Author Topic: I need a charger for a ten cell ni-mh starter setup (Read 669 times)

Will Hinton · « **on:** September 01, 2010, 05:46:05 AM »

I posted this in the other forum with no replies in three days so I'll try here. I purchased a starter with a ten-cell ni-mh pack and need advice as to what brand/model charger I should use to charge the bloody thing.
Thanks,
Will

WhittleN · « **Reply #1 on:** September 01, 2010, 08:09:05 AM »

Will
You didn't give us much to go on. You could split the cells in half and charge one bank of 5 cells at a time. Most any of the cheap R/C after market chargers will do that. You most likely have 2000 ma Ni-mH cells so you want to charge at 1C or 200ma. You could buy a chargers with an eye on the future and set your self up for electric flight. Most Lipo chargers will charge 10 cells of Ni-mh. You didn't mention if your looking for a $5 solution or $150? Most Nicad charges also charge Ni-mH.

Regards
Norm

RandySmith · « **Reply #2 on:** September 01, 2010, 10:10:20 AM »

Will I have them
Randy 678-407-9376

Prodigy Digital Charger and Dicharger, 1-14 Cell/1-5 LiPo DC Charger.

Possibly the most versatile charger on the market today at a fraction of the cost of other high-end chargers! The Prodigy can charge Lithiums 1-5 cells, 1-14 cells Ni-Cd and Ni-MH, lead acid batteries from 2-12V all at an adjustable rate of 0.1-5 amps output! It even cycles and discharges from 0.1 to 1 amp. The Prodigy is the leader in reliable, versatile charger technology.

Features:

Microprocessor controlled charging/discharging system
Capable of charging/discharging Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lead Acid (Pb), Lithium Ion (Lilo)and Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries
Delta Peak fast charge termination (NiCd & NiMH)
Constant current/constant voltage charge method for Lilo, LiPo and PB batteries
2 Line, 16 character backlit LCD screen
Selectable setting programs for 3.6 and 3.7 volt Lilo and LiPo batteries
Charge/discharge 1 to 14 cell (1.2 to 16.8V) NiCd & Ni-MH batteries
Charge/discharge 1 to 5 cell (3.6 to 18.5V) Lilo and LiPo batteries
Charge/discharge 2 to 12V Pb batteries
Variable charge rate 0.1 to 5.0 Amp
Variable discharge rate 0.1 to 1.0 Amp
Cycle modes (charge/discharge and discharge/charge)
Reverse polarity protection on both input and output

Will Hinton · « **Reply #3 on:** September 01, 2010, 10:37:24 AM »

You're right, Norm, I didn't give you much info. I simply want to charge this starter with the ten cells by plugging the battery pack in and let it go. I've not kept up on the different battery types as I'm strictly IC, no electric power for me, I love the sound of my two John Deeres out there. (PA's)
Consequently, the simpler the better, the lower cost the better. These are 3300 mah cells. If I knew the possible risks with these batteries I have a home-built charger that will go up to 1 amp, but I'm not sure just what is involved here and sure don't want to invite booms or smokes when recharging.
Will

WhittleN · « **Reply #4 on:** September 01, 2010, 10:43:20 AM »

Will
Recommend charging at 300ma for 12-14 hrs.

Norm

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #5 on:** September 01, 2010, 11:07:57 AM »

Quote from: Will Hinton on September 01, 2010, 10:37:24 AM

You're right, Norm, I didn't give you much info. I simply want to charge this starter with the ten cells by plugging the battery pack in and let it go. I've not kept up on the different battery types as I'm strictly IC, no electric power for me, I love the sound of my two John Deeres out there. (PA's)
Consequently, the simpler the better, the lower cost the better. These are 3300 mah cells. If I knew the possible risks with these batteries I have a home-built charger that will go up to 1 amp, but I'm not sure just what is involved here and sure don't want to invite booms or smokes when recharging.
Will

How good are you with electricity? To charge the whole string you'd need a charger that'll supply 330mA at 12.5V. You can do this yourself with the right wall wart plus a resistor, or the right wall wart plus two resistors and an LED if you want a light to come on when the thing is charging.

If that conjures up a happy hour spent with a soldering iron, a calculator, and your junk box of electronic parts then do proceed. If it conjures up visions of dead battery packs or worse, then don't be afraid to run away screaming.

Have you checked with the manufacturer of the starter or the battery pack?

If your LHS is any good with electric flight you should be able to waltz in there, tell them what you want (be sure they know you want to plug it into the wall and not a 12V battery), and waltz out heavier by a decent charger and lighter by some cash. If you were in Oregon City I'd send you to Coyote Hobby (or I'd offer to dig through my electronics junk box for you), but that's probably out.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #6 on:** September 01, 2010, 03:19:16 PM »

Thanks guys, this is all I need to have as far as info - apparently the ni-mh batteries don't have the crucial charge situation that the lipoly types do or you would have warned me, and that's the main information I needed. My home-built is one I installed a meter in, so I can regulate it just fine.
Thanks again, this is why I love this forum and those who frequent it!
Blessings,
Will

Author Topic: I need a charger for a ten cell ni-mh starter setup (Read 669 times)

Will Hinton

I need a charger for a ten cell ni-mh starter setup

WhittleN

Re: I need a charger for a ten cell ni-mh starter setup

RandySmith

Re: I need a charger for a ten cell ni-mh starter setup

Will Hinton

Re: I need a charger for a ten cell ni-mh starter setup

WhittleN

Re: I need a charger for a ten cell ni-mh starter setup

Tim Wescott

Re: I need a charger for a ten cell ni-mh starter setup

Will Hinton

Re: I need a charger for a ten cell ni-mh starter setup