[Oshawapilot]

Can anyone tell me if the Accucycle is a "set time" charger, or if it detects peak on the "fast" charge mode and will shut off at such point?

My question is based upon the fact that today I got a few flights on one of my planes and just now got home. I want to fly again tomorrow (weather is looking hopeful) but there is not enough time to run through a full discharge on the Accucycle and then the resulting "standard" 15 hour charge.

I'm going to assume that the standard charge (non trickle) on the Accucycle is a simple "timed" charge..and not peak?

I'm reluctant to use my field-charger any more then needed, but I may have no choice should I want to fly again tommorow morning?

(Sorry, just got he Accucycle used a few weeks back..with no manual..)

Thanks for any pointers!

[williame3590]

Don't worry about discharging every time, just plug it all in and press charge and your green light will be flashing in the morning or shortly there after. Good to go.

[Oshawapilot]

Well, two possible issues I have with that suggestion:

For a discharged battery pack, If it's a timed charge and it *needs* 15 hours to fully charge then just doing what you suggest may only end up with a partial charge if I pull the plane off the Accucycle before it switches to trickle.

In my current situation where I want to charge a battery that may only have 20% of it's capacity used, if I put it on the Accucycle and simply hit the charge button (again assuming it's a timed system) I'll be effectively overcharging the battery as it will continue on the higher rate for long beyond the point at which the battery is actually full.

Hence my question - does the Accucycle detect peak?

[michel gravelle]

Hi
If I remember you can download the instructions either Hobbico or Tower.
And Oshawaman is right just make sure youre rateings are set correctly and press charge . You could also plug in youre regular charger just before you go to bed , this is what I do when Ive only had 3 or 4 flights , always keep an eye on youre volts . Hope this helps

Michel ( Mike )

[volksman]

why worry about fast charging?my batteries are never charged any other way . i cant see a difference other than it doesnt last quite as long as the 15hr . the TWO HOBBICOS I HAVE MK 1 AND TWO HAVE BEEN USED FOR THE PAST 3-5 YRS

[Oshawapilot]

I'm not paranoid of fast charging (I'll take a fast charge over a possibly too-short slow charge) but when the possibility to charge over a longer period of time exists I'll always prefer it...

I did actually find the Accucycle manual online earlier and answered my own question - it's standard charge cycle is timed for 15 hours, no peak detection.

[moo]

I would set the current to c/10 (battery capacity divided by ten), start the charge and not worry about it. 600mAh/10h=60mA (so select 50)

Fast Charge Termination: 15 Hour Timer
Output Connections: Banana Jacks
Transmitter Charge Rates: 50, 125 milliamps (mA)
Receiver Charge Rates: 25, 50, 125 milliamps (mA)
Discharge Rates: 250, 500 milliamps (mA)

[OverTemp]

Not a fan of overcharging. Heat = enemy #1.

Here's what I'd do... charge up and do a discharge, see what your packs capacity is. Then charge up and go fly a normal day of flying. Then discharge... see how much you used. If you used about somehwere from 250-350mAh, then the 25 mA charge rate over 15 hours would be perfect for regular use. If you used closer to 600-700mAh, then use the 50mAh rate for 15 hours. I anticipate that this would work for you.

Once a month do a full discharge cycle to make sure your bat is still good, and do a loaded voltage test before every flight... it's just the right thing to do.