Here is how we like to "treat" the IB3800:
Race Day:
1) Be sure battery is at least dumped (like at 30A to .90V per cell cutoff).
2) Before charge, take battery down on discharge tray. If using the Zero-V or similar resistor-type tray, tray battery pack for 15-20min before charge.
If using the CTX-D, use Zero-Volt profile (takes to .1V) or Dead-Short profile(able to set dead-short time).
3) Place battery on charge right away after traying using desired charging profile.
4) After race, discharge at 30A (standard discharger) or 30A pulse (CTX-D-good for battery life) to .85-.90V per cell cutoff.
5) STORAGE:
[A] if it is planned to run the pack again within a week, equalize pack using CTX-D or Smart tray (automatic cutoff) or Zero-V (manual cutoff), then store.
[B] if it is planned to run the pack again after one week's time, equalize pack using the CTX-D or Smart tray (automatic cutoff) or Zero-V (manual cutoff), THEN place a 450mah (~5min) charge back into the pack (the charger will automatically cut off around 5 min if you set a capacity cut to 450mah), then store.
***Repeat from step 1 on next race day.
Storing IB batteries with a small amount of charge seems to be pretty common practice.
For Re-peaking:
We like to set up a linear charge ("peak charge") profile just for this...starting with ~06 for the delta peak. If battery is "cold," increase the delta peak some. It is OK to repeak multiple times with the CM because it utilizes low delta peak settings. Refer below about being sure cells get warm to hot (within limits, of course) before racing.
For Cold Weather charging:
Rather than setting higher delta peaks for colder weather, we find that it is best for the battery to alter the charging "environment" with a Battery Warming Tray. Regardless of whether or not you would like to purchase this item, it is essential for competitive racing to get the pack warm to hot (45-50 deg C is a good range) before a race for best power. Do not let a battery exceed 50 deg C during charge, because the battery can rise a few degrees in temp after charge, and it is NOT good for IB cells to get over 54 deg C (~130 deg F).
Hope this helps.
