Charger

[Bill Glaze]

Eric and Ron:
Great information and guidance.  I believe this type of info is what
we're needing.
Thanks to both of you.
As I learn more, I'll post also.
I bought a Dymond charger for field use; so far haven't charged anything
except NiCds, though it automatically discriminates between the 2 types.
As far as I've used it, it works great, although limited by having only
the single outlet port.
I bought the Dymond because I began to get a little nervous about taking
the Litco out to the field, and thereby possibly doing some damage that
would require service.
I fully intend to have the Litco forever, but sure don't want to jump
through the hoops it would take to get another.  With all the good
chargers out, I probably wouldn't do it.

Bill Glaze

"Henderson,Eric" wrote:

>  Bill,       I have two plus years of NiMH 1830 mAh on RX packs and a
> bunch on 3000 mAh packs in starter-motor packs and retro-fitted to the
> orange Radio South Ni-starter box. More recently with Zagi's and
> Pattern electric brushless 20 cell monsters..Charging results vary as
> far as heat is concerned. Regular overnight chargers are not an issue.
> Fast chargers, read field chargers, require some care. The Delta peak
> detection circuit for a nicad is not always good for an NiMH cell.I
> use several fancy computer field chargers, Dymond etc, that specify
> the battery type but lately have settled down to using the HOBBICO
> Quick Field charger MKII.The MKII has dual channel out lets with three
> battery type options. It has a variable charge rate per channel. You
> select NiMH by pushing the button twice. The LED turns yellow and it
> charges your pack, It beeps seven times when done. [One push for
> Nicads =  green light. 2 for NiMH = yellow light and times for Li-ions
> = green light. Flashes red when charged. One LED per channel.]BTW -
> Specifies 1A max for NiMH's. It uses 12V supply and doe snot drop out
> when you start the car or whatever... It also has a V-Tap for this who
> need to know, per channel.I have one in the house and in the car.
> Charges everything I have up to 8-cells per channel. Channels operate
> independently.  I think I paid around $60 at my local hobby shop.
> Really takes away your care and worries around fast field
> charging.Regards,Eric.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: discussion-request at nsrca.org
> [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]On Behalf Of Bill Glaze
> Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 11:53 AM
> To: discussion at nsrca.org
> Subject: Re: Charger
>
> Verne:
> Don't know if it means anything significant, but I've been concerned,
> as you are, about the heat generated by NiMh batteries during
> charging.
> Only thing I can say is that I have a couple of dedicated chargers
> (non-model industry related) supplied with the batteries used for a
> still camera and a mini-cam.  When in use, these chargers are allowing
> the batteries to heat a significant amount.  In fact, they get almost
> uncomfortable to the touch.
> Feeling a little better about "hot" batteries, I've charged my NiMh
> transmitter pack on my Litco.  Yes, it gets hot, but, so far, so good.
>
> But, I have to admit, I'm still wary.  If anything negative happens,
> I'll post it to this list for others to make their decision.  And, I'm
> watching this list for others experiences, also.
>
> Bill Glaze
>
> Verne Koester wrote:
>
>> Wayne,Right now, I have a 3000mah 12v pack for my Kavan starter. I
>> did charge it initially at C10 on the Alpha to break in the pack.
>> After using it awhile, I tried charging it with various modes in the
>> Alpha. You don't really know what you're charging at with the Alpha.
>> You just tell it how many cells and sometimes (depending on the
>> mode) what mah the cells are rated at, and everything is automatic
>> after that. It's been a killer charger for nicads but I don't feel
>> comfortable when cells start getting warm like the NiMH's are. Verne
>>
>>      ----- Original Message -----
>>      From: wgalligan
>>      To: discussion at nsrca.org
>>      Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 5:21 PM
>>      Subject: Re: Charger
>>       What rate are you charing at and what mil pack are you
>>      trying to charge?  They will get warm but  should not get
>>      any warmer then you can handle in your hands.  If it is a
>>      new pack it should be charged at C/10 before using your
>>      Alpha.  For some reason if they are not formed properly
>>      chargers like the Alpha,SuperNova will not peak detect
>>      properly.  I seen this happen in a pack that I didnt form
>>      properly. It wouldnt cycle at all. It would trip out(peak)
>>      way before the battery was fully charged. I have charged
>>      NiMh at up to 1C with no ill effects.  But C/10 is always
>>      the safest and easiest on your packs. Wayne
>>
>>           ----- Original Message -----
>>           From: Verne Koester
>>           To: NSRCA
>>           Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 3:57 PM
>>           Subject: Charger
>>            What chargers work well with Nimh batteries?
>>           I've tried various settings on my Alpha 4 but
>>           end up unplugging the batteries before it goes
>>           to trickle because they start heating up. I'm
>>           looking for something that can be left
>>           unattended without worry. Thanks,Verne
>>
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