Charger - balancer - 110 power supply

[Harley Dave]

I've been reading all the posts in this section and trying to absorb it all. Looks like some great information from some knowledgeable people. Thanks to all!

I've reached a point in my Trex build where I am now ready to become airborne. Thing is I'm still pondering batteries and such. My current plan is to use either Thunder Power TP 2100s or Flight Power EVO 20s (2150mAh).

My real question is concerning recharging what ever I get. I feel that I've already spent a good chunk o' change on electronic related gear so far. So I'm looking for a charger/balancer combo that also has the ability to charge at 110 household voltage. In other words it should have a built in power supply or at least come with an external one included.

I'm currently looking at the Accu-cycle Elite from Hobbico. According to their site it balances, charges and has an external power supply. One of my LHSs claims that they are so popular they have trouble keeping them in stock.

Does anyone have long term experience with this unit?

Is there something else in a similar price range I should be looking at instead.

Also what are feeling on either of the two brands of batteries I've mentioned.

[PaulH]

In my opinion, the Hobbico stuff is not the best value for the dollar. You are better off buying a LiPo charger from one of the better known names. Get something like the Astro 109 w/ Blinky Balancer or the ThunderPower 1010 w/ 205 balancer.

Both of the units I have referenced are DC-only. You will need either a large 12v battery or a power supply. If you decide on a battery, look into getting a fairly large (50 Ah or higher) deep cycle battery. You will of course need a charger for it.

If you decide to buy a separate AC power supply, one of the cheapest I have seen that can deliver 10 A continuous is the Pyramid PS-12K for around $50. Here is one retailer I found through Froogle: http://shop.willyselectronics.com/browse.cfm/4,7083.html

You can find the 5 A version cheaper than this if you look around.

You're right; it does seem like a lot of money. Remember that a lot of this is the "fixed cost" of getting into the hobby. Once you have it, you can use it for anything in the future.

[Harley Dave]

Okay Paul, I do understand the fixed cost thing and that I won't have to be purchasing chargers/balancers every month.
My big thing is that I'm looking for one piece of equipment that can handle my needs. I don't see why more manufacturers can't supply one. My little Blades (CX and CPP) come with combo units and that is part of the appeal to many who grab them off the shelf.
I also realize that part of the appeal to many who move up to Trexs and bigger helis is the ability to customize or modify them (same with my motorcycles) to their individual desires.
I personally don't want to have to have to use a big 12 v. battery (that also will need it's own recharging) hook up as many as three separate units to that and hang out in my garage while charging. I'd like the convenience of having a single unit or at the most two pieces to connect to. It's just kind of the logistics of stuff for me.
I had looked at the Astro Flight 109 as well as the Cell Pro and DN chargers and different balancers. Ideally I'd just like a single unit that will work for me. Just a personnel preference I guess. Easier to connect to, easier to transport, easier to store, easier to operate. The manufacturers do have the techology to do this I know, because if you can make units to do different functions you can make one unit to handle many functions.
Cost is not my final determining factor. I willingly spend more for something that can handle my desires and needs.
Thanks for your input, I really do appreciate it. I'm still in the decision arena on equipment for making my Trex airborne and have made notes on your suggestions along with three pages of other notes from similar topics.

[Ziggy2711]

Paul,

Is the Pyramid power supply you referenced able to properly power the ThunderPower 1010? I have this charger (and the corresponding good balancer) and find my dinky 12V Hangar 9 battery is not even close to supplying enough power for my 6s Emoli packs when attempting to charge. I actually have to charge one emoli pack, recharge the 12V Hangar 9 battery, and then charge the next Emoli pack. It takes forever and it gets old! Does the Pyramid power supply have a plug in wall adapter and terminals that I can clip the charger input leads to?

Thanks man!

[PaulH]

The hanger 9 battery is meant to be a starter battery. It's only 7 Ah which is why you don't have enough juice to charge more than one battery. The Pyramid 10A supply should have more than enough capacity. If you're in doubt, they produce 15 A, 20 A, and higher versions.

[Ziggy2711]

Thanks for the response Paul. But can you tell me if the Pyramid plugs into the wall with an adapter (or regular cord) and if you can clip the charger leads to the terminals? As you can probably tell, I am pretty new to electric power (specifically helis).

Thanks again!

[PaulH]

That's kind of the point of having an AC power supply... They all plug into the wall. Then you just clip the leads from your charger to the DC output.

[EricLarson]

A 35 amp PS will charge 4 5S packs at 4 amps at one time. If you charge faster or more packs you may need something bigger.

Radio Shack has a nice switching PS that is 25amp.

[Harley Dave]

Okay, dose anyone have experence with any of the e-Station charger/balancers?

www.bantam301.20m.com

Kind of checking them out now too! Still require seperate power supply.

[Teej]

I can understand (and am going to do myself) wanting to run the charger off 120 instead of a car battery..but you really...really...don't want to be charging lipos indoors. Got a pretty significant risk of losing your house to a fire that way.

Maybe on the next technology - lithium on glass plates. ~ twice the Whr/KG as lipos and shouldn't blow up.

T

[Harley Dave]

I have a little locking fire safe (originally for protecting documents) that I was planning on placing LiPOs in to charge. I probably wouldn't want to charge them in my garage either. I love the rides I've got in there too much. So the option would be middle of the yard, I suppose.

[RC Accessory]

Okay, dose anyone have experence with any of the e-Station charger/balancers?

www.bantam301.20m.com

Kind of checking them out now too! Still require seperate power supply.

Hi Dave, My name is Evan Chapkis and I am the importer for the Bantam Charger line. Please let me know if you have any questions.

evan_chapkis@rcaccessory.com

Evan Chapkis
RC Accessory

[Pinecone]

For home use, I just use my field battery, hooked up to a charger. The battery acts as a HUGE capacitor to even out any ripple in the charger output.

If you use a bettery tender type charger, you can just leave it on all the time when at home, and have a fully charged battery for the field when you go.

There are also some articles around on using old PC power supplies to make switching 12 volt power supplies. And using the old AT type supllies, you can probably get hundreds for pretty much free.