Battery charger/discharger/balancer

[alien13]

What should I get? I'm charging 5-cell receiver packs, 6-cell 7.2 packs, and soon to be a glow plug warmer.

 

[alien13]

No suggestions?

 

[Metalhead Matt]

Look for a charger that charges 1-6 cells(or more) with a variety of amp settings. You'll want to charge your rx and ignitor at low amps( 1 or less) and your 6 cell at 1c(3500 mah pack, 3.5 amps. 4600mah pack, 4.6 amps). Those examples are the most amps per pack. I usually charge my 4000+ packs at 2.5 amps. So now you just need to find a charger in your price range, link us up, and we'll tell you what we think of it.

 

[alien13]

Actually, I'm looking for you guys to tell me what you use, because quite frankly, I have no clue what I'm looking at

 

[WoodiE]

alien13,

I would recommend anyone to get the Hyperion EOS 0606i, charges just about everything under the sun:

1 - 14 NiCd cells
1 - 14 NiMh cells
1 - 6 LiPo Cells, 100 ~ 6000mAh (3.7V/cell type only)
1 - 6 LiFe Cells, LiFePO4/A123 (3.3V/cell types)
1 - 6 Lead Acid Cells (2V per cell nominal)

The EOS 0606i is also AC/DC making it perfect at the house or track. Best of all it's super easy to use that even I can use it!!



-Michael

 

[alien13]

That one sounds perfect WoodiE. I'm leery about LiPos, but the LiFe batteries I'm interested in. Does it discharge/cycle too? I currently have no way to discharge batteries before charging, and that's a huge concern to me.

EDIT: Found it on Amains site, and it answered my questions. Looks like it's exactly what I need!

 

[Racer 1966]

I'm currently using a Teal Orion Clubman LiPo Edition and also have used a Venom Procharger. The Orion meets all requirements except cycling,the Venom does it all and both require separate power supply. I'm not sure I'd recommend the Venom,mine failed and has been sent in for repair. They have good service but I've been seeing alot of people NEED the service. No Issues on the Clubman yet. Both are easy to use.

Honestly though, the Hyperion's that WoodiE mentioned are more highly rated than either of mine.

 

[Metalhead Matt]

As far as cycling goes, it it shouldn't make or brake your decision. If your batteries have sat for a while, you just have to use them a bit(5 minutes or so, unless they're at their lowest safe voltage), then charge them. If you use your batteries regularly, cycling will not yield much benefit. Just run them down every so often. .9 volts per cell for nimh packs. For example, 6 cell pack= 5.4 volts. 6 x .9 = 5.4. 5 cell= 4.5 volts. 5 x .9= 4.5 and so on.

 

[Rolex]

$139.95 on A-Main, but here it is for $79.95.

 

[Racer 1966]

$139.95 on A-Main, but here it is for $79.95.

They're not the same,the A-Main is ac/dc,the other is a dc only.