Battery Charging advice please

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Mike - 05 Dec 2003 00:40 GMT

Hi,

I just got back into this hobby and would like advice on charging NiCd
packs.
I have an E-Maxx, which I'm only getting about ten minutes (at most)
of runtime with. I'm using 1500Mah packs (dynamite and venom). What
I've been doing is using my MRC 819 Charger, which detects peak and
switches to trickle charge after 15 minutes or so. I'm thinking that
it's switching off early. Since I have so many batteries to charge, I
got anothe charger (dynamite Mega-2) which I selected b/c it has
manual settings for charge time and discharge/charge.

I tried discharging the packs to 1.5a and then charging for 15
minutes, then setting the timer for an additional 5-10 minutes. The
batteries become slightly warm and the run time is longer.

I have also noticed that on my e-maxx, one battery ends up more
discharged than the other. Normal? (It has the Novak ESC.)

Thanks for any tips!!!

Mike

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Rick Russell - 05 Dec 2003 01:59 GMT

> I tried discharging the packs to 1.5a and then charging for 15
> minutes, then setting the timer for an additional 5-10 minutes. The
> batteries become slightly warm and the run time is longer.

"Slightly warm" is exactly what you want. Even "quite warm" is
OK. "Hot to the touch" is not OK.

> I have also noticed that on my e-maxx, one battery ends up more
> discharged than the other. Normal? (It has the Novak ESC.)

I'm told that the EVX speed control uses only one battery back to
provide power for the servos, receiver, and the motors, while the
other battery pack just powers the motors. If you popped open the EVX
and traced the PC board, you could probably tell which battery
connector provides power for the electronics.

So you might see a difference in discharge rate between the two packs,
especially if you use cheap packs and high-power servos.

Rick R.

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Mike - 05 Dec 2003 23:33 GMT

Thanks, Rick.

My MRC 819 switches to trickle after 15 min - i don't think it ever
charges the batteries enough - they never even get warm. Maybe I'll
use the 819 for the initial charge then continue w/the mega-2.

Mike

> > I tried discharging the packs to 1.5a and then charging for 15
> > minutes, then setting the timer for an additional 5-10 minutes. The
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>
> Rick R.

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frater mus - 07 Dec 2003 03:56 GMT

> I have an E-Maxx, which I'm only getting about ten minutes (at most)
> of runtime with. I'm using 1500Mah packs (dynamite and venom). What

10mins on 1500s sounds about right to me.

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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / December 2003

Battery Charging advice please