Its all so confusing!

Hi all,
At the minute i fly just i.c but i was wondering about having a go at an electric model or two, I have read many things on the internet about lipos, esc and motors but i find it all so confusing
First off I have got a GT Power V5 charger that I use to charge my Rx battries apparently it can charge lipos and balance charging or something!!!
This is the spec of it:

Operating voltage range: 10.0-18.0 Volt
Circuit power: Max 50W
Charge current range: 0.1-5.0A
Current drain for balancing Li-Po: 200mAh/cell
NiCd/NiMH battery cell count: 1-14 cells
Li-ion/Polymer battery cell count: 1-5 series
Pb battery voltage: 2-12V
Net weight: 280g
Dimensions: 130×80×23mm

Is this sutible for charging/balencing lipos? if so is there a limit on what lipos it can do?

Thanks Dean

No prob with that charger Dean, you will find it will stop charging when the lipo is full. It is one of the better chargers

Welcome to the world of electric flying

Garry

Thanks
So am I right in thinking it would charge, for example a 4s 2000 mah lipo?

Oh and what is the difference between balance charging and normal charging?

Sorry for the stupid questions!!

(i keep telling myself there are no stupid questions just stupid people, or something like that )

its all greek to me as well, but you will get there.
yes that will charge a 4s lipo.
i balance charge all my lipo's.

Hi

Yes the charger will cope with the lipo you suggest.

The info that Mike (Admin) has given you, is quite correct.

The reason we balance charge is so the charger can constantly monitor the individual cells and keep them balanced. If you just charge the whole pack, without balancing , should one cell get to full, the charger will switch off and may leave the other 3 cells not fully charged, hence not a fully charged lipo.

The only stupid question is the one that isnt asked, and should be

Garry

Whats the silly question Garry.Hi Dean its fairly straight forward once you know the people to ask.Most reputable model shops will help but some will saell you over the top power systems,BRC are goodbut there prices have risen over the last 12 months or so .I always use Galaxy of Ipswich they have always looked after me well.

Having said all of this I did have 1 lipo thats balance plug was smashed in a crash.Carried on using it and charging without a problem.Why is it Tony that 1 cell may charge lower than the rest is this on an aging lipo battery

Thanks for the explanations, i now understand about balance charging
And 3s = 3 cells, 4s = 4 cells etc. is that correct?

Now for another one, in simple terms (cause i am a simple guy ) what does the different mah rating on a lipo mean? Am i correct in thinking a higher mah rating means a longer flight time??

Dean

Hi Dean

The answer to both your questions are yes

You are getting there!!

Garry

What a clever boy i am!!!!

standby..................More questions to follow.


Thanks Dean (Electrical expert )

deans plug.

you ask the questions and i will learn something for a change.