Recommendations for Charger/Balancer ?

[ChasHeliCop]

I am going to buy a charger/ balancer or both. I would like some recommendations from experience. Initially I was looking at the Accu-cycle Elite, but it's basically a Tx/Rx charger and doesn't really have the power. I am also considering the e-Station, BC-6. I noticed alot of people using the TP1010 and 210V. That's kind of expensive but looks like the best option. Any advice would be apreciated. I am definitely doing some reading before buying there are too many chargers out there.

Using 3s Lipo 11.1V 2100mAh,22c,ALigns, will be buying more batteries too.

[RC Accessory]

Depends on what size and voltage of the packs you are going to charge.

The BC-6 and 1010 w/210 bal are both excellent chargers. Are you doing 10S packs?

[ChasHeliCop]

I am doing 3S but I want the capability of expansion. I don't want to buy twice. I sent you a couple of emails asking questions about the BC-6

[kgfly]

My opinons...

For 3s/4s up to about 3300mAH:

* FMAdirect CellPro4s (50W) - Best bargain LiXx charger
* eStation BC6 (50W) - Most convenient and best ac/dc integrated multichemistry balance charger

For larger capacity packs:

Up to 8s: eStation BC8 (150W/7A) - Convenient integrated multichemistry balance charger
10s/12s: eStation 902 (200W/10A), Hyperion 1210i (180W/10A), TP1010 (220W/10A) - All these require 1 or 2 external balancers plus various interconnect cables.

Here is a summary I put together a while ago that you might find useful:

Which charger ?
A high quality charger is vital to safety as well as ensuring the best performance and maximum lifetime from your batteries so this is not an area to pinch pennies. There are some excellent choices around. A lot depends on your budget but more on the combination of your current needs and your expectations for the future. If larger models are in your future you might want a higher power charger now than would otherwise be needed if small park flyers are all you will ever fly.

Recommendations
Budget 2S-4S LiXx only: FMA CellPro4S (dc only, 50W/4A)
Budget 2S-6S multi-chemistry full featured low power: eStation BC6 (ac/dc, 50W/5A)
Most convenient multi-chemistry full featured mid-range (2S-8S): eStation BC8 (dc only, 150W/7A)
Best value multi-chemistry full featured high-power/future proofing (2S-12S): Hyperion 1210i-A + 2xLBA10 (dc only, 180W/10A)

Notes
1) Most chargers require an external DC power supply so budget ~$50 for a 150W one to run one or two low-power chargers or ~$100 for a 250W one to run high-power chargers at full load.

2) For now the only LiFe cells available are the A123/M1 cells from DeWalt 36V power-tool battery packs bought on eBay for ~$100 and which contain 10 cells rated as: 3.3V 2300mAh 16C/33C. They weigh 70g each, can be 100% discharged without harm, present near zero fire risk even if abused and can be charged at up to 10A=4.3C.

FMA CellPro4S (~$75)
- Requires DC power
- LiXx charger: LiXx
- 2S to 4S LiXx
- Integrated balance charger
- Normal, Fast and Storage LiPo cycles
- 50W/4A output (3s @ 4A, 4s @ 3A)
- 1C LiPo charge: 3S <= 4000mAh, 4S <= 3000mAh
- A123 charge rate: 3S <= 1.3C, 4S <= 1.3C

The best budget charger around for small 2S-4S packs. It won't charge your Tx or Rx NiCd packs but at $75 is great value for an intelligent and safe LiXx charger. Cheap enough you can get two and charge two packs at once to halve your waiting time. If you don't need NiCd/NiMH support and are sure larger modelss with larger batteries are not in your future or just want a cheap option to add along side a larger/fancier charger do some parallel charging then this can be an excellent low-cost solution.

