Thread: Cells ??
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Old 29-12-2006
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MattW MattW is offline
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I don't claim to be a cell expert, but i've learnt a bit over the years!!!

I use a Pulsar and CE T35 GFX. On my pulsar i set the delta at 10-15mV, depending on cells and ambiant conditions. Generally newer cells are ok at lower delta's, where as older ones might need it a touch higher. On my GFX, i would usually use 30mV.

I like the Pulsar, i think it's a good charger, but to be totally honest, i don't really rate the peak detection software. I have had mine set at 15mV, but sat there watching the digital display showing pack voltage drop 30mV before it actually cuts off. For this reason, i think the delta settings on the Pulsar should be lower than for many other chargers.

There is no doubt that IB cells being below 1.0V is a serious problem. I would never knowingly take them below 0.9. I think you are ok discharging to 0.9 as they do not rest there - picking back to oer 1.0 after the load is removed. When i first had IB4200's i was equalising them on conventional resistor/diode trays to 0.7V. I had 2 packs die very quickly. I stopped this practice and the ones that survived have generally been ok.

I did lose one pack last week - but basically this was my fault as well. I had come close to dumping and then left them connected to the car for about 10 days. The entire pack voltage had therefor gone far too low. 5 cells survived (to a point) but one didn't and has gone internal short. There doesn't seem to be a way of reviving them when this happens. IB cells must be left with charge in them - i would say at least 500mAh, possibly more if they are to be left for a long period.

As a general rule of thumb, GP cells seem much more resiliant than IB. However, it is at a cost, as performance from IB's seems far superior.
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