Taking the abuse out of batts

[DJ BlendeR]

Ok so Xmas has come and gone, and I, like quite a few other people got a peak charger. So I would like to know the best way to cycle my batteries to destroy their memory and get them running like new again. I have a Intellipeak digi charger and before I was using the Mega 3 dial charger. I am running an SMC 2400 pack as well as a radio shack 2000 and a racers edge 1500 (ack I know, but I am getting another SMC soon). I am sure that this thread was created not too long ago, but now with everyone sporting new chargers, thought I could post it again. Thanks everyone.

[KartMan]

DJ...I used to have a base line peak charger. I recently purchased a Millennium. I believe the best way to revive your packs would be to cycle them a few time. Charge, and discharge them. Use a set of bulbs to discharge, and DO keep a fan on the batteries, as they will heat up when discharging a full pack. After you do this a couple of times, you will notice the packs will start to pick up.

Just my .02
Jesse

[mavrick0611]

kartman, could i just use the discharge on my intellpeak digi charger to discharge the batts? I have bulbs but hate to use them.

[rctazmanmc]

I would use the bulb discharger!!!

It is better for your packs than the 2 amp discharge in the charger and it will simulate racing loads on the batteries. The 2 amp discharge will take away from your packs if you are racing or competing in anything.

Use the bulb discharger if you have 10 bulbs - 20 amp load. Cycling them with the bulbs and charging will bring them up and condition the batteries to respond better to racing situations.

Just my 2 cents and trying to help.

;)

[KartMan]

Here are some common recommendations.

If you run MOD, discharge at about 10 or less amps. This will TRAIN you batteries to have a lot of run-time. However, these batteries will not have much punch.

If you run Stock, discharge at about 15 amps, period. This will train you batteries to dump all of the voltage that they can, and they will have a lot of punch, but the run-time will slightly suffer. However, I run stock with 2000 packs, and have never dumped during a race. I use the 10 lightbulb discharger. I know that they are bright, but they do the job CORRECTLY.

Each 1157 bulb puls 1.5 amps of current, and by combining 10, you get a 15 amp draw. This is the easiest/cheapest way to discharge your packs.

Also, most chargers that discharge are ususally set at about 1/5-5 amps. I am not sure aout this number, but it is not what you want to do to your batteries, if you are running stock.



If anyone else would like to chime in on the acuracy of this, please feel free to do so, I believe this to be truth, but would like be open to corrections.

Thanks

[Grizzbob]

Well I'm sure it varies from one bulb to another, but common opinion of them is that they actually draw about 2 amps per bulb(for 1157's), so 10 bulbs would draw about 20 amps(which is what I use, good compromise between stock & mod) & you should DEFINITELY have a cutoff switch inline with them, preferrably one that'll shut off the discharge when the pack gets down to about 5.4 volts(.9 volts per cell, much like several matchers still use). Also, if your packs are configured side by side or in saddle packs, then you should invest in a discharge tray(Trinity's RealTime 2 is a good one) that can connect to each individual cell & equalize them. That's really the best way to get them ready for the next charge, & it definitely helps keep them in good condition for a long time.......:)

[chizzler]

i thought for mod you would want a higher discharge rate like say 25-30 amps.............

[ILv2Xlr8]

The older batts get, the more resistance they build up, and they can really tax a charger. To take out the abuse from batteries, i've always had success with this method:

[list=1]
First, discharge your batteries completely by any means you wish, ie bulbs, in car, integy 20... etc.
Next, start off charging your batteries slowly at a LOW rate like 0.5 amps.
Discharge your batteries all the way again.
Charge your batteries at a slightly higher rate.
Repeat the two previos steps (3&4) till you are charging at the higher rate you desire.
[/list=1]
This should drop the resistance of your batts, and bring down their voltage to about where they should be. If it doesn't, than its time to toss them.

[Grizzbob]

Chizzler, it's really just a matter of preference. As an example, I like to run both stock & mod TC when I can, but I only have one bulb discharger, so I went with something that's good enough for both(though it may not be ideal for mod). Honestly, I don't think many people would be able to tell the difference between using a 20 amp one & a 30 amp one in mod, most of the power & punch you look for in that class is done through the motor more than batteries(you mainly need run time from your packs in mod), that's why several of us keep a good number of mod winds available in the toolbox, to find the one that's just right for the situation.....:)

[DJ BlendeR]

Thanks guys, this is helping alot. Keep up the info.

Is it best to discharge your batts further with a bulb discharger after you have finished your run, or should you just run your car till it dumps and charge from there, once the pack has been reconditioned?

[KartMan]

After a 5 minute race, I still get about a minute and a half on the bulbs. To answer your question, YES, you should put them on the bulbs after each run.

Jesse

[TechViper]

ILv2Xlr8:

on step #2. how long do u have to charge at 0.5 amps?

also on step # 4

thanks!

[ILv2Xlr8]

Tech Viper,
Use a peak charger, and the charging stops automatically when it is done. I can't say how long it will exactly take as it depends on your battery's capacity, and how abused they are.

Increase the rate what ever incerment your charger allows, such as 0.5 Amp increments.

For an example of what I have done to recondition some old abused batts,
My first cycle (charging-discharging) would charge batts at 0.5 Amps, then at 1.0 Amps, then at 1.5 Amps, then at 2.0 Amps...etc till you reach the desired rate you wish to charge your batts at.

Hope I answered your question.