PL8 and internal resistance reading...

[Jason Asch]

Hello all I have a PL8 charger and have been using it for over a year. I finally got around to understanding internal resistance, what it is and why it's important.

The PL8 allows you to monitor the IR while charging. My issue is when charging it reads all 6 cells of the batteries but for some reason in cell 6 it is significantly higher regardless of different batteries used. For instance cells 1-5 will be 1.7-1.8oms and cell 6 is 15-18. Are you experiencing the same thing and is this usual?


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[atkin]

You might want to put this in the Revolectrix forum:
https://www.helifreak.com/forumdisplay.php?f=319

I can't recall if there is a "calibration" function. I think that's only done at the factory. My PL6 and 8 doesn't have this issue, from various batteries.

What brand of batteries have you tried? (and how old)

[van-man-123]

If i remember correctly you have the wrong type of balance board selected


One type is FMA node and the other is JST XH
That will give you a high IR reading on cell 6 all the time and it will not give you an accurate charge either

[Gregor99]

That is usually caused by the wrong wiring mode or older firmware. You will need v3.31. If you are not sure which wiring mode you need, post a link or description of your balance board.

[Jason Asch]

I'm not following how can you have the wrong type if balance board selected? I've not seen where it asked me to choose.


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[Jason Asch]

here is what I'm using and the parallel board is JST-XT as well. I'll recheck my firmware again but I believe I updated it about 3 months ago and when I called tech support they said the issue mentioned above was fixed a few years ago. Hummmmm


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[van-man-123]

Im using the revolectriix board that takes 6 batteries and i had the same issue cell 6 was always a higher ir than the other cells
Hope this helps

[Slyster]

In case any has the an iCharger duo.. cycle through status and you will see this screen.

[Jason Asch]

Slyster there is a similar screen on the pl8. Doesn't look as cool at the icharger though. I do have the usages version 3.31 too. Looks like its a glitch as tech support when called was useless on this issue.

Anyone else have any thoughts?


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[Jason Asch]

Darn auto correct! I do have the updated version as well 3.31


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[Gregor99]

Originally Posted by NuttyToughGuy

Attachment 545870 here is what I'm using and the parallel board is JST-XT as well. I'll recheck my firmware again but I believe I updated it about 3 months ago and when I called tech support they said the issue mentioned above was fixed a few years ago. Hummmmm


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That board requires the JST-XH wiring mode. The charger comes with the default set to FMA wiring mode and needs to be changed to the JST-XH wiring mode.

[Jason Asch]

Ok I didn't get that, thank you for clarifying. I'll go into the settings and see what I can find.

[Jason Asch]

Changing the setting from FMA to JSTXH fixed the problem. Thanks all


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[Gregor99]

Thanks for the update. In case you haven't seen this, here are some more tips.


FAQ - Powerlab Quick Start Guide - Wiring modes, Supply Limits and 1s charging

[Jason Asch]

Thanks I'd like to know how you all drain your batteries for proper disposal. I heard on RCHeli Nation that he proper way is to use a charger which is contradictory to what thunder power told me. They recommended the salt water bath... but Dave from Progressive RC (on pod cast) said that method is completely wrong and dangerous for the garbage men. Thoughts?


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[Slyster]

light bulbs. I use two 12v car headlamps. Then when done twist the connectors together.

[Gregor99]

http://www.tjinguytech.com/charging-.../lipo-disposal

[van-man-123]

I totally drain and then twist the leads together

[Jason Asch]

Anyone use the PL8 to discharge or is it to risky due to the article posted. If so what settings do you use?


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[Gregor99]

Minimum voltage is 2.5v per cell. Not completely empty, but not close enough to depleted. You can use the NiXX presets, but it may require tweaking the preset. In the end, 2 light bulbs does the job more completely and more safely. Packs at the end of their life can be, by their nature, are less stable and predictable than a healthy pack.