Charger and power supply

[R0t0R]

Hey guys,

I should probably post this in another area, but wanted to get the opinion of the experts here! :noteworthy

I have been charging my T-Rex batteries with the charger that came with my Blade 400 and the Gaui batteries with the charger I got with my CX2. Both are EFlite balance chargers and while they work, I can't tell how much was put back into the packs or charge other batteries that I may get in the future. I'm looking for a good charger that will charge both Gaui and T-Rex batteries. Any Suggestions? This combo from RH looks like a good deal and from what I can tell will do 2S-6S packs.

http://www.readyheli.com/Kong_Power_3s1p_11_1v_2200mAh_25C_Lipo_Battery_C_p/kp-2225-3charger.htm

As far as power supplies go, there are a couple I am considering.

http://www.readyheli.com/Ofna_Power_Supply_9_14V_18A_110AC_p/ofnp9136.htm

or

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/powersupply.htm (20amp)

Both are comparable amperage, (18 on the one from RH and 20 from the other) the only difference that I can tell other than the price is that the Ofna has an adjustable voltage output from 9-14V. I have seen some threads that say setting the output to 13.8V is more effecient, but don't know if it would be worth the price.

Any input or suggestions of other chargers and power supplies to look at would be appreciated. I want something that will cover my current (no pun intended!) needs and future if I end up with something in the 600 range.

[GreenCello]

I have two FMA Direct Cellpro 4s. They work well showing you ma charged, voltage per cell, etc. They have several options for charge rate and will deliver a balanced charge up to 4s batteries . As with many lipo chargers you can use these chargers direct from 12v supply or with a 12v computer type transformer that will deliver 5amps.
These are very popular in the Trex 450 community at $75 for charger and $30 for power supply.

FMA direct has recently produced a Cellpro 10s which can charge two 2-5s batteries at the same time or one 2 thru 10s at $190 but you would need a larger power converter to use AC.

FMA direct frequently has price specials going.
http://www.fmadirect.com/index.htm

[Ecklund1]

I bought that Kong Charger Deal for my SEv2 and all in all, I'm very happy with it. And it really is a good deal considering what you get. It will charge just about anything. (It's virtually the twin to the Maxpro X6). The Software that allows you to graph and record the charge data tells you more about the batteries than you need to know.The 3s1P's rock. I'm sold on Kong.

The things I don't really like;
A) It doesn't have "memories" for different packs, only the settings you used last for that type of pack.
B) You have to be careful when using your network while using the PC Interface as I have lost the comm. connection to the Charger while recording charge data.
C) The PC Interface is RS-232 not USB.

I use a smaller Radio Shack 12VDC Power Supply as I usually don't require the large amperage. When I do, I'll convert one of the bazillion PC Power Supplies I have in my basement.

Jeff

[Jetleaf]

+1 on the Kong deal at ReadyHeli. As for the power supplies I just couldn't bring myself to spend 100 bucks for one. Price rarely factors into my purchase decisions, if I want it I just go get it. I can still here my Mom "a fool and his money are soon parted" truer words have never been spoken. However, I have yet to heed this advice. Anyway enough about my fiscal irresponsibility. In the camping dept at Walmart I found a Black and Decker 12 volt 6 amp power supply that more than satisfies my charging needs and it was only $21.00

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8194990

I'm sure the power supplies you are considering will work well also. I would rather spend the extra cash on my helis than a power supply. Electrons are electrons and I still don't have enough money.

[rotorhead58d]

since i have some 6S, and 3S batteries, i opted for the thunder power 1010C and 210V. this will handle up to 10 S. i thought it was a good investment. i have never had a problem with it. it cost me 300 bucks.