Another Lipo thread

[Batfish]

Originally Posted by jhautz

Awesome info Thanks alot!!! I didn't know it was OK to charge Lipos in parallel like that.

Now I have one more question. I run 2 pack setup in series, not parallel. I have 8000mah 3s and 8000mah 2s pack (same cells, same manufacturer) that I run in series for a 5s configuration. Is it OK to charge these packs in a 5s series configuration? In the example you have above you were using a parallel configuration for discharge and charge.

Yes.
You would balance both the 2s and 3s packs INDIVIDUALLY in an initial charge, run them as a 5s (series) in your vehicle, then hook them up as a 5s to your charger.
In your specific case, your charger needs to be capable of charging a 5-cell lipo, and you'd be able to charge at up to 8Amps.
You should also make sure, for safety's sake, that you re-balance your packs every few charges.

FYI - In regards to your second statement, "I didn't know it was OK to charge Lipos in parallel like that." : your packs are already parallel, I believe. The lipo packs you are using are 2s2p 8000mah and 3s2p 8000mah, correct? If so, you are already doing what I showed in my example - your packs are parallel in their packaging, whereas my packs were paralleled by my own wires.