charging batteries

[John78]

I was wondering if someone can help me out. I jumped into the digital age of charging batteries and bought the MRC Super 969 charger. But I can't seem to get the right settings down to get the most charge into my cells. The packs that I have right now are 2400 & 3000, I just use them for bashing not racing. What settings should I use for the amps, mv, and time? Or is there some kind of math to do to figure it out. Thanks for the help.

[Mr. Tune]

What settings are you using now?

[Jack]

I run six 3300 cells and I charge at 3.3amps, 2 or 3mv (whatever the lowest is) and it usually finishes in about an hour. I can probably charge at a higher amp rate but I don't trust my charger enough to catch the "delta v", and at 80 bucks a pack, I'd rather wait an hour.

[John78]

I charge them at 3 amps, 40 minutes and the mv was set at 25. Judging by Jack's response, 25 is too high

[Mr. Tune]

I agree, 25 is a tad too high.

Also, nicd batteries have memory retention when it comes to charging, so remember to drain them fully when you're done using them or before you charge them. Never charge them when they still have juice left.

[John78]

ok, then you bring me to another question, what rate should the packs discharge at?

[Mr. Tune]

On my electric car, I simply leave them in and run the car until they are drained enough to where they can't even supply enough juice just to turn the motor over.

I've never used a charger that had discharging capabilities, so that's the best advice I can give at the moment.

[HauntedMyst]

I charge my 3300's at 6 amps with a 4mv cut off. For discharging, you can use either 10, 20 or 30 amps, which ever your batteries support.

[MX_KEVIN]

As a rule, Ill charge 2xC and discharge 1xC. (C is capasity) So for a 3300C my max charge would be 6.6 amps, discharge 3.3. Smaller cells(transmiter, reciever packs) Ill charge .5xC.
Set peak detection at 7mv to start with. Higher mv is less sensetive, lower is more sensetive at detecting peak. If charger peaks and batteries are hot, try lower mv like 5 or 4 mv. If batteries dont take full capasity and are cool to the touch, raise Mv.

[ATA_Thrash]

Most all racers charge at 5-6 amps any less and u get a pack that will run longer but, with less punch. The pack should not exceed 125 deg when finishing (warm to the touch almost hot) I use 3-4 mv for peak detection. First few charges u may need more dont exceed 6mv. Discharge 20-30 amps is standard with a cutoff of 5.4 v. Reciever packs charge at 1 amp.

[Tex]

you guys and your flashlights! j/k