Originally Posted by
Slapjack
Thank you... So the charger is 400w/channel. But that is limited because my supply is only 20A, is that right?
Yep, you got it.
I am guessing that is why the charger actually says to use a min 60A supply. But using a 25A supply isn't hurting the charger is it? It is just limiting it?
As long as you remember the limits and don't ask for too much, then it won't hurt anything.
Also, the supply has a dial that goes from like 11v to 18v. I have it set to around 12-15ish but I can't tell an exact number because the dial doesn't 't show all the numbers. Should I leave it around 12 or should I crank it all the way up?
As long as you don't have other devices being powered that might have voltage limitations, then I'd crank it up, as long as it stays within the charger input limits (remember to consider the power drain of any other devices). This charger appears to also be rated for up to 18V input, but because of tolerances they may not match up exactly. I'm not sure but I don't think you will get any more power, but high Volts/low Amps should let it run a little cooler.
One thing to be aware of, avoid setting the power supply in the range of pack voltage while charging. I.E, leave it at 12V or get it well above 16.8V for a 4S pack. If the pack crosses the input Voltage while charging the charger must switch from buck to boost mode, which can lead to a bit of instability. Usually not a big deal, but makes sense to avoid if practical.
If I happened to enter in a charge rate higher than the charger can do, it won't hurt the charger will it? It just won't go to the value I entered it will just do what it can right?
A charge rate higher than the charger can do isn't the possible problem, the charger will self regulate itself (at least every charger I've messed with will anyway).
It might be a problem if you go higher than the power supply can do though, at least it's far from ideal. The power supply would be overloaded, brown out, might go unstable, shut down, etc, all hard on the charger. There isn't any connected intelligence for the charger to avoid this.
Some of the high powered chargers do have power supply settings available to avoid exactly this issue. I don't think this charger does though. Just remember the limits and you should be fine.