Need some help/advice with charging/disharging.

Trying to get my batteries ready for the 'Birds. Charger will only let me charge @ 5A, discharge @ 1A. Discharged batteries @ 1A down to 3.6v (0.9v per cell for a 4-cell), then charged back up @ 5A. But - I'm only getting about 3600 - 3700mAh out of each pack. Should I try shorting out the packs and go from there, or can you not short out NiMhs? I did discharge 'em with my light bulb setup as well, down to "no light left" and left them on that for about ten minutes, then charged back up. Still only getting the 3600-3700mAh out of 'em.

Can any of y'all help me out...?

You may just need to get some new packs for snowbirds. Time it takes to charge a pack doesn't really tell you much about the pack, you really want to track the voltage while discharging.

Well, I am looking at the voltage as discharges, and I take the pack off when it gets to about 3.6v (0.9v per cell). I'm not worried about the time it takes to charge. Can't afford new packs before 'Birds right now...

Well, I am looking at the voltage as discharges, and I take the pack off when it gets to about 3.6v (0.9v per cell). I'm not worried about the time it takes to charge. Can't afford new packs before 'Birds right now...

Come and see me at the 'birds (Spektrum booth). I'll have you run a couple of my packs if you wish to.

Steve Salvas
TQ Cells

Hey Steve, 'preciate it! I'll definitely look ya up! I'll be at the track first thing Tuesday. Not sure where I'll be pitting yet - I only live like 4 miles from the hotel...LOL