Burning quest. on charging/balancing Lipos

[makaveli72]

Hey guys, so i'm new to this Lipo biz and have a question that i'm really kinda confused about. And the question goes; what is the advantage/disadvantage of charging and balancing two Lipos (for ex. two 3S Lipos) in Series vs. Parallel? :unsure:

I plan to use the iCharger 206B along with the TPower Balance Board for the batts. (TP 45C/5000mAh)

Any help on this would be much appreciated!

[makaveli72]

I'm sure this is a burning quest. for others as well...and w/ 32 views so far, someone must have more experience with this than me as i've never used Lipos before. So anyone, can you please share your thoughts on this. Why would one way of charging be better than another?

[nitro_mt_racer]

assuming your charger/power supply combo is up to the task, you can charge 2 batteries in series in the same time that you would normally charge one.

I can't think of any good reason to charge in parallel.

[egmuni]

I think when you're seeing/hearing people charge in series is because they're charging two packs at the same time with a charger that has only one output. I use a charge that has dual outputs, so I can charge two packs at the same time independently of each other...no need for me to worry about stringing the two packs in series. I haven't heard why you would want to charge in parallel, either? Not sure if this is the answer you're looking for?

[rupert]

Parallel charge is better than series becuse it has less risks and rules.

[makaveli72]

^^^ So i've heard, that's why I asked you guys on here to hear your inputs. Thanks for the replies thus far.

[mx2004]

Parallel charge is better than series becuse it has less risks and rules.

I don't think either has more of a risk than the "normal" risks of lipo if you do it right... I prefer series charging, I charge 2 x 3s batteries in series, its like charging a 6s battery.

[rupert]

Here are the rules for parallel packs: Packs must contain the same number of cells.

Here are the rules for series packs: Packs must require the same amount of capacity.

If we first assume normal packs and the above two rules are followed then there really is no risk and no problem with either.

[makaveli72]

Ok, so i'm about ready to order my E-Maxx but i'm still kinda unsure about this whole charging business. I feel like a fish-out-of-water right about now and i'm unsure about what route to take.

If I do get the iCharger 206B (http://www.progressiverc.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=48&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1) like I planned to, I would want to charge two packs at the same time to save time. I am planning to get two 3S TP and Hyperion batts. so I will need balance boards for that Charger. So my question in this case is, how would you guys recommend charging those batts.? In series or parallel? How do you guys charge your batts? I'm hearing/seeing all kinda various comments about this type of charging esp. with the risk involved when using a charger not built for dual/multi-charging, such as the iCharger; so i'm very concerned and taking this stuff very seriously as I don't want to have any mishaps.

And so I was thinking about getting a Dual batt. Charger like the Hyperion Duo. (http://www.maxamps.com/EOS0615i-DUO3.htm) Anyone use these to charge two batts at the same time? How do they perform...worth the extra over the iCharger?

:unsure:

Any other recommendations?

[makaveli72]

Okay...i'm thinking i'm just gonna get the iCharger and charge/balance them in parallel. I've heard that is the safer way anyhow so i'll just to that. Thanks for the help guys.

[rupert]

I would charge them in parallel on the I-charger, you can do all 4 of them if they are all 3S packs. You can probably take advantage of the 300 watt limit and depending upon your battery's capacity get 1-4 of them done in an hr or so.