Lipo charging

[wfdfiremedic]

Hey all,

Great forum! I am a newb to lipo technology. I am wondering if I should utilize a charge guard each time I charge the lipo? As I understand it, this guard prevents each cell from overcharing. Also, is this the same as balancing the pack, or do I need to also balance the pack as well? I am using a polyquest charge guard.

Thanks,
Chris

[MetalMan]

Welcome, wfdfiremedic!

From what I have seen, charge guard devices only stop the charge when any cell reaches a certain voltage (like 4.25v). A balancer is a much better choice, as it corrects the balance issue, instead of stopping the charge because of imbalance.

[wfdfiremedic]

Thanks for the info. Any recommendations on a balancer? I would like one capable of 5s.

Thanks,
Chris

[sjcrss]

the Hyperion LBA10 is a good balancer that will handle 5s for you

[MetalMan]

It sure is a good balancer. It will even do 6s Lipo.

[sjcrss]

That is the balancer im picking up next month for xmas, I new id did 5s...ut wasn't to sure about 6s.....thanks....and it is a good price as well

[Serum]

Guys, is this the version that charges thru the main leads?

[sjcrss]

I beleive so...here is a link to where im getting it from...just because it is easier for my inlaws to purchase it for me....
http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/detail.aspx?ID=1620
and here is a pic..

New Hyperion EOS LBA10 Net - The Most Powerful, Versatile Balance-Safety Adapter for Lithium Packs
Max 6S, 10A rating - Network 2 units for 7S~12S balancing.

The Hyperion EOS Lithium Balance Adapter 10 (LBA10) is the newest, most feature-packed and reliable lithium balancer on the market today, and comes at a bargain price. Simply put, it is the most powerful, versatile, and safest way to charge your lithium packs today. A single LBA10 provides three ways to balance your lithium packs from 2S to 6S, at a maximum of up to 10-ampere rate!

Or, you can network two LBA 10 together with NET cable and adapter pack #HP-EOSLBA10-MSC. Set one LBA10 to Master and one to Slave mode. Series the LBA input leads together, and connect to a charger with appropriate S rating. Now you can charge two packs of same cell type and capacity (such as 6S and 6S) at the same time, and every cell in both packs will be balanced to the other when charging is done. Connect the packs in series and fly, with balanced packs from 7S to 12S in this way!

Or, say you have two 5S chargers, and want to charge two 5S packs to connect and fly as 10S. Use each LBA10 in Master mode, and connect each to a separate charger and battery. When charging is finished, Connect the two LBA10 together in Master-Slave configuration, and connect them to the just-charged lithium packs. The LBA10 will work together until every cell in the two packs are balanced together, then automatically shut down. Takes only a few minutes. Now series the packs together and fly in peace!

Each LBA 10 comes with balance harnesses for 2S and 3S packs. For 4S to 6S packs, get the appropriate optional harnesses from these part numbers:

• HP-EOSLBA10-MC-H4S
• HP-EOSLBA10-MC-H5S
• HP-EOSLBA10-MC-H6S

The LBA 10 also has a DataPort (use optional cable #HP-EOSLBA10-DPC) which will allow you to monitor the individual cell voltages while you balance, using the LCD screen of any HYPERION charger which has DataPort option. (DP Chargers available about Oct 2006)

[Serum]

Nice. that's the same that i have, only from Graupner, the graupner is a 5ch. though..

That's one very nice balancer. Highly recommended....

Flightpower carries the very same.

[sjcrss]

well last year i aked my inlaw's for the racer x rear suspension knuckle.... I asked for 2 of them...& they missunderstood...& I only got one...no biggie, cause i bought the other myself....so this year I'm making it as easy as i can...direct link to item I want with a purchase now option.... and yes from what i have read it is a good balancer

[BrianG]

The older LBA6 didn't have main leads to charge through, but you could do a mod to make this happen. Also it only did 5s. That is probably what you were thinking of. The newer LBA10 does charge through the main leads and just uses the balance connector to discharge the high cell(s). And yes, it does 6s. Actually, it can balance 12s if you network two of them together (and find a charger than will do 12s).

[neweuser]

Shayne, too bad you could not get it from maxamps! Austin is a great guy! Not that hard to find on the site, just show them where it is.

[sjcrss]

i know...but my father in-law is not the smartest with a computer, for instance...when he was here last time...he couldn't get his wireless card to connect to my network...he spent 45 min o nthe phone with his tech support.... & guess what the problem was...the card wasn't pushed all the way in.... & it was in the wrong port...so the easier I make it the better it is for him ...and especially me......if you know what i mean....

[Serum]

Wlan can be a pita.. :p

[sjcrss]

i know...but he didn't even check the basics...like is the card seated all the way in...or is this port working or not....try other one....he immediately called his tech support.....because he didn't trust any info i was giving him......even though I'm going to school for pc's....networking. programming & I even know how to build em.....