Can I charge multiple lipos at once?

[Dbnjzb]

So, I have a Venom pro charger and I'm wondering if I can and how to charge multiple batteries at once? It's getting annoying to have to take 4 hours to charge 4 batteries! Please if you know help me out. Is there something I can make or buy for connection? I use 5.5mm bullet connectors. Thanks!

 

[HPIguy]

It's hard to say without knowing some specs. What's the max output in amps of your charger, and what size packs are you trying to charge?

EDIT: Also, you're using bullet connectors on your packs? I'm guessing you're using hard case packs?

 

[Dbnjzb]

The max amps is 5. I'm charging 2s 5000mah packs and they are hard case packs. Thanks for the fast reply man!

 

[HPIguy]

The max amps is 5. I'm charging 2s 5000mah packs and they are hard case packs. Thanks for the fast reply man!

No problem man, I just went through all this myself.

The short answer is no, based on the math. 5000mah = 5amps, so if you have a charger that outputs 5A max, then you can only charge one 5A (5000mah) pack in one hour total. You could parallel charge, but you're not going to gain anything as the charger you have is what is limiting you.

What type of plugs do you use on the ESC side of your packs?

 

[Dbnjzb]

Thanks! The reason I'm using bullets is because the motor and ESC came with bullets. From Hobbyking and all their Turnigy batteries have bullets, so I figured just stick with them.

 

[HPIguy]

Thanks! The reason I'm using bullets is because the motor and ESC came with bullets. From Hobbyking and all their Turnigy batteries have bullets, so I figured just stick with them.

The only problem is, if you even purchase a bigger charger, and want to parallel charge, you'll need some way to keep all the bullets on the parallel cable from touching so you don't short something out. With the deans plugs, they sell little caps for them. For the bullets, possibly an antennae cap might work for each one.

 

[Dbnjzb]

You know, I have thought about changing to deans. It's just now I have 4 batteries and the motor and ESC! You think it's a worthwhile change? It seems a lot easier, bc I could never find any bullet connector stuff!

 

[HPIguy]

As stated in the thread about TRX vs Deans, I'm not going to say any one is better than the other. I simply chose Deans because they are widely available, cheap, and everything I have other than the micro helis runs a deans plug. That way, I only need one charging cable in the my box to charge everything I own. Bullet plugs can be found, but not as easily as deans IMO.

If you want to step up to a bigger charging setup in the future, then I feel you need to switch to something other than plain bullets. Again just my opinion though. A lot of charging setups will come with Deans plugs on the leads already.

 

[Dbnjzb]

Thanks! Ok. So, I have another question. Say I were to change to deans, I need to know where the males and females go? Females go on batteries, right? Then male on esc battery connection but what about esc to motor does it matter which has male and female? It's something I might look into. Thanks.

 

[HPIguy]

Thanks! Ok. So, I have another question. Say I were to change to deans, I need to know where the males and females go? Females go on batteries, right? Then male on esc battery connection but what about esc to motor does it matter which has male and female? It's something I might look into. Thanks.

Yep, female on your packs, male on the ESC to pack. ESC to motor I'd leave the bullets there, that's how all mine are setup, and most run bullets from the factory from motor to ESC. No need to change that part.

 

[Dbnjzb]

Oh yeah! I don't know why I was thinking I needed to change them too. That's not too bad then. Hmmm. Thanks again man!

 

[HPIguy]

Anytime man, as stated I had to learn a lot of this recently myself, just passing it along.

 

[Dbnjzb]

That's great! I guess we all need to learn somehow, right? Sounds good!