new CellPro 4S does 4A plus 2C and 3C

[th3tick]

http://www.fmadirect.com/Detail.htm?item=2218&section=45

So, I'm amped to see faster LiPo charging, plus not having to wait for them to cool, but...

How can this possibly be safe? I thought the mantra was "charge at 1C or else".

[Probedude]

I posted this in the other thread but you're right - it should go here.
Here's what I wrote (with some minor tweaks)

I predict they'll come out with a statement or paper that describes the studies they've done that says that pack life is not appreciably lessened when charged at > 1C rate.

Also that being able to monitor each cell's voltage, compensating for wire losses (a lot of lipos use smaller than 20ga wire) and connector losses (the connector on the Cellpro is only rated for 3A) makes the Cellpro the ONLY charger that can safely charge lipos as > 1C charge rate.

Note: the 3A rating of the Cellpro's connector isn't unusual - other vendors have similar limitations, in spec sheets anyways.

It'll be a great day when lipos all use the same tap connector that can carry higher current and use decent gauge wire.


Ooops, there's already some info posted on this
This is only possible with FMA Direct cell-balancing technology which incorporates integrated, highly-accurate cell monitoring and balancing during charge. FMA Direct recommends 3C max charge rates for good quality, high discharge rate batteries of 12C or higher.

Only FMA balancing chargers can safely charge packs above 1C. Other chargers don't charge individual cells, and are limited to 1.0C rate.

Cycle life on high discharge packs (12C and greater) is not affected by the Cellpro 3C charge current



UPDATE:
The PDF manual has been posted here:
http://www.fmadirect.com/support_docs/item_1242.pdf

Some notes:
- Looks like the overall charging wattage of the Cellpro is still ~50W.
- Current is limited to 3A charging for 4s packs.
- max input current is now listed at 5A (vs 6A for the previous Cellpro) which now matches the ratings for the step down mosfet (which is also the series pass mosfet for the step up section). Operation down to the 10V lower voltage limit would likely exceed 5A input for a 3S pack at 4A charge current however.
- same tap connector