What is a good charger?

[MetalMan]

The TP charger also has a "storage charge" feature where it charges the battery to 3.85v/cell (for Lipo storage). If you were to get A123 cells, this would possibly work.
The TP charger can also handle a lot more power, maybe about twice as much. The link between the TP charger and balancer is an enormously benefitting setup - the balancer can tell the charger to slow down (if there's a large imbalance) and you can see the individual cell voltages on the LCD display. One good thing about the TP balancer is that it has a high drain rate of 300ma for balancing cells, whereas the Hyperion LBA6 has a drain rate of only 120ma.

[BrianG]

Argg. Just when I thought I was all set...

Where's the best place to pick up TP stuff, or are they priced the same everywhere?

[neweuser]

I would also like to know where a good place is. Been looking and can't find the "deal"! so to speak.

[MetalMan]

Here's a couple:
http://parts.rctoys.com/rc-toys-hobb...P-1010C-W/210V
http://rcworldofplanes.net/prodView.asp?idProduct=582

[BrianG]

Well, after sitting "on the fence" between the Hyperion EOS 7i and the TP1010, I ended up getting the 1010.

I noticed that http://www.b-p-p.com/ is currently having a 5% off and free shipping right now (ends at midnight I'm assuming), so I was able to get the charger and balancer package for $275.

I hope this charger is worth its price because I HATE buyers' remorse!

[MetalMan]

It'll be the LAST Lipo equipment you'll EVER need! (besides a LVC). The only thing you could possibly regret is getting a battery with a Polyquest tap connector - but even then that could be swapped out for a spliced-on TP connector.

[BrianG]

My ESC (Quark 125B) has a built-in LVC. I really hope this one lives up to my expectations. It's kind of a bit of cash to spend if some better type of Li battery comes out sometime. As far as taps go, I can solder a new one in if it comes to that.

I got this charger on your recommendation MetalMan, so it better be good! ;)

[squeeforever]

Brian, why not the E-Station 901? Whats better about the 1010?

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by squeeforever

Brian, why not the E-Station 901? Whats better about the 1010?

I don't know really. I found lots of positive talk and reviews on the TP. Plus, I sorta forgot about the e-station when I was looking around. I did like the balancer with feedback the TP had. After looking at the e-station, it does seem to be quite nice with high charge rates. I suppose it came down to bang-for-the-buck; the Hyperion 701 with the hi current balancer for ~$150 (was really hard to pass this one up), or the TP with 10s balancer (and feedback for the balancer) for ~275.

[MetalMan]

I sure hope it will be good :030:. Pretty soon I think I'll buy a TP-205V balancer, it's just better than the Hyperion LBA6/Great Planes Equinox. My only wish is that I hadn't cheaped out in the beginning!

[standard_63]

Just an FYI -- for the Hyperion and Great Planes balancers there are high current cables available for charging up to 6A.

$12 for 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s package.

www.espritmodel.com has them...

[MetalMan]

I did a mod to my Equinox that makes it so that I don't need the higher current cable. I just soldered wires onto the circuit board that correspond with the positive and negative battery output, and put a Deans plug on them. It's very simple and solid.

[jocktheglide]

ill sell ya my team orion lipo/nimh/nicd charger.....

[squirrel]

is the superbrain pretty much the only AC/DC charger? 99% of my runtime will be at the park 100 feet from my house, so I'd prefer to charge at home.

[squeeforever]

Yea, its pretty much the only one I'm aware of. I'm assuming you mean the 989? It's probably the best for the money.