Originally Posted by
CowtownPeddler
Unfortunately, I went for a 36 volt system so pairing them into two 24v packs would work, but then I'd have to rethink the BMS and how I carry the batteries. The chargers are an okay idea, but when I'm travelling, I'd ride as far as I can, charge, ride more to get to a campsite - the balancing charger I have on order will charge to any specified voltage at 2A and many cell types. The charge is 3 hours at 6A, so 2A basically limits my day (taking 9 hours). It is worth considering, but also the 2 6 cell packs I have barely fit in the panniers now - for city riding.
I do agree that charger bites. It'll do in a pinch tho, and now that the cells are balanced, I'm hoping it doesn't take things too far out of whack the next full charge. I'm liking the 3 * 12V charger idea Morph has, but bulk might be an issue with camping gear and all. I'll have to see how the trailer and 40AH batteries work out.
My choices were all about size, weight, bulk and finally economy. I'm not afraid to spend money, I just don't want to waste money by buying something and then having to replace it.
I think you misunderstood what I was telling you. I said "I have 2 24v packs" I was not recommending that you should have 2 24v packs. I understand that you need 1 36v pack. What I was trying to terll you is you can have a 36v pack (3 12v packs in series) but charge them all at the same time with a 12v charger in parallel. And to do this you just need to make a special plug using Anderson connectors. If you did this it would only take a few seconds to change from "riding mode with series connection" to "charging mode with a parallel connection". And with a second plug you could even charge is series if you wanted. It's the best of all worlds. This setup works with 24v, 36, 48v or any voltage you want. And it would have a fuse in the series connections while your riding too.