Parallel Wiring for Flightpower LiPo

[mpetrich]

Hi you guys,
Another question! :032:
I have two Flightpower 4s1p 2500mah LiPos. I want to run them in parallel for my 1/8th BL buggy.
All I did was connect the two + together and the two - together. Fairly simple. But it seems that the Flightpower LiPos don't like to be charged like that. I continually get an "Output Short Circuit" error on my ICE charger. Is there a better way to do the wiring? Has anyone else had this problem?
Thanks for all the help.
Matt

[MetalMan]

Charging 2 Lipo packs in parallel isn't the best idea. If they are at different voltages before they are hooked up in parallel, the packs can potentially be damaged.

Does the ICE always show this error?

[mpetrich]

It doesn't show the error when charging my other LiPo packs. I have used quite a few LiPo packs in parallel and have been charging them without any problems. All of my LiPo packs for the Kyosho Mini Inferno are LiPo in parallel.
I disconnected the +'s and the -'s and tried to charge each pack individually. I keep getting the same error even on an individual pack.
Not sure what is going on.... :035:
Edit: I checked both packs voltage with the ICE and both packs are at 15.260v's. Also, after I connect the + of the battery to one alligator clip, I connect the - side to the other battery clip and always get a small spark. Is that normal?!
Thanks for the help.
Matt

[MetalMan]

A spark just means that a quick current flow is established, like when a capacitor is charged up.

This problem is interesting. It might be possible that your ICE has been damaged. A while back, my ICE got damaged, and wouldn't charge or discharge things even though it said it was. You may be having a similar problem. Duratrax was fast on my repair (about 2 weeks), and it might be worth it for you to send it in. Or, if you know of someone else with an ICE or a different Lipo charger, see if you can use it.