Recommendations for battery charger
 

Hitec X2 is not bad. Around 7 amps per channel with no power supply. The most expensive but best would be an Icharger but that gets expensive quick (500+ for the charger, power supply, discharger, charge leads...) The 406Duo will charge at 40 amps and discharge and 40 amps. Displays IR ratings for each cell. Kind of extreme but it's the best of the best.

hi rcbuggy88 - i had no idea choosing a charger would be so hard, after an hour of research i am not sure i am better off :(
someone said to me when i mentioned buying a charger "GOOD LUCK"

the hitec x2 looks good (only need 240V - house charging)
the icharger is a bit expensive

so the options i have at the moment are
Hitec X2 $100 plus accessories so $200
SKYRC iMAX B6 Mini $40 USD
ProLeadRC B680AC $55 usd
UP120AC $150 is the ultd120ac the same

i take it that buying accessories is the norm for chargers?

you have to give up your minimum requirements.
a charger have a maximum power output and current output. but when the power limit is hit first you will never get the maximum power.
it means the combination of cells and capacity will give you the information you need.

6 cells ok.
always charging minimum at 1C.
for example: 5000 mah -> 5A
required power: P= U*I*CELLS -> 4.2V*5A*6cells = 126Watt when you charge at 1C

if you want to charge at 2C, nothing wrong with that, you will need 250Watt and 10A charger.
you can calculate it with your own situation.

in my opinion, never buy a charger with built in 220->12V converter, the charge capacity is very limited.
especially when you go with more than 2 cells, you need really a powerful station.

I need a charger too, the one I have now only charges my 4s 6700mah battery at 3.2amp so when they say a charger does 7 amps, thats just on a 2s battery?because it will charge a 6700mah 2s at 6.7 amp but not the 4s.. what charger will charger my 4s battery at the 6.7 amps on my 6700mah

I would only consider a DC charger that can provide at least 10A or higher, preferably one that includes an IR checker.

iCharger brand pretty much sets the industry standard as far as quality chargers go, but unfortunately they are very expensive and are out of your budget, especially after buying a power supply which will be another cost you'll have to absorb.

For a decent budget charger, I've been running this one here for a few months now and it's been working very well for me, I use a parallel board with it and the IR checker helps me track the health of my cells:

https://www.banggood.com/Charsoon-An...p-1133818.html

:) thanks, glad i asked this question, this forum is awesome :)

glad to see someone else is benefiting from the question :) i dont understand the math that moguez explained - but i am starting to understand.
basically, if you are committed to the hobby (your going to continue doing it and you have the money) get a decent charger..
:) i don't know which is worse, choosing the RC or the charger :)

regrettably i only want a house charger (not DC) but thank you so much for your post and recommendation - especially the IR checker

IR Checker - internal resistance checker
parallel charge boards - allow you to charge and balance up to six battery packs simultaneously without a clutter of wires.


*************
have updated the first post with the requirements

i am leaning towards these two chargers
Hitec X2 $100 plus accessories so $200
UP120AC $150 is the ultd120ac the same

This is close to your price point. https://hobbyking.com/en_us/0620ac-u...version-2.html

The Hitec X2 doesn't need $100 of accessories. You would want more like $25-50. Both chargers you are looking at are good so whatever you choose is fine. If you are serious about getting into racing, buying an Icharger will always help. Not necessary, but very common among stock racers deep into the hobby.

wow, looked at the reviews and definitely want one :) regrettably the first one out was excellent and the second one is not as good (peoples reviews).
so it moved from "i want it now" :D to "added to the list"

my apologies rcbuggy88 - when i had a quick look i didn't see it properly...... there is no rc racing where i live - and the closest would be two towns away :( so i will buy some extra battery packs and charge at home (there is no need for speed).. although the more i look into it, the more i think the icharger would be excellent i just cant justify the approx $500 price tag with accessories...... maybe once i get really into it (with multiple rc's).
i really appreciate your comments/insight, sorry for the error.

*********************
models under consideration
all models need accessories from about $25 up (be sure the accessory's are readily available)
Hitec X2 $100
UP120AC $150 is the ultd120ac the same
Turnigy Reaktor 300W

***** CHANGE OF REQUIREMENTS ***********
Minimum requirements
Ir checker
Balance the cells
240V input (house power - don’t think I need DC)
200W (so I can do 6 cells lipo) 250 or 300 looks like a good number
$200 - $300 including accessories

i want to thank everyone for their great advice, i would have bought something and then had to buy something better :) hope these requirements get me what i need :)

I just ordered the UP120. It looks like a few other brands just re-badge it and call it their own. I *think* one of those brands is Reedy. Another appears to be Hobbymate. I'm thinking it will do everything you ask of it. Also- the charger comes with leads and balance boards. No need for accessories other than a lipo charging bag.

This might be what I would get if my Hitec X2 pro ever dies

https://www.amainhobbies.com/protek-...k-8519/p578442

thanks guys , added to list (they both look great)