[Wendingo]

I did some research and could not find the answer; therefore, I was hoping someone could answer one question about LiPo charging for me.

I have a simple LiPo charger who's setting are all changed by switches on the front. From what I understand, ideally I should be charging at 1.5 AMPs (I am going to run 11.1V 1500mAh 3S1P lipos), but my charger will only charge at 1 AMP, 2 AMPS, 3 AMPS, etc.

My Question: Is it better for me to charge at 1 or 2 amps?

[Wizzard]

What is the "C" rating on the battery? If it says "2C' or "3C" then you can charge at double or triple what the MAH is, 1.5 X2 or 1.5 X3. If it says nothing then you can charge at 1 or 2 amps, I have done this in the past as at one time a lipo could only be charged at 1C......

[Daren71]

You aren't going to hurt the battery charging it on either setting. 2 amps will be a bit faster, but that's all. If you are still concerned, charge at 1 amp. Most modern lipos can take a lot more amps. It sounds like you have an old charger, make sure the balance lead of the battery can be attached to the charger. This provides a measure of safety, monitoring the charging process of all cells.

I've posted this guys website many times, his info is clear, well written, and tells you everything you should need to know.

http://www.tjinguytech.com/charging-...arging-process

Please feel free to ask questions as they come up. There is lots of info out there.

Daren

[gixerfien]

Originally Posted by Daren71

You aren't going to hurt the battery charging it on either setting. 2 amps will be a bit faster, but that's all. If you are still concerned, charge at 1 amp. Most modern lipos can take a lot more amps. It sounds like you have an old charger, make sure the balance lead of the battery can be attached to the charger. This provides a measure of safety, monitoring the charging process of all cells.

I've posted this guys website many times, his info is clear, well written, and tells you everything you should need to know.

http://www.tjinguytech.com/charging-...arging-process

Please feel free to ask questions as they come up. There is lots of info out there.

Daren

I dissagree, it really matters about the charging c rating before you can determine whether or not it is ok for the pack as WIZZARD mentioned.

[4*60]

Originally Posted by Wizzard

What is the "C" rating on the battery? If it says "2C' or "3C" then you can charge at double or triple what the MAH is, 1.5 X2 or 1.5 X3. If it says nothing then you can charge at 1 or 2 amps, I have done this in the past as at one time a lipo could only be charged at 1C......

I hope he doesn't read 20C rating and then follow your instructions.

Anyway to be safe I would stay under 1C and go with 1A.
Also if it's not a balancing charger as mentioned then throw it out and get a balancing charger or get a separate balancer to plug in. You want to keep the individual cells at the same level.

[Wendingo]

It is certainly a balance charger. This is basically what it looks like. The shape is identical, and the only real difference is that my charger can charge up to 6 cells and can charge at 5 amps.

[Wendingo]

Originally Posted by Wizzard

What is the "C" rating on the battery? If it says "2C' or "3C" then you can charge at double or triple what the MAH is, 1.5 X2 or 1.5 X3. If it says nothing then you can charge at 1 or 2 amps, I have done this in the past as at one time a lipo could only be charged at 1C......

Both of my batteries (didn't see the point in getting more until I was done building) are both 1C. Knowing how dangerous it can be I am going to charge them at 1 amp.

Thank you everyone.

[gixerfien]

i suggest you chuck that charger and get something better than that.

[stegl]

I agree with Cory as I don't see any balancer plug in on the picture shown . Although some batteries do have built in balancing circuits most do not and this is very important. Also check out with a local club to see if you can get some knowledgable help. Although no mention it is important that lipos and life batteries be left in a storage charge state and not left fully charged. If left fully charged they can deteriorate to a useless condition as some have found out in the past.

[Midair]

Originally Posted by gixerfien

i suggest you chuck that charger and get something better than that.

Originally Posted by stegl

I agree with Cory as I don't see any balancer plug in on the picture shown . Although some batteries do have built in balancing circuits most do not and this is very important. Also check out with a local club to see if you can get some knowledgable help. Although no mention it is important that lipos and life batteries be left in a storage charge state and not left fully charged. If left fully charged they can deteriorate to a useless condition as some have found out in the past.

I agree with gixerfien. Consider a better charger, within your budget, of course. There are many fine relatively inexpensive chargers on the market, that will serve you better than the one in the picture that you posted. Stegl, it does appears that there may be a three slot balance port on the front, right side of the charger. Finally, while I'm certainly no expert, and regardless of what others have said about charge rates (they're not incorrect) I always balance charge my batts at 1C. I am fortunate to have enough batts of various capacities and cell counts that I don't need to charge any faster.

Peter