LBA10 Balancer with M1 Cells? - Page 2 - RC-Monster Forums

MetalMan · 12.06.2006, 06:09 PM

Me too! I was planning on getting the AF-109 soon, and doing a certain hardware hack to it that would cause it to charge to 3.6v/cell. But if this can be done through software in a way that won't void the warranty, then I'm all for it :D.

neweuser · 12.06.2006, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetalMan

Me too! I was planning on getting the AF-109 soon, and doing a certain hardware hack to it that would cause it to charge to 3.6v/cell. But if this can be done through software in a way that won't void the warranty, then I'm all for it :D.

So these M1 cells must be pretty good to go through all this eh?

MetalMan · 12.06.2006, 08:47 PM

Brian, you're going to need to spend at least $350 for a charger with a 400W output. But at that point it might be more worth it to get a lab-quality CC/CV variable-voltage variable-current power supply. You could get something like a 30v 20amp one for less than the cost of a 400W charger.

BrianG · 12.06.2006, 09:08 PM

Yeah, I figured, but why is that? There's not much different from a 120w charger and a 400w charger except bigger wire, a couple extra turns on the step-up coil/transformer, a few extra support components, and a couple extra FETs for the current handling. :sigh: I guess I'm electronically jaded. It's rare that I buy something electronic and not disgusted at the quality to price ratio when I take it apart.

The advantages of a dedicated charger vs a CC/CV power supply are pack memory functions, the algorithm to verify cell count, the auto switchover from CC to CV for Li batts, peak detection for Ni batts, etc. The closest charger I've seen that meets my wishes is the TP1010D.

MetalMan · 12.06.2006, 09:12 PM

A CC/CV power supply will automatically switch from CC to CV like many chargers do (like the ICE). This is just another option for you that is the cheapest way. Several of the LiPo-experienced airplane guys do this as a way to get past the (relatively) low wattage of commercial chargers.

Here's another charger, it's possibly the best for it's price:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=592368
$300 is a lot, so maybe you would end up spending at least $450 for a 400watt charger.

BrianG · 12.06.2006, 10:55 PM

While I'd actually love a power supply like that for other uses besides battery charging, it doesn't have some of the features found in dedicated chargers. I think I'll just wait. My current charger has its issues, but it does do the job.

BrianG · 03:31 AM

I was looking at the Xtrema charger and while at the website, entered in the drawing for a free charger. Shortly after entering, I got an email for a coupon to get this charger for $189. It's pretty tempting. It doesn't have the exact specs I was looking for, but it's still pretty good.

Anyone here have this charger? From what I've read at RCGroups, it seems pretty nice. I like the future proof firmware updates.

It would have been nice if it had a NiMH capacility though. Lipos have a CC charge cycle, so the base functionality is there...

EDIT: Where's MetalMan tonight??

MetalMan · 10:49 AM

Brian, you can get the Xtrema from Tower Hobbies for $189. Then, Tower Hobbies has a $15 off deal if you spend $150-200.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXMUL4&P=7
http://www.towerhobbies.com/

I sure wouldn't mind getting this charger for $170 :D. Only problem is, I don't have any money for it :019:.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianG

EDIT: Where's MetalMan tonight??

Working at the LHS, then prepping my $5 TC4 to take in to work tomorrow.

Serum · 12.09.2006, 10:50 AM

Seems like a nice charger.

How many watts can it do?

MetalMan · 12.09.2006, 11:10 AM

On their website they say it can charge at 4000ma max at 10 cells. From that, it can put out about 170watts.

Serum · 12.09.2006, 11:21 AM

Okay, that's not bad.. My graupner does 150 watts, so that last few watts won't make the big difference. It can do upto 10S too, and costed about the same, but also likes NIMH, lead and nicd batteries. This one is nice though..

BrianG · 12.09.2006, 07:45 PM

The only thing stopping me from getting it now is the fact it doesn't do NiMH. Sure, I have two other chargers that can do Ni, but I'd like to bring just one with me to the field. I'm going to write the guy who makes the Xtrema to see if he plans on a firnware update to add this. Like I said, Lipos use CC for part of the charge, so the base functionality is there.

I actually saw it TowerHobbies too, but it doesn't have the update cable (and it's not a simple wire adaptor). I figured that getting it direct would be cheaper overall because it includes the cable and free shipping.

I don't know yet. First, I'll wait to see if I can win one on Dec 15th. That would be sweet. :)