Tutorial - What charger? What power supply?

[Gregor99]

Originally Posted by RedOctobyr

Very good point. The PL6 and PL8 have 1A of balance current, up from 0.5A on the 306B. Providing a reason even just to consider one of those, vs a 306B.

Also:

+ The Powerlabs start balancing earlier in the charge cycle. The 306b waits until the first cell reaches 4.2v. In the more recent models iCharger moved to the same method the Powerlabs have used for years.

+ The Powerlab balancer is PWM controlled nearly infinite range between 0 and 1 amp. The 306b, used a much simpler pulsed method of ON/OFF. Like many things, the more recent chargers have followed the Powerlab example and now have more granular control over the balance current.

[Gregor99]

Originally Posted by Slyster

Moving from my PL6 to the 4010 Duo helped charging times.. the iChargers don't have that frustrating 2 minute ramp up time and the highest balance current. It really did cut my 3C charging down to 13-15 mins instead of near 20.

The actual pack evaluation time is closer to 40 seconds. Using the same settings for both chargers for current, CV cutoff, the Powerlabs will provide comparable charge times. In some cases faster charger times due some additional logic they apply during the balance phase.

I think that its very important to ensure the product is being used correctly before comparing negatively it to other products. Any product can be miss-used or misunderstood. While one can continue to speak negatively about a product they do not fully understand, or even own, it is a disservice to the community to continue to spread misinformation.

As for the 40 seconds, I've had many conversations about this window of operation with the engineer. During this period, careful pack and charge measurements are being taken. Before unleashing the full power of the charger, there is a synchronization process taking place to carefully align the DC-DC converter's PWM rate. The engineer is unwilling to make the charger less reliable by reducing or eliminating this calibration period. I know that other engineers are not near as thorough and persistent about safety, reliability and accuracy.

[felixthemaster]

I have a few questions, Why does a third part lipo charger need both the jst and the balance plug connected? The stock charger that came with my helis only needed you to plug in the balance plug.

Also where would I purchase a banana plug to jst plug? I want to get the turnigy accucell but it comes with some yellow plug but all my lipos are the small red jst type.

[RedOctobyr]

I addressed those in your other thread. Sorry, I was still writing when you posted here

https://www.helifreak.com/showthread...74#post6305374

[felixthemaster]

Originally Posted by RedOctobyr

I addressed those in your other thread. Sorry, I was still writing when you posted here

https://www.helifreak.com/showthread...74#post6305374

Sorry bout that. Cheers

[BKozan]

Can anyone explain this to me?

If you fly micro helis (mcpx, 130x etc) you can power your charger with a larger lipo for portable charging at the field or in the gym (for us facing winter!). I use a 6s5000mah for my 130x and can get more charges than I'd ever use in 1 day.

Here's the deal. I've got a 130x and don't think I'll be upgrading past it for at least a year. Right now I only have the crappy charger that came with it, and it takes approx 45 mins per battery, for 4 mins of flight time each.

Question1: The above quote sounds like a great idea. How do I make this happen?

Question2: If I buy a parallel squid cable, can I continue using the crappy charger that came with the 130x, and simply charge 5 packs at once? Will this save me time?

As I research all this LiPo and charging info, it seems it is all aimed at larger heli's and larger packs. I'm trying to make sure I doing the right things for my little 130x (2S).

Thanks!

[Gregor99]

Originally Posted by BKozan

Can anyone explain this to me?

The included chargers have many limits. For this issue, its mainly power. Plus there's no detailed display. A higher power charger will decrease your charge times, decrease the balancing time and increase the number of packs you can charge in parallel.

For the 130x you won't need a lot of power to parallel charge. But I would get something at least in the 500 watt range or higher so you can continue to use it as you move up.

As an example of this. I can parallel charge six packs for my 450 in about 20 minutes on my Powerlab.

[jbrandt]

Originally Posted by BKozan

Can anyone explain this to me?



Here's the deal. I've got a 130x and don't think I'll be upgrading past it for at least a year.

Famous last words...

Question1: The above quote sounds like a great idea. How do I make this happen?

All you need is a DC charger capable of inputting 24v if you want to run a 6s 5000mAh battery. Keep in mind not all chargers can handle 24v input.

Alternatively, you could just run a 3s battery if you have (or plan to get) a charger that can't handle 24v. I wired up a parallel cable so I could run 2 (or more) of the 3s batteries from my 450x to charge my nano (1s) batteries. I have an iCharger 306b which CAN handle 24v, but I choose to only run at 12v and use the 3s so I don't need to buy yet another battery (6s can start to get expensive). My 3s's are $20 a piece.

Question2: If I buy a parallel squid cable, can I continue using the crappy charger that came with the 130x, and simply charge 5 packs at once? Will this save me time?

Technically, yes. But it will take FOREVER. Say your charger has a 1amp output. So if you have a 1000mAh (1 amp = 1000mAh's) battery, it will charge it at 1c (usually about 45 minutes).

Now, add 2 more batteries in parallel, that's now 3000mAh's, still only being charged at 1amp, it will take 3 times as long.

As I research all this LiPo and charging info, it seems it is all aimed at larger heli's and larger packs. I'm trying to make sure I doing the right things for my little 130x (2S).

Thanks!

You are correct, much of the "big and powerful" 1000+ watt charging systems are aimed more towards the big helis, but that doesn't mean they won't charge the little ones either. The beauty of them: they are adjustable, unlike the charger you got with the 130x. My 306b will charge anything for the big(ger) 6s5000mAh packs that I don't own (yet?), down to my son's Scout (1s 80mAh's).

