Super brain 969 and LiPoly Pack 2100 mAh 11.1V

[DebianDog]

I was told to charge these at 2.1 amps. What do you think?

Should I discharge it? If so, at what amp?

[Shortman]

I HIGHLY advise not using that charger to charge Lithium Polymer batteries. There have been numerous reported failures of overcharging the Li Po's with that charger and causing fires. It's been reported at rcgroups and Superbrain was suppose to issue a warning or statement but I don't believe they ever got around to it.

With a 11.1V 2100mah pack you do charge it at 2.1amps, this is called 1C or 1 times the rate of the pack. You can also turn it down to 1amp if your in no hurry.

[DebianDog]

Yeah I spoke with HeliProz about that and "they said" they have never personally seen a problem. I just watch them and have an extinguisher right there.

Thanks!

[Shortman]

As long as you keep an eye on it Dan then I'll feel better. I'm not sure if Heliproz uses the Superbrain 969 themselves to charge Li Polys but here was one of the threads about the Superbrain, seems now the Superbrain is no longer rated for Li Poly use, or at least the manufacturer doesn't rate it that way anymore. The problem was the charger kept charging after the 4.2V had been reached, which is very dangerous.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371979&highlight=Superbrain+969+problems+

[DebianDog]

I finnally found the answer on this (thanks for the pointers on this) and you're right I have to "watch it" carefully I see.


The MRC Super Brain 969 Pro advertises it is Lithium compatible.

"This powerful charger has an ability to deliver 4.5 amps per channel when
using DC input. Now you can charge two batteries of different voltages or
types simultaneously, or charge one battery while discharging another. For
pro users, the 969 Pro has a variety of settings for optimal charge.

AC/DC delta peak charger with patented MicroPeak Technology
Charges NiCd, NiMH, Li & Pb batteries"

From MRC Super Brain 969 Pro AC/DC Delta Peak Charger with Dual Output and
Discharge Function Instruction Manual.

Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837-3817
732 225-6360
www.modelrectifier.com

B. CHARGING LITHIUM ION-POLYMER BATTERIES

Never leave batteries unattended when charging. Monitor the temperature of
the battery occasionally during the charge cycle. If batteries become hot,
disconnect immediately.

Because of the volatile nature of Lithium batteries, great care must be
taken when charging these cells. If improperly or over charged, the is the
risk that the battery will explode or catch fire. Please follow instructions
and/or recommendations from battery manufacturer when selecting proper
charge rate.

You should always select 5mV peak threshold for all Lithium Ion/Polymer
batteries. You should also start with a fully discharged battery and do a
"capacity" charge as stated above in step 8. However, do not enter a
capacity higher than the rated capacity of the battery or damage may occur.
If you do not begin with a fully discharged battery, then you will have to
estimate the remaining capacity in the battery. We recommend that you use a
charge rate at no higher than half (0.5 times) the rated capacity (example
for 6OOmAH battery the charge rate = 0.5 x 600 or 0.30 amps). Also, be
careful not to discharge the battery too low (3 volts per cell), or damage
to the battery may occur. We recommend that you use a discharge rate no
higher than 0.2 amps.


LITHIUM BATTERIES DO NOT HAVE A PEAK, IF THE CHARGE IS NOT TERMINATED THE
VOLTAGE JUST KEEPS RISING UNTIL THE BATTERY SELF DESTRUCTS IN MANNER THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE. IF THE USER DOES NOT CORRECTLY ESTIMATE THE AMOUNT OF CAPACITY REMAINING IN THE BATTERY AT THE BEGINNING OF CHARGE OR THE CAPACITY HAS DIMINISHED WITH USE, A SERIOUS AND HAZARDOUS SITUATION WILL EXIST.

[DebianDog]

From the "updated" manual it just appears like "the Brain" is not too smart ;)

CHARGING LITHIUM ION/POLYMER BATTERIES Never leave batteries
unattended when charging. Monitor the temperature of the battery
occasionally during the charge cycle. If batteries become hot or
voltage exceeds 4.20 volts per cell, disconnect immediately.
Because of the volatile nature of Lithium batteries, great care must
be taken when charging these cells. If improperly or overcharged,
there is the risk that the battery will explode or catch fire. Please
follow instructions and/or recommendations from the battery
manufacturer when selecting proper charge rate.
You can only use a “capacity” charge on Lithium batteries.

1. We recommend that you use a charge rate of no higher than 1C. For
example, for a 1600mAH battery, the charge current should be no
greater than 1.6 amps.

2. Do not enter cell and peak threshold settings, as these settings
become irrelevant when charging Lithium batteries.

3. We recommend that you always start with a fully discharged battery
pack (no load voltage between 2.7 and 3.0 volts per cell) by following
section D, and then “capacity” charge as stated in Step 8 of the general
instructions. You must enter a capacity that is 90% of the rated capacity
of the battery. When the charge cycle is complete, allow the battery to
go through the trickle cycle, as this will fill it to its full capacity.
4. If you do not begin with a fully discharged battery, then you will have to
estimate the amount of capacity needed to reach 90%, and enter this as
the capacity you want to charge to. Because your estimation could be
wrong, you should always enter a capacity less than you estimated for
safety. You should also monitor the battery’s voltage at all times and do
not allow it to exceed 4.20 volts per cell, or damage to the battery may
occur. If you are not certain of how full your battery is, you can
discharge your battery with this charger. When charging a Lithium
battery, never leave the battery unattended. Never allow the battery
voltage to exceed 4.20 volts per cell.

[Shortman]

Yeah, I can't believe they recommened starting with a completely discharged battery at 2.7 or 3.0V, at that rate, the life of your Li Poly would be greatly reduced. I would try and keep the Low voltage cutoff at 3.3V per cell to give your batteries the best life.

I just don't understand why they rated this as a Li Poly charger, all the other chargers I know like Triton, Astro 109, the Apache series of chargers, Thunder Power 425 all are perfectly safe and cut off the voltage when the Li Poly reaches a certain voltage.

[DebianDog]

If I screwed up this bat. with this dumb-arse charger I am gonna be P.O.' ed :thumbdown:

[Pathogens]

I am sorry, but it is not the chargers fault.

You have to know the risks of using this charger before use.

Personally, I used this charger to charge lipos for a couple days untill my accu elite came in. Never had any problems.

I do not suggest using this charger unless you know exactly what you are doing. Missuse will result in batteries being destroyed.

[Shortman]

It is the chargers/manufacturers fault for putting out a faulty product like this, especially with the known dangers of charging a Li Poly improper.

[DebianDog]

No the batt. is fine. I had 1 setting wrong so "the brain" ended the charge. It is working great... I just do not have a lot of confidence in it is you know what I mean. Will probably sell it and pick up another one eventually. I do like the discharge feature and the ability to charger 2 batts. at once!