Chris Card Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Has anyone accomplished this? The charger clearly states it's A123 capable but I can't find in the menus an LiFE setting and the instructions are not much help. If I use the Lipo setting it wants to charge a 4S pack to 16.8V which is way too high for a 4S A123 pack. What's the trick? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Richards Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 If you go into the program section of the menu you can select a cut off voltage of 3.3V for the LIPO charge program Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Card Posted November 12, 2008 Author Share Posted November 12, 2008 Aha, so that's the trick. (I assume you mean 3.6V by the way?) I was expecting an LiFE specific program to be hidden away somewhere. I'll give it a try, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Card Posted November 12, 2008 Author Share Posted November 12, 2008 Ok, my mistake - now I look at the menu there is indeed a way to choose Lipo or Li-ion or LiFE, it's just in the programming menu not in the bit where you normally choose battery type. Had me a bit confused that did! And you're correct you choose 3.3V but that's the nominal not the cut off voltage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Richards Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Peevie,Yes you're right it is the nominal not the cut off. Sorry I have never used it myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Card Posted November 12, 2008 Author Share Posted November 12, 2008 No worries it was clear enough, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 3.6V is indeed the cutoff voltage for LiFePO4 cells. Peevie, did you catch this chart of mine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Card Posted November 13, 2008 Author Share Posted November 13, 2008 Thanks Timbo that's worth printing out and posting on the wall next to my chargers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Richards Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Timbo,You are right about the LiFePO4 cut off voltage but I think the B6 charger shows the nominal in the setup not the cut off as Peevie says. So it should be set to 3.3v when charging LiFePO4. Please correct me if I am wrong. (asI am sure you will) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 No that is correct...chargers often show the cell nominal voltage rather than the peak charged, yet another non standard amongst the modelling world Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Rigg Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 I have the IMAX B5 which is not allegedly LiFE capable.Could I use the Lipo program on it to charge A123 cells but remember to stop the charge when the balance charge values are showing around 3.6v each (or just under to be safe) ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 I would not advise it personally. The LiFe charge algorithm is different to that of lithium polymer. Lithium chargers work on the CC CV method ( constant current followed by constant voltage ) and the charger could soon reach the CV stage whereby it will be pumping 4.2V in to the cells. LiFe cells are damaged if the applied voltage exceeds 3.7V. Furthermore, if the pack is not well balanced ( and they DO go out of balance believe you me - despite what others may claim) a cell which may be already higher than the others in the pack could very soon and very easily receive a voltage way above 3.7V, whilst the others are "normal". The only way to avoid this is by using a charger which actually charges each cell seperately via the balnacing leads- FMA cell pro for instance.So, without all the waffle - NO ( ooooh waffles ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 Thank you chaps... I was just about to purchase A123s and was wondering how to set up my Imax B6..just great this forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 You could try this as an alternative to buying a whole new charger guys. many people have also used an old laptop PSU successfully with M1 cells Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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