Battery Questions

[1mohoe2go]

hello i have bought 3 new epic 300mah 6 cell batteries and all of em peak out at about 2300mah and also have a gp3300 that peaks out at about 2750..its not the charger because i have tried it on 4 other peoples charger from new to old and all the same i need some help....thank u

[highroller]

What voltage detect setting and amperage rate are you using? Use .03mv to .05mv with NIMh with 5amp charge rates (lower rates are fine if you are limited by charger, speed usually drops and you notice longer run times).
Another thing to be sure of is that you are discharging the pack completely, and if possible using some method to remove any residual voltage from each cell by using a equalizing tray (side by side pack with terminals exposed) or attaching one 1157 lightbulb until it goes out. Also allow cells to cool at room temperature (1-3 hours) before attempting to recharge. It may take several cycles once you start discharging and charging packs for them to start seeing normal mah rates and voltage levels. 3000 will see 3400 to 3600 mah rates up to 9.48 volts at peak, GP3300 will peak at 3500 to 4000 mah at 9.38 to 9.48 volts for new cells. Length of charge varies with the amperage rate you use at 5amp charge look for 42 to 45 minutes with GP3300 and 38 to 44 minutes with 3000s.

Since you didn't mentioned how packs are assembled I assume they are stick packs, use a string of 1157 lightbulbs (5-10 rated at 2amp each) to discharge pack then attach one to pack to discharge cells a little lower in voltage. I found that the lower and closer you get each cell to the same voltage the better pack charges and you encountered less problems with pack false peaking. If pack is assembled in side by side configuration when ends exposed using a equalizing tray (Integy Octance 2 or Pro Match Smart Tray2) will didscharge each cell individually aiding in pack charging better the next time.