I finally ran mine a few weeks ago. I was able to discharge at around 5-6 amps on a 6s 4500 battery. I believe we are limited on that due to the input voltage to the resistor bank. It's my understanding that the fans can't handle more than 12 volts.
Those fans should be hooked up to an external power source. As soon as the batteries are done and the icharger turns off the second channel. This is going to cause the resistors to heat soak and shorten the life of them. Hook them up to the power supply for the icharger.
I see what your saying, we don't build the resistor banks. For our install purpose we use (2) 93mm squirrel cage fans with a independent power source. Please watch this video. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-y2R4BnB53RQ.html
Does this also work with a 1S lipo where there is no balance lead connected ? According to the manual it needs to have a balancer lead connected but off course with a 1S there is no balance lead. If you don't have a 1S lipo could you try if it works with the balancer board disconnected ? I want to buy one off these for testing my 1S and 2S lipo's but would like to know if it will work with 1S.
What value resistors are you using on that load bank? I am trying to assemble the pieces to build mine and I am struggling to find any real info how to build those. Or where did you buy yours at if its pre made?
That is my soldering block, I was not sure how hot the feet would get so I went with the wood to protect my assembly deck (Trunk liner on 1/4" plywood)
I noticed you run your discharge voltage at 25V. Isn't that harmful for the 12V fans on the resistor bank? I am able to get my resistor bank to discharge now, but with a setting of 12V it is only able to discharge at a max of 12A??? Why is that? I was reluctant to try to raise the voltage setting, but when I did, I was able to draw more amps. But I am reluctant because of the fans on the discharge device. I do not want to damage them. Any help is appreciated.
I was discharging at 8.343 vdc at the peak voltage. The settings in the charger are what the manufacturer suggests. I went with the 40 amp to get a worst case temp reading.
That is the max settings. A 2s lipo wont reach 25v. I'm just setting the iCharger to the settings recommended by the company that makes the Resistor Pack. And as for your question, yes, if you put 25v into a 12v fan its going to be a bad day. But we have a solve for that also.
HELP!!!! While discharging with the same set up you have (iCharger 406 Duo & exact resistor bank), the wires for the bank got so hot the solder came undone on the lead at the charger!!! What can I do to deter this from happening again?? Thank you!
The highest amp current you can discharge with a 4010 duo is 130 watts. This lets you do a full 40 amp, the RC Car guys use this to condition their batteries before a race.
+Kyle Cashwell (RotaryWingRC) thank you. I can't see this going in a case unless the case is compartmentalized with a heat barrier. the service you provide is incredible. From a customer I wish you all the best.