3600

[rumblebee147]

i got some trinity 3600 sanyo batterie packs and i was wondering how long and how many amps to set these thinngs on .. im new .. thanks

[highroller]

It depends on what they are being used for and what you want to acheive. Since most tracks do not allow batteries above 3300 I can only guess they are being used for bashing. So it's fine to charge them around 4.50 to 5amp with a .50mv detect setting. Use some method to discharge the pack light a string of lightbulbs do not attempt to run the vehicle until it's stops as a means to discharge in some instances it may lead to one or more cells discharging lower than the rest causing cell reversal. Like the GP3300 they can be taken down to about .05 volts per cell but should be done at a lower amp draw of 2amps or less. The packs used in bashing were charged at 5 or 6amp while the ones used in modified oval racing (practice) were change between 5 to 5.50 amp. Cells could possibly be charged higher but may shorten the expected life span some. Most are still too new and trying different things to see what exactly is the best method to charge and store; plus just how long these cells remain consistant.

Of the newer capacity cells IB3600, Sanyo 3600 they work fine storing at .90 volts per cell but may tend to cause false peaking it not deep discharged - taking all the residual voltage down lower so that cells are closer to the same voltage levels. For stick packs I just attach one lightbulb (1157) to pack and leave on until it starts to dim then charge. I have only tried the IB3600 and Sanyo 3600 in a practice race setup, and the IB3600 (being replaced with the IB3800) have more voltage than the average 3600 sanyo; but this may not be readily noticeable or can be detected in average stick packs.

[Innovator]

I'm a simpleton when it comes to charging. For new NiMH packs my first three charges are at ~C/10 (0.36A for the 3600s). On these first cycles I just dishcarge while running them normally. Before I begin the next low current charge I do ensure they are discharged to 0.9V/cell.

After the first three cycles I will charge at up to 1.5C. I'ld be comfortable charging at a higher rate but my charger won't go that high.

[Tomegun]

Does it do the same as far as discharging when you discharge with your charger?

[rumblebee147]

how do you no what woltage your storing them at

[Innovator]

Tomegun,
No, In fact when I have more patience on my first three cycles I will use my charger to discharge my packs to 0.9V per cell at a rate of C/5 (0.72A for 3600s). At this rate I can be sure I'm getting the rated capacity from my cells and you will most likely get better performance and longer lasting cells in the long run.

Rumblebee,
Regarding storing voltage I use my charger to discharge to 0.9V cell at a discharge rate of C/5. Then I feel more comfortable storing them. If you don't have a discharger then just run them in your car until your performance drops then you should be OK. The trick is to just not get in the habit of storing them in a fully charged state. If my packs are not going to be used for a couple of weeks or more then I will discharge and store them. That doesn't happen to often though :)

One More Note:
The best advice on cell and battery care was provided by highroller in his post above.