Pilas battery charger - how to read status

mokona2 · Jan 20, 2005

While I'm trying to figure out how to get my 2x 150s to run reliably with my P91, how do you read the charging status LEDs?

So far I've seen:

Solid red - batteries charging
Solid yellow/green - batteries near 75-90% recharged?

How will I know when the batteries are completely charged? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/help.gif

Pila_Power · Jan 20, 2005

As far as I know, red is charging, green is ready.

From new they usually take about 5 or 10 minutes to top up from the manufacturer - I assume they're all tested prior to delivery so they would be fully charged at the time.

If they're fully drained it usually takes about 3 hours until they are fully charged again.

I would not recommend leaving them charging for extended amounts of time unnecessarily - 15 hours for example would just not be on! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Be aware; if you have charged your batteries for over 3 hours and there is still a suspect indicator level telling you it's not at full charge yet - stop charging.

Time to check the batteries and charger for faults though I would not think a fault very likely with anything Pila /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Best to be safe if you are unsure though.

Regards,

Tim.

john_bud · Jan 20, 2005

I have also seen one side's light go out, if there is a charge delta between cells when charging 2 at the same time. The cell with the higher voltage is not charged until the lower cell catches up. At least that's what I think is happening and it corresponds to what my Fluke is telling me.

JB

mokona2 · Jan 20, 2005

Thanks all. This is the first charge for my pair of 150s, I've used them a few times in my D3 and M3, so it shouldn't take too long to "top off" my batteries. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

john_bud · Jan 20, 2005

I read what PilaPower wrote that it takes only 5-10 min to top off initially. Mine (sample size of 1) took closer to an hour. Your milage may vary!

If you are curious, check with a meter before charging and while charging.

jb