lets talk chargers. good/bad/ugly.

I'm getting back into the hobby after 9 years of being out. recently bought a used losi buggy on ebay.
but I don't plan on it being something I spend a lot of time doing. but I know how that works out. I think we all say that.

the things I would like to have in a charger but I guess I don't really need is,
1. multi chemistry
2. able to charge 2 or more at a time
3. ac/dc capable
4. most of the cables supplied

so who makes decent chargers now? I had a integy charger back in the day.

might be more than you're looking to spend, but this will do it all x 4

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...-6S-6A-50W-x-4

If you are just charging small Rx or Tx packs for nitro then any 6 amp 50 watt charger will do. If you ever run E stuff 1/10 or 1/8 you will want a higher power charger capable of 10-20 amp 200+ watt charges. Protek makes a nice 620 duo charger. I have been using 2 Hyperion duo 615's but they don't seem to be avail anymore. Just remember any high end charger needs a power supply. Make sure you get a power supply that matches your charger output.

http://www.graupner.de/en/products/0...A/product.aspx

It is small, affordable, runs on AC and DC and has one high power (50W) output and 2 lower powered outputs.

buy a decent charger right off the bat... Hyperion and orion are masters at chargers, i have the orion touch and the hyperion 606i. can handle pretty much anything

what do you guys think of duratrax chargers? specifically this one,
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...-5A-3S-40W-x-2

If you are only charging Rx and Tx packs its fine. But it is not a powerful charger and it only goes to 3s lipo so you cannot charge a 4s starter box batt with it.

I have been using the hyperion for a few years and it's perfect for nitro stuff.

It charges my nimh reciever packs, 8AA batteries for my radio, and the lipo in the starter box.

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...rger-6S-6A-50W

I'd be really startled if the Turnigy chargers don't fall off the same assebly line as other chargers. (Hyperion, MuchMore etc.)

My Turnigy is actually much easier to use than my Hyperion and gets the same results for 1/3 the cost.

Biggest difference to worry between the cheap chargers and expensive chargers is how well they balance.

$.02

and false peak and overcharge nimh in my experience.

i've had multiple turnigy, b6's w/e,i had so many issues with false peaking and balancing, then i seen the light and bought something decent.

i think the real reason between orion/hyperion etc and cheaper chinese knockoffs.
Is one wont burn your house down... 150-250 charger or your 300k house.

this charger is perfect! if you want some more "balls" go with a NET version or duo net for dual.

the orion touch charger is smexy

wow dude, this turnigy looks like a really kick a charger for $100

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dProduct=11170

ahh heck, looks like it's only a dc charger.

+$.02

Many of the generic chargers are 200mA per, the good chargers are 300mA to a full amp or even more. Quicker charges, especially with larger cell counts and less than ideally balanced packs at high charge rates.

The good chargers have more sophisticated firmware, provide info such as IR to keep track of pack/cell condition and performance. Some show how far along the charge is (%), a feature I really appreciate.

More control of charge termination, skip the last slow bit of CV charging for less charge time with little loss of run time, great for modified, practice, and bashing. Or the other way for stock racing, to be right at the max legal limit.


+ on Frank L’s comments on power. With modern lipos it doesn't seem wise to get a 50W per port charger if you run any electric. Especially if you use or may in the future use anything beyond a 2S.


Generic chargers work for many, my only point is to be aware there are legitimate reasons for the better chargers too. Each has it’s place, choose what works for you and have fun.

P.S. The better chargers include Hyperion, FMA CellPro & PowerLab, iCharger, and ThunderPower. Hyperion, ThunderPower, and Orion offer a dual charger. iCharger has one coming out. All are DC only.