making the switch to Lipo's, need some advice.
 

So, I am new to the whole Lipo battery thing. And have been trying to absorb all I can on what info i need. But I am still left with some questions.

I have a E-Revo 1/16th that I am going to eventually do the CC SV2/4600 combo in, and will be getting a couple SPC 2225 MAH 2S 25C Lipos.

Now, my questions start. lol

I have a Dynamite Vision Ultra that I just purchased. I got it cause it was on sale, and I need a charger for my Revo. However, I was not planning on going to Lipo's anytime soon so I did not read up on many chargers. This charger will do Lipo's, but does not have a built in balancer.

Now I have seen many horror stories of lipo's exploding and causing major damage. Now if that were to happen in my shotty apartment, the whole place would burn down. And I am a little leary on using them cause of the small space, and my kids.

So, I was just wondering, would it be better to just sell this charger and get one with a built in balancer? Or can I safely use an external balancer with it? If so, can anyone recommend a good External balancer.

I have been continuing to read up on lipo's. But am trying to find a somewhat of clear answer so I can at least purchase the equipment I need soon.

Thanks.

In terms of external Lipo balancers, the one that I've always had great experience with is manufactured by Common Sense RC, it's got a wallet friendly price tag and did the trick for me. I got one from my LHS, but they're available from the MFGS website. I'm new to the forum so I can't post a link, so you'll have to work with me on the URLs. Just copy and remove the spaces ;)

www . commonsenserc . com / product_info.php?products_id=549

Since then, I've gotten myself a rather impressive high end charger with a built in balancer that does it all, I would highly recommend it. Again, I purchased mine from my LHS, but it's available for a decent price from A Main.

www . amainhobbies . com / product_info.php / cPath/1574_116/products_id/22245/n/Thunder-Power-TP610-1-6-Cell-DC-Li-Poly-Charger-Balancer

Hope this helps! :D

Thanks man. I appreciate it. I will look into both of those.

I have been thinking that I should just sell the charger I have now and was looking at a Thunder AC6 charger/balancer. Kinda sad cause its not much more than what I paid for my Dynamite.

Hmm, I haven't yet come across this charger/balancer combo. It looks quite nice though, well thought out in terms of the design and get's fairly handsome ratings. At nearly half the price of mine.. I may look into one of these myself! :D hahaha

At my track, most of the newer guys (within 3 months of starting the hobby) use that Thunder AC6. They've had good results, balances fine, charges fast enough for 2S applications, doesn't require a power supply, and is easy on the wallet.

I'd recommend one as a good starting point, then later on you can upgrade to a newer charger if you feel the need. For $45 it's a good charger and gets the job done. If you don't need the fancy features of a Hyperion or equivalent charger, there's no need to spend $200 + power supply on one.

Cool, well it looks like that will be the new charger I get. lol. Now if only I can sell my old one. I dont really need to have 2 chargers, but it might be nice.

Charge
 

There are alot of stand alone balancers that would work fine with your charger. Just get one that balances at a higher rate and you will be fine. 350 milli is good.

I'm pretty new to using lipo batteries also and I'm using the Thunder AC 6 to charge/balance my 2S lipos. I also have a cheap lipo bag to use when charging or storing them.