Dang it... cant pick a charger!

[Rick Rotorhead]

Hi all, where in Uk supplies that Astro 109 charger? (I was just about to order a Triton). Rick

[dodgey]

I did a link in the other thread Rick. I got mine from the USA - I dont really differentiate from the US and UK now. I can't find one in the UK.

www.fxaeromodels.co.uk

I got the 109 specifically so I could charge 8s. The Triton is a much more flexible charger if you are happy with the 4s limitation - as it does all technologies.

I have both.

[Rick Rotorhead]

Thanks dodgey, I'm in two minds now....
Astroflight109 or TP1010 + TP 210 balancer (the TP gear comes to almost £200!)
Rick

[dodgey]

I use the FP 2-6s balancer. It's a bit pricey at £40 though. Just grabbed it when I was at sandown as it was there in front of me.

I have no experience with the TP1010 but I've had a look and it looks very capable. Up to 10Amp charging and also 10S charging (at 5A). Bit pricey though, especially with the balancer too. All depends on what you thin you will be charging int the future.

The good thing is that upgrading is never bad. I started with the Triton and then got the 109, but I still use both all the time. i.e. charging 2 3s rex packs at the same time (So I can charge 4 packs in about 2 hours), and also charge tx packs etc (Not to mention conditioning drill, hoover batteries etc :-) )

[Finless]

Thanks dodgey, I'm in two minds now....
Astroflight109 or TP1010 + TP 210 balancer (the TP gear comes to almost £200!)
Rick

YEP it is OVER PRICED but a good charging system.... My FMA Direct balance Pro 6S will be here tomorrow so I will eval it and let you all know my opinion. It looks like it might be a good charger at a good price!

Bob

[robl]

I may order this too, just wish tower hobbies stocked the connectors for thunderpower, i"m gonna have to order from two places to get the right connectors.

[robl]

Finless, will this charger be good enough for a Trex 600? I talked to the local hobby store about ordering it and they told me that people are flying 10S on the trex 600's. Since I might end up getting a trex 600 in the future, I don't want the charger to end up obsolete but I can't see spending double the money for the TP combo.

[Finless]

Your hobby store guy doesnt know what he is talking about. The Trex600 is 6S not 10S. There might be a few experamenting with 10S but this is a 6S heli as sold. Yes this charger will work with the Align 6S packs (or TP packs). You have to buy the adapter cable and then for 6S make your own adapter for the Align connector. It's no big deal to make and I will show some pictures later this week.

Bob

[robl]

Is the align connector different than polyquest or thunderpower because they have a new adapter out that has connectors for polyquest and thunderpower from 2s to 6s on the adapter. I'm gonnna order this thing on Monday I belive. Have you tried charging at the full 10 amps of the charger? Would be a little over 2C on your battery. they say this charger can go to 3C.

[Finless]

They lie about thier adapter SV-TP/PQ. It SAYS 6S but the connectors supplied only go up to 5S. TRUST ME I was dissapointed when I got it and only up to 5S. On the board there is a header with solder pads (holes or VIA's). Unless you solder on your own adapter there you WONT be doing any 6S. The adapter board has a warning label to NOT charge through that adapter more than 6 amps so no I have not tired 10 amps BUT with my soldered on adapter I made I am sure that will handle the 10 amps...

Monday I will do a quicky vid on this charger and adapter and how I added my put pig tail adapter for the align packs for 6S. It was super easy and cost me 40 cents.

Bob

[robl]

yes, please show us how to do the adapter, I am only charging 3s now so I will probably get that adapter for now, but for 6S if I get a Trex 600 I will need to know how to do it.

[robl]

Finless, is the video of the charger up yet, interested to see how to make the adapter. I ordered the 2s-5s adapter for now as I only have 3S trex batteries but eventually I'm planning to need 6s.

[Finless]

I will do it ASAP but it wont be up until tomorrow evening. Go ahead and order it then go find a 14 pin ribbon cable connector (header) that has pins (not the female connector but male with pins).

Bob

[robl]

does radio shack have this? or can I get it off a computer, I got an old one downstairs.

[Finless]

You can get it off a computer but it will require desoldring it from the mother board. It would be better to check Radio Shack or get out the yellow pages and find a real electronics parts store.

The 14 pin I will show works perfect but if you cant find a 14 pin a larger pin count connector will also work but you have to be careful plugging thebattery in to get it plugged on the correct pins.

Video will be up soon.

Bob

[Finless]

OK video about this charger has been posted.

http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?p=133290

Bob

[Ultraviolet]

I'm glad the Balance Pro worked out for you Bob. The knob is a wee bit
generic, but the important thing is that it balance charges quickly and efficiently.

I have a feeling that FMA will redesign the Balance Pro to include an LCD display.
The massive sales of the Cellpro 4S have probably convinced them of that. :wink:

[robl]

I can't wait for my new fma 6s to arrive. Does anyone know if the new smaller balance connectors on the apex 3s packs will fit on this charger? I now have four apex packs, 2 with large balance plugs and two with small balance plugs.

[Finless]

The small works fine on the TP connector BUT it wont work with the older APEX packs with the big connector as the pin mapping is not that same as polyquest connector. A jumper wire ont he board will make them work but then you cant ever use the 2S ports.

Bob