate, which I find amazing).

With my setup my runtime is longer than my charge time.

Newlaw

iTrader: (11)

Porter what do you use to power the charger?

Dave H

To charge a 6S at 5 amps requires 126 watts of charger power. So 252W for two. Taking into account charger efficiency (~80%) and recommended supply headroom (30%), need around 410 watts of power supply. Which equates to about a 30 amp bench supply at 13.8V. Check your favorite shop.

The other option is a converted 12V computer supply, needs about 34 amps. Strongly recommend a server supply, not a PC supply. Perhaps check out feathermerchantrc.com.

2 x 6S x 5A x 4.2V/cell / 80% x 130% = 409.5 watts

Change numbers as desired for other situations.

Sure is, just need a more powerful charger. The bigger Hyperions, ThunderPowers, and most any iCharger are all popular choices with lots of flexibility and shorter real world charging times than most.

bigchieftaco

So Dave, If I am running 2 3s 5A batteries, I need 204.75 watts to charge both at the same time for 1C charging rate?

Dave H

~204 watts of power supply should work well, correct.

126 watts of charger power. And the charger amp capability of course.

porterdog

iTrader: (3)

I have a big 0-38VDC supply that I use in the garage mostly to test automotive electronics. I think it's rated at 250W, but it's a conservative rating as it's former lab equipment.

4drturbo

Did not want to start a new thread.
I see there are TONS and TONS of chargers out there. I see people recommend $30 ones all the way to $180 + chargers. I finally ordered a SPC LIPO 2s 5000MAH battery. (Never ran Lipos before)I will probably run my RC once or twice on the weekends. And might even bring my RC to work and run it in between jobs. So what would be a good priced/quality Lipo charger/balancer to run given my scenario that people have had good luck with and no problems? Thanks!

justpoet

iTrader: (16)

Should've created a new thread.
Good choice on battery pack.
Most budget chargers work out just fine.

This at $44 is one of the more popular budget chargers.

If you're looking for something that your local hobby shop is likely to have, look at the similar spec'd hitec at $63.

4drturbo

Thanks for the links! Also the props on the Lipo pack. Did quite a bit of searching and debating before ordering a pack. So now its time for a charger since I need one. New threads just clutter the search engine. So I like to search and just bump up threads.

Also, will I need any special connectors/misc to be able to charge my pack with any of those chargers for my Traxxas? I am looking for a charger/balancer that comes with everything so I can plug it in a standard outlet. Or is that not the case with Lipo charger/balancers?

justpoet

iTrader: (16)

Most don't, but the ones I linked will both plug into the wall instead of requiring a separate dc power source. Pretty much all chargers will have banana plugs on them to provide power, and then balance ports. The cables that came with your battery should plug straight into either that or a deans plug. Any hobby shop should have plenty of the different kinds of cables to connect whichever type of connector you need, likely a deans charger lead.

4drturbo

Right on. I just don't want to get a battery cooker I have the IMAX B6-AC Charger/Discharger 1-6 Cells (GENUINE) from hobbykings in my cart. Just want to make sure before I bite the bullet. I would be down for spending a bit more for a better product that will be accurate and not cook my new lipo I ordered lol. The reviews seem to be good on the genuine ones.

Wanabrc

iTrader: (70)

Should have started a new thread. Back when this one was started,these old farts were using coal powered stoves for power supplies..............

shagino

iTrader: (57)

Those are good choices for chargers. Until you've got more packs or are ready to commit, it'd be overkill to get anything more. May be able to score a good used charger here on the forums.

4drturbo

Why? There are a million threads on this subject. Just adds more clutter on the site. Got the information I needed.

Thanks man. I ordered it. HobbyKing kind of sucks. Was an error after paying with Paypal but my order went through to Paypal... Just waiting on confirmation of my order since they do have my money. Shipping was like $12. :/ Bought via US warehouse BTW.

Any tips on charging it for the first time? How many amps etc.
Thanks.

shagino

iTrader: (57)

1C on your pack is 5A. Looks like charger max is 5A. Do that. C Rating is mAh/1000. It's "safest" if you charge at 1C. While I'm in the 1C camp, I know plenty of people who go over and don't have an issue.