DO BALANCERS HAVE TO MATCH CHARGERS?

[Rick Rotorhead]

Hi all, quick question, I'm looking at several Lipo chargers, astro109, TP1010, Triton etc, favourite for me looks like the 'Prolux Digicharge 104' because it will handle upto 4s and can use mains power input or 12v power in the field, plus it gives pack charge performance readouts. Anyone got any experience or comments on this charger?

Secondly, much harder choice is the Balancer. Can I use any balancer with any charger? I'd favour the TP 205 balancer which handle upto 5s for only £40. Alternatively, what about the Flight power 2-6s staybalance module - will that work with any charger/pack combination?
Its all a little confusing - not enough detailed info to make proper decisions on this stuff!!!! Also, a lot of Lipos don't seem to have balance lead/connectors!!!! (I don't fancy taking shrink wrapped packs apart to fit balance leads (I'd probably blow 'em up anyways)) what do others do?

[dodgey]

I use the TP 2-6s staybalance module. It works with any charger at it hooks up to the packs balance leads whilst the main charging leads go to the charger as normal.

With packs with different balance plugs, you simply cut of the existing plug and solder the correct one on, in the right pin order (FP after market leads come with wiring diagrams). Very easy to work out if you have a meter.

I have added balance leads to 3S packs. It's easy as long as you can solder and are prepared to be careful. More complicated configs, like 4s4p are not worth the hassle. There are a lot more cables and tabs to damage - I nearly trashed a $350 pack doing this. Took a week to repair!

[Rick Rotorhead]

Ok thanks Dodgey. Wow! 4s4p is that like 16 cells, 32 solder tabs, sounds horrendous. Ok I think its gonna be the Prolux Digicharge 104 (£90) and the Flightpower 2-6S Staybalance module for me. If I one day want to make a bigger pack than 4s, I suppose its ok to add packs in series - I could charge two 3s packs and connect them with bullet connectors to make a 6s pack, yes? Or even get a 3s2p pack by connecting them in parrallel, or is there some reason why it won't work or would be dangerous. I might, only might, attempt soldering a balance lead on a 3s1p, I'd prefer to buy 'em ready done. Cheers Dodgey............Rick

[dodgey]

yep - you can connect packs to make more "s"'s :-) jou just need to be sure they are well matched and drained/charged the same amount each time. I fly 2 x 4s4p hooked up in series to give 8s4p. Never had problems,. If I'm in no hurry I charge each 4s pack separately to get them nicely matched, Otherwise, I just charge them in series (8s) at 6amps (The 109 maxes at 6amps at this voltage).

p.s. The 4s4p pack I repaired? It puffed up this week end. Trash now :-(

[Rick Rotorhead]

Hey, Dodgey, sorry to hear you lost a pricey pack there.
I decided to go with the Cellpro 4s balancing charger (distributed by Aurorra in Sheffield). Only 50 quid. Gives LCD readouts, does balancing as it charges. Adjusts charge for cold weather etc, look real good. Only drawback is it can't use mains voltage, I've got a small 40ah 12v car batt ,I'll use that.

[dodgey]

Sounds cool. Bag yourself a PC power supply. You can get one of any PC tinkerer for nout. You can short out 1 wire and it becomes a 12V PSU. Put a resistor accross two more and it ups the amps. Plenty of easy articles on the web.

[Rick Rotorhead]

Cheers might look into that.