You want to look into the future a little bit, and see what you MIGHT be flying a few years from now, and get a charger that will more than handle what you expect you'd need.

[Marius Titulescu]

Ok. So they charge the little ones too, but are they a smart investment if you don't use them to their full capacity?
_____________________________
Marius
Also check out Marvec

[Gman0941]

Guys I am looking for a new Charger to handle the larger batteries, 6500mah and 4500mah 45C.

I see a lot of you use I Chargers. Is this the brand you would recommend? I found a 306B in my price range. Is this a good one?

[Slyster]

ANYTHING on this link wins.

http://www.progressiverc.com/chargers/battery-chargers/

I like the iChargers with the great informative screens. You do hear of a few more issues with iChargers than FMA though... but I didn't like my FA charger so I switched anyways.

[Gman0941]

Originally Posted by Slyster

Here is my setup in the truck. I field charge only these days.. using dual deep cycles... saves time and wear on the lipos. Charges packs in 12 minutes and enough juice to fly all day long.

Good looking setup! Just wanted to make sure I was on this thread as well!

[rdlohr]

Lets resurrect this thread. What are people recommending today? I have two Hyperion chargers, EOS720i and EOS0615i, but I'm looking to add two to four more ports to cut down charging time. Not interested in any parallel charging. I have an old Thunder power TP1010C and a Vision Peak Ultra but I'm looking to retire them.

Rick

[Slyster]

These are cheap and pretty amazing! I think this is the way to now.. and avoids parallel charging. Saw some of these the MN funfly.. Rob Cherry has switched.

Isdt qs6 pro

https://www.amazon.com/ISDT-Battery-..._df_B07DJ5HMKK

[Ace Dude]

Originally Posted by rdlohr

Lets resurrect this thread. What are people recommending today? I have two Hyperion chargers, EOS720i and EOS0615i, but I'm looking to add two to four more ports to cut down charging time. Not interested in any parallel charging. I have an old Thunder power TP1010C and a Vision Peak Ultra but I'm looking to retire them.

Rick

Revolectrix still get my vote. I've been using PowerLabs since the first PowerLab 8 v1 shipped this month 9 years ago. I've owned three and not one has ever failed me or required servicing.

Revolectrix

[rdlohr]

Originally Posted by Slyster

These are cheap and pretty amazing! I think this is the way to now.. and avoids parallel charging. Saw some of these the MN funfly.. Rob Cherry has switched.

Isdt qs6 pro



https://www.amazon.com/ISDT-Battery-..._df_B07DJ5HMKK

Those are pretty cool, but I am looking to add one more charger to a shelf of chargers and a few of those would not fit in well.

Originally Posted by Ace Dude

Revolectrix still get my vote. I've been using PowerLabs since the first PowerLab 8 v1 shipped this month 9 years ago. I've owned three and not one has ever failed me or required servicing.

Revolectrix

OK, thanks. I'll look into what they have. I do like the whole bump idea. I was hoping Hyperion would be mentioned since that is what I already have.

Rick

[Ace Dude]

Originally Posted by rdlohr

OK, thanks. I'll look into what they have. I do like the whole bump idea. I was hoping Hyperion would be mentioned since that is what I already have.

Rick

No new Hyperion offerings that I'm aware of.

Even Thunder Power RC's most powerful charger is a rebadged unit these days.

[bemyself]

Hi all,
I read thru the 4 pages and still admit I’m still at a loss regarding those volts, watts or amps. Not sure what’s the difference between a 12v power supply and the 24v? How am i going to know which to use.
Bought a skyrc efuel 1200 watts, 15-30v and 50amp power supply and it only last me 4charges. Piece of junk and it burned both my powerlab8 and my icharger 106. Before i need to invest again, i just want to make sure i’ll do my homework well rather than go for the look while it dosen’t performs ( skyrc efuel)
Just for your info, I’m planning to parallel charge 6s 5000 mah batteries. I’m planning to repair my powerlab and icharger but really have no confident on the power supply. So for this 2 chargers, what voltage, watts or amps are suitable. Thanks in advance for any advices given

[BuildFlyCrashRepeat]

Originally Posted by bemyself

So for this 2 chargers, what voltage, watts or amps are suitable. Thanks in advance for any advices given

Either of these would work great for you for the Powerlab.

https://www.progressiverc.com/mean-w...er-supply.html
https://www.progressiverc.com/mean-w...er-supply.html

The iCharger 106 has an 18V input limit so you would need a 12v power supply for that. I would recommend just getting a different charger with 24v input than to buy a PSU for the 106. Then you could share the Powerlab PSU with both chargers.

[bemyself]

Originally Posted by BuildFlyCrashRepeat

Either of these would work great for you for the Powerlab.

https://www.progressiverc.com/mean-w...er-supply.html
https://www.progressiverc.com/mean-w...er-supply.html

The iCharger 106 has an 18V input limit so you would need a 12v power supply for that. I would recommend just getting a different charger with 24v input than to buy a PSU for the 106. Then you could share the Powerlab PSU with both chargers.

Thanks alot for the advice. So a 24v PSU will be suitable for my powerlab8 but do I need to be concern on the watts or amps? What all this means if i were to get a 24v psu. Sorry but I failed badly in electricity
Your advice is greatly appreciated.