Charging batteries, how to??

[Ilikemytc3]

I have searched but have not found a definitive guide on how to charge nicd/nimh stick packs. I've been googling and reading a bunch of stuff, but haven't found a simple guide. What's the general concensus? Is there a HOWTO primer?

I just got back into electric and bought a new Duratrax Piranha Digital and the manual is useless. Why can't these entry level chargers include a simple chart on how to setup the charge? I have a GP3300 Rat Shack, an old 1200mah nicd, and an old 1500mah sports nicd stick packs. I'm not a racer, just a thrasher. TIA.

[losiguy1090]

For the 3300, I'd set the peak detection to 6mv/cell (or 36 mv for the pack) and charge at 4.5 amps since your just bashing, and for the nicd packs, I'd set the peak detection to about 10mv/cell (or 60 mv for the pack) and charge at 4.5 amps.

Hope this helps out

[tog435]

Any chance you can give the reasons why for each setting? I've just recently gotten into this stuff, and I just plug in the numbers from the battery into the Piranha Digital that I also have. But I have no idea why! :D

[Ilikemytc3]

For the 3300, I'd set the peak detection to 6mv/cell (or 36 mv for the pack) and charge at 4.5 amps since your just bashing, and for the nicd packs, I'd set the peak detection to about 10mv/cell (or 60 mv for the pack) and charge at 4.5 amps.

Hope this helps out

So for nimh packs, peak detection should be 6mv/cell and for nicd packs, 10mb/cell?? If I charge at a lower amperage, say 3A, would these peak values still apply?

[highroller]

It was first thought that NiMh would not hold up well if cells got too warm when they charged, however that has kinda changed. Panasonics are the only NiMH that seems tempermental to heat so you want them around 125 to 135 degrees or a voltage detect of .01 (10mv) to .03 for 6cells. The other types can get warmer 135-145 so the detect can be set at .03 to .06mv depending also on ambiant temperatures, where on very hot-humid days you may decrease the detect setting or charge rate so pack charges better. Nicads are less likely to heat but again depending on certain types you may want to decrease the detect setting - it won't hurt any to use a .06mv setting with Nicad. The charge amperage also will have an effect on how battery delivers voltage lower rates 3.00 to 4.50 lowers the voltage output, but increases runtime - pack may not get as warm and may take longer for pack to charge, Rates of 5-6 amp increases voltage output (more punch), shortens runtime a little, cells get warmer.
Some types of Nicads have shorter life cycles and may not stand up well to high charge rates 4-5amp is about max (1300, 1500, 1900) while other have decent life cycles (1200RC red shrink, 1400SCR, 1700SCRC black, 2000, 2400 the 1400 and 2400 were the more durable NIcad). For NiMH the GP3300 is the most durable, with the Sanyo 3000HV second, Panasonics were a nightmare no generation had decent cell life. The higher MAH cells are still too new and being improved to indicate they exact cell life, but for serious or recreational use the IB3800, IP3800, GP3700 are being used more often some are using the Sanyo 3700 with good results.

Since most battery companies are dealing with NIMh cells much of the information on Nicads is omitted - you may find past post or articles here on this website. Most charging and care information you see are guidelines, sometimes you can increase or decrease the rates specified without harm to yourself or equipment - but find what works best for your personal use.

[guver]

It seems you are after some general guides (or rule of thumb) For your batteries listed.

nicads use 2-3C (c=capacity) and 10 mv /cell for a threshold.
nimhs use 1-2C (3.3-6.6 amps) and 5 mv / cell.

The given peak values will work regardless of the charge rate.

[Ilikemytc3]

It seems you are after some general guides (or rule of thumb) For your batteries listed.

nicads use 2-3C (c=capacity) and 10 mv /cell for a threshold.
nimhs use 1-2C (3.3-6.6 amps) and 5 mv / cell.

The given peak values will work regardless of the charge rate.

Thanks....just what I was looking for! ;)