Charging Questions
 

I am in the market for a new charging setup. I am confused on what to get. I am looking at the protek prodigy 640, protek 1200w power supply and the parallel board, or a HITEC 4x charger. I have used and owned a HITEC 4x before. Loved the charger and the ability to charge 4 packs at once. What I didn't like was the amount of time it takes to charge. I use 5000mah 2s lipos. All of my packs will be the same. I run two cars on race night. My concern is, with the parallel setup I will not be able to throw a pack on after the heat so it's ready for the main. We run a very fast race program. With the HITEC I can have 4 packs all at different levels of charge. The parallel must all be the same and all charge at one time. Am I wrong on this?

plumb .. Id get a couple 10 amp chargers . like Imax X120.... or even a 2 bank charger. I personally use 2 chargers on most race days.. one is a 210 Venom or Hitec or VP. al the same its a 2 bank 10 amp each channel charger. along with a vp ap620 when im in a major hurry..http://www.redrc.net/2011/03/venom-2...multi-charger/

I have thought about that. I would rather have one that does all of my needs, but faster than the hitec.

You could get 2 2-Channel chargers that are capable of 20+ Amps per channel. This would allow you to balance charge 4 battery packs at different levels.

Which charger to get is a matter of budget and desired features.

I use the iCharger 308DUO with a 850 Watt power supply. I run 2S ~5000mAh battery packs and usually Balance Charge at 15-20 Amps.

I've never seen the need for another charger. However, I do race with 6 packs already charged to a high storage level.

I have never charged a pack over 1c. My battery's also last for at least a year to 18 months. I am very loyal to smc. Has anyone charged over 1c with their lipos? I know protek can handle 2c and the new lrp can handle 3c. Smc has all of them beat on price though. I also pre charge all of my packs before race day, or show up early and do it. I wish the hitec was 20a per channel.

I use SMC.. not my main packs but I do use them on certain conditions.. SMC can be charged at 2c so a 5000mah pack can be charged at 10 amps and I have done it many times.

Ok thanks. I will give it a try as soon as I get a capable charger. My budget for a charger and power supply is about $350. If anyone could recommend something that suits my needs, I would appreciate it.

I've charged at 2C, occasionally 3 to 4C or so, for many years. I keep track of IR and packs have held up fairly well for at least a couple years, in most cases longer.

I am fairly careful with storage though, I never charge ahead of time. Used too, it didn't work as well. I think that is worse than charging at moderately high rates. Also careful with how far I discharge and keeping the packs from getting warm.

Plumcrazy

I agree SMC packs have been the most reliable batteries I've found. The combination of true specification, long-life and excellent customer service is second to none.

I have had no issues with my iCharger 308DUO. If the 406DUO was released when I bought the 308, I definately would have got it. I never charge anything more than 4-cell lipos.

308DUO --> 30 Amps/Channel <> 8-cell lipos max
406DUO --> 40 Amps/Channel <> 6-cell lipos max

Power Supply --> personally I have a reliable source for HP Server Power Supplies. These units are easy to convert, very compact size considering the amount of power they put out. Once converted properly they are extremely safe and reliable. These can be found on eBay for $20 - $50. PM me if you want the exact Model Number and conversion instructions.

BTW, if you decide to get an iCharger. My advice is to buy from ProgressiveRC., they are the Distributor/Authorized Repair company. If you buy from them you get a 1 year replacement/repair warranty. If bought from someone else ProgressiveRC will replace/repair at a cost.

Hope this all helps.

Thanks guys.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA0StIDN6OE

video of the menus and charging a battery. i used a 5 is year old flightmax battery so it dropped some capacity after it settled down from the charge process. i still see the charger on amain for 109.99
so buy them seperate and not in compbo
charger 109.99
psu 239
total 348 seprate then the combo price of 469
it let me use a coupon code when i ordered so you might be able to save a couple more bucks off with a code

Cadillac is the revoelectrix powerlab 6. None better

Some say the same about the ichargers. Don't know which is "the best" - but both are really excellent options.

Thanks guys. Not sure if I will ever need it, but I think I'm going to buy the 4010 duo. Power supply, what do I need. How big? 99% of the time I charge 2s lipos. I will however have 4 or 8 packs at a time going.

Will this power supply work for the 4010? Will I be able to get full power? http://www.schuurspeed.com/accessories?product_id=127