Apache 2500 Smart Charger question

[thedubdude]

Hi Folks,

I purchase an Apache 2500 smart charger but it didn't come with any instructions. I tried connecting the 12V input to a switching power supply capable of 5A output and with the charger set to its lowest current setting of 700ma and with a battery attached, the power supply bogged down (ie. current limited) and was unable to supply the 12V to the charger. Does anyone know how many amps. of current I need to supply this charger?

Also, are there instructions for this charger?

Thanks.

[DavidH]

With the charger set to 700 ma charge rate. I would think that a power supply with 5 amp out put would be enough.
What voltage battery are you trying to charge with the charger and power supply.

I have use a power supply from Radio Shack that is rated at 5 amps ( 12Volts) to supply power to a charger that was charging at 3 amps ( 6 volt 3000 mah battery). It worked with no problems.

David

[thedubdude]

I'm trying to charge a 3 cell LiPo Thunder Power 2100ma battery.

[DavidH]

Is the charger rated to charge Li-Po cells?
You said you had no instructions, so how do you know how to set the charger up to charge Li-Po cells.
I suggest not charging the TP Li-Po pack till you get a charger that is capable of charging Li-Po packs. Or you find some instructions to the charger you have if it is capable and learn how to set it up for the packs your charging.
If you want to try to charge these Li-Po packs without the proper charging technique. I suggest doing it a place that nothing is going to get burned or damaged when the packs blow up. Li-Po's need to be respected and handled correctly when charging them.

David

[HelicopterJohn]

thedubdude

I have attached a couple of photos of the Apache 2500 Smart charger and also the instructions. I scanned the instructions so they may not come out that good.

I have some homebuilt li-polys that I use for receiver packs in my Raptor 50's. They are 7.2 volt 3000 MAH series/parallel packs (I think that is the right terminology).

I have used this charger to charge these packs (I have 2) for about 6 months now and the charger works like a dream. It takes about 1 to 1/2 hours to charge a pack and I get about 10 flights out of them.

The nice thing about this charger is that it has pins on the end and you just put a clip on the charge rate and number of cells you are charging. As I only have this one type of Li-Poly battery I have no chance for a wrong connection when charging as I never change the clips.

Hope this helps in some way.

P.S. I never charge these batteries unattended. A bucket of sand is also a good item to have as a fire extinguisher. They could explode and burn your house down. Better safe than sorry. We have A/C current at the field so I usually just charge them while I am at the field and not at home.

I also built a power supply that may be of interest to you. I will look that information up and offer it as information to those that may have an interest.

[HelicopterJohn]

12 volt power supply

This is the unit I purchased from Ramboy on E-Bay. "Twinsticks" posted some pictures of his completed unit in a previous post on RR. He was "nice" enough to give me the part numbers and the wiring schematic to hook it up.

Here are a couple of pictures showing my completed unit. It seems to work fine with the Apache and Triton chargers.

I bought the plastic box at Radio Shack and drilled all the ventilation holes in the sides of the box. I also, made a couple of spacers to lift the power supply off the floor of the box. Furthermore, I put some some rubber feet on the bottom of the box.

This particular unit only has one set of Banana Jacks. I made one for my buddy with (2) sets of Banana Jacks (wire schematic slightly different)

I have made a couple of these and they seem to work fine.

Just something you might want to consider.

:D

[lrplin]

I got a LI-PO Smart Charger 2500 and two lipo batteries from ebay, but i have no idea how to use them, it is my First time to use lipo battery. The 7.4V battery(2S1P) has only two wire oulet, is that normal for a 2 two shell 7.4V lipo? The 11.1V lipo has two connectors, I guess the white connector with 4 wires are for the charger or blancer? but my charger has only one connector with two pins. Can some one help me to set up the charger and batteries? And do i need a battery blancer? THANK YOU!

[HelicopterJohn]

Hi lrplin,

I am not a real Li-PO Expert. I am sure others can address your questions on balancers wiring etc.

I do have the manual for the 2500 Smart Charger which I scanned and have attached for your reference.

Hope that may help.

John

[lrplin]

Thank you, i read the manual, it only tell me the safety and setting for jumpers, didn't say anything about how to connect battery to the charger. But thank you all the same.