GetMetalRC

iTrader: (35)

My Dad gave me his old R/C electronics before he passed away. He had a R/C power boat and sail boat in the early 1970's. I smiled when I pulled this out today and checked out the charger. It is an Ace Vari-charger, consisting of an on/off switch and what appears to be a variable voltage control knob. You just turned the knob until juice flowed into the battery. No timers or meter! We have it so well today!

Dave H

Cool piece of history, looks to be in good condition at least visually. I suspect the knob is a timer, that's how most RC fast chargers worked before Kevin Orton I believe it was developed delta peak charging and termination. A charger like this ideally was monitored with a voltage meter, some went by temperature, not much fun. Yes they have gotten a little more sophisticated!

GetMetalRC

iTrader: (35)

I hooked up a volt meter and it puts out a constant 13.3V no matter what the dial is set at. The dial has no spring/ timing sound, it stays where you set it. Maybe it just no longer is functional. Well, at least it didn't go up in smoke, as it probably has not been plugged in in over 40 years.
Here is a picture of the Kraft battery, no info as to chemistry or voltage is printed on it. I'm sure that only NiCd batteries were available then.

Ovaloldtimer

iTrader: (2)

The dial is to adjust amperage, 10amps in the early 80's was a high charge rate for SCE batteries(nicads) another popular charger was the Navcom pro10.
We monitored packs with a volt meter that gave us all the info we needed

RC Juice

iTrader: (140)

The big question is, where were they made? I think it's always cool to look at older electronics and other items that actually say "Made in the USA" on them.

GetMetalRC

iTrader: (35)

Here you go Juice, a vintage Controlaire transmitter that says Made in the USA right on the front.

RC Juice

iTrader: (140)

Holy crap that is so cool!!!
Any idea what year that is from? What was that used with?
Thank you for posting that.

skeasor

Wow...I couldn't imagine flying now without the elevator and aileron on one stick or motor and rudder!. Pretty cool.