Mysterious LiPo (and charging advice...)

[Shorty]

Hi, I need some help with charging this battery I recently bought second hand. (it was in the box of a second hand RTR B4.1) Go easy on the lingo, I'm easily confused!!
Here's a photo, I think it's one of those cheap Hong Kong specials!....

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5529251658_dd26e4ca2c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60690461@N08/5529251658/) R0017473 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60690461@N08/5529251658/) by Shortopia (http://www.flickr.com/people/60690461@N08/), on Flickr
Loong Max (or Mai?) Tipple 20C 4000mAH

I'm a bit confused with the cell rating which isn't clearly stated. I can't see a cell count number (ie 2s or 3s for 2 cell or 3 cell), but can I safely assume it's a 2 cell and 7.4 volts

Why does it say 20c, but also 5C in the fiery logo circle? Is this saying I can charge it at 5c?

The balancing connector only has 3 connections, and only fits into my chargers 2s port, so I guess this is another big clue. (The balancing connector must have more connections if it were a 3s battery?)

I am using a new Fusion Ethos LX41B Pro charger. For a basic slow charge what would be my best settings?

And for a race night with 5 minute races, wanting a faster charge, what can I push those settings to?

Many thanks in advance. I'd rather not use my assumptions and get it wrong!

[Dombrasky]

Hi
Yes it is two cell (7.4v) 20c is the disharge rate,5c is the maximum charge rate
which means 5times the capacity which is 4000mah x5=20 amps
If you charge at this im not sure how long it would last
i personally only charge @2c which would be 8 amps
but if youve only got one,and you pushed for time
you might have to charge higher
HTH :)

[bigred5765]

first of all yeh it looks like a 7.4volt or 2 cell lipo , 5 c is max charge rate, brca and everyone else recomends 1c charge rate,20c is discharge or punch from cell,but and its a big one most clubs like you to use hard case lipos so check first with your local club/clubs before using it there.safe charging rate is 4amps

[Shorty]

Great, Thanks guys...

I did think it looked like a bit of a cheapy Hong Kong special, all big numbers but no knickers!

My Fusion Ethos LX14B Pro Charger only goes up to 4 amps, not the 8 you recommend. So that will give me a slower, safer charge?

I'll also talk to my local club and see if I'm legal!

[mark christopher]

first of all yeh it looks like a 7.4volt or 2 cell lipo , 5 c is max charge rate, brca and everyone else recomends 2c charge rate,20c is discharge or punch from cell,but and its a big one most clubs like you to use hard case lipos so check first with your local club/clubs before using it there.safe charging rate is 4amps

Since when have the brca lifted it to 2c??
It was 1c max ......

[bigred5765]

oops well spotted mark 1 c

[damselfly]

Hi,

Just discharge at a maximum of 80 Amps ( 4000ma = 4 Amp x 20 ). Charge at about 4 Amps for longevity ( 4000ma = 4 Amp's ).
Don't worry about it being made in China, as practically everything is nowadays, even the Girl I slept with last year. Lol.
This junk is made in China, and it's proving OK; :thumbsup:

[dodgydiy]

actually very good cells, i have several packs, using these cells in my electrtic 1/8 and they are working just fine, and also my 1/18 and flying toys too. only downside as pointed out earlier is they are soft cased, fine for bashing etc but brca clubs may not let you run them.