Hyperion EOS5i AC/DC + LBA10 6S balancer (~$115 + $45 = $160)
- Integrated ac/dc power supply
- Multi-chemistry charger: NiCd/NiMH/Pb/LiPo/?LiFe?
- 2S to 5S LiPo
- Needs external balancer
- Normal LiPo cycles
- ~50W/5A output
- 1C LiPo charge: 3S <= 4500mAh, 4S <= 3400mAh, 5S <= 2700mAh

Convenient integrated AC/DC power supply and a proven multi-chemistry charger. Needs an external balancer. Only goes to 5S. Rumours that there is a new firmware version that adds LiFe (A123) support.

eStation BC6 (~$170)
- Integrated ac/dc power supply
- Multi-chemistry charger: NiCd/NiMH/Pb/LiIon/LiPo/LiFe
- 2S to 6S LiXx
- Integrated 2S-6S balancer
- Normal, Fast and Storage LiPo cycles
- 50W/5A output
- 1C LiPo charge: 3S <= 4500mAh, 4S <= 3400mAh, 5S <= 2700mAh, 6S < 2300mAh
- A123 charge rate: 3S <= 2.2C, 4S <= 1.6C
- Optional temperature probe and PC interface

A great integrated package providing a one-box solution (ac/dc power supply, multi-chemistry charger and balancer). The 50W/5A output means it's not well suited to high capacity 6S packs used in say a TRex600, but it will do a great job on most packs you would typically see in anything smaller. Although it initially looks expensive, since it is all 3-in-1 you don't have to buy a DC power supply or separate balancer so in fact it is very competitively priced.

I would definitely choose the BC6 over the EOS5i for its all-in-one convenience, 6S capability, LiFe support and better features (like the Fast and Storage charge modes).

eStation BC8 ($270)
Requires DC power
- Multi-chemistry charger: NiCd/NiMH/Pb/LiIon/LiPo/LiFe
- 2S to 8S LiXx
- Integrated 2S-8S balancer
- Normal, Fast and Storage LiPo cycles
- 150W/7A output
- 1C LiPo charge: 3S/4S/5S <= 7000mAh, 6s <= 6500mAh, 8S < 4900mAh
- A123 charge rate: 3S/4S/5S/6S <= 3C, 8S <= 2.4C
- Optional temperature probe and PC inteface cable.

Same features and benefits as the BC6 except DC-only input, 2S to 8S capability and the much higher output power makes this a real option for larger packs or fast charging A123 packs at up to 7A. The integrated balancer is unique in a charger of this capacity and is a big plus in my opinion.

Hyperion 1210i-A + 2xLBA10 6S balancer (~$200 with 1xLBA10, ~$240 with 2xLBA10)
- Requires DC power
- Multi-chemistry charger: NiCd/NiMH/Pb/LiPo/LiFe
- 2S to 12S LiPo/LiFe
- Needs external balancer (1 for up to 6S, 2 for 7S-12S)
- Normal, Fast and Storage LiPo cycles
- 180W/10A output
- 1C LiPo charge: 2x/3S/4S <= 10000mAh, 5s <- 9500mAh, 6S <= 7900mAh, 8S <= 6000mAh, 10S <= 4800mAh, 12S <= 4000mAh
- A123 charge rate: 3S/4S/5S <= 4.3C, 6S <= 4.0C, 8S <= 3.0C
- Optional temperature probe and PC inteface cable.
- Be sure to get the data cable and network cable
- Optional temperature probe and PC inteface cable.

A high-power charger that goes right up to 12S for a bargain price. Excellent features (similar to the eStation range) including LiFe support (must be the latest firmware, the -A model). While not as convenient as the BC8 (since you need up to two external balancers), this is great value for money given its 12s capability and high output power.

Tough choice between the BC8 and the 1210i-A. I think both are excellent chargers with great features and flexibility and good UIs (at least as far as I can assess from their user guides). I really like the convenience of the BC8's integrated balancer (less boxes, cables and mess) but the 1210i is a excellent value if you need either the extra power or to go over 8s.

eStation 902 + 2x PB6 6S balancers ($330 + 2x$65 = $460)
- Requires DC power
- Multi-chemistry charger: NiCd/NiMH/Pb/LiIon/LiPo/LiFe
- 2S to 12S LiXx
- Needs external balancer (1 for up to 6S, 2 for 7S-12S)
- Normal, Fast and Storage LiPo cycles
- 200W/9.9A output
- 1C LiPo charge: 3S/4S/5S <= 9900mAh, 6S <= 9200mAh, 8S <= 6900mAh, 10S <= 5500mAh, 12S <= 4600mAh
- A123 charge rate: 3S/4S/5S/6S <= 4.3C, 8S <= 3.3C, 10S <= 2.6C, 12S <= 2.2C

A high-power charger that goes right up to 12S. Excellent features (mostly the same as BC8). While not as convenient as the BC8 (since you need up to two external balancers), this is an excellent 12s charger with high power output.

