Post your charging setup

[TraxxasTuesdays]

I only do NiMHs so I just have a Prophet Sport II from Dynamite.
http://traxxastuesdays.webs.com/apps...toid=151773226

[DiggerPede]

I joined the Powerlab-6 bandwagon a couple months ago also. Once you owm one you wonder why you didnt spend the money in the begining. It'll be the last one that I own. I purchased my setup from Progressive RC. Very good bunch of folks over there. Powering this bad boy is a 600W PSU. No slacker in anyway. A couple weeks later i had seen a couple folks using Server PSU's so i flew to ebay and picked 2 up fairly cheap. I havent put them together yet. But i did fire them up and they purr like a kitten. They will supply me way more than i'll ever need. I think combined they will output 1150W if i remember right. KSB helped me out with that. I also spent the big bucks on their MPA parallel board. If you don't have one of those you don't know what you are missing either. I find it a very good investment also. The software is totally sweet, very powerful stuff there. I havent even tapped it. Anyways here's my setup. Oh and I parallel 6- 2S packs & balance them in 30-35 mins.

[SRTracer121]

you elitist powerlab owners should be ashamed of yourselves. such bad influences on a poor dope like me.

for shame.

[pavmentsurfer]

^^ thats exactly how i felt when jakey and KSB were "all up in my face" about how great it was... I felt like so much less of a man I got one myself. Now I walk a little taller, smile a little brighter and get lots more looks from the ladies. All thanks to a PL6.

[ksb51rl]

Screenshot of a real charge I just completed. Notice the "Output = 500 Watts" line. (It changed to 0.5 kW right after, but that was the limit.) If I want to pull more watts from my PSU, I'll need higher-count packs. I'm only halfway to its and the the charger's maximum.

[TraxxasTuesdays]

Can somebody explain these fancy graphs and computer setups to me? Why is it more complicated than plugging it into the wall, plugging in a battery, and waiting for a beep?

[ksb51rl]

I'm not sure they would matter at all if you are just charging some NiMH packs on the wall.
Either way, the details are probably better addressed in a dedicated thread.

[TraxxasTuesdays]

I assumed they were more for lipos, and too complicated for a single post in this thread. Can you just tell me what the program is called and I'll go research on the internet? Or is it more complicated than just a program I can research... more like an entire concept I need to grasp?

[ksb51rl]

FMA Charge Control Software Tour
FMA Charge Control Software Download Page
The Prophet Sport II manual is 2 pages. The PL6 manual is about 80 pages longer. You are absolutely right about not being able to cover it all in this limited space.

[DiggerPede]

KSB it doesnt hiccup on 2s packs but when I put some 3S in there it really starts to draw some WATTS. Thats when the new PSU build would come in handy.

I need to pull some ideas on the best way to setup those 2 server PSUs. Being that i'm at work on standy for a Turnaround for the next 45+ days. Weekends tend to be really quiet here. I might have to drag my bag of goodies to work to wire and solder them up.

[JMG]

Just charging nimh's at the moment with a Dynamite.

I design power supplies, battery back ups, chargers, and LED lighting systems for a living. If I ever get some spare time, i will design my own charger for the hobby. I've done a li-ion backed up LED driver that included cell protection and charging that was fully adjustable via usb control. Wrote some PC side software for that as well as the firmware too . That was a 3000mAh system. Biggest I've done so far.

[Emaxx2.0]

How are you wiring them in series? I'm guessing 12v 30amps 360watt power supply should handle a Thunderpower T610 and a simple 2s 5300mah lipo at full 10amps. But I was looking at Thunder Power 820CD which is a dual port 20amp(at each port) charger with a total of 800amps or the larger TP1430C(30amps 1000watts). What would be needed to run this? I'm only going to be doing 2s lipos and maybe 3s but having the ability to do more is nice.

[Emaxx2.0]

How are you wiring them in series? I'm guessing 12v 30amps 360watt power supply should handle a Thunderpower T610 and a simple 2s 5300mah lipo at full 10amps. But I was looking at Thunder Power 820CD which is a dual port 20amp(at each port) charger with a total of 800amps or the larger TP1430C(30amps 1000watts). What would be needed to run this? I'm only going to be doing 2s lipos and maybe 3s but having the ability to do more is nice.

Anyone? I purchase this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/140700184449...84.m1439.l2649 for my Thunder power charger. So is this capable of handling 20amp chargers?

[BaldyDaniels]

Anyone? I purchase this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/140700184449...84.m1439.l2649 for my Thunder power charger. So is this capable of handling 20amp chargers?

