Inexpensive Battery Chargers: Share Your Experiences

[Meniscus]

OK, so we've been working hard locally to recruit new folks to FE. I'm reaching out to receive feedback regarding the more inexpensive lipo chargers I know many members here on OSE use.



Please provide exact model with link if possible and include your experiences with this charger.
Include price paid.
Also please indicate if the balancer is built in and how it performs.
Last, please share if there are any limitations you have run into. For instance, if when charging 2 separate lipos at once, you are only able to charge at 2.5A, etc.

Thanks for you for supporting this research and saving us from having to separately evaluate the myriad of options out there in the market. :thumbup1:

[Alexgar]

i own 3 of these.built in balancer 5 amp charge no power supply( sell one at hk) and they sell a dual charge board
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7028
dual board
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=11778
power supply
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=6477
i actually use and old laptop charger that puts out 17v 7amps for 2 chargers and a 5amp for the other have 6 sets of lipos and 3 singles get them done in 3 cycles and take a couple of hours rather than all day

[PDR447]

got a couple of these on the way: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7028

only limitation off the top is they're DC only so you either need a DC power supply or spare car battery.

I'll post back once they actually get here.

[hyrulejedi86]

I have the same setup as Alexgar and I hve found it to be great so far. It does include a balancer and it has worked on the dot everytime so far.
The limit is the wattage though, it only allows for 5A on 3s and less on bigger celled lipos.
I will say though the DC option is kinda nice if you would like to charge on the lake from a DC power source like a battery.

[jamespl]

i have the turingy accucel 6 running on a laptop power lead into the mains with no probs at all, the only thing is the discharging function takes an age buy i never have had to use that yet.

[JimClark]

In this thread (link below) there is lots of discussion on the cheaper chargers. A bunch of them do not seem to be very accurate.

http://www.rcgroups.com/batteries-and-chargers-129/

[Alexgar]

My other back up is a triton 2 with an equinox and a 5s bal plug modified to accept 2-2s packs

[PDR447]

i own 3 of these.built in balancer 5 amp charge no power supply( sell one at hk) and they sell a dual charge board
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7028
dual board
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=11778
power supply
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=6477
i actually use and old laptop charger that puts out 17v 7amps for 2 chargers and a 5amp for the other have 6 sets of lipos and 3 singles get them done in 3 cycles and take a couple of hours rather than all day

How fast(amps) do you charge through the balance port?

[Alexgar]

Generally I only charge at 2.8 or lessbecause usually they don't take much more charge as I don't run to the cut off I'm cautious after puffing some turnigy packs

[Meniscus]

Keep the comments coming. Way back when, when I got back in the hobby, I picked up an MRC Superbrain 977 that has served me well over the years. In fact, although now it seems all lipos have balance taps, I was able to charge versions without and had no issue with failure. So, I guess I can assume mine is very accurate.

I appreciate all the input and information. I was thinking I wouldn't mind picking up a cheap one to help new folks at the pond and enable me to charge other lipos.

[sailr]

I have two of these. Absolutely great charger and only $42.70 with FREE shipping! They are flawless. 6S, 5A. AC and DC. Charges Land discharges LiFE, Lead Acid, Lipo, niMh, Nicad, you name it. Also does balance charge.

I also have some VERY expensive chargers but these do just fine!

http://www.hobbypartz.com/thac6smbachw.html

[PDR447]

got a couple of these on the way: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7028

only limitation off the top is they're DC only so you either need a DC power supply or spare car battery.

I'll post back once they actually get here.

these actually came in today. VERY happy with them. haven't fully ran them through the paces yet but first impressions they are very nice.

[785boats]

I've been using one of these for a couple of years now. No problems.
Oh! Sorry, that's not true. I'm on my second one. The first one I fried by hooking it up to the car battery in reverse polarity. User Error
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7523
But 7A charge & 5 A discharge.
Cheers.
Paul.

[martin]

I have two of these. Absolutely great charger and only $42.70 with FREE shipping! They are flawless. 6S, 5A. AC and DC. Charges Land discharges LiFE, Lead Acid, Lipo, niMh, Nicad, you name it. Also does balance charge.

I also have some VERY expensive chargers but these do just fine!

http://www.hobbypartz.com/thac6smbachw.html

I second that, These are great chargers especially at that price. Ill also be getting a 2nd one soon. Thanks Martin.

[Meniscus]

I appreciate all of the input. I've had my eyes on one of these for personal use: http://www.modelrec.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=11405

It even includes battery profiles.

[Alexgar]

those look cool but 6s is a must for me as i run 2 boats that are 2x3s series

[Meniscus]

those look cool but 6s is a must for me as i run 2 boats that are 2x3s series

So you just need 2 of them :laugh: unless you charge one at a time :ohmy:

[jingalls007]

Meniscus- If you haven't already, you might want to call Pat at RC Lipos. Pat is awesome to work with, free shipping, he works within your budget and he carries quality products at some of the best prices I've seen anywhere. You can find him here http://www.rclipos.com/ tell him that Jarrett sent you and he'll treat you very well =)