Discharge with my unit is off balance... is that normal?

[jaywhy]

Seriously though - new eStation bc6 and new hextroniks for rex 450. I figured I'd be real gentle and break them in nice and slow with the bc6. Out of 4 lipo (1align,3hexs) 2 of the hexes set off the bc6 on discharge for one of the cells being off balance. (Charge at .3 and discharge at .4)

This doesn't sound good - is it not bad? Please?

[jaywhy]

So do cells not discharge at the same rate?

[jaywhy]

I SAID: ...

... ah, fork it.

[nregjeb]

Cells that are not matched for discharge rate and placed in a pack can discharge at different rates.

TP and FP usually pride themselves on matching cells before assembling them in a pack. Not all companies match their cells as closely. (As you are seeing)

If youi balacne the cells with a balancer and do not 'over' discharge the packs you will be okay.

Also, yoiu might as well cycle them in your helicopter or airplane instead of using your charger to cycle them. Flying is more fun then watching a charger. Just be gentle for the first 5 to 10 cycles. After that fly as normal. But, try to stay within the 80% rule. So, that the difference in rates of discharge in you cells don't end up getting cells 'over' discharged because of the difference in their rates.

I hope that helped youi.

[jaywhy]

TP and FP usually pride themselves on matching cells before assembling them in a pack. Not all companies match their cells as closely. (As you are seeing)

Very interesting. That's the first time I've heard that. Now is getting 2 hexes (with s&h) for the price of one TP/FP worth that trade-off???

Also, yoiu might as well cycle them in your helicopter or airplane instead of using your charger to cycle them. Flying is more fun then watching a charger.

Hell yeah! But... my bird wasn't flying yet and I had new charger and batteries. What can I say, I'm so frickin' new that charging and discharging batteries is fun and exciting! Vrooooooooooom! Look at em go! :lol:

BTW - reminds me, has anyone elsed noticed a significant increase in their electrical bill from charging? I did have the charger running (although at low rates) for about 3-4 solid days all day while I was awake.
Does discharging take up considerable juice?

Just be gentle for the first 5 to 10 cycles. After that fly as normal. But, try to stay within the 80% rule. So, that the difference in rates of discharge in you cells don't end up getting cells 'over' discharged because of the difference in their rates.

Words to live by.

I hope that helped youi.

You have no idea.

I was starting to think nobody cared. ;)

Seriously - thanks!

[jaywhy]

Actually though, I'm kinda' bummed I didn't get to add this to my self-conversation...

http://www.dendroboard.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/11459/tryUsingTheSearch.jpg

[nregjeb]

No...please don't feel people don't care on this forum. There are many caring individuals tha don't read everyday. The battery section here at Helifreaks is also one of the lesser read sections on the site.

RCgroups....http://www.rcgroups.com has a battery&charger section that is VERY active. You might want to join over there also. Many of us are registered on both sites.

Relative to buying cheaper batteries.....TP and FP (expecially FP) have good customer service. They stand behind their products. I fly helicopters only. And I own mostly 6 to 10 cell packs. With that type of investment I try to stay with companies that are known to supply the highest quality products. Yes, I pay more. But, they have proven to be consistant performers. You have to look at what fits you budget. Also A123 cells are an lesser expensive source of power...but they are a bit heavier.

Yes,...searching can help. When you have time. But, this site is known for it's helpful people. Telling you to use the search function is not an acceptable answer here at Helifreaks.

I would suggest your battery questions be posted here in this section. But, if you don't receive an answer in a reasonable amount of time. You can post a pointer thread...don't double post your question....in a section with more activity.

Again..I hope this was helpful information for you. I don't post very much...but when I see someone not getting resonses I try and jump in. (if I know the answer)