Ike

iTrader: (8)

Reading the other thread is quite depressing and has me really questioning if I want to buy a Checkpoint charger. So... I'm just trying to figure out how common these issues are. I will be using it to discharge and cycle packs, if I just needed it to charge I'd probably just buy one. If you have the charger and have been using it to discharge and cycle packs regularly without problems I'd love to hear from you.

chris_dono

Hi,
I have the Checkpoint charger and have no issues with charging, discharging (up to 30amps) and cycling batteries.

I use it for:
Charging
Charging Lipo race pack
Discharging/Charging Nimh race Packs (3300's, 3700's, 4200's, 4500's)
Charging Transmitter batteries
Motor break-in
Powering my lathe

It does everything I want and more (step charging etc that I've used once)
Can't recommend it enough !!!

Chris

Nitro Herb

iTrader: (10)

ive used mine so far for charging all sorts of nimh and nicd batteries everthing from 700mah to 4400mah , my micro t 200mah lipo , and also have done some cycling. i have had since october and no issues so far.

d16dcoe45

iTrader: (1)

I have had my original Checkpoint for about 3 months and my second one for about a month. I charge all my packs (7-8 packs) at 5.0-6.0 amps (depending on the cells). I always discharge at 20 amps. I used to discharge at 30--until I started hearing the horror stories. I have had zero problems with either charger.

I think what really helps is not discharging one pack after another without a rest. I try to give at least 10 minutes between discharges and at least 3-5 minutes between charges. Unless I have no other option--like between heats at the track.

Also, what probably is the key: ALWAYS keep a small (5-7") portable fan running about 3-4" away from the charger(s) whenever you are charging or discharging. That is the key. I don't ever charge or especially discharge without a seperate fan running. Do that and you will minimize any risk.

The damaged FETs simply come from excess heat. Discharging at 30 a (even pulse discharge) produces a hell of a lot of heat--you need some sort of external cooling to prevent damage.

Kropy

iTrader: (12)

I have been using my Checkpoint chargers since the end of September, I run my cars at the track twice a week & have absolutely zero issues with them Charging, Dis-charging, cycling or using the motor run function

Joel Lagace

iTrader: (4)

I bought mine used, prev owner had it for 6 months and claimed ot have only used it for lipo charging.

I got about 6-10 cyles out of it before it smoked 2 fets. Hobby services repaired under warranyt. I was not stressing the unit out and the day it blew the fets was on half charged pack at 10amps in a cool basement

Got the repaired charger back. Did a cycle test on 3 packs at 10,20 and 30 amps, no problems. Temps never exceeded 125F at the fets. And the highest temp was on the first cylce at 10amps, 20 and 30 amp is easier on the charger then 10amps for temps. A day later it malfuntioned again... And i sent it back in.

Just checked online and they look to be sending me a brand new replacement. Crossing fingers and hoping its the last problem i have. I have never had something i wanted to endorce so much, im so much in love with the idea of this charger, the ICE got me excited but the BLOODY ICE is so much more of a charger. I just hope i dont have to shed any BLOOD to keep this thing running.