Charging and Discharging Rates

[godale03]

Hey Guys,

I am in the process of learning how to condition my batteries. Since I am not able to run every day I am finding myself not wanting to ruin the few hundered bucks I have invested in batteries. So I figure if I can learn to cycle them I should be able to keep them running strong when I need them. The biggest questions are, at what amperage do I charge and discharge my batteries at? I am running Intellect 4200's non matched, and 1400 non matched in my 18T. I also have a few reciever packs that will need attention as well. Any suggestions on how to care for these batteries? How often should I cycle a battery pack? How should I store the batteries when not in use.... both in charge, and actually where and how to store them. Batteries are not getting any cheaper and I just want to make sure I am carring for them properly. Thanks again guys.

Tom

 

[FastEddy]

On a 4200 it will discharge sitting on the shelf.
I will usually store them full or close to it and re-charge them every 2 weeks.
If they have not been used in a while I will discharge them at 20-30 amps and fully charge them after they have cooled.

Ill do the same for the 1400 except discharge them at 5 amps or so.

 

[godale03]

Man so much to learn about batteries. LOL

Thanks for the info... I am going to print this out and keep at the bench until it is committed to memory. Hey Ed, I ended up buying the MRC Super Brain 989. It is not the top of the line, but it should do what I need it to do, and it will discharge up to 10 amps. I never paid a whole lot of attention to my batteries until I started paying 50 bucks a pack for them! LOL

Even with the charger I am still going to get a deans bar to use when I need to discharge a bit quicker. Also this 989 will cycle a packs as well. I am not sure how that works quite yet, but it sounds like a useful feature.

Tom