parallel charging

[bwells]

Any thoughts on charging 2 batteries in parallel to cut the charge time in half? I have a 3.5 amp charger that I feel is too hot to do a full charge, it seems to cut off early. I was thinking that a parallel setup would half the amps so as to provide 1.8 to each battery which is what I use now, but at 2 hours per battery, I could do both in 2 hours. Any thoughts as the LHS guy says it will screw up the cell count on the charger. I'm not buying it but thought I had better check first, Thanks.
P.S. These are NiMH 8.4 4500

[bwells]

I can not figure out when these threads drop off so I'm bringing this one back to life, don't mean to be pushy!

[bwells]

I'll try one more time and then I will be over it, It's like Gone In 60 Seconds or I'm not doing it right. Here is the original post I hope.

[domwilson]

You forgot to mention what charger you have. Some chargers can do it while others cannot.

[domwilson]

After reading the first post a couple of times, If you are having issues with just one battery, you may damage your charger trying to do two.

[bwells]

The 3.5 amp charger reminds me of sticking a hose into a 1 gallon milk jug at full blast and yanking it when the water comes out, you are still left with a quarter not full, I want to trickle the water in so as to fill it completely. My charger says it does 6 to 12 volt batteries but no idea on how it knows what volts it's charging. I figure the slower the charge, the better but I want to do 2 at the same time. I realize the amps are cut in half which is perfect for my charger, 1.8 is good and seems to fill them up completely

[line6]

I was asking about this a few days ago. Please look at the link http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...ead.php?t=8396

From what i understand you do not want to Parallel charge NiMH

[domwilson]

What brand and model charger do you have?

[bwells]

I remember that and it took you to a link that went into series and parallel but went way beyond my comprehension. Okay I will go with the single battery at a time and should be safe that way, I was just trying to beat the system and it can't be done. Thanks

[domwilson]

Some of the inexpensive "smart chargers" may be damaged. Alot of the "hobby grade" chargers offer this as a feature. I've tried it on one of those cheap chargers. It got real hot and bloated. Wasn't worth me trying to repair it.

[bwells]

DOM sorry I did not see your post but not a clue on the charger except it is a radio shack from 20 years ago and pumps out 3.5 amps, shuts off in 10 minutes on a single battery. Same battery on 1.8 amps charges another hour. I guess I can kick it in the ass with the big boy and top it off later with the trickle thing. Just trying to cut my charge time down for 2 batteries. When I go to the lake I have to use a generator so I have a multitude of chargers for a lot of batteries which I cycle through the chargers, 1.8 amp down to 500 mamp and call it good. It is a pain in the butt and seems mikey mouse the way I am doing it but it works.

[domwilson]

20 yr. old charger? Feelin' somewhat nostalgic? I wouldn't risk damaging newer technology batteries with an older technology charger. You can get a newer charger at reasonable prices. They have them listed in the swap shop from time to time. Those chargers were good for Ni-Cd's. but don't get you the peak performance that you want from your NiMh's.

[bwells]

Dom, you hit the nail on the head. It is an antique but I keep everything. Still, with the new chargers, can you do parallel charging without confusing the charger as far as cell count? I made up a wye to do this today. I know they make chargers that are capable of charging 2 batts at a time but I would imagine it is 2 chargers in one and seems like a gimmick. I just need a better and faster way to charge 6 batts. Thanks

[domwilson]

As far as cell count goes, I think that is for voltage. When in parallel, the Mah increase, not the voltage. But to be sure, use a good charger for attempting this. You may want to Google this tho'. I have read some conflicting information regarding this. But some of the better battery chargers do parallel charging. If you have a cheap set of packs, try it with that RS charger and see if it works. However, I think your RS charger may have other issues if it is cutting off after 10 mins. or you may have a bad pack.

[domwilson]

Oh yeah. I have a couple of older chargers that I use for Nimh's to get the charging started. Then I peak them on my peak charger. It goes faster for me that way.