Author Topic: Chargers?...what are you using? Happy with it? (Read 6156 times)

Shug Emery · « **on:** March 15, 2016, 08:24:05 AM »

I have been using an iMax B 6 but starting to look for an upgrade.
Looking for opinions from the crew here. Lipo charging.
Thankee.
Shug

William DeMauro · « **Reply #1 on:** March 15, 2016, 03:26:39 PM »

As I've written in Stunt News before, one should buy the best charger that one can reasonably afford. I am using two Power Lab 8's myself and couldn't be happier. The I-Charger line is very good especially the 306b and higher. ProgressiveRc.com and Buddyrc.com are two good vendors for those. Thunderpower has a 40% off sale going on right now on everything, chargers and batteries on their website right now. I know a few people that are using the 820cd charger and are very pleased. Hyperion is also known to have some good chargers. One feature that many people overlook when buying a new charger is the discharge rate. Try to get something with 40-50 watts discharge at minimum, the closer to 100 the better. With a good discharge rate it wont take you all day to put any unused batteries back into storage mode. Hope this helps. Feel free to PM me or email me with further questions.
William

Motorman · « **Reply #2 on:** March 15, 2016, 04:47:10 PM »

Shug, Don't pull your hair out.

Just get the iCharger 306B and a 24v power supply from William DeMauro and you're good. You'll also want the wiring harness and balance harness for charging multiple batterys.

http://www.progressiverc.com/icharger-306b.html

http://www.progressiverc.com/parallel-6x-t-plug-charge-cable.html

http://www.progressiverc.com/parallel-6x-balance-adapter.html

MM

Shug Emery · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2016, 04:56:12 PM »

Thanks fellers....had my first lipo fire. Partly charged 2 4c 3300mah lipos brand new. They had a 2% charge in them which I though was strange. Charged them almost full so had to go in the house for the night. Unplugged my iMax charger and left the batteries sitting out hooked to un-plugged charger...in the fireproof bag thank goodness....and went in.
Came out this morning and counted myself very fortunate!!!!

William DeMauro · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2016, 05:39:36 PM »

Wow!! Hopefully your last ever lipo fire!!! I wont ask what brand lipos(Don't tell me here eather). but anyone that recieves new lipos at 2% charge should contact the seller immediately for replacement as they are a fire waiting to happen and NEVER EVER hook them up to a charger. Any GOOD charger would refuse to charge a battery that is that low also unless you had your settings wrong and then again the results will most likely be fire. One should never leave the batteries hooked up after the charge is done eather. Always remove them from the board.

jfv · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2016, 09:38:18 PM »

I have a Cellpro Powerlad 8 and love it. Can charge 6 packs in parallel. Power is two 12 volt, 72 amp server power supplies wired in series for 24 volt output. It's all installed in a case which I bring to the field for events. I store all my packs at storage charge and can be ready to fly with 6 packs in about 1/2 hour.

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #6 on:** March 15, 2016, 10:14:00 PM »

Why we use battery bags. I got myself some ammo cans for just that purpose.

Daniel_Munro · « **Reply #7 on:** March 16, 2016, 12:51:37 AM »

I started with an Imax B6 as well and it's a good little charger but it does have its limitations.

I just last week brought a Turnigy Reaktor 250w 10A charger. At home I run it off a server power supply and at the field off a large car battery.

It will be able to charge my 4s packs at 2c if I am ever in a hurry at a comp, unlike the B6 which was almost at its limit at 3A on a 4s.

So far so good with the Turnigy, it's by no means a high end charger but does the job for me. http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__66718__Turnigy_Reaktor_250W_10A_1_6S_Balance_Charger.html

Robert Dible · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2016, 08:18:36 AM »

I used the TP 820 charger for two or three years now. It is really two independent chargers in one package, that has great flexibility in operation. I also can not operate it without the manual after a few months break, but can quickly retrain when I need to. It can operate on up to 24 Volts which increases it output rates, but works well on 12 volt.

I also have a couple of 12 volt base station power supplies that I use when to power the charger in the shop. Big old linear supplies with plenty of iron. Surplus electronics stores can supply these. Most computer power supplies just don't have the amperage.

dennis lipsett · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2016, 10:07:35 AM »

Shug,

When I started into electric I made sure that I wasn't going to keep buying myself up to finally getting the right charger. I bought a Lab 8 and a decent 24V power supply and the best parallel board that Revlectrix had. Total was over $300.00 for everything but it was the best money I ever spent in respect to charging.
Don't make the mistake of buying just enough for your current needs, they change and your charger may not be up to the demands.
It is the same set up as shown in post #7

Dennis

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 16, 2016, 02:05:19 PM »

I have to agree

I am still making do with a very good Thunder power AC/CD everything charger BUT it is a one pack at a time capable and discharge challenged

I like it but if you need to charge or storage everything the day before or back home a charger that can handle four to eight packs is worth the extra green

Shug Emery · « **Reply #11 on:** March 16, 2016, 06:19:54 PM »

Quote from: William DeMauro on March 15, 2016, 05:39:36 PM

Wow!! Hopefully your last ever lipo fire!!! I wont ask what brand lipos(Don't tell me here eather). but anyone that recieves new lipos at 2% charge should contact the seller immediately for replacement as they are a fire waiting to happen and NEVER EVER hook them up to a charger. Any GOOD charger would refuse to charge a battery that is that low also unless you had your settings wrong and then again the results will most likely be fire. One should never leave the batteries hooked up after the charge is done eather. Always remove them from the board.

