Battery Charger Questions

[jfrock25]

I am relatively new to the RC world and have a few battery questions. I am currently building an HDX 450SE heli. I accidentally purchased a 210v Thunder Power Cell Balancer, what I meant to buy was the charger when I purchased my kit.

Is it worth me holding onto this, and getting a charger with power supply for it?

I see that my BCX2 charger can charge 3 cell batteries as well, but only at .65A per hour I think? Which would mean it would take like 3+ hours to charge a battery.

I imagine I could return it to helidirect, and use that money towards some tools or more batteries.

Any charging advice without breaking the bank would be great. I see if I used the Cell balancer with my MegaPower batteries I would have to buy a cable as well. But they are only like 1.99 so it would be no big deal.

How important is a good charger for the life of batteries? How many of you use cheap chargers and have you experienced any problems?

Thanks

[Skiddz]

You could buy the 1010 charger to go with it, but if you're only charging 3S packs, it's way overkill.

You cold return the 210V and pick up a Cellpro4S and that'd get ya going. If you think you might pick up a larger heli someday, the TP610 might be a good option as well since it's got a balancer built in.

[jfrock25]

Thanks,
Im now looking into the 610c and I just emailed helidirect to see if I can send back the cell balancer.

[Pinecone]

For the smaller helis, the CellPro 4S is an awesome charger. I bought two, AFTER already having a 1010C and a couple of Tritons.

They are good chargers, and inexpensive. You can buy two for the price of the 610. Or 4 -5 for the for the price of the 1010C with 210V balancer. More chargers means you can have more packs charging at once. :)