ThunderPower 1010 + 210V balancer (~$375)
Requires DC power
- LiXx charger: LiIon/LiPo/LiFe (new firmware adds NiCd/NiMH/Pb)
- 2S to 10S LiXx
- Needs external balancer (1 for up to 10S)
- Normal, Fast and Storage LiPo cycles
- 220W/10A output
- 1C lipo charge: 3S/4S/5S <= 10000mAh, 6S <= 9500mAh, 8S <= 7500mAh, 10S <= 5800mAh
- A123 charge rate: 3S/4S/5S/6S <= 4.3C, 8S <= 3.6C, 10S <= 2.9C
- Be sure to get the data cable and network cable
- Optional temperature probe and PC inteface cable.

A high-power charger that goes up to 10S. Currently LiXx only but the latest firmware adds NiCd/NiMH/Pb. Unique in this group in allowing end-user firmware upgrades with the purchase of the optional interface cable. This charger is hugely popular in the US with those flying 500 class and bigger helis. The BC8, e902 and 1210i-A are all newer (and BC8 and 1210i are cheaper) and are eating into the TP1010's market share.


--------------------
I hope that is some help.

[ChasHeliCop]

Thanks KG, Great review...... why don't the charger manufacturers listen to the people. Every thread you read about two options people want. AC/DC and multiple battery capability. Seems very few are able to handle this. When you have 6 to 10 packs, it can take forever to charge. :arggg:

[kgfly]

Options for charging multiple lipos in parallel

If you have lots of relatively small 3s/4s packs (up to about 3000mAh) then IMO the best option is multiple CellPro4s (~$75 each). Safe, simple, fast and they give you all the info you need to properly track and maintain you batteries for maximum life.

If you have six batteries then three CellPro4s means a total recharge in two passes. If you have ten packs then four CellPro4s gets you there in three passes or five in two passes. Total cost for 5 CellPro4s is around $400-$450 with some cables.

Don't forget to allow for leads and up to a 300W 12-15V DC power supply.

Some people like to use the PolyCharge4 (~100) together with VBalancer units (~$50 each) and a wattmeter. This is not ideal but worth considering if you have 10 packs to charge. The PolyCharge has no display at all so you cannot tell anything about the state of the pack or the amount of recharge, hence the need for a wattmeter or CellPro4s.

In such a case I would suggest the best arrangement would be a PolyCharge4 plus up to 4 VBalance and a single CellPro4s. Total cost around $300 -$350 with some cables plus you have to add a 300W 12-15V DC power supply.

This gives you the ability to balance charge up to 5 packs in parallel. By cycling the packs through the Cellpro you get to monitor their health (the PolyCharge has no display at all so you cannot tell anything about the state of the pack or the amount of recharge).

A budget setup might be the Polycharge4, no VBalance and a Cellpro4s. Total cost about $200-$250 with some cables.

What about a DC power supply ?
The easiest way to determine the input power requirement for any charger, (assuming it is not in the specifications) is to divide the maximum output power by 0.8. Then to determine the maximum input current, divide by the input voltage (usually 12V or 13.8V).


--------- --------- --------- ----------- -------------
Charger Output Max Input Max Input Max Input
Power (W) Power (W) Amps (@12V) Amps (@13.8V)
--------- --------- --------- ----------- -------------
CellPro4S 50 60 5 4
Swallow 50 60 5 4
BC6 50 60 5 4
BC8 150 190 15 14
Eos1210i 180 225 19 16
e902 200 250 21 18
TP1010 220 275 23 20
--------- --------- --------- ----------- -------------



In the US this one seems a reasonable choice for many folk but is not up to the 300W you might need (12V/20A/240W): http://www.hobby-lobby.com/powersupply.htm

Otherwise these were recommended to me by another helifreak, they seem excellent value given the high power ratings.

Vendor: http://stores.ebay.com.au/Eparts138-Store (the same vendor also has an eBay store on the US eBay site).