Lesson learned! I was being watched over.

Quote from: jfv on March 15, 2016, 09:38:18 PM

I have a Cellpro Powerlad 8 and love it. Can charge 6 packs in parallel. Power is two 12 volt, 72 amp server power supplies wired in series for 24 volt output. It's all installed in a case which I bring to the field for events. I store all my packs at storage charge and can be ready to fly with 6 packs in about 1/2 hour.

Nice...enviable set up.

Quote from: Tim Wescott on March 15, 2016, 10:14:00 PM

Why we use battery bags. I got myself some ammo cans for just that purpose.

Yessir....I got ammo boxes too. Set up some concrete blocks now. Whew))))

Quote from: Daniel_Munro on March 16, 2016, 12:51:37 AM

I started with an Imax B6 as well and it's a good little charger but it does have its limitations.

I just last week brought a Turnigy Reaktor 250w 10A charger. At home I run it off a server power supply and at the field off a large car battery.

It will be able to charge my 4s packs at 2c if I am ever in a hurry at a comp, unlike the B6 which was almost at its limit at 3A on a 4s.

So far so good with the Turnigy, it's by no means a high end charger but does the job for me. http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__66718__Turnigy_Reaktor_250W_10A_1_6S_Balance_Charger.html

I just ordered a whole new set-up:

iCharger 306B   306B
T-Plug Charge Cable
Bare Charge Cable
T-Plug Charge Extensio
Parallel (6x) T-Plug Charge Cable
Parallel (6x) Balance Adapter
Connector Type
JST-XH
PowerMax PM3-35 Converter and Charger

Quote from: Robert Dible on March 16, 2016, 08:18:36 AM

I used the TP 820 charger for two or three years now. It is really two independent chargers in one package, that has great flexibility in operation. I also can not operate it without the manual after a few months break, but can quickly retrain when I need to. It can operate on up to 24 Volts which increases it output rates, but works well on 12 volt.

I also have a couple of 12 volt base station power supplies that I use when to power the charger in the shop. Big old linear supplies with plenty of iron. Surplus electronics stores can supply these. Most computer power supplies just don't have the amperage.

I too am moving up and up-grading.

Quote from: dennis lipsett on March 16, 2016, 10:07:35 AM

Shug,

When I started into electric I made sure that I wasn't going to keep buying myself up to finally getting the right charger. I bought a Lab 8 and a decent 24V power supply and the best parallel board that Revlectrix had. Total was over $300.00 for everything but it was the best money I ever spent in respect to charging.
Don't make the mistake of buying just enough for your current needs, they change and your charger may not be up to the demands.
It is the same set up as shown in post #7

Dennis

I just shelled out and did an upgrade....
iCharger 306B   306B
T-Plug Charge Cable
Bare Charge Cable
T-Plug Charge Extensio
Parallel (6x) T-Plug Charge Cable
Parallel (6x) Balance Adapter
Connector Type
JST-XH
PowerMax PM3-35 Converter and Charger

Quote from: Fredvon4 on March 16, 2016, 02:05:19 PM

I have to agree

I am still making do with a very good Thunder power AC/CD everything charger BUT it is a one pack at a time capable and discharge challenged

I like it but if you need to charge or storage everything the day before or back home a charger that can handle four to eight packs is worth the extra green

Yessir.

Target · « **Reply #12 on:** March 16, 2016, 07:03:43 PM »

I have an AC/DC quad charger, similar to the HiTec unit, but it does 4 x 80W instead of 4 x 50W.
I had this before I came to U/C, because I wanted to charge 2 or 3 R/C sailplanes and a transmitter, or 2 planes and a transmitter and a 12v lead acid car battery for my winch, all at the same time.
Still, it works OK for me, I have 4 TP packs (actually 2 each TP and Hyperion) 4S x 2700, and they only take 20 minutes or so to balance charge from the storage voltage.
Also, when I get back, charging back to storage only takes about 20-30mins, max, if that.

So, while this isn't a "serious" charge rig, it works well at home and abroad for my multi-purpose needs.
If I was to want to fly lots of flights per day, back to back, I think this charger and my winch battery would handle things, providing I bring 3-4 batteries with me, preferably charged.

If I get more seriously into competition and more than a 4S pack, this charger would be limited, but for 4S it works fine for me. Love that it's AC/DC when I drive to a 2 day sailplane contest, I just plug in my stuff after dinner at the hotel and I'm all charged up in short order.
Here is a link to the same brand, but higher power charger that I have. This one is more powerful, 4x100W!
http://www.amazon.com/Q6400AC-Four-Channel-100Watt-10Amps-400Watts/dp/B00NKO9NEW
Vr,
Chris

Motorman · « **Reply #13 on:** March 16, 2016, 08:37:17 PM »

Did that burn a hole in the bag?

