Thinking of getting a second charger (to be my primary), recommendations?

[BP-Revo]

Hey all, right now I have a Hyperion LBA10 Balancer (6S capable) with an ICE charger (only 4S capable).

Before, this was plenty when I would run my E-Maxx, then after, G2R on just 4S. I could still charge the packs as one.

However, since then, I have expanded my electric fleet to include my CRT .5 (which runs 3S, though occasionally I'll throw a 2S pack in there), and I have a 1/16 E-Revo VXL pre-ordered, which I plan to run a paralleled set of 3S packs. And I have since upgraded my G2R to run on 5S and 6S.

So, between all those trucks and battery configurations and my charger's 4S limit, charging takes a long time, which leaves field charging almost a non-option.

So, it leaves me wanting a second charger.

Here are my requirements.

First off it must be quality! I don't want to buy a $15 dollar charger only to have it ruin my FlightPower packs. Under the circumstance I want to charger my two 3S packs in 6S, that's 360 dollars in packs being charged.

Second, it must do 6S at 4.5A so I can charge my G2R packs as one.

Lastly, I'd like it to be a balance charger to simplify things, but if not I will likely buy a FlightPower balancer to go with it (unless you have a balancer to recommend with the the charger, then please do so).

Thanks everyone!

BP

[lincpimp]

Sounds like a 610i or 720i hyperion would be the best bet. I have 2 of the 610i chargers and would recommend them to anyone.

[BP-Revo]

I forgot to ask...

Would this be a charger that I could trust my FlightPower packs to or no? Seems a bit on the cheap side...but you never know.

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=7523


Linc, where can I get those chargers? Only place I know of is Crap Amps...I'd rather not support them. They get enough money from the noobs.

[jnev]

Mike has a bunch of them:
http://www.rc-monster.com/chargers.php
Including the one lincpimp mentioned. I think the 610I DUO is the ultimate charger. Although steep in price, I don't think you even need a second charger if you have one.

[lincpimp]

Sell the ICE and the LBA10 and get something with a built in balancer... You can get around 70-85 bucks for the ICE and 25-30 for the LBA 10. I did this a while ago, sold my ice and 989 charger sand went hyperion. I have 2 610i and 2 1210i chargers... Plenty of options!

[BP-Revo]

Does the Duo do 6S per side?

[lincpimp]

Originally Posted by BP-Revo

Does the Duo do 6S per side?

Yes. 180 watts of power per side, as long as you have a double extra gangster power supply...

180 is getting kinda close to the 6s at 4.5amps you want. I would want the charger to do at least 5amps at 6s, which is why I bought the 610i non-duo as it can do 250watts. And 2 of them was not much more than the duo...

[BP-Revo]

I don't think so linc? 4.5A x 6 x 4.2 = 113W. Far from it, in fact.

Hmm...time to put the ice up for sale when I get home...

[nitrostarter]

I'd recommend the 720i also. I have it and it works like a charm. 250watts as well, 1-7cells, 20amp max charge, built in balancer. Beautiful charger!

[lincpimp]

Originally Posted by BP-Revo

I don't think so linc? 4.5A x 6 x 4.2 = 113W. Far from it, in fact.

Hmm...time to put the ice up for sale when I get home...

Nothing is 100% effecient. Try factoring 80% effeciency in and it starts getting close...

180 x .8 = 144... Getting closer than I like but if it is ok for you, then go for it!

Keep in mind that you will need a power supply that can output a bare min of 360 watts, at 14v (most hobby power supplys are putting out 14v or so) that is 25amps, but factore in the magic 80% and you get 30+ amps necessary.

I use modded server PS, that are good for 40+ amps at a little over 12v. I have 2 to serve the 4 chargers with a combined potential of 860 watts...

[rootar]

the duo will do a 6s at 5amps on each side, ive done it, make sure you got a hell of a PS because the 30amp unit we were using crashed afterwards...

but agian anything other than hyperion is just about sub-par these days, once you get a hyperion nothing else compares....

[nitrostarter]

Originally Posted by rootar

but agian anything other than hyperion is just about sub-par these days, once you get a hyperion nothing else compares....

And thats an understatement.....

But like mentioned, make sure that your powersupply is up to snuff as well.

[BP-Revo]

Yeah...those are some insane power supply needs. What about a regular computer power supply? Like this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005

It's really cheap and has a 52A output on its 12V rail. I think that would be MORE than enough. I don't think I'll ever actually ping the 360watt maximum anyway, but this should be plenty if I do.

Has anyone ever modded a CPU power supply? I probably should be opening her up and soldering some bigger gauge wires onto the 12V output huh?

I'm thinking I might just go ahead and keep my ice. It'll be a good back up charger.

But I do need to get rid of some other crap I have lying around...

[nitrostarter]

Something doesnt sound right to me. I have quite a few computer powersupplies laying around. All of them have higher amp ratings at lower voltages. The 12V rating is the lowest amp rating on all +. But this supply, 12+ is the highest amp rating. But I may be wrong...

Most computer supplies are good for 10-12+/- amps. Not enough for most Hyperions...

[lincpimp]

Originally Posted by rootar

the duo will do a 6s at 5amps on each side, ive done it, make sure you got a hell of a PS because the 30amp unit we were using crashed afterwards...

but agian anything other than hyperion is just about sub-par these days, once you get a hyperion nothing else compares....

This is true, I have used most of the decent chargers available, and hyperion is my choice. I have about $450 in chargers and 60 in $PS (hehehe)