How to charge 10S Zippy Compact 5800

[kimboviper]

Need help

How would I charge this pack? It has 2 balance plugs. Would I be able to charge it with the imax b6 with a cheap power supply (about $50)? Or do I have to buy the Icharger 1010b+ (about $180)?


Here is the pack:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=33183

 

[torqueboards]

Imax B6 is only 6S. 1010b+ is 10S.

You'll need a 10S charger to charge a 10S battery. The iCharger 1010b+ is what you need.

 

[kimboviper]

yea but i read on the reviews of that page that this battery needs to be charged in series and not in parallel...

so can i charge the first 5 cells first and the last 5 cells second using a 6cell charger?

 

[torqueboards]

If your charging (2) 5S 5800mah packs you should title your post as such. Since 10S Zippy Compact 5800 means a 10S single pack with 5800mah. At least, that's how I read it.

If you are charging (2) 5S in parallel you can use the iMax B6 and/or go with the iCharger 208B (My recommendation). If you use an iMax B6 it will take you forever to charge + they aren't that reliable. I highly recommend going with an iCharger. I think it's the cheapest highest grade charger you could get IMO. Works fantastic.

Use a parallel charging board with your battery end connectors to charge multiple packs at a time.

 

[kimboviper]

heres what the review said:


"Great battery...cells were all 3.9v. You must balance these packs in series. Do not parallel charge with the attached balance leads. There are two 5s balance leads and you must check the voltage from the positive red wire on one balance plug to the negative black wire on the second balance lead. If you get 37v or around there the red positive to the first balance lead is your positive balance plug and the black lead on the balance plug on the other balance plug is your negative balance plug. If you get 0v then it is opposite. You will need to make or buy a series balance cable containing to 5s series to make a 10s balance connection. Make sure your positive balance plug is connected to the positive end of your 10s balance connector. You will also need a 10s charger as well."

 

[torqueboards]

So what your saying and what it is saying are different.

Why don't you start by linking us to the battery which you actually purchased?

I did a google search and your using this pack here --- http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=33183

These packs IMO are so stupid for a beginner and cause more confusion than needed.

IMO -- If you haven't bought them already.. I recommend you just buy (2) 6S 5ah packs and connect them in series and when charging -- charge in parallel. 12S 5ah is only $80 bucks compared to your 10S 5.8ah which is $113 bucks. http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9176__Turnigy_5000mAh_6S_20C_Lipo_Pack.html

 

[Gregory]

So both JST balance plugs are 6 pins?

If so it would be easy to make up a small adapter board to run into the B6 to charge the first and then second halves consecutively. But a 10S charger would be easier and less prone to error.

 

[kimboviper]

i already posted the link

sorry... forgot to mention im putting this on a boosted board thats why i need 10s

i think ill just buy the icharger cuz its much faster...thanks

 

[sl33py]

i have a similar pack(s) that have the split balance plugs. They are dumb and a PITA to charge. I am considering the balance plug swap to a simple 8s single plug. In the meantime i do one at a time and it's not horrible, just slow. I have multiple chargers so still can do two, but it's clunky.

I'm not sure how to balance them in series, but know not to connect them in parallel. So one at a time on a 10s charger w/ two 4s balance plugs is working.

here's the charger i've been using that works for mine
Thunder 1220.

It only accepts up to 15v so can be slow for larger packs, especially one at a time. Not sure how to plug in more than one, so tips/tricks are appreciated!

AND like others suggested i've since moved to dual 4s packs for 8s instead of this. cheaper and much easier to charge. more flexible for configuration under board... etc. BUT i don't want to waste the batteries i've already bought so i charge them slowly one at a time (while charging in parallel my 4s packs from the same power supply).