Battery charging question

[turbobeagle]

I have a Powerpack 400 battery and I noticed something odd when charging it. After a few hours on the charger (definitely long enough to finish charging, e.g. overnight) sometimes all the charge indicator lights turn off which is what I expect based on the manual. However, sometimes I notice that instead of the lights turning off, all 5 lights stay on (solid, not blinking). My usage pattern is very consistent (daily commute) so I don't see what I could be doing differently to cause this difference in behavior.

Anyone else notice this, or know what it means when all 5 lights light up solid instead of turning off?

Thanks!

 

[FarmerDan]

Was the battery on the bike and the bike in the on position? It seems like they stay on when the bike is on.

IDK, just a weird guess, but yes, usually once the battery is charged here at my desk, the lights all turn off.

 

[stevenast]

Before it turns off, it goes from flashing between 4 and 5 to just 5 solid. It's the signal that it's in the final stages of topping off.

Edit, maybe your cat is turning it on!

I always unplug mine as soon as it's done, so maybe what's happening if you leave yours plugged in is ...the charger goes off... then a little bit of charge trickles out the battery... so the charger kick backs on again?

 

[turbobeagle]

@FarmerDan I thought about that too, but I definitely did check that the battery was 'off' before I plugged it into the charger.

@stevenast For me it seems that it sometimes does not turn off after going to 5 solid (even overnight). One possibility is that I just happen to look at it after it had turned back on (the manual does say that the charger will kick in again after some time to keep it topped off).

 

[stevenast]

Lol, I just added the same theory in my edit above

 

[NoDTMF]

I suppose when the battery is attached to the bike there are some parasitic losses through the motor...hence the topping off phenomena. I see it too. Battery charger might be a little too sensitive.

 

[turbobeagle]

I suppose when the battery is attached to the bike there are some parasitic losses through the motor...hence the topping off phenomena. I see it too. Battery charger might be a little too sensitive.

I actually charge with the battery removed from the bicycle. Charger being too sensitive is a good theory. I wonder if there's a risk of damage to the battery...

 

[NoDTMF]

RE: I wonder if there's a risk of damage to the battery...
No.
Heat is number 1 enemy. In fact, don't charge immediately after riding. Best to charge a cool battery. Try to avoid full discharges and for that matter if you can to two rides and end with 2 bars then charge after 2 rides as opposed to after every ride. That will help with the battery lifetime.

 

[J.R.]

I actually charge with the battery removed from the bicycle. Charger being too sensitive is a good theory. I wonder if there's a risk of damage to the battery...

Don't know if you've read this, but this is a good thread on batteries and charging. Most of the information is verifiable.

http://electricbikereview.com/commu...lectric-bike-battery-and-extend-its-life.440/

 

[turbobeagle]

@NoDTMF @J.R. Thank you for the info.

 

[Lew]

I too have a Powerpack 400 plus battery and i noticed that after i plug it in to ge it, it cycles very fast. There are 2 clicks in rapid succession then about 1-2 second delay then 2 clicks. Is the battery worn out or will it recover by leaving it plugged in?

Thank you

 

[Ann M.]

@Lew , how many miles can you get from this battery and how old is it? Look on the side or back of the charger, it should give an explanation of the led or sound codes. I'm kinda thinking that either your battery is worn or if it was left uncharged for a long time (a few months) the BMS may be doing its protective job if the battery voltage has dropped too low. A voltage reading from the end of the battery that plugs into the bike would provide a little more info.