Help with Batteries and chargers.

[ryanvm777]

Ok I think I am going to need some help. I have 18 GP 3300's and they died on me. I am getting less than 2 min. of run time and the truck is driving slow.

1. Can I save them, or bring them back from the dead? They cost to much money to just trash them.

2. What charger or chargers should I get? Keep in mine this is for an E-maxx with 18 cells. So I would need 2 chargers that can charge 9 cells or more. Or a dual charger. I dont want to spend to much money (I always say that). If I have to buy two chargers It can be prety pricey.

3. What settings or do I charge each 9 (and mabey 8) cell pack at? I have 2 MRC 959 right now. They say they chare 1-8 cells, but I have been chargeing 9 cells. Mabey this is why they died on me. I have been charging them at the maximum settings and it takes about 30 minutes. The settings are; 4.5 amps charge rate. and I think 50mv cut off or something. Not sure what the mv are suppost to be for 9 cells (or 8).

4. What should 9 (or 8) cells peak charge read? How many volts should a full charge read?

5. What is the max amps I should charge a 9 (or 8) cell pack at.

I need to have a better understanding becuase now I have to buy 18 more cells and more than likely 2 new chargers. I love to drive my truck but I hate waiting 30 min for less than 10 min of fun. Please help.

[ryanvm777]

Also what makes a charger for different cell counts?? What makes it 1-8 or 1-9 or 1-10 .......????? Like the LRP Pulsar Competition 2, why is it only 1-8 cells?

[RC-Monster Mike]

Your batteries may be fine, but your charger sounds like it gave the ghost. Generally, the power supply in the charger is a limiting factor determining how many cells it can charge and the charge rates it can charge at. The chargers you have are OK at best. they are fine for 6 cell packs and receiver packs, but they are certainly not up to the task of charging your 9 cell packs for e-maxx duty. The final voltage read will depend on a lot of factors (internal resistance of the cells, quality of the cells, resistance in the wiring, etc.). The MRC chargers most likely cannot charge 9 cells at 4.5 amps on their best day (power supply most likely can't deliver that current). The Integy 16x4 pro chargers in the store (this site) are great chargers for high cell counts and are very reliable. They can charge up to 15 cells at a time, so your 9 cell packs won't be an issue. These chargers can also cycle you batteries and may bring them back to life (they are probably not dead-the chargers may be the whole problem). Obviously, there are other chargers that will work well, too. I have quite a few customers who are very happy with this particular charger because it is reliable, easy to use and has good capabilities. For a charge rate, the 5.5 amp maxx of this charger will be fine. I charge all by packs at 5 amps. The higher the charge rate (amps), the more initial punch the packs will have when you first plug them in. Charging at a lower charge rate will slightly increase the runtime and decrease the punch. No big difference either way, though.

[ryanvm777]

Thanx for reply LOL. What is the mv setting? and do I need to buy 2 16x4 or should I just get the Integy Triple Pro Charger. What is a general number for my batt. packs? How do I know what they are suppost to be?

[RC-Monster Mike]

2 16x4 vs 1 triple pro - either way will work fine. The dual 16x4 will allow you to charge up to 30 cells at once(you could charge a 9 cell pack and a 6 cell pack at the same time)! The 16x4 is also smaller (both 16x4 chargers are about the same size or smaller than one triple pro). The triple pro is out of stock right now, too. the mv setting determines when the pack peaks (how the charger knows the pack has peaked). In general, a lower value will work for matched cells (3mv for example). As the packs get older or become unmatched, or when using unmatched packs, the value should be set higher (9mv for example). The actual setting determine the amount of voltage drop required to tell the charger that the cells have "peaked". when your packs have peaked, they will probably read somewhere between 12 or 13 volts.

[ryanvm777]

thanx that helps. I think I will just leave the mv setting on auto.

[ryanvm777]

Well the Integy Triple Pro Charger does seem like the better charger for me becuse I wouldnt be able to charge my two 9cell packs and 1 6cell pack at the same time? Pluse the price differance between buying 2 chargers instaid of 1. If I purchased the 16x4 I would charge one 9 cell pack per charger at a time. Then charge the 2 6cell packs. The 16x4 charges more cells but I dont think I will be charging a 15cell pack. Is there any advantages or extra settings that the 16x4 has that the Triple Pro Charger dosnt?

[ryanvm777]

mabey not; Looks like the 16x4 has more features.

[RC-Monster Mike]

The 16x4 will cycle the batteries, discharge the batteries and has a digital readout that gives you battery information. The triple pro basically charges the batteries. No discharge abilities, no cycling abilities, and the only adjustment is the charge rate.

[ryanvm777]

well once I talk to "the one who must be obeyed" I will buy 2 of them LOL.

I Thought it is was funny for a min.

[RC-Monster Mike]

You could always clear it with "the one who must be obeyed" and use your tax returns! :)

[Chase023]

Well first of all what I would do is C/10 your batteries for a few cycles and see what type of charges you get.
What kind of config are your batteries??

I personally use an Alpha4 and a Super Turbo, which suits my needs well.

[ryanvm777]

Chase could I get that in english ???? and what do you mean by config are my batteries ????

[Serum]

Here is what chase means;

(i always do this with new cells and with every 10-15 charges)

charge the cell with 1/10th C (that is 1/10th of the capacity of the cells (330mAh)) and discharge them with 1C (3300 mAh) when finished charge them with 1C (that's also the best setting to use your batteries for the longest possible time)

I use a Intelli V3 charger. Max 25 cells i thought that there is a model in the US based on the same software/electronics, and costs about 100 dollars.

Originally posted by RC-Monster Mike
and use your tax returns! :)

Using tax returns doesn't always work though. The one who must be obeyed should never under any circumstances be permitted to see any bill from purchasing accessories and parts that cost over $50 even when cleared before buying.