NiMH batts and chargers

[tony b]

do you need to have a special charger for NiMH batteries??? if so which ones are worth checking out and what can I expect to spend???

thanks...

[DerekB]

Nimh batteries do require a special charger regular chargers can charge them, but cannot detect a peak voltage because the voltage doesn't drop enough for the charger. A charger with a thermal sensor can do the job. If you use one of the regular charger just watch the pack and remove when the pack is warm. Nimh chargers don't send some secret charge into the pack they are just able to change the voltage drop that tells when the pack is charged.

Some chargers that can safely charge Nimh packs:

Novak Millenium
FMA

Although the MIlleniul has a Nimh setting it is not used to charge 6-cell packs, you use the standard Nicad mode. The Nimh is for receiver packs.

[tony b]

yes, I'm aware that DC is DC is DC, I guess I should have clarified the question about the peak detecting capability of the chargers... anyway, you said that the Millenium isn't used for 6cell pack... seems strange since that appears to be the most common lot size of batteries... can you explain a little clearer???

thanks...

[n'pede]

i think what he ment is that the nimh charge mode is not used for charging nimh batteries, but is used to charge reciver packs.

the mode used to charge 6 cell nimh packs is linear, and you change the peak detection to a low setting

[tony b]

ok, how low of a setting would you use for that application??? what about the charging rate, would that have any influence on it as well???

if you haven't guessed, I'm kinda new to this...

[FLYBOY7]

the millenium and 3000 nimh packs....

the millenium has 3 different charge modes...
1. linear
2. reverse pulse
3. nimh

you do not use the nimh (#3) setting for sub-c size nimh cells..... only for smaller nimh batterys like what you might run in a receiver pack or something.....

you do use method #1- linear charge to charge sub-c size nimh battery packs.... but you have to adjust the millenium to be more sensitive on it's peak detection circuits, than it would normally be set for ni-cd batteries....

i used to use a cheap 40 buck charger to charge up my 3000 packs... i simply paid close attention, and the minute that my pack rose above room temperature i discontinued charging... but i primarily bought a millenium to make sure that i was able to charge my 3000 packs to their true peak charge.... and since i got my new millenium my 3000 packs are even stronger and run even longer..... worth every penny for sure....



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~~FLYBOY7~~
RC10-B2
Losi Junior T

"you can never have enough fun, friends, or Horsepower!"

[n'pede]

you would set the peak detection to .03 to .01
you would set the charge rate at four to five amps

[SpeedRacer]

the Apex Sigma plus is also a good charger (bout 115 bucks) that is able to peak charge 3000's. Check into it, i just got one and these things are **** . best value for the money on the market if you ask me.