Its got enough power to easily run a 20 amp charger, with power left over. Whether or not it will work to provide that power steadily for the entire charge process without overheating is something nobody but the manufacturer can tell you. But I've seen guys running chargers off of computer power supplies, x box power supplies and many others than I didn't think could handle it, and they have been successful with those setups, so I'd imagine you'll be fine. Be sure to post your results using this supply, cuz it looks like a good setup with all those easy connection points. good luck!

[Petertje60]

Never regretted getting this combo:


Most fancy function is that it says my name when it starts up

[DiggerPede]

^^^ Say what??? In a female voice, " Hi, *your name here* ". LOLOLOL I'm jealous.

[Emaxx2.0]

Its got enough power to easily run a 20 amp charger, with power left over. Whether or not it will work to provide that power steadily for the entire charge process without overheating is something nobody but the manufacturer can tell you. But I've seen guys running chargers off of computer power supplies, x box power supplies and many others than I didn't think could handle it, and they have been successful with those setups, so I'd imagine you'll be fine. Be sure to post your results using this supply, cuz it looks like a good setup with all those easy connection points. good luck!

I did use it on my Thunder power t610c(10amp 80watt max). The power supply can be set to 14.8volts and was ice cool. Now seeing as I used 2s only and maybe plan on using 3s lipos it can handle the Thunder Power TP1430C(30amps 1000watts) while charging at full 30amps (IDK if my actually doing the math right). 8.4volts x 30amps is only 252watts and using a 3s is 378watts(ok but it will easily handle a 20amps charge). Other option was Thunder Power 820CD which is a dual port(400watt 20amps per port) and using a 2s lipo 8.4v x 20amps is 168watts x 2 is 336watts total. If I'm not doing this right let me know.

[ksb51rl]

Something to remember about charger and power supplies is that the charger will step down or step up the voltage from the PSU, depending on the pack being charged. This has a direct effect on the amperage needed. Running a 24V PSU (assuming your charger can accept that input) will greatly reduce the amperage needed vs. a 12V PSU.
When I set my charger for a 40A charge rate for parallel charging a bunch of 3S batteries, the maximum amperage the 24V PSU output a maximum of 23.10 amps.

[Jimmie Neutron]

This is why I feed my charger 24V.... less heat build up for "large" charges.

[lubecakes]

I use the Venom pro charger and it's pretty sweet. I only paid 100 bucks and it will do every battery I own, including my lawn mower if need be

[BanditTransit]

I just bought an Onyx 200, since I only have NiMh batteries. I just plug it into an outlet and set it on the side of our grill, doesn't really need a picture. Haha

[Emaxx2.0]

Something to remember about charger and power supplies is that the charger will step down or step up the voltage from the PSU, depending on the pack being charged. This has a direct effect on the amperage needed. Running a 24V PSU (assuming your charger can accept that input) will greatly reduce the amperage needed vs. a 12V PSU.
When I set my charger for a 40A charge rate for parallel charging a bunch of 3S batteries, the maximum amperage the 24V PSU output a maximum of 23.10 amps.

Wow thank you for making that easier to understand. I was looking at your power supply setup and was wondering what exactly is needed that the author on the tutorial site didn't include. Is it as simple as bridging and can you go from 12volt to 24volt with a switch of a wire?

[hatethmpr]

guys im wondering what power supplies you use... like the IBM FRU number... i work with them all day. i can possibly get someof them for cheap.

[Emaxx2.0]

iCharger 206B
Converted Server Power Supply; 2 in series for 24v/75a/1800w
ParaBoard

I have not found a tool/storage box that will house the PS and the iCharger yet.
Starting to consider making my own.

I have about $175 into this setup.

For now, I am running a MERV that uses 2S 2200mah 20C LiPo's in parallel.
I can charge all 6 of my batteries in about an hour at 1.5C.
This charge time allows me 3 hours of play time.

High amp chargers are the way to go!!

What power supply are you using?

[Jimmie Neutron]

[Emaxx2.0]

OK cool. But how do you have it wired? Can you take pics and what was involved?

[ksb51rl]

Lets try to keep this thread a bit more on-topic.
Modification of power supplies is a big topic. Additionally it has some very real dangers.

[Emaxx2.0]

understood. Just looking for a future charger that can easily handle charging 2 3s lipos at 20-30amps(for each pack) without a sweet. But you'll need a power supply to handle it. I'm extremely good with wiring just trying to see what else is involved.

[Jimmie Neutron]

I plan on doing a build thread over in the off-topic discussion area soon. I just need to tear it down and get some pictures... Oh, and finish the project. lol It is useable the way it is, just not very pretty.

