Charging Battery

[BrokenBird]

I purchased a custom battery which is 4000 mAh and on the battery it is written to charge at 3amp for normal charge and 6 amp for fast charge. However my changer only does 1.8A and 0.9A.

The question is, what is the effect of charging using 1.8? Is it only longer or will it damage the cells?

[kalnaren]

NEVER charge a battery above 1C.. that is, don't charge it at more than 4 amps. THAT will ruin the cells.

Charging at a lower amperage will just take longer. Generally, it's actually better for the battery to charge it at a lower amperage. Slower charge = less heat, less heat = better battey life.

[ThunderCactus]

charge at 1.8, no damage

[kalnaren]

I should mention though, that if you're using the NPT smart charger (the blue one for airsoftparts) that charger won't fully charge a 4amp battery. IIRC, it's only rated to 3.2 or something like that. Has to do with it's full charge detection.

[BrokenBird]

Yes I am actually using that blue NPT charger. What charger should I get to be able to fully charge that 4000mAh batt?

[Kos-Mos]

Originally Posted by kalnaren

NEVER charge a battery above 1C.. that is, don't charge it at more than 4 amps. THAT will ruin the cells.

Charging at a lower amperage will just take longer. Generally, it's actually better for the battery to charge it at a lower amperage. Slower charge = less heat, less heat = better battey life.

Irrelevant for NiMh cells.

Latest high-end cells NEED 6A to charge them properly.

You will not damage anything by charging at 1.8A.
However, you will notice that by charging the battery around 4A, the punch will be a LOT better while the battery will last just as long.

Charging at 6A will give you a LOT of punch, but the actual duration will be a little less (we talk about 200-400BB less... on a total of maybe 6000)

Also, you want to buy a real charger. You can get a decent one for under 50$ at your local hobbyshop.

www.hobbyking.com also have a great selection of charger at low price. Turnigy is a good brand.