Is there anyone that have a nice idea or design for onboard charging of LiPo batteries?
When using multiple cells lipo batteries, balance charging is required. When only using the train with deadtracking, then the wheel pickups could be used for charging from the track only. So instead of removing the battery or need to acces the balance contact, just place the train on a powered track to charge.
With regard to charging multiple batteries ... I have not yet tried this, but if you use 'protected' lithium batteries with the in-built over-charge (and everything else 'Over') it should be safe to charge multiple batteries wired in parallel, since, if one battery finishes charging before the other, its protection circuit activates until the other battery is fully charged when ITS protection cuts it off, too. I stress that this is only theory at this point. I will post again after some tests.
Rj Ws
Thank you Ken and Peeyush,
Thank's for all the information and links Ken.
I agree and understands that ALL types of LiPo batteries needs a balance charger onboard. (That was, was I was asking for ;) )
But the Amrit™ is the answer to it all, when it appears to customers.
With a larger battery it is exactly what's needed.
No balancing is needed, because it's just one cell, and I presume it has all the "step-up" electronics and charging circuits ready made on the board.
The Magnetically Activated Switch would also made it easier to install in any locomotive, no need to put in a switch.