Originally Posted by
Dave H
In general if a higher voltage is available that is preferable, generally more efficient and cooler operating. And depending on the charger and packs may allow for more power - higher amp charge rates.
One consideration, while not always necessary it's best to avoid a supply voltage in the same range as the battery pack. For example a 12V supply charging a 3S lipo causes the charger to switch between buck and boost modes as it charges. Some chargers, even some otherwise well regarded ones, are less than perfectly stable while making the transition. Generally it's not a huge issue, but not ideal, avoiding it if possible is reasonable.
Give us some more details on your equipment and packs and we can be more specific about your situation.
this sounds like very good information that i hadn't thought about. fortunately i'm only using 2S Lipo at the moment so my input voltage is considerably higher than my battery needs. Trying to understand efficiency here... Will a higher power supply output voltage decrease amperage used assuming the load stays the same?
hitec 30a power supply
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDAKK
hitec X2 ultima dual port charger
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAYVD&P=M
charging SMC 6500maH 60c 2S Lipos