Charging Rates

[Alcanara]

Hi folks... can you help.... again

I have now got the correct connectors for my batteries and can start the charge process.

I have the Sigma II EQ charger and for 3 cell lipos the default charging current rate is 0.1 amp. I can alter this but am nervous to do this... also when does it finish charging.... I assume it is all automatic and it will just show me... but the booklet clearly states that this is a very clever device, but does not say any where when and how I know it is charged and ready????

I have 3 cell lipos 1800mah and the charger has a default program for this type... but .1 amp seems very low.

The current (final) screen shows me no. of cells, voltage, charging time and charge capacity (what ever that is???)....How do I know when it is charged.

You can probably gather I am still on that slopey learning curve...HELP!!

Cheers

Stuart

[Mart61]

In general the correct charging rate for LiPos is 1C, therefore, for your 1800mAh batteries, you need to set the charger to charge at 1.8A. It will reduce as the charge nears completion.

My older Sigma EQ beeps at me when it's done.

[pchristy]

Like Martin says, the correct rate is 1C - however some chargers set this automatically when you set the cell capacity.

Also they tend to ramp up the charge rate, and then down again. So it might start at 0.1 amp, but then it should slowly increase up to 1.8 amp. As it nears full charge, it should ramp down again.

--
Pete

[spunkmyer]

In general the correct charging rate for LiPos is 1C, therefore, for your 1800mAh batteries, you need to set the charger to charge at 1.8A. It will reduce as the charge nears completion.

My older Sigma EQ beeps at me when it's done.

I use the Sigma II EQ charger and use the lipo balance option. Martin knows he stuff and taught me how to you use mine.

As Martin said:

example

2s 7.4 v 800mah lipo set volts to 7.4 and amps to 0.8

3s 11.1 v 1800 mah lipo set volts to 11.1 and amps 1.8

As your 1800mah charges it shows the voltage in total and in balance mode it shows each cells voltage.

As the lipo nears its full charge the amps will drop down from 1.8 slowly down to maybe 0.2 and then when full it beeps five times which always upsets my wife ()

[Alcanara]

Thanks guys..... I have now set this. the first battery simply said "time" so I assume it charged for the set (default) time and is now charged, however it is all going on in the garage so I do not hear anything and if she blows it will take my 2 bikes with it and swmbo will be pleased

Stuart