Originally Posted by MaxWatts
Hi,
I've just joined here, as I've been googling for an answer to a problem I'm having.
I bought a Powerlab 8 recently, and have an old Maplin 30V - 2.5A power supply for charging indoors until I figure out a decent power supply to purchase.
I'm probably doing something wrong, but I've read the manual, and searched the 'net for an answer, before wasting anybody's time with stupid questions.
I connected a Turnigy 5000mah 4s to the PL8, with the balance connector only, and went with the factory preset number 1, Accurate Charge. I changed the charge current to 2.0A, bearing in mind the power supply. From what I've read, the balance connector is good for rates up to 3A.
After the PL8 starts, the VU meter on the PSU slowly rises to show 2 amps, then goes back to 500 milliamps, and stays there. It does exactly the same for presets two and three. No matter what I input as a charge rate, it rises, then settles back to 500ma...
Is it me? I'm a beginner in this field, and think I've probably missed something. The PSU is set for max voltage [30v] and max current [2.5A] and is quite capable of supplying it.
What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Regards,
Max
Hi:
Obviously that PSU is terribly inadequate for the PL8, but I guess you already realize that. Did you follow the guidelines in the user guide and set the input current limit on the PL8? If not, then the first thing you need to do is set that input supply limit to something like 2A. This will protect your weak PSU and prevent the PL8 from ever drawing over the limit you set; regardless of where you set the charge rate. Also, set the input low voltage down to something like 27V if you're inputting 30V.
Then give it another go and see if it works better for you.
Here's the link to the user guide:
http://www.revolectrix.com/pl8_links_tab.htm
First link on the Resources tab.
Start reading on page 9.
If you still get stuck at 500 mA, the PL8 may be going into safety charge which limits to 500 mA. This could be an indication of a problem with your battery. Let me know how you make out.
Tim Marks