iCharger 206B + mains adaptor

matelot · Extreme 3D Joined: 09 Jan 2012 Posts: 106 Location: France

Hi, all,

Just acquired an iCharger 206B balance charger/discharger + dozens of leads, eventually one of which I managed to cobble to a mains adaptor with 240v input and a selection of 1.5v - 12v output. Max output current is 1200mA or 1.2 amps.

Now, if I want to charge 2 x 2S lipos, each of 1300mA, and I select (1C) 2600mA or slightly less on the iCharger, will the ensemble simply settle at 1200mA (max from adaptor), or will something get rather hot as the iCharger tries to pull more current?

Three dozen sheets of instructions don't address it. Laughing

Cheers.
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tombo242 · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 11:56 pm Post subject:

Hi Matelot,

As your charger can charge a 6 cell battery, what you need is one of these twin pack charger leads $1.92 + reasonable shipping from Hobby King.

It will allow your charger to see the 2 x 3 cells as a 1 x 6 cell. That means that the same current flows through both batteries in series and will not be doubled. A 1C charge would be 1.3A and reducing this to 1.2A would make little difference to your charge time, as your batteries should not be below 20% charge (never discharge a li-po beyond 80% of capacity) you are only looking to replace 1040mAh.

I have used one of thse leads for 2 years now with no problems at all.

Tom.
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matelot · Extreme 3D Joined: 09 Jan 2012 Posts: 106 Location: France

Thanks, tombo, but I'm looking at using the balance adaptor board and two new 2S1P lipos - charged in parallel. It's simply the issue of the mains adaptor being rated at 1200mA, and setting the iCharger for any higher rate than that. Likely outcome?

I've no problem trickle charging at 1200mA... (only the time factor).

Cheers
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Never squat with your spurs on.

tombo242 · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 6:26 am Post subject:

Hi Matlot,

I knocked up a lead similar to the one in my link (above) but for 2 x 2cell li-pos. They charge as a 4 cell in the same way as the 3 cells (above). One current flowing in series so 1200mAh would be quite good for your batteries.

Overloading your adapter will result in one or both of 2 things:

1. The voltage will just fall cutting down the current.

2. It will simply burn out.

Don't recommend it! Evil or Very Mad

One problem with charging as a 4 cell 2P 2S battery is the amps required. Best to stick with series charging as your current is limited.

Tom.
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