What amp level do I charge batteries at?

[chris_exeter]

Hi guys, title pretty much explains my query! I have a Pro Peak 2500vp charger a need to charge 3600 Intellect batteries. What amp level should I charge at for:

a) charging from the mains

b) charging from a 12v

Thanks in advance!

[spuddy]

I charge mine at 5.5 amps with 3mv fallback

[chris_exeter]

When charging off a 12v yes?

The instruction manual says charging from a mains should be a maximum of 3a..

so I should do 5.5a off a 12v and 3a off a mains yeah?


Thanks buddy

[spuddy]

depends on your power supply.
I do 5.5 amps off both

[buzz]

I charge mine both at 6 amps off mains and battery

[super__dan]

Gents, I think this is a fairly budget charger with an inbuilent power supply that can only do 3A max if running straight off the mains.

Chris, you should ideally charge at between 5 - 6A everytime, and not alter it (much). I would suggest 3A is too low and may effect punch, it will also take bloody ages.

If my assumption is correct on the charger, you should aim to always use a 12V battery or 12V power supply to charge from.

Dan

[chris_exeter]

Thanks for the advice guys, it's this one:

http://www.jespares.com/catalog/images/IP2500VP.jpg

[tc2k]

I still have that cahrger collecting dust. If you can find an old 12volt battery, whack that off the charger and charge at about 5 amps, should be decent enough for now.

[simon]

hi,
sorry to jump in,but i also have this charger and was wondering is it any good for charging IB4200 batterys????

Also it has a dial to alter how many amps you charge at...if you charge from the mains,and put the dial to 5.5 amps,surely this means its charging at 5.5 amps?????
Thanks for your help,simon

[tc2k]

I wouldnt recommend you charge you IBs with this charger, the IB cells need alot of TLC and this charger will overcharge them. I assume if you set the dial to 5.5a off the mains, it just wont charge.

[simon]

Hi,
So if i buy these cells i need a new charger........anyone know the cheapest charger i could get away with??.....

thanks for your help.

[super__dan]

I think that charger is pretty much the worst one on the market.

Firstly it's a pulse charger which is no good for any nimh cells. I've seen two packs vent on these chargers because I believe it's a pulse charger and also I do believe it over charges cells.

Also it has the most annoying noise I've ever heard, I genuinly proposed they should be band from York club as there is just no need.

This second point is tongue in cheek but my first post is true. I would not trust any kind of decent nimh cells with this charger!

[Col]

Originally Posted by super__dan

Also it has the most annoying noise I've ever heard, I genuinly proposed they should be band from York club as there is just no need.

Dan, never a truer word spoken. All I hear all bloody night!!

[nitrokillah]

Sorry for bringing back the Past...

But why are Chargers able To charge cells at 8Amp , some even 10 Amp?
I've been Charging at 6.2 ... Maybe thats what I've been doin' wrong all this time...
Glad I was planning to get New Cells soon. Will Deff stic to 5.5 from now on.

Also What's a good Discharging Level...

[Metla]

I charge my 3700's at 4.5 amps, Anything higher and they get too hot to touch.

Though they are cheap stick packs.

On the other hand they have good run time, plenty of punch, and have got me around the track and over the jumps hundreds of times in the last year and a bit.

[super__dan]

As this has come up again I feel it only right to point out the latest charging advice at the top of the electrics section. I no longer apply or recomend the advice I gave above. I'm now equalive to 0.9V/cell, then charge at 4.2A (4200 cells) at 3mv/cell (the lowest setting on my charger, they have never false peaked yet on this).

Metla, any cells that are 'too hot to touch' are I suggest dangerous, in fact any temperature anywhere near. This is the problem with the cheaper chargers, the delta isn't adjustable and in an effort to charge everything (nimh and nicad), till they are full and low risk of false peaking, the delta is too high. Essentially the cells are often overcharged through no fault of the user.

Fortuantly you are using 3700's which are in my opinion the best cells ever, much more robust than latest China cells.

[jimmy]

Mark redmonds cells apparently only got to 2500mah yesterday though before his blew up - and they were still cold to the touch. I didn't see it - but I did see Kirkys start fizzing before he ran out with them wrapped in a towel - it was like a warzone in that sports hall, I tell ya.

[Northy]

Originally Posted by jimmy

Mark redmonds cells apparently only got to 2500mah yesterday though before his blew up - and they were still cold to the touch. I didn't see it - but I did see Kirkys start fizzing before he ran out with them wrapped in a towel - it was like a warzone in that sports hall, I tell ya.

But I bet the one that did blow up wasn't cold.....

G