These ones need to be wired up and for safety, put in a case:

12V/20A/250W (AUD$64 delivered) - http://cgi.ebay.com.au/250W-12V-20A-Switching-Power-Supply-CCTV-DVR_W0QQitemZ200117486905QQihZ010QQcategoryZ20589Q QcmdZViewItem

12V/33A/400W (AUD$86 delivered) - http://cgi.ebay.com.au/400W-12V-33A-Switching-Power-Supply-CCTV-DVR-Security_W0QQitemZ200116515663QQihZ010QQcategoryZ2 0589QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This one is all ready to go, fully AC cabled with a power switch and DC banana-socket output terminals:

11-18V/30A/540W (AUD$115 delivered) - http://cgi.ebay.com.au/540W-11-18V-30A-ADJ-Switching-Power-Supply-RADIO-CCTV_W0QQitemZ200116187627QQihZ010QQcategoryZ20589 QQcmdZViewItem

Or you can take the cheap route and use a modifide PC power supply. To get a high power 12V supply you will need to look at good quality 600W-1000W PC supplies to get 300W on the 12V output.

You can use a modified PC power supply relatively cheaply. Be careful - PC power supplies contain lethal voltages

Here are some links to explore:

http://web2.murraystate.edu/andy.batts/ps/powersupply.htm
http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2006/03/atx_power_supply_to_bench_unit.html
http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2005/12/how_to_convert_a_computer_atx.html
http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2005/12/how_to_atx_lab_bench_power_sup.html
---------------

Personally I think I prefer the safety of the multiple CellPro4s setup. It only has to save, or improve the lifetime of a couple of batteries to pay for the difference. Plus you can charge above 1C with almost any pack if you want to reduce the total charge time even more.

[ChasHeliCop]

Kenneth, you da man, I guess I should have asked first before I started reading about all these different chargers. You already had my answer. Thanks bud.

[Probedude]

Nice thorough and concise post Ken!
I just picked up a 2nd Polycharge4 to go along with the 3 Cellpros I already have. I have lot of lipos (at least 20) for all my various planks and my HB FP, getting ready to do the jump into a 'real' heli (a TT miniTitan I'm building up).

All my lipos to date keep themselves pretty well balanced. I plan on rotating packs through the cellpros regularly to balance them, but to mostly use the Polycharge4 without a balancer.

I've bought several of these
http://cgi.ebay.com/12V-13-8VDC-12-Amp-Regulated-Switching-Power-Supply-new_W0QQitemZ230072136591
$34 delivered.

and I see he now carries this for $64 delivered
http://cgi.ebay.com/12V-DC-29A-350W-Regulated-Switching-Power-Supply_W0QQitemZ230151748464

Also own 4 of these, but only paid $50 each
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260106703828
12V 125A!

[ChasHeliCop]

Ok, I ended up buying the Hyperion 1210i. But, I bought 2 LBA balancers, so I can do 2 packs at once. Also, include the price of your power supply. The battery connection harness may or may not fit your pack, although you can order different harnesses. Overall, I am very happy with the quality, very strong and durable caqse. Easy to read LED display. Can charge at 2C up to 5A or with 2 balancers, upto 12S 10A. I will post more when I have more time to experiment.

[Helifarns]

If you have lots of relatively small 3s/4s packs (up to about 3000mAh) then IMO the best option is multiple CellPro4s (~$75 each). Safe, simple, fast and they give you all the info you need to properly track and maintain you batteries for maximum life.

In the US this one seems a reasonable choice for many folk but is not up to the 300W you might need (12V/20A/240W): http://www.hobby-lobby.com/powersupply.htm

I just got this power supply and 2 CellPro 4s chargers.....thanks for the advice kgfly!!! :mrgreen:
Seems like a great set up, especially with the USB hookup to my computer!!! These along with my original Align charger I got when I bought my Trex should be all I need....for now!!
I still have to set everything up.

Anybody have a good way to hook the CellPro's up to the power supply? Do most cut off the large alligator clips and solder on terminals or is there a way to keep the clips. I will mostly use these inside and don't really need the clips. Any secrets? :dontknow

[kgfly]

You can cut off the alligator clips and put a female Deans connector on them and a male Deans connector on the pigtail from the charger. Then make up whatever other input connection leads you like with female Deans connectors on them. I have input cables with alligator clips, banana plugs (what I use most of the time) and an auto cigarette-lighter-style plug (use a long lead so you can charge on the ground *outside* the car).

[Helifarns]

Aw yes, the magic of Deans!!! :D
Thanks man, that will work great!!!! :thumbup:

[th3tick]

Can we please make this a sticky?

[kamtsa]

If you go with Cellpro 4S (my recomendation), take a look here:

http://www.fmadirect.com/new_applications/monthly_special/monthly_special.html


Kam