Dual Powerlab 8 vs Icharger 4010 Duo

[kevinpratt823]

Trying to decide between the 2, any input.....?

http://www.buddyrc.com/dual-power-lab-8-2688w-battery-charger.html

http://www.buddyrc.com/icharger-4010-duo.html

[Brushless55]

like to know what others think on this one as well

[785boats]

They are pretty much equal. But if you can find out which one has the highest balancing voltage, I would lean towards that one. The higher the balancing voltage the better it deals with those stubborn cells that take forever to get up to 4.2 in the last part of the charge. But even with all the cells in good condition the overall charge is shorter.
I don't have either of them BTW.

Also with the new HV cells coming out, can either of them have the termination voltage increased to match them, if you are considering using those cells?

[kevinpratt823]

They are pretty much equal. But if you can find out which one has the highest balancing voltage, I would lean towards that one. The higher the balancing voltage the better it deals with those stubborn cells that take forever to get up to 4.2 in the last part of the charge. But even with all the cells in good condition the overall charge is shorter.
I don't have either of them BTW.

Also with the new HV cells coming out, can either of them have the termination voltage increased to match them, if you are considering using those cells?

One plus of the Icharger is 1.2a balance current, vs. 1 amp on the pl8.........I hadn't even thought of the HV cells, definitely will take that into consideration.

There is also a couple benefits to running 2 seperate pl8's(the cases interlock).......
Overall, more power potential from the PL8, better balance current and discharge from the Icharger. The Dual PL8 takes 2 seperate power inputs 40amps each, up to 48v, but needs 39v to get the full 1344W, 2 single pl8's get max output with 26V, Icharger gets Max of 1400W/channel, but only 2000w total, but at 24v(max 50v)......I've read about more failures with the Icharger so far, none with PL8....Display is cool on Icharger, but PL8 seems pretty simple.
Oh, the Icharger actually has a built in servo tester!........

Here is a bit of discussion I foundhttp://rc.runryder.com/helicopter/t763879p1/

I was about to pull the trigger on the Icharger, then I came across the dual PL8, I'll have to get into a bit more research tomorrow, on my way out....

[Luck as a Constant]

i don't own a dual power, but i do have an icharger (not that model), but i will say its a good quality charger if that helps at all.

[Luck as a Constant]

one disadvantage to the icharger, it looks, as if you need a really good power supply and not just a bunch of server supplied in series (which would be me lol) to run the needed power. but I'm sure for you, kevin, that aint gonna be an issue. i think i remember you were pretty handy with that sort of stuff

[NativePaul]

A single (or separate pair of) PL8 can charge each cell individually via the balance leads at up to 3A, so has a 3A balance current at low charge rates. They call this node charging and if it is something you are interested in, note that the dual PL8 can't do it.

PL8 is made by the same company that is distributing the HV LiPos and as such are the recommended chargers for them. I am pretty sure the Icharger has an adjustable charge voltage too, but I don't know how high it goes, my fusion is adjustable but only goes as far as 4.25v/cell (the maximum charge voltage for normal LiPos)

[kevinpratt823]

Thanks Paul. I knew only the pl8 did node charging, but it hadn't occurred to me that it could give a faster balance rate if wanted......not sure the extra cost of buying two separate pl8's would justify that feature for me though.

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[jcald2000]

Don't get too hung up on the " High Voltage cells ". I did a series of tests when I first got my Power Lab a few years ago with my Eagletree system. I cycled New Dinogy batteries 5 times and made 5 moderate power runs for break in then charged to 4.15 per cell and logged 2 runs, then charged to 4.20 and made 2 runs with the batteries at 100 degrees F for all runs when I put them in the boat.
The results, after 150 feet the batteries were at the same voltage!
I have been charging at 4.18 ever since!

[kevinpratt823]

It's likely most chargers will have software updates for hv cells anyway.

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[kevinpratt823]

Just pulled the trigger on a Dual Powerlab 8. Sounds like it is a touch more bulletproof with a few more safety features. Who knows, maybe at some point I'll end up with a Icharger 4010duo also to see which I like better......I am up to 67 lipos and counting, and I don't charge at the pond. 1-1/2 at the pond and I have a milk crate full of about 30 packs to charge, may as well be invested in good equip to get the most out of what I do.

[meangenesracing]

67 lipos, WOW how do you find time to charge, store charge, ect.?

[785boats]

Sorry kevin.
In my first post, I did mean to say highest balancing "current", not voltage.
But I was referring to some of the chargers that only have a max of 200 or 300ma balancing current.
I'm sure you'll be glad you went with the Powerlab.
If Revolectrix bring out the 4.4 & 4.6V cells there will also be a firmware upgrade released unless they've already installed it up to those values in the newer chargers.

[kevinpratt823]

785boats, I didn't even pick up on the mistake lol. I knew what you meant as it was one of the first things I looked at.....Here's a pic of prepping for a weekend, boats in the morning, cars in the afternoon:)

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[kevinpratt823]

67 lipos, WOW how do you find time to charge, store charge, ect.?

I used to start charging as soon as I got back from the pond, and charge through the week etc so I could run a few after work, but my packs sat charged for too long at times. I find that after running my boat packs are usually at least 3.6v, which is a fine storage IMO. I really only store charge the boat packs for the winter, cars run indoors all winter). The whole idea of getting a high power charger was so I could parallel charge for example (2) sets of (4) packs at a time at 40 amps per set, to get 8 packs charged in hopefully 30 min or so, and be able to charge all or most of my packs during the morning prep work(I get up early).