Need advice in Charging a123

[mothman]

I just bought 2x 2s2p a123 cells and Im not sure what charger should I use to charge these batteries. Actually I already have this charger I bought this charger a couple of years back and never have the chance to use it. So Im not too sure how this changer works. lol.. So I was wondering if this charger can be used to charge the a123 cells. There is also someone who is selling a hypersonic charger. But from the spec I can see that it can only charge 1-3 cells. However if this hypersonic charger is the best for a123, then I dont mind charging the battery one at a time. So what do you guys think? Really need some advice here. Any advice, opinion is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[legobrains]

Just reading from the towerhobbies description it does not say your charger can charge A123. I'm pretty sure that it can NOT do A123 cells.

This is a good deal on the hypersonic charger (I assume it is what you are talking about:)
http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/show...249#post157249
But yeah, it only charges 1-3 cells. But he is selling it for a very decent price that you could probably resell it for the same if you decide it is not right for you.

Your other option is to get a hyperion charger. look at this site, and you can see all the differences of the hyperion chargers:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=773058
and download the excel spreadsheet and it tells you all the differences.


also read through these posts and do a search here for charger.:
http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/show...080#post156080

[MetalMan]

You can use the LN-5014 charger, if you can monitor the cutoff voltage. You want to stop the charges at 3.60v/cell-3.65v, but after 3.55v/cell that voltage really starts climbing and it's easy to miss the ideal ending point.

There is a solution, though:
LipoDapter
This will cut the charge at about 3.65v-3.70v/cell (which is fine). I used one for a while on my Duratrax ICE before I modded my Astroflight 109 charger to have the proper A123 cutoff (this was before AF came out with their A123 version).

[kingiggy262]

You can also use this charger:
http://www.fmadirect.com/detail.htm?...218&section=45

It has built in charging for a123 and lipo cells with support up to 4 cells total. This is one little excellent charger for only $75

[MTBikerTim]

Originally Posted by kingiggy262

You can also use this charger:
http://www.fmadirect.com/detail.htm?...218&section=45

It has built in charging for a123 and lipo cells with support up to 4 cells total. This is one little excellent charger for only $75

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...ducts_id/18242
Wouldn't this be a slightly better choice?

[kingiggy262]

Originally Posted by MTBikerTim

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...ducts_id/18242
Wouldn't this be a slightly better choice?

Maybe for some but I like to charge and balance the packs at the same time during charging. Plus you can safely charge at 3C according to FMA direct. It automatically detects the safest charging rate according to your battery.
The Cellpro 4s just has many little features that the other comparable chargers do not have because it is specifically designed for LiPo and A123 cells. I feel much safer from damaging a lipo pack using this charger.

You can choose any charger you want but based on my own experience for the money you can't beat the Cellpro 4s. I have recently upgraded to the Cellpro 10s and will never look back.

[mothman]

Thanks for the all the input guys. I forgot to mention that I have this balancer but never have the chance to use it either.

Metalman, I guess Im not going to use Multiplex that I have. Too dangerous and not good for the batteries. Buying the Lipdapter is also not a good option since the thing alone cost $40. Might as well invest another 30 and get a decent charger for the batteries.

Lego, you are right about the guy who is selling his hypersonic charger. Yea very good price but Im still thinking about other options.

King, the cellpro looks nice. I like the features that you mentioned. Im seriously thinking about getting this charger. But it can only charge 4s.. thinking of the future upgrade..

Looks like I have to buy a new charger. My budget is around $70-80. Im thinking about the cellpro that king suggested. Is there any other options?