How often should I balance lipos?

[sikorskys76]

HOw often do i need to Balance my lipo batteries?After every flight?Every 2 flights?

thanks
Derik

[WayneBrown]

every time won't hurt. I went a LONG time before I ever balanced a pack, and after two or three cycles, the balancer doesn't even beep..
I use mine every charge now.

[sikorskys76]

Does it increase the charge time?

[WayneBrown]

it actually has little effect on charge times, at least I've not noticed any.
I charge at .8c so it takes a little longer anyway.

[sikorskys76]

If I have a 2200mah and charge at 2amp is it alright? Or I should go maybe 1.5amp to have a better charge and get more life out of the batterie?

Thanks
Derik

[WayneBrown]

the lower the input amperage, the less strain on the battery.
1.5 should net a longer life, however it's a moot point if you overdischarge them.
You could go as high as 2.2A, 2.0 A is gentler, 1.5A would be the gentlest charge amperage.

[sikorskys76]

thanks Wayne!!

[kgfly]

I charge at 1C (2.2A on my 3S 2200s) and balance charging takes about 10 to 15 minutes longer than straight charging. An alternative I have experimented with is B/C/B charging. That is, balance offline, charge (without balancer), balance after charge. This saves about 10 minutes so is good at the field but is not quite as safe as balance charging.

[vadimr]

I use cellpro 4s and charge at 1.4C (3.0A max 3S 2100s) it takes about 1 hour each but they get balanced every single time. However I've noticed that this charger is smart and constantly keeps adjusting the charging rate if it senses that one pack charges quicker then other, so on average it charges at about 2.5a