PL6 Questions???

[1080tommy1]

I have looked at some of the threads in here and they are very informative but I need some help. I just got a new PL6 with and IOTA 1100W P/S. I can charge my small batteries for my nano at 1s/2s non balanced on my board without issues but when I am charging my bigger batteries for my 500 6s 2900 and 6s 3000 I am getting a bad cell count and wiring error. It says bad cell count wiring FMA. This is the first what I would consider real charging system I have purchased because I started flying bigger helis and large electric airplanes at the end of this year. Up until now, I have only flown gassers. So I feel a bit stupid for not being able to use this charger.

For example, tonight I hooked up my parallel charge board to the charger and connected 3 battery packs. They are all 6s and one is a 2900 and the other two are 6s 3000 may. I hooked up my main charge wires first followed by the balance plugs. I then attempted to charge the batteries at 2c and it would only go up to 3.33a for charge rate. I also entered 3packs in the menu. I then went through the menus and when I got to the check battery screen that is when I get the error bad cell count fma wiring. I know there is another choice for wiring option but did not see that I should have to change that for parallel charging.

I have heard very good things about the PL6 and this power supply and I am sure once I can overcome my ignorance, this thing with be a charging workhorse and I will need it seeing as I am looking into a 700 size chopper and some giant scale electric planes. I am certain this question may be redundant and am sorry for that but any help would be greatly appreciated.

I should say that I am new to helis as well. I just started flying them this year a few months ago and can't get enough of them. I started with a nano cpx and then quickly went into a 130x and finished the year sport flying a 500x. Over the off season I think I am ready for a large hell and am considering a goblin 700 or a blade 700. I can't get over how much fun helis are and honestly since picking up my little nano, I have not touched an airplane. Thanks again this site is awesome and the members have already helped me a lot in this area of RC.

[McKrackin]

For one,I don't think you can parallel charge batteries of different capacity.

Do the 2900 packs...then the 3000 packs.

Then...yes you do have to change the wiring type if you don't have an FMA board.
That was my first error too.

And to get a higher charge rate,you have to select HIGH POWER mode.

[1080tommy1]

Thanks man!!!!!!!! I did not think to change the wiring type because I got the charger together with the wiring from progressive rc. I changed the wiring type and hooked up the main wires of the batteries followed by the balancing plugs. Worked like a champ!!!!!! I thought that I could charge batteries of different capacities as long as cell counts were same. I am not going to do this though. Makes more sense to do the 3000 first and then the 2900. This thing charges so fast, does not really make a difference. Thanks again for the help. I just need to use this charger and get more familiar with it. Once again, this board proves that it is worth its weight in gold for a person getting into helis or any rc arena for that matter. You guys are awesome!!!!!!

[Slyster]

You can charge any 6s packs parallel.. even 2200's with 5000's it doesn't matter. I use squids instead of boards.. very much easier to mess with.

https://sites.google.com/site/tjingu...allel-charging

[Gregor99]

Also don't forget to increase your supply current limit and use the high power preset for charging over 10 amps.

FAQ - Powerlab Quick Start Guide - Wiring modes, Supply Limits and 1s charging

[1080tommy1]

Thanks Greggor. ! This is an awesome post. Lots of good info for the PL6 or PL8.

[HeliSoCal]

if i use the high power setting on my pl6 to charge (2) 6s 4100mah packs. what is the charge rate I should use to get either 2c or 3c charge rate? I heard it is not good to charge the packs over 2-3c on a regular basis. I have a solidhobby 24V, 1000w power supply and at the field power the ps with a honda eu1000i generator. i don't want to fry anything, but do want to charge as fast as possible. Thanks

[Gregor99]

Originally Posted by HeliSoCal

if i use the high power setting on my pl6 to charge (2) 6s 4100mah packs.

For a 2c charge rate:

1) Set the packs in parallel to 2
2) Set the charge rate to 8.2 amps.

The total charge current of 16.4 amps will be divided between the two packs.


For a 3c charge rate:

1) Set the packs in parallel to 2
2) Set the charge rate to 12.3 amps.

The total charge current of 24.6 amps will be divided between the two packs.

maximum charge rate is determined by the pack manufacture. Typical is 3c-5c. But some are higher. Many modelers charge at 5c without issues.

Also be sure to increase the charger's input current limit. The default is 25amp. Raise to 40 amps and do not change the low supply voltage value.

[HeliSoCal]

Originally Posted by Gregor99

For a 2c charge rate:

1) Set the packs in parallel to 2
2) Set the charge rate to 8.2 amps.

The total charge current of 16.4 amps will be divided between the two packs.


For a 3c charge rate:

1) Set the packs in parallel to 2
2) Set the charge rate to 12.3 amps.

The total charge current of 24.6 amps will be divided between the two packs.

maximum charge rate is determined by the pack manufacture. Typical is 3c-5c. But some are higher. Many modelers charge at 5c without issues.

Also be sure to increase the charger's input current limit. The default is 25amp. Raise to 40 amps and do not change the low supply voltage value.

Thank you! That is helpful.