Shug Emery · « **Reply #14 on:** March 16, 2016, 09:19:38 PM »

Quote from: Motorman on March 16, 2016, 08:37:17 PM

Did that burn a hole in the bag?

Kinda....but not all the way through. I say it did it's job.

Curare · « **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2016, 12:58:00 AM »

Anotehr vote for the Powerlab, 4-6 or 8. I have the 8 and with the right PSU it's a brute!

Alan Resinger · « **Reply #16 on:** March 17, 2016, 07:54:56 AM »

The Powerlab 8 with a good, either purpose made or a converted computer server(s) power supply that puts out 24V is the Cadillac of chargers. I can charge 6, 6S batteries in about 25 minutes at 5A per battery (1.9 c charge rate). It can also discharge unused batteries at high rates in a short period of time.
One of the best investments I ever made.
Alan

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #17 on:** March 17, 2016, 10:30:06 AM »

Shrug:
Sorry to see your misfortune, but fortunately- you, yours and your property is intact. Good.
As others have said or inferred, don't go cheap. Who was it that said" It always pays to buy the best".
Maybe W.C. Fields ? Not Jack Benny, that's for sure !

I use TP 820CD for Ukie Stunt and R/C pattern and by rough estimate , do somewhere near 350- 400 cycles a season. Retired life.
And FWIW, I don't believe in cheap batteries either.
Frank

Dane Martin · « **Reply #18 on:** March 17, 2016, 10:59:56 PM »

I'm still using the Cellpro 10S and a thunder power 1010. God willing, they'll stay working for me!
I don't like the imax because it was knocked off and difficult to determine if you're getting an original Before The Purchase!

Just like the company i work for, the safety budget has no dollar amount. I'll get the best of the best, but only for the size i need. If you will never go over a 4s, then the cellpro 4s is great... Ya know?

Curare · « **Reply #19 on:** March 18, 2016, 12:41:46 AM »

I had a Cellpro 10s, that worked flawlessly for ages, up until I fried something in it at an F3A competition. two guys using the same power source (a solar charged battery bank) and two cellpros means a fizzog for one!

Still, I liked the cellpro so much that I bought another Revolectrix charger, and nearly double the price so that says something I think.

Dennis_Bieber · « **Reply #20 on:** March 20, 2016, 05:31:36 PM »

Shug So glad this turned out to be nothing more than a learning experience. Perhaps you should post these pictures in a separate thread to be sure everyone see's it. Also, I just read your piece in Stunt News. Very nice. Thanks for sharing that. Dennis

Igor Burger · « **Reply #21 on:** March 24, 2016, 01:36:08 AM »

Quote from: Shug Emery on March 15, 2016, 04:56:12 PM

Thanks fellers....had my first lipo fire. Partly charged 2 4c 3300mah lipos brand new. They had a 2% charge in them which I though was strange. Charged them almost full so had to go in the house for the night. Unplugged my iMax charger and left the batteries sitting out hooked to un-plugged charger...in the fireproof bag thank goodness....and went in.
Came out this morning and counted myself very fortunate!!!!

Are you sure they were 4s? Hard to see in that mess, but looks like 3 cells. Did you use balance cable? Also seems to be diconnected. If you charged 3s to 4s voltage it will answer also low initial capacity and also fire.

Igor Burger · « **Reply #22 on:** March 24, 2016, 01:39:03 AM »

Yes, lately I also got Reaktor, looks like identical firmware like iCharger, well adjusted (balancer, end voltage) and works well. ... and the price is very nice.

Shug Emery · « **Reply #23 on:** March 24, 2016, 07:12:03 AM »

Quote from: Dennis_Bieber on March 20, 2016, 05:31:36 PM

Shug So glad this turned out to be nothing more than a learning experience. Perhaps you should post these pictures in a separate thread to be sure everyone see's it. Also, I just read your piece in Stunt News. Very nice. Thanks for sharing that. Dennis

Thanks. I may do that.

Quote from: Igor Burger on March 24, 2016, 01:36:08 AM

Are you sure they were 4s? Hard to see in that mess, but looks like 3 cells. Did you use balance cable? Also seems to be diconnected. If you charged 3s to 4s voltage it will answer also low initial capacity and also fire.

They are 4 cell 3300. I had the balance cable hooked up. Didsconnected the batteries from my charger when I discovered the burn. I now have an upgraded charger and power source and a concrete block charging station.

Quote from: Igor Burger on March 24, 2016, 01:39:03 AM

Yes, lately I also got Reaktor, looks like identical firmware like iCharger, well adjusted (balancer, end voltage) and works well. ... and the price is very nice.

Thank you Igor. I just got the these....http://www.progressiverc.com/prc-500w-power-supply.html and http://www.progressiverc.com/icharger-306b.html