Powerlab parallel charging

[vertico]

So I just want to be clear...

I now have a Powerlab 6 charger

I also have an EPbuddy 6 port parallel board.

Is it correct that I can parallel charge 6 lipos as long as cell count is the same regardless of pack size? (IE 6s 2600, 2600, 3700 3700, 4500, 4500 simultaneously)

Also, if that is true, do the lipos need to be at the same voltage prior to charging? For example what if i accidentally throw one on there that is at 80% when the rest are at 30%?

Parallel charging is new to me so I appreciate any advice. I recently have started using a lot of 6s & 12s powered machines leaving me to charge a lot of 6s packs. I was told the PowerLab chargers were the bees knees

Thanks!
B

[hemp]

Originally Posted by vertico

I now have a Powerlab 6 charger

Originally Posted by vertico

Is it correct that I can parallel charge 6 lipos as long as cell count is the same regardless of pack size?

Yes, that's correct.

Originally Posted by vertico

do the lipos need to be at the same voltage prior to charging?

Within reason, yes.

Originally Posted by vertico

what if i accidentally throw one on there that is at 80% when the rest are at 30%?

Once connected in parallel they will immediately attempt to voltage equalize on the discharge lead or each individual cell, depending on which you plug in first. You will very quickly dump a bunch of capacity into the 30% packs while pulling the same amount out of the 80% pack. In this particular scenario it may not be that bad because you're dividing the inbound current into potentially 5 packs, but if you reverse the scenario (adding a 30% pack where there are 5 at 80%) then you will be way over the supported charge rate for that 30% pack which can cause permanent damage. Just remember that when the packs equalize, they do it as fast as physically possible.