[snowslider]

I plan on doing a build thread over in the off-topic discussion area soon. I just need to tear it down and get some pictures... Oh, and finish the project. lol It is useable the way it is, just not very pretty.

That would be really helpful!

[pavmentsurfer]

Here's what I know... the Powerlab 6 with a 57amp 12volt PSU can charge at a full 40amps without stressing the PSU or the charger. This is with 2X 2S packs... I don't know what difference charging 3S packs would make, but for $175 for the charger, $50 (built, much less if you build it yourself) for the power supply and $10 for the parallel harnesses I needed I have less than $250 into a charger that is WAY more powerful than ill ever need.

That is what I know for sure.

[Emaxx2.0]

Here's what I know... the Powerlab 6 with a 57amp 12volt PSU can charge at a full 40amps without stressing the PSU or the charger. This is with 2X 2S packs... I don't know what difference charging 3S packs would make, but for $175 for the charger, $50 (built, much less if you build it yourself) for the power supply and $10 for the parallel harnesses I needed I have less than $250 into a charger that is WAY more powerful than ill ever need.

That is what I know for sure.

Wonderful news. So my little 12volt(adjustable to 14.8Volt) 30amp 360watt regulated switching power supply should handle a 30amp Thunderpower charger on 2s or the thunder power dual charger charging 2 2slipos at both full 20maps?

[pavmentsurfer]

Well... a 30amp PSU isnt going to allow you to charge 2X 2S lipos at 20amps each, but a 30amp 12volt PSU will be more than enough to charge 2s lipos at 20amps total on any charger. I would imagine you'd be able to squeak out about 25amps on the single 30 amp charger. There are ineffencies in every charger/power supply setup so if it says 30amps, you may get 25 out of it. maybe more. But if you have 30 and your only looking for 20... you'll get all 20 no question.

[trax de max]

I feel like a little boy with my IQ605 pluged into my wall. lol

[Emaxx2.0]

Well... a 30amp PSU isnt going to allow you to charge 2X 2S lipos at 20amps each, but a 30amp 12volt PSU will be more than enough to charge 2s lipos at 20amps total on any charger. I would imagine you'd be able to squeak out about 25amps on the single 30 amp charger. There are ineffencies in every charger/power supply setup so if it says 30amps, you may get 25 out of it. maybe more. But if you have 30 and your only looking for 20... you'll get all 20 no question.

OK. The batteries I have can only handle a max charge maps of 26.5 amps. The power supple I have been known to push over 30amps and can be adjusted to 14.8volts easy. But I don't want to under power a high end charger. I'm looking into those cellpros. I love the idea of having posted graphs.

[Emaxx2.0]

Guys. Here a amazing deal. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=280848875490 Now That should easily power almost anything out there lol.

[trax de max]

Now i need to build something to house this.
IQ605, modded sony PS3 psu.

[hskb]

I have the Onyx-245 dual charger. It can charge at 5A for 2s packs, but with 3s, it drops to about 3.6A due to it 40W limit per channel.
All in all, it's a great 2S Charger, but it takes too long to charge 3s packs.
I usually charge my 3s 5400mAh and 8200mAh packs the night before, I just don't like the time it requires my attention.

[LonestarThunder]

Here are a few pics of my portable charging station consisting of iCharger 306Bs and a Junsi S1200 PS. I like the idea of the PRC cases and decided to try them out. A bit of a challenge to line up the cut-outs but I think it works well.

The Case


Case Open: I velcroed the parallel boards to the case for transport.


The charging deck. The two fan grills line up with the power supply fans underneath (for the most part).


Removing the charging deck reveals power supply, wiring, and small cable storage area...


Fan grill and A/C plug connector on side.


Side fan grill lined up well with power supply's intake fan...


Final setup in action...


I'm pretty happy with this setup so far. It gives me the portability and ease of setup I need when chargin both at home and at the field.

[Godspeed]

ok... after reading through this i feel like the guy driving his beat-up rusted out geo metro into Mecum Auto Auction.... lol

anywho,

Im looking to get a charger for my lipos. (truck came with a Primal Radient charger, but not going to cut it...

batts: right now i have 2 2S 5000mah 30c lipos and WANT to get some SPC 8200 in the future.

so, my plan is to get something that will take care of both (incase i do get the 8200's; cuz if i dont, well then my 5000's will just be charged faster!!)

I like simplicity and dont want to break the bank.... upon searching on here i found the Thunder Power tp610c ac/dc charger being recommended. one or two of these would be great would it not? charge at 10amps!! bout $100 a pop. def get one now and another if i can score a deal on the flebays

so... will this suffice?!