I need a new lipo charger, which one is the best?

[Dagger Thrasher]

I'd have to seriously recommend the Mega Power 960SR:

http://www.aero-nuts.com/product_inf...roducts_id=570

I've had one for several moths, and it's stunning. It's actually the same charger as the Robbe Power Peak Infinity 3, but rebadged and at a lower price (it's made in the same factory).
It is fantastic, though. Compatible with NiMH, NiCd, LiPo and A123, it'll charge and balance up to 12S in one go, 180W of charge power (you'd have your work cut out to use all that), has a 50W discharge ability, displays temp and voltage graphs in realtime (you can even scroll about and zoom in on them), it balances very accurately, and also has a second output so you can charge your transmitter pack at the same time as you charge your main pack.
The balancer is external, but fully hooks up to the charger. This thing is ridiculously programmable, and also has a whole host of safety features. You can even program your name and choose from a choice of "charge finished" melodies. No joke.

I know you'll probably ignore this and go for a more well-known brand like Hyperion, but honestly, this is an amazing charger at an awesome price and will do stuff that the Hyperions can't. It's also very well built with an aluminium casing...you just need a DC input for it. I'm incredibly happy with mine.

The Hyperion 0610i is still a good choice, but my recommendation goes for the 960SR.

Incidentally, I'd suggest steering clear of the chinese knock-off chargers; I had one and so have some of my friends (various models) and they've all failed...some dangerously so. My friend's Imax B6 actually had its internal output solder joints melt off, and almost caused a short while my eStation 501DX knock-off (X-Power, it was called) died a silent death whilst being used perfectly within spec.

[marzac2]

Originally Posted by Dagger Thrasher

I'd have to seriously recommend the Mega Power 960SR:

http://www.aero-nuts.com/product_inf...roducts_id=570

I've had one for several moths, and it's stunning. It's actually the same charger as the Robbe Power Peak Infinity 3, but rebadged and at a lower price (it's made in the same factory).
It is fantastic, though. Compatible with NiMH, NiCd, LiPo and A123, it'll charge and balance up to 12S in one go, 180W of charge power (you'd have your work cut out to use all that), has a 50W discharge ability, displays temp and voltage graphs in realtime (you can even scroll about and zoom in on them), it balances very accurately, and also has a second output so you can charge your transmitter pack at the same time as you charge your main pack.
The balancer is external, but fully hooks up to the charger. This thing is ridiculously programmable, and also has a whole host of safety features. You can even program your name and choose from a choice of "charge finished" melodies. No joke.

I know you'll probably ignore this and go for a more well-known brand like Hyperion, but honestly, this is an amazing charger at an awesome price and will do stuff that the Hyperions can't. It's also very well built with an aluminium casing...you just need a DC input for it. I'm incredibly happy with mine.

The Hyperion 0610i is still a good choice, but my recommendation goes for the 960SR.

Doesn't sound like you have actually used a Hyperion.

The Hyperion has all of the features you mentioned including 5 different "charge finished" melodies and aluminum casing.

What does the Mega Power offer that Hyperion doesn't?

P.S. the Duo is 250W max. Much more for the new battery chemistry that is on it's way in the near future. Neu energy has some 5C charge capable packs that can use a lot of power to cut down charge time.

[Dagger Thrasher]

Well, I'll admit that I've never had first-hand experience with a Hyperion charger, but I'm fully aware that they're excellent; I'm not denying that. The 960SR does have some features that the 0610i doesn't, though, like the ability to charge and balance up to 12S Lithium packs in one go (or two 6S packs, etc); the Hyperion can only manage 6S. The Duo can do 12S, but at a higher price. The 960 can also display various realtime graphs on its graphic display, which is useful for checking on the pack's charge, discharve or temp curves. It also has a second separate output for charging Nickel transmitter/receiver packs, amongst other minor things.

It's difficult to actually find a decent full spec list (google it...you'll find lots of info), but it's a very fine charger. I know the 180W output seems low next to the Hyperions, but it's still a big chunk of power.

And the price, in comparison, is fantastic IMO. It's just a suggestion anyway; The 0610i is still a great choice.

[marzac2]

Thanks Dagger Thrasher!

I am always looking for information on new products and have never heard of the Mega Power charger before.

I am looking forward myself. I see how fast battery chemistry changed during the 90's when 1/10th electric had it's hey day. It seemed that a new capacity or version (SCR-SCE etc.) was coming out every month. I think this is going to be a returning trend as 1/8th electric peaks the interest of others. And I think low cost packs with higher charge rate ability, will become common and lower in price than what we are seeing currently. So our chargers will have to be more powerful to accommodate this future.

Keep the suggestions and info coming my friend!

[JThiessen]

Originally Posted by gogglespaesano

+1 on the extrema. great chargers, great support, made in usa

No offense to our members over the pond, or to the north, but +1 on this. I LOVE my Duo (except for the lack of a dedicated discharge ability), but if I have to do it again, I'd purchase one of the Extrema's to keep my money local.

[BL_RV0]

Originally Posted by JThiessen

No offense to our members over the pond, or to the north, but +1 on this. I LOVE my Duo (except for the lack of a dedicated discharge ability), but if I have to do it again, I'd purchase one of the Extrema's to keep my money local.

Wait, where are hyperions made?

[JThiessen]

I believe Hong Kong....but I may be wrong.

[jhautz]

Originally Posted by cheesecake

i use a cellpro 10s its a very nice charger and can charge 2 5s packs at the same time

+1 on the FMA Cellpro 10s Best charger money can buy IMO.


BTW: I have an Xtrema I'm looking to sell. Perfect condition.