Chargers VS BMS/PCB?

[ShreddinPB]

Hey Guys.. So I have been pondering buying a Balancing charger. Right now I have 2 packs, one is 12s 32v 10ah made up of headway 38120s batteries. The second pack is 16s 48v 12ah made up of headway 38140s batteries.

Should I get one of these chargers, or a BMS/PCB that is great at balancing and just use the 32v and 48v chargers I have?
Is there a great balancing BMS/PCB? the one I have on my 32v pack right now does a TERRIBLE job of it.

if I do go the charger route, The two chargers I am looking at are these..
HYPERION EOS 1420i NET3 CHARGER - 1S-14S, 20A MAX, 550W
http://www.allerc.com/hyperion-eos-1420i-net3-charger-1s-14s-20a-max-550w-p-5962.html
iCharger 3010B
http://www.progressiverc.com/icharger-3010-b.html

The hyperion can do 14s, so the 12s pack would be fine.
For charging the 16s pack, could I just add a switch to make it into 2 8s packs when charging?
If I go the iCharger route, I would have to split both packs (if thats even an option).

Also if I go with the charger, I need to get a power supply for it. There are multiple questions for this route..

I have read about converting computer PSU's to power supplys. I have a 1000W PC PSU just sitting around. If I convert that to a powersupply, would it output the whole 1000W to the 12V rail? Probably not right? It would probably split those watts in some way between the 5v and 3.3v rails?

And lastly on the PSU front, what about using this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Variabl...515?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab3a18f2b
That should be fine for the hyperion right?
but what about for the iCharger? Would it be able to charge at its full capacity?
On these variable power supplys, if you turn down the voltage is the amperage able to go up? I think not, right?
I am thinking about that PSU cause I can use int in many more situation (with robitcs also) and its only like $70 more than a mean well 1000w

I know, lots of questions, could have probably been asked in different threads, but it all has to do with the same issue, getting a great balanced charge on my packs consistently.

 

[auraslip]

Chinese BMS/PCB are a recipe for tons of work/problems.

Balancing chargers are fantastic tools to have. Invest in a good one.

Yes you can use the PC power supply. If it's modern most of the power should be on the 12v rail. Even if it can only handle 500w on the 12v rail that should be plenty for balance charging.

Keep using the bulk chargers, or buy that mastech bench supply and use that to charge like the pros do.

This page will be helpful for you -> https://sites.google.com/site/shelbyelectro/batteries/battery-management

 

[ShreddinPB]

Chinese BMS/PCB are a recipe for tons of work/problems.

Balancing chargers are fantastic tools to have. Invest in a good one.

Yes you can use the PC power supply. If it's modern most of the power should be on the 12v rail. Even if it can only handle 500w on the 12v rail that should be plenty for balance charging.

Keep using the bulk chargers, or buy that mastech bench supply and use that to charge like the pros do.

This page will be helpful for you -> https://sites.google.com/site/shelbyelectro/batteries/battery-management

Awesome fast response!
So you think I should get a good balance charger.. im leaning towards the hyperion since it can handle my 12s pack the way it is now.

With the Mastech, I just set it to the appropriate voltage and charge? Where do I get more information on that process?
I have been wanting one of those for a LONG time but havnt been able to justify it just for my hobby robotics

Sounds like its a good idea to just get both the mastech and the hyperion?

That link is VERY helpfull.. funny thing is I already had a celllog,powerlog, and battery medic for my robots before I even stated with ebikes