[KStation]

I'm trying to figure out the right way to cycle my batteries with my Accu-cycle. I put it on disharge, then it's supposed to charge up when done. What do I want to acheive numbers wise? After discharging and charging my receiver pack overnight it says 289 ( milliamps I guess that means, What's a milliamp?) then I did it again and it said 517. Is this good?
Obviously I'm new to this. Thanks if someone can help!

Kevin

[Fodder]

Okay, from my limited knowledge. If the pack wasn't fully charged when you started the discharge process, that would account for the first low number. I usually do mine twice to double check. As for the mAh, you have to compare it to the pack itself. If you started with a 600mAh pack, then the 517mAh isn't bad. The pack has 86% capacity left. BUT if it was a 1000mAh pack, then throw it out. I typically toss mine batteries around 75% - 80%.

Fast charging all the time will kill the batteries sooner than later.

If I've missed something, I'm sure someone will correct me.

[BrianDallas]

Kevin:
Check out www.radicalrc.com - some good articles there concerning recycling, checking your cycler operation, etc. Also great place to buy batteries.

Brian

[KStation]

Thanks for the link. Sounds like the accu-cycle isn't one of the better cyclers. Anyone dissatisfied with theirs?

Kevin

[Kevin McGrath]

Acucycle isnt very highly regarded by the "experts" mine gave a couple of years good service then crapped out.
I use Ace equipment consisting of a 6 at a time charger and a separate cycler that works well for me.I fly ignition gas which means three batteries to charge each time I go flying.The smallest RX pack I have these days is 1200mah and both my TXs 1100mah so I need a flexible programmable charger.
On new cells I expect the pack to develop at least the rated number after a couple of cycles and most often exceed it.I would probably relegate any pack developing only 80% of its rating to my test stand or to engine ignition only.It doesn't make sense to risk an expensive 1/3 scale plane and engine for a $20 battery pack.
Radical R/C are a very good supplier and their articles are first rate.

[rscamp]

The unit of capacity your are measuring is a milliamp-hour, or mAh. A mAh is 1/1000 of an Amp-hour (Ah). Capacity is the product of current X time. For example, one Amp-hour is 1 Amp delivered for one hour. One Ah can also be manifested as 1/2A for 2 hours, 2A for 1/2 hour, etc., etc. so long as the product of the two is 1.

So, in your case, the second cycle yielded 517mAh or 0.517Ah.

Rob

[AJCoholic]

Just for the record, I have been using an original accucycle for 10 years, use it all the time during the flying season (like every second day) and it has performed well for me. I have been using an accucyle plus for my fast charging and as a secondary cycler for the past 3 years, also with excellent results. I have a number of other chargers (ace, hobbico, astrofllight, and others) that I also use but I cycle all my battery packs on the two accucycles and as long as the unit can discharge your pack and display the mAh thats all you really need..

That being said there are many excellent chargers out since the accucycle was released a long time ago. I would probably look at something a bit more versatile today with so many to choose from.

Like Kevin, once my packs dont cycle at at least 75% the rated capacity (for instance, a 600mAh flight pack must cycle at least 450mah or more) they are replaced.

[skypupnut]

My accucycle has been faultless for past 6 years
and I have 10 to 14 planes always ready to go
so it saw a lot of use